Forget Not His Benefits

"Forget not His benefits, forget not his mercies, For He has made me glad, He has taken these old rags and told me me all that I need to be covered by His love. And I will sing of the mercies of the Lord. "

- "Phrases" by Heidi Lichti


It's so easy to get caught up in the monotonous routine of life, forgetting to be grateful for what God has done in your life. How does this happen? We fail to be thankful, fail to remember. I am reminded of the Israelites who continually turned away from following God, even though He had rescued them from their foes countless times, performed many miracles among them, and was continually faithful to them. Yet they would forget, becoming discontented and choosing to turn away from their God.


This pattern can change. I will choose, today, to remember.
God has been faithful to me - I have a roof over my head and food to eat. I have a loving family. So many luxuries have been afforded to me that people in other countries cannot fathom because they spend the majority of their days seeking out basic commodities.

Lord, help me to remember your faithfulness in my life, and to continually seek your face. Let me forget not your beauty and your extravagance, your lovingkindness that never fails. I am thankful today for your sacrifice on my behalf, and for adopting my as your daughter. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.

(This post was Inspired by a song "Phrases" - Heidi Lichti. Check it out at soaking.net)

Not Without Love

                                                       

Assuredly, 

Like the coming of the Dawn, 

The Father's love song goes on, 

Drowning out my bitter songs, 

And breaking through walls, 

And barriers... Christ swoops in, 

Removes sin, picks up His Bride 

And carries her." 

"So I can sing in agreement with the King this thing -

There's only one thing that pleases the Father: 

The God-man on the tree in the midst of the scoffers

Now I finally see that Christ IS what Christ offers, 

And I'm finally free in the love of the Father. " 

(Not Without Love : The Benediction - Jimmy Needham)

Hardship stirs your soul, so that the darkness, the ugliest parts of yourself
all begin to bubble up to the surface. Tragedy brings you to face not only
the reality of the situation, but the reality of who you are.

I found myself faced with this scenario today. Riled up by recent hardships
and trials of life, I found anger rising up within my core. Along with this
came indignation at the thought of me being singled out for difficult times,
and the constant desire to yell: "Why me Lord, why me?"


Which leads to one of life's hardest questions:
If God is so good, why do we experience tragedy in our lives?
More than anything, when I cried out to God with this question,
He gently whispered to me:
   "Do you really see and know me as I am, or as you believe me to be?"

These are clearly two completely different things.
Our human misconceptions of God and who He truly is often lead to roadblocks in our walk of faith.
All I can do is ask God to show me why I view Him in the wrong way.
What does His word say about His character? It says that He is faithful.
That He is true - that He will never leave nor forsake His children.
His word says that He is a refuge, a very present help in time of need.

Why is it so hard for me to believe? I know these things are true in my head,
but when will I reach the point where truth makes the 18 inch journey from
my head to the very core of my being - into the center of my heart?
When it comes down to it, I think it's my own selfish pride that wants to be
strong & independent. I would rather strive and suffer through these difficult
circumstances, than admit that I need help and can't make it on my own.

God's joy is our strength - this I know to be true.
Yet, somehow, in my flesh, I would rather make it on my own.
I would rather rely on myself than fall into the arms of grace.
He's been there all along - He's been waiting for me to trust.
Gently beckoning,  He says:

"Oh my child, would you let me come close?

Would you surrender your all to me - the hopes and dreams? 

That which you hardly dare to vocalize, lest they fade away into oblivion...

         Would you trust Me with those desires?

It seems easier to keep these to yourself, but if you will surrender fully,

I will be able to work so deeply in you, something that is beyond your comprehension."

So I willingly choose to fall into the arms of grace, trusting that
not only will I be sustained for the journey, but I will be brought
to the reality of who I truly am - the fullness of identity and purpose
in Christ my Savior, as well as the purpose He has for my life.
Surrender never felt so sweet.  

Reflections on my 22nd Birthday

One year ago, I would not have expected to be where I am at today. I moved to a new city, attended a new school, and made a lot of amazing new friends. Life hasn't been perfect, but I have grown so much. I have realized that I am stronger than I thought, because God's joy is my strength. God has brought me out of a lot of legalism, into living out of a love and longing for His presence. Truly I am so thankful for this year, away from my family, with my new family - dear friends and a church who supports me and loves me. God knew what I needed before I asked for it, and He provided streams in the desert. 

Now, I am once more transitioning to a new school and city. This time, however, there is a difference. I will have family around me - I will be house mates with my sister, Casiphia, and my dear friend Joanna. Great things are just around the bend, but I am still savoring each moment as this old season comes to an end. Thank you Lord for another year of walking with You - blessings unimaginable, provision, healing -  truly I have a good Father.