waiting for His return

Friday, April 5, 2019 (8:00 a.m. ship’s time)

Cruising to Los Angeles, CA

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You. You provide us with so many fine, good things. Mm. Yes, You do. Thank You.

I read in Your Word (Philippians, Proverbs, John) and I find hope. Every single time. I look to You, gazing out at this vast ocean and I think of the blessings You have provided us. Blessings far too many to count.

I’m preparing to leave here shortly. Looking to take advantage of another activity.

(11:05 a.m. Back balcony)

And I’m back. Not yet having found my rhythm with You.

Holy God. We’ve spoken with so many people these past several days. People we will more than likely never see again.

As I sit here, attempting to take it all in and find where in Your Word to go let me ask You instead. Father God, guide and direct my fleeting thoughts. They are vast. Bouncing from one thing to another.

Rein me in. Change that. Reign in me. Yes Father! Reign in me! Consume my thinking. Bring all that is distracting me back to You.

I confess to trying to manufacture something meaningful here. And I’m back to thinking about the people we have met. Experiences shared. And I’m willing to explore Philippians 2:2 as seemingly directed just a bit ago.

(12:09 p.m.)

aaaåååå [This randomly appeared on screen as my Bible laid on the keyboard]

Choosing to read through Philippians, rather than just hunting out certain verses, I sat up and paid attention as I read chapter 3, verse 20, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.”

Yes Father. Truly I am waiting for His return. That explains this air of melancholy. And with that realization, a genuine, soul filled smile. Yes Father. An almost giddiness as I sit here finally feeling connected to You.

All the failed attempts of trying this verse or that one. Thinking one thought or another. Focusing on this marvelous view of blue sky and white clouds hovering over various blue colored water contrasting the lacy white wake. All this beauty couldn’t conjure up the joy. The freedom that comes as we consider “waiting for His return”.

Oh yes, thank You Father. All there is to do today, let it all be done for Your glory and the good of others.

This is where I can wholeheartedly pray with Paul as he asked (second chapter, first verse), “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic?

“Then make me truly happy by agreeing whole-heartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose” (v. 2).

Yes! Hallelujah Father! One heart and one purpose as we are waiting for His return.

Do that for us. In us. By, through and with us. Yes please. Do all You must to make it so oh Lord.

How I love and thank You. Bring glory to Your must holy name I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(544 words ~ 12:34 p.m.)