Wisdom from Above

Wisdom.  I need the Lord's wisdom.  Wisdom for big, huge, impactful decisions - and for small, daily, inconsequential decisions.  In recent years I have made hundreds, probably thousands, of decisions.  I couldn't have made them without the Lord whispering in my ear to go here/go there, do this/do that.  He has led me by my right hand step by step. I am so very grateful.

For me the wisdom I'm asking from the Lord comes as I keep my focus continually on Him as I go about my day.  I think on His goodness.  I stand on His promises.  I rejoice in how He's met me time and time again.  I speak out my gratitude, and remind Him of my need of Him.  I talk to Him all day long - as if He was right here with me in my home.  I worship Him in my mind and in my heart.

I also receive the wisdom that I need as I wait in His presence - listening for His whispers into my heart and mind.  I block out "the world" as best I can, and listen for that still small voice of the Lord.  I ask Him to confirm what I've heard from Him with peace - a peace that passes understanding.  His instructions and His peace show me the way forward.

Sometimes the wisdom that I need comes quickly.  At other times, I have to continue to seek Him until I receive the answers I need.  God's timetable is not always the same as mine!  But He's faithful to answer in the right time.  He's never late.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."  James 1:5

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."  Proverbs 1:7

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5,6

"How much better to get wisdom than gold!  And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."  Proverbs 16:16

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."  Psalm 119:105

"All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom."  Isaiah 28:29

"The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Proverbs 2:6

"The plans I have for you - plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)  I trust God's wisdom for those plans.  He has faithfully led me so far, and I trust Him to keep leading me.

I couldn't make it without Him.

God is Good

After my sister passed away recently, a friend sent me a lovely card and message.  One thing she said stood out to me - "God is good. He is for us and with us.  Period!"

That says it all.  That's all we need to know as we enter a new year.  He's been with us every minute of every day all through our lives - and He'll continue to be with us.  He, more than anyone else, is for us too!

I face a few challenges in the days ahead.  It was so timely to be reminded of God's care.

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  Psalm 91:4

The Faithfulness of God

I've been working on a "project" to sort through one of Floyd's email accounts - to file, delete, archive, etc.  As I've been doing that, it's like going through our history for everything that has happened in our life for years and years.  It's been fascinating to "relive" all the events - many that I've forgotten about.  Through it all, there are two dominant thoughts running through my mind.

The first is - change.  Oh my goodness - sooo many things have changed.  In fact, almost everything in our lives has changed.  I definitely had forgotten some things.  As I sorted through the emails, my mind was flooded with memories of all that has happened and changed. 

The second thought is - God's faithfulness.  I'm sure that doesn't surprise you.  Over and over there was a need, a problem, something that had to be sorted out......and then the emails of God's provision and answers.  Sometimes the situation seemed impossible - and then the solutions came.  I found myself stopping to worship the Lord over and over again.  He has been so faithful!

I have to admit that I hadn't been excited about this project.  I kinda drug my feet in getting to work on it.  But now I look forward to each block of time I've set aside to work on it because I get to relive God's goodness and faithfulness!  It's never ending.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22,23

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds."  Psalm 36:5 

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful - for He cannot deny Himself."  2 Timothy 2:13

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

"For nothing is impossible with God."  Luke 1:37

It's clear that some things we experienced, some needs we had, seemed like "too much."  I wasn't sure how we'd get through it.  But God met us time and time again.  I'm humbled as I journey though these emails to see God's goodness and faithfulness.  All I can do is praise Him!