Welcome to Heartstrings

Once more we get to place our dependance upon the Shepherd for our lives. Only in His Presence can we know real peace. When I was very young, I learned David's Psalm 23. Yet, everyday I am understanding what it all means. 

I am sure you see the chaos around the world. Without knowing the goodness of God, how can you survive? My heart is encouraged every day as I look into the wonderful words of life that God has given us. Rather than spending time in the worry, I am trying to head back into what is true and faithful. I know no other hope.

Psalm 23 from the Amplified Bible has given me good instruction. I pause often to consider verse one. "The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack." 

Commit this to memory. Isn't it true that what we eat, trying to make godly choices and seeking protection are vital to our everyday existence? Especially in the last days! The storms have destroyed many lives, and still they come. The weapons of war sound with explosions, and still they come. These really are the last days friends.

Isaiah 31:17-18 was the next thing I read this morning. What an expression of my own heart in prayer before the Lord. "And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. ~ My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting places." 

Where are you dwelling? It goes way beyond a house. It enters into the soul of who you are and how you respond to this life. I pray that this precious promise will soak into my heart and mind until becomes a witness, beyond words, to those around me. Help me Holy Spirit.

Then Matthew 25 where Jesus talks about the wise and foolish virgins. Five prepared and five did not. Why? Because of having enough extra oil for their lamps. This I believe is speaking too of the Holy Spirit being allowed to work in our lives. At the end of the parable, Jesus has to sorrrowfully tell the foolish ones, the late coming ones, and expecting entry into the marriage feast...."I do not know you [I am not acquainted with you]." Devastating!

To assume you are a believer is welcoming the same reply by Christ Jesus. Can you hear the door shut? Which side of it are you on today. Yesterday doesn't matter. All the times you went to church, the money you gave...they will mean nothing. Only by being intimately acquainted with the Shepherd will you enter.

Pause now and consider this. Compare the time you spend on social media. All those hundreds of "friends". Do you know them? As time flys by and the evil in the world is seeming to grow stronger, who will you turn to? What can you depend on?

A sidewalk. In the crack of one you see a tiny flower. Do you crush it or will you be amazed when you look upon it? Surrounded by cement and the eager steps of those passing by, it has survived. It is receiving sunlight, moisture and only knows that it can depend on the One Who made it. 

During the night when these thoughts came to me I was deeply drawn to be like that flower. No matter what is going on around me, I will keep depending on God. His plans for me. His presence to comfort me. For He is my Shepherd and knows best what I need. You might think I'm silly for sharing this. After all, you have all your controls in place. Even if a storm comes you have set in place the things you need. But, do you?

Finally, John 14:26-28 Jesus said, But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. ~ Peace I leave with you, My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] ~ You heard Me tell you, I am going away and I am coming [back] to you..."

Let this be your prayer, your hope and desire. I am praying for you and know the Shepherd is watching over you. Get deeply, intimately acquainted with Him. He longs to spend time with you. Be full of the Holy Spirit and let Him teach you. This will be your safe place. 

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!" In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...being in the Shepherd's care