Garden of your heart

Wintertime......

Right now my garden is bare!  It seems as if nothing is happening.  The berries and trees look dead, but they aren't.  There are no flowers!  Even the grass isn't as green. 

Sometimes our spiritual life feels the same way.  We feel as if things are dead, but they aren't.  We feel as if nothing is showing of our relationship with God.  It seems that things are lifeless, but sometimes God allows times of "winter" in our relationship with Him.  Does that mean He is not there?  On the contrary....His word promises "Never will He leave you, never will He forsake you."  Hebrews 13:6

This week things just piled on.....like the manure and compost that I pile on my garden in the fall and winter.  Underneath those piles I was feeling as if I am being smothered.  We had questions this week whether my husband was going to be laid off (due to drastic cutbacks in the state), our oven died (I use this so often to make our bread, bake for my husbands classroom, etc), my husband got a ticket (not just any ticket, but in a construction zone), finances are low, friends and family all around us are going through severe trials, situations that stretch me beyond my comfort level and my own strength have arisen, etc.    As I awoke this morning I told God that I just needed Him to meet with me, where I am at.  I was discouraged, overwhelmed, tearful.  As I poured out my praise for who He is, thanked Him for what He has done, confessed my sinfulness, gave Him my requests, sought His Word (the Bible) for comfort......He was faithful!  He met me right where I was at, built me up in His word, gave me direction, comforted my heart, strengthened me for the day. 

How are you doing spiritually?  Are you feeling dry, cold like the extreme winter?  If so, I encourage you to just ask Him to meet you where you are at.  Pour your heart out to Him, and let Him minister to the deepest part of your soul through His Word.  Remember, He is always faithful....even when we aren't! 

Dear Lord, thank you for loving us!  Thank you for disciplining us.  Thank you for being there in the midst of troubles.  You don't always lift those troubles (although sometimes you do), but you do promise to be with us and to strengthen us.  I choose to trust you Lord.  You are so trustworthy!  In Jesus Name, Amen

Here is another great hymn and a wonderful reminder to "Trust and Obey"   

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh467.sht

love this

07:30, Saturday, February 23, 2008 .. Posted by Cathy

Debbie,
What a great blog entry. I love your words and your feelings on this.
There is nothing like the peace from Jesus.
You are a dear friend and I love ya,
Cathy

Wonderful

08:54, Saturday, February 23, 2008 .. Posted by abundantblessings

this was a wonderful post, Debbie. I have been to that point many times....feeling so overwhelmed with everything going on in my life and around me....
And my Lord is so gracious and gently leans down, holds me and lets me cry. He lifts me up and refreshes my spirit.

Praying for a peaceful week ahead for you. :)

Blessings,
Laurie