I love to sit on my back porch at night, listening to the myriad of creatures that stir under the stars. I’ve spent enough time out there that, at this point, I am familiar with their sounds and calls. I know the tree frog from the cricket, the barred owl from the great horned. I can guess now at approximately how many coyotes are in the howling pack. I do not see them, but I know they are there.
God not only knows but sees, and has seen, us in all things and through a perfect lens of love since before time began. We are known intrinsically in every step, every moment, all the days of our lives. Even when we are by ourselves, we are never alone. He knows the sound of our voices, sees every step of our lives. God revels in our being. Nothing can separate us from this love and mercy and from the joy of being fully known.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those who have been hurt, killed and impacted by terrorist attacks. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
Thank you everyone for all the insightful comments. Through many hardships in the last ten years, loss of my wife. two estranged adult children due to their alcoholism and mental illness. I see two of my three grandchildren, and loss of all things financial, my mother being struck and killed by a car and so on. At times I feel alone and remember I am not abandoned. However there are moments times I feel like the main character in " The Life of Pi" He is on the boat lost at sea, and there is a raging storm, He looks up and screams at God, " I have lost my family, I have lost everything, what more do you want from me...? With that said, my life started a different course just over seventeen years ago when I attained sobriety. Everywhere I travel around the country I help people stay sober. And I perform countless random acts of kindness on any given week. Sadly, I can still feel deprived. Being a lone wandering figure, almost a lay monk if you will, is not easy but I never waiver from my commitment of being of service to others.
Thank you for today's thought ! Reminds me of thought from someone, cant remember who? 'God is closer to me than I am to myself ! Is it all faith or do people ever get a 'sense' of God being with them ??
Thank you, Sara. Such a beautiful reflection, reminding us that God is always with us, that we are never alone.
Sarah it's reassuring to hear that even through out faults he still loves us. People leave and hurt us all the time but God never will. I wish I had learned that years ago in my youth. :} I know now that I am not alone. I just pray that I hear his words through some hard decisions to be made. Blessings to the LFF, especially those with struggles and pains to deal with these days. May we all see feel hear and spread the love of God through all the world.
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
I have lived alone for many years (>20) and have never felt lonely, knowing that God is always near. Our crosses in life: "There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already born for us, and does not now bear with us." St. John Paul the Great
Irene, I'm right there with you. It's been over 24 years since my husband passed and have been alone since. I can't say that I have never felt alone but for the most part yes, I always feel God is near. And thank you Ken for the reassurance that we are family. It is important to me!
Irene although you may live alone. You are not alone you have the living faith family. We are always there. Ken
Irene wow thank you. Your words warmed my heart. Hugs to you! {}
So very reassuring...
azmom, welcome back.
*** The directive for us today in Hebrews 4:16, "So let us boldly approach God’s throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it!" *** The reason and motivation behind the directive in Hebrews 4:14-15, "We have a great High Priest. He has gone up into heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us hold firmly to what we say we believe. We have a High Priest Who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a High Priest Who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But He did not sin!" *** The starting step in God's Word to follow through with the reason and motivation behind the directive in Hebrews 4:12-13, "The Word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any sword that has two edges. It cuts deep enough to separate soul from spirit. It can separate bones from joints. It judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart. Nothing God created is hidden from Him. His eyes see everything. He will hold us responsible for everything we do!" ******* The three 'omni' attributes of God: Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent! All powerful! All knowing! All present!
Amen!
Thank you. This is exactly the message I needed to hear today.
Amen...I love the analogy you drew there, Sarah... our Lord does indeed know our every thought, misdeed, misstep and move we make.. it is always comforting to know he is there with us 24/7
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AMEN!