G.L.A.D.

 Wednesday, February 5, 2025 (3:55 a.m.)

Father,

Thank You!

Late last night You reminded me that You’ve got this. And I am to be GLAD [Grateful. Loving. Accepting. Delighted]. As well as aware of my surroundings.

You pointed my thinking back to thanking. I had fallen into a trap of my own making. Sadness over concerns for loved ones was most prevalent. A replaying of mistakes and indecisions was seemingly set on automatic repeat.

Thank You for gently guiding me to pay attention to what I was hearing there in the dark. A barking dog. Ticking clock. The sound of my own breathing.

(5:11 a.m.)

You provided my sleep Dearest God. Genuine relief from my whirring thoughts. Thank You.

Thank You for waking me so profoundly with ♪Thank God, I Do♪ Following its lead into a search for more meaning I find myself smiling excitedly at Psalms 61 and 62.

You DO listen to our cries. And hear our prayers. With hearts overwhelmed with concerns for others You lead us to You. Our towering rock of safety. Our safe refuge.

We need more of You. Less of ourselves. Do all You must Blessed God.

In this world of conflict. Turmoil. Social unrest. Broken thumbs. Health scares. And failings. Deaths of siblings. Missing wallets. Ailing fruit trees. Overgrowth. Maintenances. Repairs. Replacements. Loud, startling noises. It’s a lot Dear Lord.

(6:25 a.m.)

Thank You for the solace I find while playing mournful notes on the piano.

♪I’ve seen love come and I’ve seen love walk away. So many questions Will any body stay? It’s been a hard year, so many nights in tears All of the darkness Trying to fight my fears Alone, so long alone

♪I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You I’d probably fall off the edge I don’t know where I’d go if You ever let go So keep me held in Your hands You’re my safe place My hideaway You’re my anchor My saving grace You’re my constant My steadiness You’re my shelter My oxygen

♪I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know You Thank God, I Do♪

It’s You that reminds us that we don’t have to do ANY of this without You! You have a plan. It’s for good. Not for evil. To give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Father, I want very much to trust in You (Proverbs 3:5a) with ALL my heart. Leaning not on my own understanding (5b). In all my ways acknowledging You (6a). And You will direct my path (6b). Yes, please!

I often forget the importance of coming to You with every thing!

The Message says, “Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do. Everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to GOD! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor GOD with everything you own; give Him the first and the best… But don’t, dear friend, resent GOD’s discipline; don’t sulk under His loving correction. It’s the child He loves that GOD corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.”

We make mistakes. You forgive. Thank You that You do!

♪I’ve started breathing. The weight is lifted here. With You, it’s easy (Matthew 11:28-29). My head is finally clear. There’s nothing missing when You are by my side. I took the long road, but now I realize I’m home with You, I’m home♪

Father, thank You that we don’t have to do any of this life without You. We get to be strong in Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me that I will rejoice and be glad. Glorifying and enjoying You as I go.

I love, need, trust and want You. Use me. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(599 words ~ 6:57 a.m.)