As the rain and snow

“So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust. And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.” 2 Samuel 16:13-14

“[Elijah]  was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life… He went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’ And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:3-8

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” Matthew 11:28; Mark 6:31

“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” Genesis 2:2-3

Awakening early, I was overwhelmed at what a gift is God’s plan for sleep, for rest. What emotions had felt dark the night before were lighter, the body that was spent was renewed, weighty and tangled thoughts had been revived to fresh acuity. Rising to stretch, I offered praise for this beautiful, integral part of our very design, and what it accomplishes.

 From the beginning, after God created perfect man into a universe with days and nights, He established rest. Man has been made to work and interact, expend energy and execute plans and handle all sorts of emotions and stimuli, and God intends that a part of each day (night) be given to rest. He has made us to need to pause, sleep, rejuvenate, be refreshed for the conversations, the decisions, the battles, the race ahead. What a welcome built-in necessity and invitation to the weary soul!

We never know what a day may hold. These godly men in Scripture met vicious threats, taunting, and pursuing enemies. Our exhaustion may seep in through work, caring for another, grief, temptation, even regular responsibilities. Whatever the cause, our need is real, and God graciously meets us in His delicious gifts of rest and sleep.

What makes it hard for me to stop tending to the ‘urgent?’ What unhealthy pressures steal our time to turn off, unplug, and reset? What must change for rest to be a dedicated priority?

Lord, teach me to relish and appropriate the sweet refreshment You provide for body, mind, and spirit. Rejuvenate me regularly that I can spend myself for Thee.

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me… God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts- the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords… They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way.” Psalm 57:1-4,6

Look around, look down: darkness, pressing fear, storms of doubt, immovable dread, pressures and responsibilities, impossibilities, criticism. The world’s frantic urgency and caustic ways can overwhelm us into despair when we get stuck here below. But turn the eye upward, the mind to the High and Holy One, and all changes.

“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory! ..I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Psalm 57:7-10

We find the secure place, the refuge from harsh winds, under His wings. When circling enemies roar and taunt and swipe with sharp claw, we are enveloped by the closer shield of God’s steadfast love. The bowed soul awakens with joyful song, heaviness turns to light glad melody, wailing and pleading to songs of praise.

We are created with senses, emotions, intuition, the ability to absorb what takes place around us and react. In this life we are bombarded with hundreds of stimuli, outward and inward, physical and emotional, cognitive and relational. There are myriads of choices for products we purchase, constant messages about what we should have done or do or have, a daily barrage of expectations for performance and appearance. Living and investing our lives here we can get tangled in it all, weighed and bowed down. But, always there can be the turning of our faces ahead, outward, upward.

“But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.” Psalm 59:16-17

David wrote these psalms when being pursued for his life, though God had promised him a kingdom. He had to rely on Who he knew God to be, and the irrefutable power of His word to come to pass. His purpose was fixed in God’s eternal plan and would not be swayed off-course by enemies here below. Do I believe God’s unfailing love and vow to fulfill His purpose for me? Can I sincerely sing this same song?

Lord, take my darting eyes and fix them on You. Overwhelm all that overwhelms me, and overwhelm me with You. In the harsh noise and grind of this life, may I make joyful, thankful, melody to You Who are worthy of praise.

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each… offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord has said: “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.”‘ And Aaron held his peace… ‘Why have you not eaten the offering? ..You certainly ought to have eaten it in the sanctuary, as I commanded.’ And Aaron said to Moses, ‘Behold,.. such things as these have happened to me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would the Lord have approved?’ And when Moses heard that, he approved.” Levitivus 10:1-3,17-20

“I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.” Psalm 69:2

“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me.” Lamentations 1:12

I awakened to news that took my breath away, cloaked all the world in grief and sorrowful wonder, and opened floodgates. The death of friends’ vibrant daughter snuffed out any semblance of regularity in routine, as starkly as her life here on earth is no more. Emotions tumbled into turmoil: bleak imaginings, a torn heart, weeping like a river, unrecoverable loss, the “nevers” that are now inescapable. This is but a glimpse into lives forever altered by unimaginable grief. Struggling to go through morning motions, we find them upended and twisty; and days continue with strange meaning we cannot understand. “Such things have happened.”

And Mighty God, Who reigns on high, knows this. Our Savior, Who wept at death and its unalterable effects, and was Himself a man of sorrows, is nigh in every shock and blow of grief. He Who holds day and night and numbers every breath keeps order when our lives have none. (Job 14:5; Psalm 74:12,16-17; Isaiah 53:3; John 11:35)

Our peace in such times comes from knowing that our Lord God reigns in perfection, that none of us knows the number of our days. “The Lord gives, the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” How could Job say that, how could he bow and worship after all his children were killed and he’d lost his livelihood? Only because he knew God personally, and that if He was good, then all He would do or allow had the imprint of ultimate good. It did not feel that way, but it was true. While he choked for breath, God gave air. Much of life is a mystery we will not understand this side of heaven. Here we see in a mirror dimly, and we groan, and long to see fully. (Job 1:20-22; Romans 8:23-28; 1 Corinthians 13:12)

God’s people survive grief, but survive changed. Changed by the gift that was, and because it was taken.

Father God Who daily bears us up, when You take us through fire and water to bring us to Your place of abundance, may we cling, and trust, knowing You gloriously redeem all such things as happen to us. (Psalm 66:12; 68:19)

“And David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ And he said, ‘I am your servant.’ And the king said, ‘Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?’ Ziba said to the king, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.’ The king said to him, ‘Where is he?’ And Ziba said to the king, ‘He is in the house of Machir, at Lo-debar.’ Then King David sent and brought him. And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, ‘Mephibosheth!’ And he answered, ‘Behold, I am your servant.’ And David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.’ 2 Samuel 9:1-7

Mighty warrior, executive over a burgeoning staff, busy with a growing family, King David made a priority of looking for ways to show God’s kindness to the family of Saul, his former enemy. He thought about it, initiated, took time to inquire. He extended grace and his gift was ongoing, no ‘one-and-done.’ This was no happenstance coming across a relative of the former king and extending politeness, or handing out a socially-acceptable gift, but a conscious, deliberate seeking and giving out of significant blessing and good, “the kindness of God,” to another. In this gesture, we see the outworking of a king graced with God’s heart. (1 Samuel 13:14; 2 Samuel 23:8-39; 1 Chronicles 27; Acts 13:22)

This is how our God looks out for, and on, us. He is a God Who sees, and sees after, us. He initiates goodness toward us according to His lavish stores of love and mercy. It is His nature to bless, and not only in answer to our requests. As recipients of His rich kindnesses, will not we, in gratitude and with full hearts, look for ways to extend the same to others? (Genesis 16:13; Ephesians 4:32)

Who has God placed in our lives, in places of business, neighbors, extended family, who could taste a bit of Jesus if we were to reach out? Would we ask the Lord to help us think this way, and in His name offer a note, a cheery hello, help with a project, time for conversation, a tea, or a meal? When I want to indulge myself, would I indulge another instead? To whom will I extend the kindness of God today? When we intentionally give for Jesus’s sake, to receive nothing in return, their response does not matter, only that we have reflected and honored Him.

Bountiful Lord, make me keenly aware not only of others’ needs, that I might spend effort to fulfill them, but of ways to show Your kindness when no need is visible. Fill me with Your generosity of Spirit and kindness toward others, simply because they bear Your likeness.

 

“And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went… When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze. These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah.” 2 Samuel 8:6,9-12

King David had many noble aspirations, and one in which the Lord gave him great success was warfare, securing and establishing Israel. As remarkable a military leader as David was, he held accolades loosely, and offered honor and rewards received back to the Lord his God, Whom he deemed worthy of the praise. He himself was merely a man used of Almighty God to achieve His ordained ends. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. All things come from you.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-14)

Are we this caught up in Him and His providential purposes here on earth? How do we view our belongings, our resources? Is there any attention or recognition we foster, any compliment we secretly treasure? Do we take up our baton of warfare, our basket of goods, our bag of tricks, our energy and talents and lungs full of breath, and head out daily to do our will? Or are we surrendered to the Master’s plans, forging forward in His assigned steps, malleable as instruments in His hands, deflecting any notice or reward back to Him? The secret to David’s victories was the One Who brought those victories; he knew it, and would boldly proclaim it.

What defines our kingdom, our castle, our calendar? When we begin the day reviewing all that is before us, then acknowledge all for which we are merely stewards and entrust it to the Lord’s care and authority, we can march forth on mission for the King of kings, free of self-interest or personal agenda. There is such joy in following His lead, doing His work, enjoying His spoils by spreading His praise. His grace always abounds to us so we can do His will wholeheartedly, for His pleasure, and we can never outgive Him. (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 2:13)

Father, worthy Owner of all, I open my hands to You, and dedicate my time, my will, my efforts. From You, through You, and to You are all things. To You be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

“I made you flourish… You were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine… But you trusted in your beauty and played the whore because of your renown and lavished your whorings on any passerby; your beauty became his. You took some of your garments and made for yourself colorful shrines, and on them played the whore… You also took your beautiful jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself images of men, and with them played the whore. And you took your embroidered garments to cover them, and set my oil and my incense before them. Also my bread that I gave you—I fed you with fine flour and oil and honey—you set before them for a pleasing aroma; and so it was, declares the Lord God. And you took your sons and your daughters,.. and these you sacrificed. Were your whorings so small a matter that you slaughtered my children and delivered them up as an offering by fire? ..How sick is your heart, declares the Lord God, because you did all these things, the deeds of a brazen prostitute… I will deal with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant,  yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant. Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed… I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord, that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame, when I atone for you for all that you have done, declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 16:7-8,15-21,30,59-63

Reading this long chapter becomes uncomfortable, verse after verse describing the “whoring” and “lewd abominations” of Israel; I want to skim the descriptions like I want to close my eyes to wickedness in my own heart. Do we have to go here, Lord, be this honest and specific? But every abuse and misuse of God’s generosity is listed here for us to read, and because it is included in Scripture, so we can know better the nature our Lord God. Tears filled my eyes as I came to verse 60, in the sixth column in my Bible for this chapter… “yet I will remember…I [will] atone for you for all that you have done.” The beautiful, unimaginable, inexplicable yet! Can that word embody a more wondrous love, a broader mercy? 

Wide and deep are the foreign gods and selfish lusts of the heart. Hard as flint can be our rebellion, our pursuit of temporal gratification, yet living water gushes freely from my beautiful Savior, ready to drink. His blood has atoned once for all, His life alone satisfies, forever. Allelujah! (Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37; Hebrews 10:10,12,14)

Plunge me into Your beautiful “yet,” my Lord God. May my confounding at Your measureless grace transform into constant praise, and the telling of Your “yet” to others.

“So may your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might.” “The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.” “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Judges 5:31; 2 Samuel 23:3-4; Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43

In a land with lots of sky, the sun is a constant companion, and she shows herself in a myriad of ways throughout each day. Rising, she begins by tinting the ink expanse, causing it to be distinguished from the horizon, then blush the faintest hues of purple, then blue. Her rays split the darkness and spread abroad her favors, bringing into focus all that has lain asleep and invisible. Over the day she runs her course, declaring God’s handiwork, broadcasting His glory, penetrating warmth to all who reside below. And at the end of day, she just as regally makes her departure, washing the sky from west to east with her fiery shine and brilliance as she dips below the horizon. (Psalm 19:1-6)

The scriptures tell us that the wise man, the leader, the beloved of the Lord, shine like the sun. We’ve seen the radiant, serene and kind, full of love and warmth, generous with wisdom and justice, aglow. We are drawn to such friends and leaders; they uplift, and their light has a regenerating impact on those around them. Would the Lord have us be as such?

What would it take for us to rise like the sun in might, breaking strongly, confidently into the world’s dark places with blazing, irresistible hope? Do I earnestly seek the Lord’s filling of mercy, compassion, insights, love, wisdom, so my presence even makes a difference? Are there people I avoid because of their despair, their complaining, their crazy addictions or personalities or complicated issues, who need the light of Christ? Would I risk being bold like the sun instead? As light brings security, do I offer a safe place to those who need a confidante? Am I willing to take the time and thoughtful preparation to be someone’s morning light by speaking truth that is clear, blazing the goodness and grace of God, giving eternal context by which they can see and understand their identity and value?

“Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise,
To pay thy morning sacrifice.

By influence of the Light divine
Let thy own light to others shine.
Reflect all Heaven’s propitious ways
In ardent love, and cheerful praise.”  ~Thomas Ken (1637-1711)

Lord on High, as I awaken and rise with Thee, so rise in me to be a shining light to the world, a radiant reflection of Your glory.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Paul, in words that illustrate his experience, sandwiches affliction and suffering in the much greater, overlapping comfort of God. He had suffered much, mentally and physically, from the start of his life in Christ; God ordained it to bring about His grand purposes in Paul’s life and ministry. The apostle learned how God brought affliction so He could prove and lavish His comfort, and perpetuate a cycle that was to identify the church: passing and sharing the divine comfort of the Savior. (Acts 9:15-16; 2 Corinthians 11:23-33)

As years go by, I meet new friends who share sorrows, and I find that time and again, God weaves a beautiful web of mutual comfort through shared pain. It may be that I have experienced a similar hurt, or know well another who has or is presently. WIth a willingness to bear the yoke alongside a sister or brother in Christ comes a glorious realization that this is what Paul was talking about: God ministers to us in our own pathos not only so we know Him better, but for the sake of others. We know best, and can share best, God’s comfort when we personally know suffering. Jesus bore the ultimate rejection and agony, sorrow and wrath against sin, to the cross to ‘win’ for us this comfort, and daily offers it to us with open arms. When once I have been enveloped in it, I have tasted the inexplicable abiding presence that brings peace beyond understanding, I cannot help but wrap my comfort around others, offering its mysterious and palpable fruit to them. (John 14:27; Philippians 3:10; 4:7)

Sense is made in our suffering when we receive His comfort and allow it to flow. Sometimes the resolution we long for is realized when we pass along what Jesus has given; there is a flowering in the sharing that brings beauty from ashes and pain. ‘For this I have suffered, for this my Lord has come to me, that I can share Him with another.’ All around us are those sad, lonely, sick, barren, hurting, hopeless because of a rebellious child, reeling from a broken marriage, uncertain how financial responsibilities will be met, grieving a loved one’s death. What will I do with the rich and blessed comfort I have received? (Isaiah 61:1-3)

O Lord, Your purpose in every pain is redemptive, and I bless Your merciful name. May I never hoard Your good gift of comfort, but keep stoking its very nature by sharing it with those in need.

“Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, ‘Who am I, O LORD GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?  And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O LORD GOD. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, O LORD GOD! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O LORD GOD! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD GOD. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like your people,.. whom you redeemed for yourself?  And you established for yourself your people to be your people forever. And you, O LORD, became their God.” 2 Samuel 7:18-24

David wanted to build God a temple, and God responded by promising to build David a house, a kingdom and throne through Jesus Christ that would be forever. David, overwhelmed, breaks out in glad and humble praise. God knows him, the depths of his heart, and still would lavish such love, such mercy, such hope for secure, joyful eternity?

Isn’t it true that our LORD GOD (the highest and holiest form of God’s name, which David used) is able and bountiful in doing far more than we ask or imagine? We seek help, He gives deep wisdom. We ask for fellowship, He gives His presence that never leaves. We want a specific blessing, He gives a good that every good transcends, beyond all we can even understand is good, by providing us eternal salvation and every spiritual blessing in Jesus. When He meets our requests with this kind of answer, we cannot help but be filled with gladness that spills over with endless praise! (Ephesians 1:3; 3:20; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 13:5)

“O let your soul now be filled with gladness,
Your heart redeemed, rejoice indeed!
O may the thought banish all your sadness,
That in His blood you have been freed,
That God’s unfailing love is yours,
That you the only Son were given,
That by His death He has opened heaven,
That you are ransomed as you are.

“It is a good, every good transcending,
That Christ has died for you and me!
It is a gladness that has no ending
There in God’s wondrous love to see!
Praise be to Him the spotless Lamb,
Who through the desert my soul is leading
To that fair city of joy exceeding,
For which He bought me as I am!”  ~Peter Jonsson Aschan (1726-1813)

All our desires pale in comparison to God’s plans for us. All our longings of the flesh are transformed in His holy economy to be fulfilled in Jesus. We can never out-hope or out-give God’s grace. (Psalm 38:9; 87:7)

My Holy LORD, may I ever rejoice at Your abundant goodness to me in Christ, with gladness that is unending and contagious.

“David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, ‘…The Lord lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity…’ And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him… And David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel… And David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the Lord said to David, ‘Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.’ And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, ‘The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.’ .. And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, ‘You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.’ And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.”  2 Samuel 4:9; 5:10,12,19-20,22-25

Reading through the life of David makes us privy to a deep friendship with ongoing communion, one that is easy to admire and want for ourselves. David knows his God by many different names, and in a moment requiring immediate wisdom, names Him his faithful Redeemer, and makes a decision in full reliance on this dependable One. His Lord established him as God’s king for Israel, strengthening him in character, mind, and deed, and David accepted his position with a trusting confidence. He took up his mantle for the sake of God’s people, not to serve self. He communed with his invisible but palpably-present confidante in every situation, listened carefully for instruction, went about his work obediently, and gave God the credit for every success. A person entwined with his Lord grows strong. (Proverbs 3:3-7,26)

“Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.”  ~attr. St Dallán Forgaill, Irish hymn (8th century), translated by Mary Elizabeth Byrne (1905)

From this day forward, we can carry on continual conversation with Jesus. Quieted before Him early, immersed in His word, we can offer ourselves as His instruments, and cling. Firmly rooted in our Rock, interwoven with His life, we can grow and bear beautiful, lasting, God-glorifying fruit wherever He appoints us. Will I make the ongoing small choices to walk and talk with Him? (John 15:4-5,7-8)

Father, keep me ever entwined with You, abiding in Your good word, communing with you constantly and seeking You with all my heart. May I live out Your great and hidden graces for the sake of Your eternal kingdom. (Jeremiah 29:12-13; 33:3)