Solitary Moments

There is a quality in the stillness of autumn that provokes me to deeper thought and quiet moments more than any other time of year,  a consideration of what it meant for Adam and Eve to walk with their Creator in the garden - the incredible thought that they received fresh revelation and relationship every day!  We have that same opportunity if we want to take it.

It seems that here in the quiet solitary place with You Lord is where I belong and am at peace.  Everything else, while good, feels like a puff of smoke in comparison.  And yet, I come and go as life demands and am grateful for these hours that sustain me through the rest!

If You do not fill me with life I am just a husk without a kernel - no substance, only a shell!

More than ever now I need your love, Your presence, Your voice.  How can I navigate this world without You, how can anyone survive alone?

And so, I have become dependent now on You, the source of my life, the fire that warms and fuels me, the wisdom that makes sense of the senseless, the love that is always enough.  More and more YOU become the way, truth and life, and I am grateful.

The Nation

In recent weeks I have been greatly impacted by Psalm 125, verse 3 in particular and have not been able to let go of it.

"The sceptre of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil."

Yesterday in prayer it seemed to grow and become a loud cry to the Lord, to resound over our nation in these days.

Lord, may the sceptre of the wicked not remain over the land allotted to the righteous.  May You rule and reign and have all authority over us and over this nation.  May the government be upon Your shoulders for You rule with justice, mercy and grace and in righteousness.

You alone are God of nations and You alone are the Creator of all, and You alone give life and light.  Turn Your face towards us O God, let Your light shine over this nation that all darkness will flee.

Just as You brought salvation and deliverance to Your people Israel, Lord bring Your goodness to this nation.  Arise, be seen in the midst of us, O Lord, with healing in Your wings.

Restore us, refresh us, redeem us with Your Truth, Your Love, Your Word.  Speak words of life into the heart of this nation and cause us to arise, stand, and abide in You alone.