To Lay My Crown at His Feet

This past week Queen Elizabeth died.  I have been following the events surrounding her passing.  I have been saddened in a way that surprised me - I think because I admired her.  She was a faithful woman.  She made a commitment, a vow - and she dutifully lived it out to her last day.  She made mistakes along the way, but she learned and grew through them.  She loved the Lord, and she leaned into Him in hard times.  I will miss her, her example.  She seemed to have been suffering physically in recent times, so I'm glad she's no longer suffering.  She once told a chaplain that she wished the Lord would come in her lifetime.  When asked why she said, "I should so love to lay my crown at His feet."  She is worshipping before Him now.

Also during these "quiet" weeks I have had to deal with some stressful things.  Some days were very intense.  I mentioned this to a friend, and she shared an acronym with me that I love.

J - just

E - enough

S - strength

U - under 

S - stress

Jesus truly comes and give us the strength we need when times of stress come.  I have experienced that, and I am so grateful for His help and faithfulness!  I couldn't make it without Him.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."  Psalm 46:1,2 

"I am like an olive tree, flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."  Psalm 52:8

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."  Romans 8:26

*** How many, many times I have been grateful that the Spirit intercedes for me!!!!

"As for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

As I write this, my heart is full of worship for His grace, strength, and help.