Wednesday, July 23, 2008

This is my 300th post!

300 journal entries.

300 times I've shared a piece of my heart. Wow.

I wish I had some extra special thing planned, but honestly I didn't notice that this milestone was coming up!

At 1:15 this morning, I was still wide awake. I was very uncomfortable so I got up, took some Tylenol and snuggled on the couch. It wasn't long until the headache began to go away, but the anxious heart was heavier than ever.

I did the first thing that came to mind and grabbed my journal and Bible. I found myself in several passages all timely and it wasn't long until my anxious heart was beating at a normal healthy rate! Thank you Jesus.

I read a Psalm a day and since it was a new day, I read Psalm 24 and was reminded that my God is is the King of Glory! There is comfort in acknowledging that God is in control. Once again, if I will just keep my hands off I will see Him move in ways I can't imagine. I needed to praise, I needed to change my perspective before that anxious heart took over.

Psalm 30 was the next place I parked. Can I share a few verses that ministered to my heart?

Verses 1-2

"I will exalt you O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depth, and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me."

I see this over and over in my life. Physically and emotionally God has healed me. He has kept His word in this area and as I started to think back on those times, my anxious heavy heart began to take a turn. The struggle to believe He will provide in this one area began to change. I read on to find

Verses 11-12

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever."

I then went on over to Psalm 91 and that entire Psalm just settled me down.

Verses 1 and 2 say

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust'."

After that the song "Made Me Glad" began to run through my head and heart.

But these next verses are what really allowed me to rest was:

Verses 14-16

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, " I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

This morning as I share my heart I want you to know that there really is power in praise. Praise changes your attitude, your outlook and the Word says in Ecclesiastes 8:1,that when the Word settles into someone who is angry or sad, it can cause their face to beam! (NASB) It changes our countenance!

Just like yesterday, God knows in detail each part of this area of need. He knows it better than I do!! For today, I resolve that I will not worry, I will not mentally dwell on what if's, but I will praise. I will praise Him for the past, I will praise Him for today.

And one day soon, I will praise Him here for how He moved in this situation.

4 comments:

Fran said...

I'll praise Him with you today Steph!!

Loved these verses. Hope you aren't too tired today.

"strength Jesus strength!"

Big hugs,
Fran

Still Learning said...

There is a lot of comfort in Psalms. I find when I am lost or dry I can go into Psalms & come out praising and glad. Sometimes it's easier than others of course. I am happy you were able to calm that anxious heart. I am so sorry you are troubled... I am praying for you. You are so close to God, I know He is going to bring you through even better than before.

Amy Wyatt said...

300 posts! Wow. congratulations.
I haven't been by to visit a ton this summer because of our crazy schedule but I do want us to still plan a get together. I left you an award on my site. Come by to visit.

Heather said...

Oh, girl, Amen! I needed those verses tonight! And I am going to bed with my bible to re-read them and meditate on them for myself!
Thanks for everything!