Showing posts with label never alone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label never alone. Show all posts
Friday, January 19, 2018
ALONE: having no one else present; on one's own.
LONELY: sad because one has no friends or company; friendless, forsaken, inner emptiness
SOLITUDE: withdrawal for privacy and peace
A few days ago I was in Austin with grandchildren, then I was back home in Frisco with my family plus I attended church and several meetings, and today, I'm in Tulsa to be with my family here and for a conference. With all that “on the road again and busyness”, right now -- I don’t have time for being ALONE, LONELY or even finding SOLITUDE. But, that’s okay!!
Just a little “inside” information. Because of the 24/7 hours a day of living/working/playing together for most of our 44 years of marriage, I really never knew LONELINESS, or for that matter, being ALONE. But, seasons changed when my sweetheart graduated to heaven and I had the opportunity for being alone and lonely. I’m pleased to say “I chose neither.” I chose a sweet place of SOLITUDE. LONELINESS is inner emptiness and SOLITUDE is inner plenty especially when our inner plenty includes acknowledging our Plentiful Father is always with us. I said it before, I say it again – Emmanuel – GOD WITH US!
Now don’t get me wrong. I love hanging out with my friends, attending church, shopping, playing games, traveling, socializing, being a part of women’s groups, prayer groups and spending as much time with my kids and grandkids as possible. But, right here at the front side of 2018, I'm embracing any time I can for SOLITUDE. It’s a journey of choice -- from “It’s all about me and what I don’t have and what I need”, TO “It’s about personal maturity and communion with God Who assures me I am NEVER alone, that He has plans and a future for me and His plans for me far outweigh my plans for me.”
Jesus explained His SOLITUDE like this in Matthew 16:32 “The hour is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me ALONE. Yet I am not ALONE for the Father is with me."
I understand SOLITUDE is the opposite of companionship and both have their places. I love spending time with my besties and my family. But I also understand the importance of “being still and knowing He is God.” Psalm 46:10. That is where my strength for today and hope for tomorrow comes from. I know "The Way" I need to go, "The Truth" I need to know, and "The Life" I live is in Him alone. (John 14:6).
Feeling lonely? Need love? Seek Him. You're not alone. God's arms are open wide and when you hug Him? No contest. He will always be hugging you way longer than you could ever hold Him. After all, He’s our “Good, Good Father” and He knows what’s best for us and He loves to embrace and tell us "I love you and you are mine!
Monday, December 28, 2015
Do You See What I See?
Though most of the festivities are over, the joy and peace of Christmas still lingers. I’m still captivated by the flickering lights that are still glowing brightly. I just love the sweet and tender atmosphere of Christmas. But, most of all, what reassurance it is, to know that the great gift of the babe in the manger is still here because He is Emmanuel......God with us.
Jesus Christ -- God, made flesh, wrapped Himself in a cloak of human flesh as a baby. Two bright eyes then, are the eyes that roam to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). One precious, sweet mouth was the mouth that breathed the breath of life into man, and the man became a living being. The only phrase that delights my soul more than "God WITH us" is "God IN us".
He came to be God WITH us. He died and rose again to be God IN us.
What if we REALLY tuned into Emmanuel? What if we sincerely realized we are never alone, because God IS with us.
I DO recognize Him. I sense Him in the peaceful times in my mornings, as I read His Word and in times of prayer…..but, even more so, I know He is with me during my everyday life. I purpose to live my days remembering that God is with me, just like anyone who would be a passenger in my car, or a guest at my dinner table…..I talk to Him. I talk to Him about any, and everything. I thank Him for the “favors” that come, like green lights, the parking places close to the doors of the store, the “bargains” that I may find. I know He is with me, so I'm sensitive to wanting to please Him. And I’ve found that, because I stay close to Him during my days, when the times of unexpected challenges come, I just remember, I’m not facing anything alone, because God is with me…..and I feel His peace right away, and I know He will bring about what’s best for me. I urge you to KNOW Him – to know Emmanuel – He is with me – He is with YOU!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)