One Day in His Courts

I was inspired to write this post from a devotional I received today from Proverbs 31 Ministries. http://www.proverbs31.org/.

Do you believe that miracles still happen? Seriously, do you REALLY believe that they happen? Do you believe that God is living, loving and active today? I have attended church my entire life. I became a professing Christian at the age of 14. If you would have asked me those questions at any point in my life I would have said "sure, of course!" Since before I became a professing Christian I have felt God's presence in my life and my heart and I am so thankful for that. In saying this, I am very sorry to say that I have not always lived my days with my focus on Him, on His desires for my life and His desire for ME. It's not that I haven't wanted to, but my excuse has been the busy ho hum of life. I have had a big change on my outlook on things since the accident of my dear friend's husband.

J was involved in an ATV accident late this fall. He ended up in ICU on a vent with brain injuries. At this time there was a call for prayer. They were asking for people to pray 1 hour out of 24. Well, I chose the 6am-7am hour as our house is quiet at that time of day. I had been wanting to get up early and spend time with the Lord, but, to be honest, just couldn't get myself out of bed! So, I commited to spending every morning in prayer over J, L and their family until J returned home. (which he did! That's a whole nother story of the miracles that God still performs today)

I have told J and L that this time in prayer was such a blessing to ME and that I am so sorry it took his accident to get me in the right place with God. To actually spend time with Him, listen to Him and talk and plead with Him. I couldn't believe how fast that time went. And, I couldn't believe how I actually could hear what God wanted me to hear. I was even receiving verses that I knew were specifically for J and L, that the Holy Spirit placed on my heart to share with them. I was also reminded of how important it is to me to be with the Lord. The peace and direction that the Lord provides is like no other.

God is so good. He is such a faithful provider. Things may not always go the way that we would have had them go, but to know that God had it all in control and has a plan is so uplifting. I have been blessed beyond words when I actually spend time alone with Him. When I do this, I wonder, "why is it so hard for me to get up early and be with Him?" Why do I struggle to have the Lord at the foremost of my thoughts and actions throughout the day? How can I go for hours without thinking about God? When DH and I were dating I can honestly say that he was on my mind most of the time. To this day, my family is always at my first thoughts when they are not with me. I even dream about them at night! So, what does that say about my relationship with the Lord? I know that it shouldn't be a "struggle" to obtain this sort of relationship. That is where I am so thankful for grace! He's always there waiting for me. And then when I think of that it makes my heart sad that I could place all sorts of people and things above Him.

All these thoughts over a devotional! I guess that's what they are supposed to do. Make us think - "better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere"