Author: astherainandsnow

“ By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” “In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations… No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Hebrews 11:8-10; Romans 4:18,20-21

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4

As I paddled across the ruffled green water this morning, up poked a sea turtle head like a periscope, surveying her wide home and very surprised to see an unwelcome visitor in her domain just a foot away. She was in her element, but I, an alien, had interrupted her early reverie, so she tucked her head and flippered beneath my board and away. Having seen recent tracks from a fresh nest on shore, I marveled at this fascinating creature.

God has planted in sea turtles amazing homing instincts. Their world for feeding, frolicking, and mating, is the vast sea, but they nest, every 2-4 years, in the sand where they were born. They return as if by divine GPS to deposit up to hundreds of eggs for incubation in the protected warmth. Once hatched, masses of dull silver bodies make their way across the beach by an invisible radar, stretching and pushing with tiny flippers. They instinctually propel themselves toward the water, as if drawn by a magnet, and tossle in its tumble until they right themselves and venture forward in the sea.

How do we behave by instinct? In our rough tumble of interactions and demands, what sets our direction?  When storms of anger, sadness, or disorder arise, where is our default place to nest and rest, and where do we find strength to swim? Returning regularly to Jesus, to enlighten and develop our Spirits, gives us the strength to bear much fruit and venture forward in the broad sea of life. (John 15:5)

Lord God, hone my homing instinct always toward You. Set my sojourning in Your direction. Tune my heart for eternity, hopeful for my heavenly home but energized by its joy in the present. And while here, may I continually plant seeds of love and truth to hatch in faith, in your perfect timing and design, to multiply Your grace and glory in the world. (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Jeremiah 24:7)

“When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'” Matthew 6:6-13

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:7-11

If God knows what we need, why pray, or at least, why keep praying once we’ve expressed that need? Because there is more to praying than getting what we ask for. Jesus denounces meaningless repetition, but then corrects that habit with another habit– of praying privately, reverently, consistently, humbled before the exalted and holy Father, trusting Him with every care to answer and act according to His will and good provision.

This kind of praying opens the door to reveal more and more of our Lord. This kind of asking draws us nearer to His heart. This kind of seeking increases our understanding of His character and ways. This kind of knocking refines, changes, and sanctifies us as God’s Spirit directs and aligns our desires with His. That is God’s intent in our continual going to Him in prayer. He receives worship when we bow, honor when we depend, and glory in all the marvelous ways He answers, and in the process of it all, we change to be better able to reflect Him. (Psalm 37:4; Romans 8:26-27; 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Are there areas of confusion in my life I cannot see clearly, and need divine focus? Are there places I hide from my God, afraid He will not understand or accept, and refuse His healing balm? In what situations am I begging for Him to work my way, and failing to see His hand working His way, invisibly and with perfect timing and accuracy?

What will it take for us to close the door, hide away in the secret place, hallow God’s name, and persist in the sweet communion of prayer until He has finished conversing with us? (Genesis 17:22; 18:22-33)

Good Father, keep me fervently praying for Your will to be done in me, and in Your world. May I not let go until You have had Your way with me. (Genesis 32:26)

“‘The Lord your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them, and Joshua will go over at your head, as the Lord has spoken… And the Lord will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’

“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’” Deuteronomy 31:3,5-8

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?.. Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God,.. interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?.. I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31,33-35,38-39

Cruel, godless nations, entrenched in the land of promise, posed a formidable opposition to this new leader of Israel. Moses the great would soon die, and upon his installation as successor, Joshua received the best encouragement one could: God would do the work. He would lead, He would be with them, He would destroy. And as Joshua led his people to displace the enemy, he need not fear nor dread nor be dismayed, for God was on their side.

This same God is with us, our Immanuel, Jesus, abiding with us, praying for us always, our Advocate and Defender. We face daily the looming ‘nations’ of temptation, cruel hardship of disease and heartache, strained and broken relationships, destitution. But in all these things, God is for us. In all these things, His love will never leave us. In all these things, He reigns and conquers and comes alongside to direct, protect, help, and comfort. (Matthew 1:23; John 14:16,26; 16:33)

What enemies loom today? What lures to ignore things that need reparation, to dismiss those who need love, to yield to the pull of the world’s glitz, to give in to pride, or fear, or sloth? Would we recognize God’s call to arms, and set forth saturated in His promises, undaunted on His mission? He is greater and stronger than any foe we face. (1 John 4:4)

Lord, keep me ever alert to Your voice, trusting Your might, willing to be and go and do and battle in Your name and power. To You belongs all my trust, and all praise for Your victories.

“Your words were found, and I ate them,
    and your words became to me a joy
    and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
    O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11

There are twenty-six letters in the English alphabet, and dictionaries full of innumerable words from those letters, yet the living and active Word of God is unlike any other compilation. The Bible is inspired by Almighty God, the One who was and is and ever shall be. The Word reveals Jesus, the Way and Truth, and is complete, all we need to know and live for Him. (John 1:1-2; 10:35; 14:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:8; 22:18-19)

In a day when words fly fast and sting hard, what word is our compass? In the array of words read and voices heard, what is our filter? What effect do words have, and where are they driving my attention and affection?

“O Lord, Thou didst strike my heart with Thy word, and I loved Thee.” St. Augustine 

Exposing ourselves to God’s Word as a daily exercise makes a significant difference in what we believe about God and His world, how we worship, think, process and understand past and current events, and behave. Since it reveals our Lord to us, we cannot help but become familiar through His word with His teaching, His way of dealing with mankind; His character, His holiness, His justice, His forbearance, His beauties, His mercy. Are we taking advantage of its riches?

The Word of God enlightens and convicts, revealing the deception of the human heart. Am I regularly humbling myself before its light? It teaches, molds, inspires, and directs. Is it my first place to look for guidance? It gives voice to our longings and fears, soothes, comforts and encourages. Am I in the practice of reading, reciting, memorizing, singing, and sharing it? In what other words do I waste time foraging? Am I in the habit of tasting its delight and joy? (Psalm 119:105; Jeremiah 17:9; John 1:9-14,16)

Would we open our wills to seek, and our eyes to see, the Word’s worth and wisdom? Feed daily on it! Fear God through it! Depend well on it! Be humbled by it! Take strength from it! Fight temptation with it! Abide in and by it! Remain fixed under it! Stand firm upon it! Rule carefully with it! (Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Ephesians 6:17)

Good Father, strike my heart daily with Your word so I love You more and more. Keep me nestled in it, nourished by it, ever repeating it, that Your word have its full way with and through me.

““Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
    call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
    and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord...

For you shall go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace.” Isaiah 55:1-2,6-7,12

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.” Psalm 63:1-3,5

There is so much available that does not satisfy. Everywhere we look, glossy treats of enticing images, expert-speak, you-must-haves, and hollow accolades entice with hollow promise, full only of empty calories. In daily life, we go from meal to meal, toy to toy, activity to activity, and in our busy-frenzy fail to hear the growl of true soul hunger.

It is the devil’s scheme to drown out the gnaw, to distract us from what really matters in life, and keep our eyes and affections and passions caught up in the temporary and meaningless. The more we invest emotion (that drains), financial outlay (that depletes), and physical and mental energy (that diminish) in the insignificant, the more meager our lasting return. Our will wearies in the dry land, we lose our taste for what lasts, and we neglect pursuing what satisfies soul and spirit. Yet, it is this, Himself, to which the Lord beckons us freely come and partake. ‘Focus on it, pursue it, spend yourselves for it– because in Me will you find what you are looking for.’

Where do I go in my mind, my schedule, looking for lesser things? At the end of the day, or month, how much have I spent on what I can’t even recall, and have nothing to show for? What must I forsake to seek the Lord each morning, and His priorities for my resources, and the determination to see them through?

With whom will I discuss these decisions, seek advice, be held accountable, for doing all for the glory of God, and procuring what satisfies, not only my soul, but others’?

“God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.

Come, behold the works of the LORD,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!’
The LORD of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:1-3,5-6,8-11

“‘With everlasting love I will have compassion on you,’ says the LORD, your Redeemer… ‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the LORD.” Isaiah 54:8,10

When all around us shifts, and life as we know it is altered forever, God is the same, and steady: He does not change, He cannot be moved. A job is eliminated, and our future is uncertain. A loved one dies, and we enter a new life alone. Riots rock and damage, diseases ravage and maim, storms destroy and uproot, accusations fly and ruin, yet God is in the midst of all as refuge, strength, and power. His very presence is help.

God’s word gives life, causes death, imparts His Spirit, silences the sea, transforms with truth. He who brings desolations also heals and restores. He raises up and He brings low; brings to naught the wise and strong. God in the midst governs the world and all creation. He is actively working His sovereign plan for history in everything that transpires, all for His exaltation among the nations. (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 75:7; Isaiah 53:5; Daniel 2:21; Malachi 3:6; Mark 4:39; John 20:22; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:16)

When our hearts are frenzied, be still. When our minds are scattered, not knowing how or what to think, be still. When truth and reason seem blurred, settle still in His word. When our dander gets riled, our emotions rage, our defenses rise, our words want to fly, be still. Allow the fact that He is God to seep into every part of your being, and be still. Know He is God, and that He is and will be exalted.

What keeps us from trusting in this hope? Where have we replaced Him with changing or meaningless gods, and refused Him as Lord? When moving mountains rock us, would we be still, and steady ourselves in Him and His promises?

Lord on high, may I set You ever before me and be still, not shaken. Keep me steadfast and immovable. May every nation of my heart impulses and wandering thoughts exalt Your unshakable sameness and unchanging, infinite glory, even as You exalt Yourself in the earth. (Psalm 16:8; 1 Corinthians 15:58)

“Remember your word to your servant,
    in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
    that your promise gives me life…
When I think of your rules from of old,
    I take comfort, O Lord…
Your statutes have been my songs
    in the house of my sojourning.
I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
    and keep your law.
This blessing has fallen to me,
    that I have kept your precepts.

You have dealt well with your servant,
    O Lord, according to your word.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in your commandments.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I keep your word.
You are good and do good;
    teach me your statutes…
It is good for me that I was afflicted,
    that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Psalm 119:49-50,52,54-56,65-68,71-72

Music is a powerful tool for the human heart. God’s gift of song, created at the beginning for the birds and morning stars to elicit joy, teaches us a magnificent dimension of His majestic design, the exquisite symmetry of notes harmonizing, of orchestras playing, all mysteriously plucking at our sense of hearing and at the deepest parts of our souls. The Lord who rejoices over us with singing He sets His word in our hearts so we can spread His song abroad into our worlds, its revelatory tunes lingering to affect outlooks and attitudes. (Genesis 1:20-21; Job 38:7; Zephaniah 3:17; Ephesians 5:19)

In all of David’s sojournings, his shepherding in the fields, escaping in the wilderness, ruling from Hebron and Jerusalem, God’s statutes, His word, were his song, both his background music and the sweet savor of his speech and praise. (Psalm 23; 40:1-5)

God’s statutes supply the words for our living, descriptions of our great God whom we endeavor to know, truth for meditation to direct our thinking and conversing, lines of specific instruction, light to make our way forward clear. (Psalm 19:7; 32:8; 119:105)

God’s word sets a rhythm and tempo for our days, instilling priorities, setting guidance in motion one decision at a time, disciplining us unto holiness, training us how to behave, where to serve, whom to love, and when. (Isaiah 30:21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 12:10)

God’s word has for us specific notes to sing as we exercise particular and unique gifts. We sing different parts that harmonize within the body, to bring about His purposes and glory. (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-13; Ephesians 2:10)

God’s word is our melody, a memorable tune that brings delight, order, and beauty to our hours; that satisfies our senses, and revives and fortifies our souls; that adds vibrancy and loveliness to our interactions with others. (Psalm 19:7-8,10; 119:103)

The Word made flesh is our Savior, our living Song who resides in us. How melodious are our routines, our interactions, our ways of loving, because of Him? Does our presence plant in others a glad song that inspires, and encourages, and glorifies God? (John 1:1-4; 14:16)

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
sweetest name I know,
fills my every longing,
keeps me singing as I go.”  ~Luther B. Bridges (1910)

My Father, as You daily sow Your living word in me, may I sing a new song that exalts You on the throne of my heart, and of the world. (Psalm 96:1)

“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.” “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Psalm 112:4; 119:18

“Who among you fears the Lord
    and obeys the voice of his servant?
Let him who walks in darkness
    and has no light
trust in the name of the Lord
    and rely on his God.” Isaiah 50:10 

“ I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:16-20

Like a watchman, I gazed early at the dark sky, awaiting the coming sun to cast its spell of color on the disarray of clouds strewn across the horizon. As I prayed for insight, I watched the answer of celestial light bring to life and vibrancy what had been only grey streaks moments before. Lit from beneath, the clouds now showed texture and shape, and were tinted with glory. God does that.

In His wondrous way, He enlightens our hearts from inside and unseen places to cause us to see and understand anew. He grants spiritual discernment where we’d had confusion, or no answer. He brings clarity and order to every disarray of emotion and thought. He removes the veil of unbelief when we cry for faith to trust His truth. (Mark 9:24; John 20:25-28; 1 Corinthians 14:33)

Common grace affords some an especially sharp and able intellect, a penchant to think deeply and procure wisdom beyond their years. Yet, for those who do not know Jesus and have not the Spirit, theirs is not a supernatural insight, nor do they have the Spirit’s restraint. “A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

For those in Christ, we own spiritual riches, including wisdom and discernment, and the power to implement them. We often need special wisdom for certain situations at specific times, and God grants it, sometimes in answer to our pleading, sometimes as an unexpected anointing. Yet in order for us to develop ongoing, keen spiritual eyesight, He teaches that the foundation for wisdom is to fear Him. He invites us to ask for it, to search for wisdom as treasure. Every murky cloud of unexpected circumstance, disappointment, personal attack, despondency, or forced change is an opportunity to open our eyes to Him and call out, ‘Lord, help me see, and understand!’ Do we avail ourselves His offer? (1 Kings 3:3-9; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 2:1-11; 9:10; Ephesians 1:3; James 1:5)

Lord, open my eyes daily to You, to all You have given me and have for me. Please grant holy insight and the courage to apply it for my times, for every encounter, for Your praise.

“This day the LORD your God commands you to do these statutes and rules. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared today that the LORD is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his rules, and will obey his voice. And the LORD has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, and that he will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that he has made, and that you shall be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised.” Deuteronomy 26:16-19

In a wedding ceremony, two people make mutual declarations of commitment, vows to love and cherish the other no matter what, for the whole of life. They declare what is true now, and what they determine to uphold in the future. As God was establishing His chosen people, He brought them into a similar union with Him, setting a pattern of their regular offering to Him of their firstfruits, a symbol of their ongoing allegiance to Him. In their careful obedience, they were declaring that He was the LORD their God, worthy of their best, and that they were His holy people, as He had declared over them.

When we grasp what God has said about us and done for us, our lives will reflect those truths. We can set aside preoccupation with ourselves and think differently from the world: we are God’s treasured possession, His image-bearers. We will value every life, no matter creed or color or nationality, age or accomplishment or background: He breathes breath into living beings, has fearfully and wonderfully made us, and sets in honor His people. We will endeavor to utilize our spiritual gifts in employment of our time and resources: He has given us guidelines for living, and bestowed gifts for the fruitful working of His body, the church. We will offer ourselves as living sacrifices and our means in gratitude: everything we have is from His hands. (Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Psalm 139:13-16; Romans 12:1,3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; James 1:17)

Before we spout forth like tidal waves our opinions, reactions, offenses, criticisms, or corrections, would we contemplate what is true about us, and how that should change our declarations? In what ways will God’s covenant to me inform and direct my view of others, and of required obedience to His principles in dealing with them? What will my speech say about what I believe to be true about God and the people He has designed and created? How do my choices and actions reflect that I am His chosen, the object of His affection, holy as He? (Leviticus 11:44)

Father, because of Your grace banner over me, I declare to You my fealty, my undying and careful devotion to Your ways, my desire to see You glorified in my life and the world. Help me live and speak in a way that brings honor to Your name and exalts You as faithful LORD.

“For the Lord comforts Zion;
    he comforts all her waste places
and makes her wilderness like Eden,
    her desert like the garden of the Lord;
joy and gladness will be found in her,
    thanksgiving and the voice of song.

Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like a garment…
but my salvation will be forever,
    and my righteousness will never be dismayed.

“Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
    the people in whose heart is my law;
fear not the reproach of man,
    nor be dismayed at their revilings.
My righteousness will be forever,
    and my salvation to all generations.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return
    and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
    they shall obtain gladness and joy,
    and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

““I, I am he who comforts you;
    who are you that you are afraid of man…
 and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
    who stretched out the heavens
    and laid the foundations of the earth?” Isaiah 51:3,6-8,11-13

Waste places are varied: loss of dreams, livelihood, time never to be retrieved; grief; unseized opportunities; broken relationships; failure; loneliness; destitution. Different shapes and sizes that pierce, gnarl, squeeze, twist, and suffocate. Visible or invisible, eating at lives and homes, cultures and the human heart. But God knows all waste places, and enters them to comfort and redeem. Our every waste place magnifies His astounding haste to grace on our behalf.

“Break forth, shout joyfully together,
You waste places..;
For the Lord has comforted His people,
He has redeemed.” Isaiah 52:9

Waste as a verb: to use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose; squander. Verb waste places are often regretted, as there is no turning back or starting over when we have wasted a resource now depleted, or time now past. But waste as a verb is restored by salvation. The Lord says, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten. And my people shall never again be put to shame.” (Joel 2:25-26)

Waste as an adjective: not used, cultivated, or built on; eliminated or discarded as no longer useful or required. Adjective waste places describe any talent or chance that lies fallow, void of vitality, is never honed to make a difference, or developed to fruition; any trial that is never learned from, or lesson not implemented or applied. But adjective waste places, by God’s Spirit, can be transformed and rejuvenated. God says, “The Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field… I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground.” (Isaiah 32:15; 42:16)

Waste as a noun: material that is not wanted; unusable remains or byproducts. We might feel insignificant, unessential, insecure, without purpose or direction. We might own a heritage, a past, an education or experience that seems meaningless. But whether cast off, kicked out, eliminated, or apparently senseless, our noun waste places are redeemed by Jesus. “As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs.” (Psalm 84:6)

Lord, plant Your garden of joy and hope in my wildernesses. Bloom for all the world to see!