This is a new journal I picked up months ago, it reminded me of a story from years past, a story of a little girl, a teepee, and Jesus giving her a new name. It has been sitting on a table in my office waiting to be used. I love new journals but I hadn’t been journaling much lately, it’s been awhile since I was still enough to write my own thoughts and listen to His! But September 9th was this journal’s big day – she got an earful!!
I have been up early lately – not seeing sleeping well, I love/hate that!
Let’s start with the hate – well, for obvious reasons, because I’m tired and my body needs the sleep to make it through the busy days I have homeschooling girls, taking care of my home, chauffeuring girls, walking with broken women, being present with my husband.
Love – because there’s nothing like those quiet, dark hours before the dawn. The sweetness of God’s presence as He ushers in a new day, the stillness of my house, the calm before the storm right?!
As I was reading my Bible this morning and crying out to Lord on behalf of friends in desperate need of prayer, I noticed the cover of my journal again, “Hide Away” and heard this sweet message to my heavy heart –
“You are hidden”
I didn’t know that when I picked up this journal I would need a hide away, had no idea I would need a place to be covered as I wrestled and struggled. Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. He is my shelter, my hiding place and He opens the door inviting me in to work through my stuff. I love that about Him! He doesn’t turn away from the ugliness in me, the wretchedness of my heart – He draws closer, asking me to give it to Him. He is not afraid, ashamed, or appalled by the mess that I am – He calls it Beautiful and draws ever nearer! Always faithful to sit close by as I wrestle with the shedding old skin.
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.
I love this verse, the second part of it. The first part I’m not so good at, patience is not my strong suit, but I work on it. BUT the second part, oh the sweet second part –
HE INCLINED TO ME!
Can you just see that, the Lord leaning in, moving toward you, gently turning His attention to your need with tenderness and grace…close your eyes for just a moment and see Him incline to you. You are so important to Him, of utmost interest to Him, His favorite and He doesn’t want to miss a word!
“Remember, also, that though you are hidden, you are not hidden from the Lord. You are hidden by Him, but you are not hidden from Him. He can read your thoughts. He sees that hot tear that is beginning to lift the eyelid. He knows the troubles that are yet to come as well as those that have come—” Charles Spurgeon
I am comforted to know that I am NOT invisible, I am NOT unseen, I am NOT forgotten, or dismissed or disposable,
I AM HIDDEN AND HE IS NEAR!
