contrasts

 Monday, December 23, 2024  (4:20 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. And thank You.

(5:44 a.m.)

I took a detour Lord. I wanted to look up a new to me song I heard yesterday. Finding it led to another. Then a video. Then to my phone and the need to delete. Oh, but what to delete? And how to empty the trash?

Trash! Today is trash day. Do You see where my mind is going? ALL over the place! And I find myself again feeling “out of my depth” - not having the knowledge, experience, or skills to deal with a particular subject or situation.

And did You know [of course You do!] the words depth and death are only one letter apart? THIS is exactly how quickly I can become scattered and splintered in my thinking.

Bring my thoughts back to You Dear Lord.

(6:19 a.m.)

There is colorfully brisk beauty going on outside contrasted by the warm coffee drink in my hand. Speak with me about contrasts will You Lord?

And just as we prepare to go there to learn what You have for me, let me confess the FEAR I am again harboring. That ever often present dread of making a mistake. Failing. Causing or even experiencing sadness. Teach me Lord. I ask (Matthew 7:7) You once again to let me see my shortcomings for what they are…

A CONTRAST of Your strength! (Ephesians 6:10).

I don’t have to be afraid! Your Word attests to that over and over again. You did NOT give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). I want to utilize ALL that ♪Thy hand hath provided♪

Father God, thank You that even [ESPECIALLY!] when we are feeling at our most vulnerable, You are ever present. Always here.

Contrast that with what our enemy would have us believe. That we are on our own. Alone. Abandoned. Forgotten. Thank You that we are not!

You are here. We have nothing to fear.

Continue Your work in me Blessed God. I love, need, trust and want You. While I don’t set out intentionally to make mistakes, they are going to happen. Embolden, empower and enable me to see them for what they are. Contrasts to perfection. Which is impossible for me.

Thank You that Your Word is filled with contrasts of Your perfection and Your people’s failings. I find hope and rest every time I read of Your Truth and promises.

Moses knew You to be the good, glorious, gracious, great God David sang of in Psalm 145 (verses 5-8). He sang his own song of You in Deuteronomy 32. 

“He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!” Verse 4.

Father, thank You for leading me. Guiding me. Directing my thoughts back to You. And Your Truth.

There are MANY things I do not know. Some of them more important than others. YOU know how You would have me handle them all. Teach me that I will not only listen, but learn as well!

I want to glorify and enjoy You. Use me as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(556 words ~ 7:22 a.m.)