While the World is in crisis, God stands firm. Part of the promise of Christ’s presence is how He invites us to come closer through the wonder of His creation. The wonder of His creation that continues to speak His name and show different qualities and aspects of His character. The trees have buds that are developing, promising future, fragrant flowers. Hope has not died. It is here, if I will open my eyes and behold Christ. He is here.
A long welling desire of mine has been to have chickens. It has been part of my healing process, part of the healing to return to the woman God has called me to be, holy and enraptured by His presence. I have eagerly watched my little baby chicks, cheeping harmonious music that I only understand as peace and contentment in who they are: chickens. They do not long to be like anyone else but themselves. LORD, teach me contentment. Teach me to sing continuously even in the unknown places and the grief. My six precious fluff balls depend on me, to feed, water and take care of other necessities. They need me. In this I see how much I need Jesus, my protector, sustainer, provider. Sometimes I live like I have all things under control, (sometimes my chicks attempt to avoid me) but I desperately need Jesus. Without Him I cannot breathe, survive or thrive.
“Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation. “Psalm 91:9-16 NKJV
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:10,14-15 NKJV
Jesus gave you and me His life. He gave it up for us and rose victorious. I can trust Him with my life, even in the chaos and unanswered questions.
Life.
I woke up this morning and smiled. I had been given life, life in Jesus.
Life. Breath, air. In Christ I have enough, I can choose to be thankful and see Him amid sorrow and grief. Jesus gives me strength, hope and purpose. When the world falls apart, Christ stands firm. In Him there is healing no matter how great the loss.
This spring, I want to immerse myself in Christ’s presence and have a heart of gratitude.
I have been reading Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. She talks about seeing God’s love woven into our hearts by the giving of thanks.
While the world crumbles around us, let’s choose to see His gifts to us, and to give thanks in His gift of Life, through Himself.
Blessings.
Anna ❤
My babies names are Hope, Grace, Beauty, Sunshine, Anna (think Frozen!), and Princess. Aren’t they cute!? ❤
-Bible reference taken from Holman Bible New King James Version. 2013
Thorns amidst the Roses 