As soon as we open our eyes in the morning we begin making our choices for the day. It begins with the choice of, “do I want to get out of bed right now or not?” Before we even walk out our front door we have made choices that are going to effect the rest of our day. Some days in my household things go just right, and I skip out of my house ready to take on the day. Other times, nothing can seem to go right, everyone is cranky and I drag myself out my front door already feeling defeated for the day.
The last few weeks I had to make some difficult choices on whether I believe God, and trust Him in all things. In my head I know I do, I say I do, but when the rubber hits the road do I really? I will admit at first I fretted and worried and displayed my lack of trust very evidently in one incident. Then in another incident a prayer has been answered that I have prayed for, for so long and so earnestly that when it appears to have been answered I am shocked. I mean fall on the floor shocked (I will be honest my head is still spinning). But why should I be? Isn’t God a God of blessings, don’t I pray in hope of answered prayers? Or do I pray for my hearts desire, but think I deserve less? Wow that last question was straight from God to my computer screen.
C.S. Lewis is right our choices draw us closer to God or further away. Unfortunately, I feel like I bounce back and forth. I desire and want to make the right decisions all the time, but my human nature sometimes get in the way. This is where I praise God for his mercy and grace, for as soon as I realize I am not reacting properly he allows me to run back into his arms and He finally takes over all that worries me.
Our feelings fail and betray us, I do pray for my hearts desire but I need to be ready to open up my arms and accept the blessings God pours out in anticipation. Right now I stand there and say, “Really? You are actually going to bless me with my hearts desire?” This is something the Lord has just shown me I need to work on.
Ask, expect, receive, but lay everything before the Lord knowing He has his perfect timing in everything. He says, “Taste and See the goodness of the Lord,” Psm 34:8
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{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Darlene 03.27.07 at 12:20 am
“Or do I pray for my hearts desire, but think I deserve less?” I have to agree, that’s a powerful sentence.
Don’t you love it when God speaks and you type?
Crystal 03.27.07 at 12:22 am
Thank you for sharing from your heart….I can really relate to what you are saying….
Blessings
LeftCoastOnlooker 03.27.07 at 12:51 am
For some reason, this reminded me of saying I’ve heard. Here’s a paraphrase of what I remember.
“Lord, I’ve been discontent today, I’ve thought horrid things about people, I’ve not trusted you, I’ve demanded my own way. Please forgive me Lord, for in a few moments I’m going to get out of bed & get ready for the day & I want to do it your way.”
Thanks for sharing.
Denise 03.27.07 at 1:17 am
Thanks for a beautiful post.
Loni 03.27.07 at 1:29 am
Isn’t it amazing with our failures, He still wants to give us our “heart’s desires”? Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly.
julie 03.27.07 at 2:09 am
Oh my, I could have written your post. Thanks for sharing from the heart.
MiPa 03.27.07 at 2:51 am
“ask, expect, receive, but lay everything before the Lord…” Amen! Thank you for sharing.
Crystal 03.27.07 at 4:59 am
Oh Laurel, this post really punched me (but in a good way). ;o)
“Or do I pray for my hearts desire, but think I deserve less?”
THIS. That’s me. Ouch.
Terri @ In His Hands 03.27.07 at 6:54 am
I so relate to that feeling, Laurel! “Who me?” or “Why me” when something seems too good to be true.
Blessings~
christa 03.27.07 at 7:44 am
As a friend once said to me, “I know you believe in Jesus, but do you believe Jesus?”
Heather 03.27.07 at 8:16 am
Beautifully written, Laurel. Have a blessed day.
Butterfly Kisses 03.27.07 at 9:05 am
It’s like a three forward…two back type of a thing, huh? Or maybe three back, one forward….or maybe sometimes…6 back a half step forward. But as long as we have those forwards in there…right?
eph2810 03.27.07 at 9:44 am
Laurel, what awesome thoughts. What really hit home for me are your words: “Or do I pray for my hearts desire, but think I deserve less?”
Many times I have prayed about something and ‘wow’ God answered it. I know that I need to trust that He hears my prayers. Sometimes I just have to be patient to wait on His answer.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this week’s quote.
Blessings to you and yours.
Linda 03.27.07 at 11:43 am
You have spoken for so many of us Laurel. I imagine there are more of us who struggle with being “worthy” than not. If we could just see ourselves through His eyes. I often run to Ps. 139 when I am feeling that way. His thoughts about us are nothing short of miraculous. His love is fathomless.
I love reading your writing Laurel. You write your heart and it is such a blessing.
Vicki 03.27.07 at 11:47 am
Appreciate your thoughts so much.
Blessings & love!
Tammy 03.27.07 at 11:50 am
You don’t know how much this ministered to me this morning. Beautifully written and straight from the heart of God…thank you!
Barb 03.27.07 at 12:05 pm
I always enjoy your take on In Other Words, Laurel. You always make it so simple and yet so meaningful.
Hope you’re having a better week than last. You sound like you are.
Jennifer 03.27.07 at 12:25 pm
Laurel- Yes…Praise God for his mercy and grace! I also tend to let my human nature get in the way. I tend to ignore His calling telling Him, God I’m just not sure, could you please make a billboard sign for me. Thankfully He is patient and always gives me a second chance!
Jennifer
Christine 03.27.07 at 1:53 pm
This is such an honest post, and one that probably resonates with all women. I think there’s always a question of “if God doesn’t grant it, then what?” in every prayer.
Thanks for your words today.
Susanne 03.27.07 at 2:21 pm
I know what you mean about bouncing back and forth. Thanks for an honest post, Laurel. It really spoke.
Amydeanne 03.27.07 at 3:11 pm
Right now I stand there and say, “Really? You are actually going to bless me with my hearts desire?” This is something the Lord has just shown me I need to work on.
Oh I’m so there with you!
Chris 03.27.07 at 3:43 pm
Laurel.
One of the reasons I enjoy reading your blog posts is because you share from your heart and you are real!
Blessings,
Chris
Cyndi 03.27.07 at 4:03 pm
Sounds like you’ve got some God-given Psalm 37:4 desires! No wonder He has answered them.
I loved this post today… from the heart as always and, once again I totally relate, sista.
Erna 03.27.07 at 8:14 pm
I could so relate to your post and especially the thought . . . “Or do I pray for my hearts desire, but think I deserve less?”
Becky 03.27.07 at 8:36 pm
“He has his perfect timing in everything. ” Wow. This is one of my greatest struggles. My timing and God’s timing has never jived, yet his is perfect, so I keep learning to give in to him. Thanks for a great post.
G's Cottage 03.28.07 at 7:02 pm
I will be posting on my blog when I get my thoughts collected; probably later in the week.
Mommy Dearest 03.31.07 at 2:40 pm
Laurel:
That is a really great quote. Thanks for the reminder of how important our decisions can be.