Hey, Darling Siestas!
It’s 4:00 or so on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Keith has gone to play a round of golf with his buddy, Roger Parker, and Beanie and I are sitting out on the back porch. It’s hot but beautiful and I have a ceiling fan on the porch wearing itself out on my humble behalf. I’m having a cup of coffee and Beanie’s trying to have a squirrel. She’s had the hardest time since Sunny died. She’d been really lethargic before she and Keith left town for a few days but when she got back and still no Sunny, she decided to wage a hunger strike. It’s not like she doesn’t know where Sunny is because Keith purposely let her see that he was burying her. The sweet girl’s just never been alone before. Curtis and Amanda let us borrow Beckham (the Golden Retriever version of Clifford the Big Red Dog) last weekend and that helped. Maybe they’ll let him spend some time over here again this week. Until then, we’re throwing out a few handfuls of dried corn to attract squirrels in the yard to fire up some enthusiasm in our depressed birddog. And it’s working. She wants squirrel meat for supper in the worst way. Keith might be a redneck with a spade in the Bluebell but he’s not liable deep fry a squirrel and stir up some brown gravy in the skillet with it. We’re just giving Beanie something to dream about.
This morning in my quiet time before church, I read something that spoke to me and I thought I’d share it with you. Pastor Gregg has our whole congregation go through the same devotional book every year and this year he chose the classic “Streams in the Desert.” (L.B. Cowman) Like many of you, I’ve done it before but not in five or so years and it’s well worth doing again and again. You can tell from the title that it’s geared particularly to people going through very difficult trials and sufferings. If that’s you right now (and I’m so sorry if it is and love you so much), you really ought to look into getting ahold of a copy. Restoration after a deep hurt or loss can take longer than our flesh and blood encouragers can stand sometimes. They can wear out in the length and breadth of our need and, to be honest, rightly so. They were never meant to be saviors for us. A book like this can be used of God to encourage you through a painful time every single day for a solid year. And, oh, what a difference a year makes!
The lead verse for this morning’s entry was Isaiah 28:12. Of God the prophet Isaiah wrote, “He said, ‘This is a resting place, let the weary rest’; and, ‘This is a place of repose’ – but they would not listen.” Here’s a little of what followed (originally written by Charles Spurgeon):
“Why do you worry? What possible use does your worrying serve? You are aboard such a large ship that you would be unable to steer even if your Captain placed you at the helm. You would not even be able to adjust the sails, yet you worry as if you were the captain or the helmsman of the vessel. Be quiet, dear soul – God is the Master! Do you think all the commotion and the uproar of this life is evidence that God has left His throne? He has not! His mighty steeds rush furiously ahead, and His chariots are the storms themselves. (Pause, Siestas, and hear the sound of those mighty steeds in your spirit. Feel their hoof-beats pound in your chest. He’s on His mighty way!) But the horses have bridles, and it is God who holds the reins, guiding the chariots as He wills! Our God Jehovah is still the Master! Believe this and you will have peace. ‘Don’t be afraid’ (Matt. 14:27).”
My favorite line: “You are aboard such a large ship that you would be unable to steer even if your Captain placed you at the helm.” So, we might as well stop trying. Anyway, with the best intentions we’d steer that Titanic smack into the next iceberg with all our loved ones on board. You don’t let your two-year old steer the car no matter how she might kick and scream from the backseat. God’s too wise to let our control issues work out for us. If we keep insisting, He might let us give it a hand for a while but, sooner or later, we’ll hit the iceberg. And the iceberg is He.
Regardless of how convinced we are, God has not placed us in control of our environments nor are we responsible for how everyone is behaving or how things will turn out. He is still God and, yes, even over “this,” whatever your “this” may be. His, Beloved Siestas, is a LARGE SHIP. Something much bigger than we can picture is going on from a God’s-eye view. Our trials are allowed so that Christ may be formed in us and then, through us, serve that greater purpose. Worry always and only forms thicker flesh in us and weights us down until we cannot walk where the Spirit would take us.
I’ve come to learn from God that worry is a waving red flag to the enemy. It is a dead giveaway that the person owning it does not trust God. The shield of faith is down. So fire when ready. Every time we’re tempted to take it all on and worry something to death, let’s say aloud from the depths of our souls, “I choose to trust You, Lord. I choose trust. I choose You.”
Be quiet, Dear Soul! God is the Master! Don’t be afraid.
With dearest love,
beth
PS. Melissa just called me and said, “Mom, be sure and tell the Siestas how proud we are of the ones who tried making the tarts!” So, because I love her and love you, here’s a huge “hats off!” to each of you and especially to Katie and His Treasured Possession for posting links to their pictures! I’m floored at this multi-talented group! And hungry. I think I’ll get off here and go check the fridg for a can of whipped cream.
Dearest Beth –
Thank you for your timely word. And always for your encouragement to all of us. You are loved!
Hope you enjoyed your whipped cream… 🙂 You are too funny!
Much love,
Sharon, NC
Sorry for your Beanie. My cat Simon had acute ptsd after his sister fell out of a window climbing up a screen (back in my apartment living days). After about 3 weeks of hearing him cry through the night I took a trip to the Dumb Friends League and got a little one for him to dote over.
Sometimes I like to grab onto the helm, but I’m learning little by little to grab onto Him instead. Thanks!
~kate
Thank you – I needed that message today. I have a little dog myself, and I do not know what I would do if I lost her, so my heart goes out to you, along with my prayers and of course my love goes to Beanie too! Thank you for the word that spoke so loudly to me today – Blessings – Mary
Thank you for reminding me that the Lord sees the bigger picture when I cannot. I will continue to trust Him even though I cannot see what is ahead.
I needed to read this today. Thank you for posting this, Beth! You are lovely.
Thanks for the message today. I heard a pastor friend of mine say that worry is to Satan what prayer is to God. Whoa. Doesn’t that stop and make you think.
I needed that reminder, badly. The Chapman family tragedy has reminded me over and over this week that life is so incredibly fragile. This event coupled with a few more tragedies surrounding those I love, caused me to worry incessantly this past week over something happening to one of my children or my husband. Today, after reading your post, I am giving my fears back to God. Satan must have been thrilled with my overwhelming anxiety last week. No more. I am going to turn up Kirk Franklin’s “I am God” where he references Psalm 46:10-“Be Still And Know That I Am God.”
I am going to stop worrying and BE STILL, and know that He is faithful and in charge. Much love to you-Lissa
I read this yesterday right after I had learned that my husband’s father had passed away. What a reminder to me to lean on God when things don’t always feel easy and safe. I love what you said about worry being a red flag. I so needed to read that. God gave me that scripture a while back about being convinced that he’s able to guard those things that I trust him with. I just need to let them go.
Pray for my husband as he deals with the loss of his father. Unfortunately, his dad was not a man too concerned about the legacy and relationship he had with his kids. But praise God it can be different for my husband and his kids.
Rachel
Praise God that as long as there are deserts in our lives, He is the living water that refreshes if we would but drink of Him.
Oh Beth, one of the treasured things that I have of my mom’s (she went home to be with Jesus a year and a half ago) is her Streams in the Desert, from 1964. Not written in modern translation the first paragraph begins “Why dost thou worry thyself?” It is duct taped on the spine, underlined with many different colors of ink, worn slap out! Oh the treasure that it is, throughout my life when I have been in some desert places, my mom would council me from God’s word and this book. I have an updated version and use it from time to time. Right now I am enjoying “Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life” by Charles Swindoll. Being that I am in a changing season of my life–in the past 3 years–both of my parents went home to be with the Lord, I have had four grandchildren, started a new job and moved my 87 year old mother in law in with us (we underwent a major construction project to build her an apartment adjacent to our home)–ya think I need a break? God has been so good and blessed me beyond measure in all of this (I am not complaining!) Ya know, I just want to stay strong and keep pressing toward all that God has for me in each of these new areas of my life. I am getting a group together (church friends and neighbors) to do the Blogastudy! I can’t wait. The girls I have talked to are so excited. I am praying for every precious girl God sends to study his word. May he alone be praised.
Praying for you sweet Siestas. See some of you in San Antonio. My daughter in law and I are coming together and we are stoked! Love you girls!
Patti
I must say that what caught my eye first was the fact that Beannie seems to be mourning for her dear friend.
As some of you know, I am in the processof grieving the loss of my daughter. My sweet girl, Alyssa, had a dog named, Dakota. She is not the best looking dog on the block, in fact, she looks like a laughing hyena. She is absolutely the sweetest dog, though. Alyssa took care of her like she was her baby. Dakota has been mourning for her dear caretaker for six weeks. Just like Beth’s Beannie, she has completely ignored her food. Meal time was always her favorite time. I know that she feels especially lonely. Alyssa was with her a lot during the day, and I cannot be. I do love her so very much and try to love on her as much as possible when I get home from work.
The message from you today, Beth, was just what Alyssa’s sister and I needed. We all need to be reminded of the fact that we are not in the driver’s seat. I am having to really contemplate this, though.
Since my Alyssa was killed by a drunk driver, I have experienced anger that is unspeakable. Anger for the guy who killed her and left her for dead on the side of the road. He did not even call
911.
So Siestas, please pray that I will learn to turn it over to God.
In Him,
Always and forever Alyssa’s mom, Laurie
Wow, much has gone on in LPM blog land while I was on vacation. Oh Beth! I am so sorry about Sunny! I know you loved him. I remember reading about him in one of your books. If he meant a whole lot to you, he means a whole lot to us:)
I also loved Melissa’s recipes and Amanda’s vacation story! I think it is fun to share this kind of “life stuff” with each other:) It is a blessing too.
Beth, I soo needed your “Why Do You Worry” post. I have a nephew that has such a stronghold of worry and fear at the young age of 8, and we all pray that he would learn that God really is Sovereign and that He is trustworthy. He is the only One in control and rightly so! “Be quiet, dear soul – God is the Master!” I love that quote.
katiegfromtennessee
1 Peter 1:7-8 (AMP)
Thank you for the encouragement. I needed it right now, as did so many others. God is in control, and He is good. Jessica
I am not sure if someone has already left this in a comment or not – but you can get a copy of Streams in the Desert online for free – here is the link:
http://in.geocities.com/gloryofhiscross/
Sunshine
PS what an amazing idea to have a congregation do the same devotional –
I’m reading these comments and I do feel halfway like crying, but then there’s always the thought that comes to me that I’ve heard my pastor say, “Well, what’s the worst that can happen? I die and be with Jesus.”…Hmm…point taken…GOD IS WITH US SIESTAS! JUST HOLD OUR HAND, LORD, AND WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US! It can be scary, and yes, we will cry, but He is right next to us, in us, and all around us. Just hold my hand Lord, just hold my hand. We love YOU, LORD.
katiegfromtennessee
Dear Beth,
Thank you so much for this timely message that speaks deeply to me. God is so good to supply messages such as this one, the one that a friend sent to me last week and our pastor’s message Sunday morning. My husband and I feel that God is spoon feeding us right now through a difficult time in his career. His Word is life to me – to us!
Blessings,
Dianne
I come from a long line of worriers. I needed to hear that post today. I’ll definitely have to remember the red flag!
What timing! I’ve been feeling a little under the weather lately and today I’m feeling all the symptoms. There’s a situation that I’m trying to overcome and as often as I try to hold it loosely so that God may steer it…I find myself gripping it again and pulling to the left when He wants to steer it to the right.
James 1:6 pops into mind about he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, being blown and tossed by the wind…. hmmmmm. perhaps that’s why i’m feeling a little nauseated. 🙂
All I can think of is that song…”Jesus take the wheel…take it from my hands”… ~linda.
What a timely message for this worrywart momma! Thank you Beth. Someday I hope I get the chance to give you a great big ol’ hug, pull up a chair, and chat over a cup of java with you. God has spoken to me through your ministry so many times that I have no idea where I would begin if I did get the chance to talk with you in person!:)
Thanks for being real! Oh, by the way, our siberian husky (as a puppy – along with a stuffed otter – in picture above) would be so right there with Beanie on squirrel patrol! So sorry about your Sunny – hopefully Beckham can help “liven” Beanie up again. Many blessings on you and your family.
Hi Beth,
I watched you this morning on Life Today with James and Betty Robison. My heart was blessed as I listened.
Last night at church we had the privilege to hear what God is doing in Kenya. Jeff and Kathy Deasy, IMB missionaries, came to share what God has been up to through international missions. Kathy shared how they worked primarily with three villages last year. Each week she and Jeff would walk up into the mountains to tell Bible stories in each village. One village was 98% Muslim. Old testament stories were fine but when they started telling stories in the new testament about Jesus things changed. Rains kept the missionaries away for a couple of weeks. When they returned to the village the chief met them as them entered. He said, “after you went away we decided not to let you come back. A few days ago I was thinking that we do not know were we will go when we pass from this life. So…you can come back and tell your stories.”
The missionaries said, “people this was a God thing. Only God could have changed the heart of the chief.”
Our God is up to something big! He is awesome.
Hugs
🙂
Mary
Thank you so much for that sweet reminder – I think I am going to print it out and put it somewhere where it can be a reminder to me on a daily basis! Worry is such a struggle…
I have to tell you all about how good God is. I love simple things and can get so excited especially when the Lord speaks so loud in a simple walk. I find myself running out of the door and either getting on my bike or walking so that I can get some piece and quiet and alone time with the Lord. Sometimes it can be difficult to find in a house with lots of ppl. Long story short I went for a walk on the beautiful bike trail and I love it because it is so green and breezy with lots of fearless rabbits and squirrels. Birds galore just are singing beautifully. This head of mine never is at peace and always is worrying about something but when I come out here the Lord just speaks straight to my heart and I feel at home. He brings so much calmness to my soul. So I have been having the blues and needed R&R with Him. I told the Lord that I wasn’t going to leave until I heard Him. SO I found myself a beautiful tree and sat for a couple of hours just praying and enjoying the animals and yes believe it or not some breeze. Now I was just chatting with the Lord telling him that I love this black squirrel that I have only seen twice and for some reason I have become so attach to this critter. The two times I had seen the squirrel was when God just revealed himself in such a mighty way. I felt his presence so much that I literally felt someone just holding me as I wept. So while I was out there this afternoon I was praying and for some reason I am stopped dead in prayer and lost my train of thought and I looked to my left and there is that black squirrel, no lie 3 feet away. Starring me dead in the eye standing on his two little feet. We just starred at each other. I was overwhelmed by His presence (God’s not the squirrel) and needed that sign that HE is here. I always look for this squirrel during the million bike rides I have taken but have only seen him while in the presence of the Lord.
Beth,
Just came off my knees for this one. This is a lesson I need daily reminders on. The devotional sounds like one I need to get for sure. I was raised for almost 10 years with daily worry over where would I sleep, the next meal, the next beating, when can I see my grandfather, am I going to school, etc; that even now that my life is so blessed with my own family, I catch myself being worried about all things, big and small. I so love that God will take the helm and steer me right! Thank you for all the great insights.
Need that today!!!! So Desperately needed that!
Thanks Beth
I happened to be looking through all the comments for this post and noticed on my comment that I mistyped the URL for when you click on the name. Ooops!!!! The link is correct for this one!!! Sorry about that!
Karen
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/tagblog
My heart needed this. Thanks.
I am fairly new to this blog and I will be doing the summer Bible study. After readig this post I wanted to share this video that our pastor showed yesterday. This is the voice of Dr. S.M. Lockridge who was a pastor in California. This is truly the nature of God!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upGCMl_b0n4
Dearest Beth- three years ago I found myself extremely sick… I sought many an opinion from Neurology.
Within a month Cleveland Clinic explained they had diagnostically confirmed two out of three classic symptoms of ALS and they needed me to return in 6 months to “chart my decline” and confirm the third symptom to grant me the ALS diagnosis. If indeed it was ALS I would have 3-5 years left to live.
I was 30 at the time. Married and with three children 5,3 and 1.
I knew I would never go back to confirm or deny such a thing with Cleveland Clinic… and in the meantime sought out any alternate diagnosis possibilities.
Within months I had a positive Neurological Lyme Diagnosis and was started on Antibiotics which began turning my symptoms around.
It has been a rocky road. Three years of high doses of multiple antibiotics, IV antibiotics, dietary changes, etc. Three years of up and down and what ifs… and back of the mind ALS fears.
A year ago I read Believing God and it changed my life. Really. Changed everything about how I viewed God, who He was to me, who I was in Him and how I went about my daily thought life.
I distinctly remember coining a phrase to say each and every time fear and worry took hold, “I CHOOSE YOU! I TRUST YOU! YOU’RE ENOUGH FOR ME!”
I chose to say it whenever my thoughts trailed from the Lord. Whenever I became so fixed on my symptoms and what could become on me… whenever I became so fixed on ME and not on the Lord… whenever I tried to reason my health and physical limitations…
I trained myself to say that and believe it!!!
Fear and worry further nothing of Him. I can testify to that. Choosing in the midst of that worry to Choose Him is all you can do at times.
But out of that obedience… out of that choice… you find His spirit comforting and strengthening you so that making that choice gets easier the next time.
And before you know it… that choice becomes a habit and your relationship with Him becomes the rock on which you stand!!
Thank you for helping me to know and love Jesus more intimately Beth. For teaching me sound doctrines… and biblical principles to help me through some extremely rocky times.
I know you say often in your posts how you love us… I wonder if it can be compared to the love I have for you as you have ushered me into a depth with Jesus I’d never known before…
Chelle’
Simply amazing…i have had that little book for ages, been blessed many times as i randomly pick it up – recently i grabbed it from off my shelf and have been reading it again – this morning i woke having had a dream of sorts – not sure of the whole but it left images in my mind…and when i opened Streams today (6/3) it spoke of EXACTLY what i had dreamed…at least the image; the entry did something to my soul…God, what are you saying? But i love how God begins to bring something into view, though the ship is HUGE, glimpses of what HE has captures my heart again and again!
Dear Beth:
Thank you so much for this. I know that it coming from the Lord and I am truly blessed today with assurance that he does have control. For many years, my family has been torn apart with Satan having control, but through the grace of God, he no longer has that control. One of my daughters has been saved and living a life through Jesus Christ, her family will be joined with her again soon and praise God, they will live on a foundation of Christ. For so many months, I would pray to the Lord to fix things, and then I would try and take control of the ship, he would always say to me “Do you trust me?” and I would say yes, but deep down, I didn’t. When I finally let go and gave it to him completely, thats when things started to turn around. Let go and trust the Lord and watch what can happen!!
Just to let you know that the turning point for me was going back to church for one, but, I started going to a bible study and the topic was “The Fruits of the Spirit” with you! Thank you so much for that. It was also the turning point for my daughter, she started the study with only 3 chapters left, and has since gone back and started from the beginning and is on fire!
Just know that you are reaching women everywhere, I live in a small town, Loyalton, Ca and you have stirred up so many of us in our community, peace be with you and your family.
Thank you so much for “Why do you Worry”. You always seem to know what to say to touch my life, God is using you in such a beautifull way and I am so greatful for that. Thank you Lord.
Trusting the Lord has been one of the hardest lessons for me to learn, I struggle all the time with this. Satan for several years, has had control of my family and Praise the Lord, no more. For several years, my daughter and her husband were into drugs and domestic violence was so controling in the home, I feared for my daughter and the children daily, I would pray to God to protect them and help them, and thought that I was turning things over to him, and then each day, I would take it back and try and stir the huge Titanic and sure enough, I would hit the ice berg. God would constantly ask me, “DO you trust me?” I thought that I did, but the fear of losing my daughter and grandchildren was more controlling than anything. Praise to God, when I final said, I can’t do this anymore, Jesus took over and took control of the ship.
It is amazing what happens when we let him control our destiny.
I started to go back to church shortly after my grandchildren were placed in Foster care and the death of mother and praise God, I am still going. But what was bringing me closer than ever to the Lord was the bible study that I was attending, “The Fruits of the Spirt” by Beth Moore, imagine that! Each night that we would watch your video, it would hit home in such a powerful way. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you! My daughter has since then, come to accept Jesus in her live and will have the children home for good in August and through this, they will have the Lord as the foundation of their lives! Just to let you know, she started the bible study with me towards the end, she stared with 3 studies left, enjoyed it so much, that she went back and started from the beginning. Who says that you can’t go back!
May the Lord continue to bless you and your beautiful family and know that you have truly touched my family and many more in my community of Loyalton Caifornia!
Thank you for blessing me today with your wonderful post.
YSIC
Marj
Calaveras County CA
http://gdlvr.blogspot.com
thank you for this reminder. You are a precious leader and thanks for allowing God to use you to speak to so many for HIM.
wendy
I’m a day late and a dollar short on reading this post, but God knew just when I’d need it. I too, have used “Streams” as a devotional for years. We are adopting our daughter from China. We have 13 yr. old and 10 yr. old sons. Our paperwork just got logged into China’s adoption bureau. We are now holding our golden ticket at the deli counter of adoption, waiting for our number to be called. We are told it will be at least 2-3 yrs.I have longed to adopt since I was a child and to adopt from China for several years. I went there last fall to work with girls in a shelter for sex-trafficking victims. God infused that vast country into my soul. My heart yearns for them to know Him and now my sweet child will be given life there and hope here in our arms. I recently visited a website to check out how long they project our wait to be. Like the fruit on the forbidden tree of the Garden, I took a bite. Our wait they say? 2016. Discouragement cuddled up next to me. I knew I had eaten the fruit. The past few days so many thoughts have gone through my mind. He has used Streams to challenge me to set my heart like flint and BELIEVE Him for his sustaining grace to endure this most blessed journey we are privileged to be on. Romans 4:18-22 is a healing balm to my soul. Abraham knew he had no ability to control God’s promise, so he believed in hope and in God’s who was able and mighty to keep His word. I love that. Sigh…..We have named her Hope and for 6 months He consistently meets me with His Word and verses about hope. I am eager beyond words to hold her. But there is also a part of me that is eager beyond words for Him to do something in me that needs to be done. To learn to have faith in the midst of bad reports, insane wait times and passing years. For Him to find ME faithful, faithful to Him. To not just SAY I believe, but to show it. So I will put up my shield of faith and put down my red flag of worry. Thanks for the timely reminder, sister.
Hi Beth,
I read your post this morning, and I too, have a copy of Streams in the Desert. I purchased it after my sweet Samantha(age 13) went home to Jesus…it is a God inspired devotional to bring comfort and peace through any trial. This is only the second time I’ve blogged on here(I am very green about anything computer!) and I love having my coffee and reading this site, I feel like I am with dear friends sharing laughter and tears…I wanted you to know that the year after my Samantha died, I went to your conference held in Rapid City, SD (2005) and you personaly quoted Psalm 126:5-6 to me in my tears…that whole conference, the music, your teaching, was meant for me and God wanted me there because it was the first time since losing Sam, that I truly felt God’s joy back in my heart.
I appreciate so much how God leads you in this ministry, you may not know all the trials we face but God does and I thank you for being His obedient servant and touching my life and many others through your studies. You are lifted in and covered in prayer,Beth, Thank you for your faithfulness in our precious Lord and Savior…
from your friend in Christ
Tammy
Beth,
I meet with a group of believers every Sunday evening for fellowship, prayer and bible study. We are all married couples with the exception of two singles. There are 18 of us total and we continue to grow. Our church does not have the traditional Sunday School but we meet in “Home Teams”.
Anyway, I shared your message with my “Homies” as it is so timely for all of us. In our prayer time this past Sunday we were all so overwhelmed with the needs of our small group. Some needs are small but the majority are “HUGH”. I loved your analogy of letting down our Shield of Faith. Wow…you hit the nail smack dab on the head.
I am ordering the book you mentioned “Streams in the Desert” as it sounds like a great resource for our trials and sufferings. Thank you for mentioning it. I have not heard of it before now.
I am sorry to hear of Beanie’s grieving. I also have two dogs. One a lot younger than the other. My old girl (as I call her) has been at my heels for almost 13 years now. She came to me as a stray and she and I bonded instantly. I just took her to the vet for her check up and he only gave her shots to last a year instead of the 3 year shots he normally gives. He says he will be surprised if she is still here to receive another round of shots. Perspective…..I know but, she’s my “baby girl”. I can truly relate to the place in your heart you shared with Sunny.
Blessings to you,
Royana (Isaac’s Mom)
Beth, I read through all the comments and I say the same thing…I needed this reminder. Sometimes it feels like the shield of faith is so heavy and hard to lift. I had a molar pregnancy (cancer) at 29, we lost our job etc..So many things I could list but all in all we feel like we are totally naked standing in the middle of thousands of people. (vulnerable) We know that ONLY God can come through to supply our needs. But honostly I think…WHEN God? I have not totally fallen into the worry pit…but today I was just about to dive in. I thank God for knowing me and understanding my thoughts afar off. (Psalms) Thanks so much for the reminder.
Lifting the Sheild…. SLB
Wow!! My mom had open heart surgery in March, my son in his sophomore year in College decided not to go back in the fall, and my special needs son is graduating in June from High School!! Worry, who me!!!
I have been reading “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” by Joanna Weaver. I just love it so far. I am such a Martha!!! I was on chapter 3 “The Diagnosis”. It is all about worry and how wicked it is. We worry because we are not fitting God into the equation. How dare we not trust that he is in control at all times.
Of course then you, Beth, just have to write your post. Do you think God is trying to tell me something!! (I know it is not just for me but it feels like it)
Thanks for making the message loud and clear. I am listening Father!! I am obeying!!
Love you all, Lori
Beth, I just now had a chance to read your post from “Streams in the Desert.” Thank you so much. So many people in that “desert”. I am so uplifted by your writings and I thank you for taking time to share with us your deep feelings and be so transparent. That is such a blessing. We love you so much! Can’t wait till August and San Antonio!!!!!!!!!!
In Christ Alone,
Sharron in Hartselle, AL
I so needed to hear that today! Please pray for my church, there are some things going on right now that I feel are going to cause division and I know God is in control. I love my church and the people but I don’t think God wants me to be under false teaching. Please pray that I will form my decision based on what God’s will is and not on my emotions. I believe my Pastor is a godly man and prayerfully considers everything however our associate pastor who is also his son is wanting to move in a more supernatural direction. Jesus please don’t let my pastor go the wrong way! Please pray ladies, I know I am posting as anonymous but God knows all about it.
Beth and everyone! I hope you can click this link to see the video called “Cardboard Testimony” I thought you would love it. If the link doesn’t work type in the above at You Tube’s website. Its wonderful message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ
Perhaps one of the most powerful videos I have ever seen. May my cardboard testimony be as vibrant!
Beth, I am also am going through Streams in the Dessert this year thanks to Amanda’s recommendation. I have been greatly ministerd to through it and through this post. Thank you!
Beth,
Thank you for that excellent word & picture: worry is a red flag. That will be easy to remember, and I plan to put it into regular use (by not picking up that flag and waving it all around).
Ever since reading the news of Sunny, I’ve been thinking of Beanie. I had thought, “Beth knows how to be comforted by God, Keith knows how, too. But what about Beanie? I’m going to be praying for Beanie.” After hearing some wonderful Beanie stories over the years, I’ve grown rather attached to her. Anyway, thanks for giving an update on how she’s doing. I’m glad she got to have some doggy fellowship time with Beckham.
Britiney: I’ll be praying for you, for God’s peace and presence to be with you in a powerful way.
Becky in MI: Thank you for sharing the beautiful poem with us! One of my favorite parts is “By rest in you I turn my face from my troubles to your grace.” Really sweet.
Blessings,
Karen K.
Houston
God’s too wise to let our control issues work out for us.
I love the truth of that…one I have found out the hard way or should I say necessary way. God finally had enough of me and took His hands off the situation and I was on my knees begging Him to take control.
Loved this post Beth.
Love you back,
Lelia
Dearest Beth,
I just found your blog tonight. I am going through the battle of my life & I see that I can’t be in control if I wanted to.The last battle I thought was the worst. When my 18 year old was drinking out of control. I stumbled across your books Breaking Free, Get out of that Pit, Praying Gods word and I prayed without ceasing for him. It took 4 years and God orchestrated events but at 22 my son rededicated his life to God, serves Him 100% and goes to AA. He’s a radical Christian, and he’s been sober for 8 months.
But a Christian friend at work had your book in her drawer for 2 whole years and never read it or heard of you (sorry)and when I was going away with my husband for a 4 day Mt.trip she gave me this book to read.”Believing God” He fished most of the time and I had a personal retreat with God. You see I had a lump in my breast and I wasn’t to get the results until I returned. God spoke to me so much through that book. I returned & my 21 & 23 year old sons were waiting to tell me the results. I have breast cancer. The Lord has given me scriptures that I will grow tall like the cedars of Lebanon, like the palm I will grow to a ripe old age and bear much fruit etc. but I can’t help but worry at times. I am barely coming out of the surreal fog that it wasn’t a dream and it’s reality. It sucks so bad. Every step is waiting for test results. I’m going to pick up Streams in the desert. Someone said you had breast cancer. Did you? I’m telling you this is tough. I have so much ministering on earth to do and praying-praying for my husband sons, and future daughter in laws and grandbabies etc….Tues. I talk to the surgeon. My oncologist said I will most likely have a mastectomy and chemo. BETH and SIESTAS please pray that I will keep the shield of faith up and the sword of the spirit, that I can be strong no matter what each test reveals and that I will live out my promised land and not depart before my time. I love you Beth like my sister in the Lord & best friend Betty. You have helped us so much. God Bless you-Toni
Dearest Beth,
I just found your blog tonight. I am going through the battle of my life & I see that I can’t be in control if I wanted to.The last battle I thought was the worst. When my 18 year old was drinking out of control. I stumbled across your books Breaking Free, Get out of that Pit, Praying Gods word and I prayed without ceasing for him. It took 4 years and God orchestrated events but at 22 my son rededicated his life to God, serves Him 100% and goes to AA. He’s a radical Christian, and he’s been sober for 8 months.
But a Christian friend at work had your book in her drawer for 2 whole years and never read it or heard of you (sorry)and when I was going away with my husband for a 4 day Mt.trip she gave me this book to read.”Believing God” He fished most of the time and I had a personal retreat with God. You see I had a lump in my breast and I wasn’t to get the results until I returned. God spoke to me so much through that book. I returned & my 21 & 23 year old sons were waiting to tell me the results. I have breast cancer. The Lord has given me scriptures that I will grow tall like the cedars of Lebanon, like the palm I will grow to a ripe old age and bear much fruit etc. but I can’t help but worry at times. I am barely coming out of the surreal fog that it wasn’t a dream and it’s reality. It sucks so bad. Every step is waiting for test results. I’m going to pick up Streams in the desert. Someone said you had breast cancer. Did you? I’m telling you this is tough. I have so much ministering on earth to do and praying-praying for my husband sons, and future daughter in laws and grandbabies etc….Tues. I talk to the surgeon. My oncologist said I will most likely have a mastectomy and chemo. BETH and SIESTAS please pray that I will keep the shield of faith up and the sword of the spirit, that the tests will come back good & I can be strong no matter what each test reveals and that I will live out my promised land and not depart before my time. I love you and God Bless you-Toni
I picture in my mind a ship sailing in the sea and going off course. What a blessing in our own human imperfections that God, Jesus, and God’s Word are always there when we get off course or go in the wrong direction. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi Beth! It’s so refreshing to have such an old devotional speak to modern day society, isn’t it?! I’ve had volume 2 for a number of years but just recently found the first one at a thrift store and started my day with it. I so enjoy the reminders of God’s hand on us even when we’re not surrounded with turmoil and marvel when life overwhelms me how words such as these come back to minister at the right time! And, how these reminders can minister to others. My sister is alive by the grace of God after giving birth to her ninth baby and hemorraged. Talk about a ship unable to be steered and praise God, He’s at the helm! She’ll be laid up until strengh returns and body heals so please pray for that for her! (this was three days after I read that same passage). Yes, LORD, You are indeed the Master. ~amy
Hope you read this comment as I just read this post today (6-9-08) and it spoke to me. Thank you, as always, for your wonderful words of wisdom! It is always nice to be reminded that God is in control. Years ago worrying really crippled me and I am glad I have God to lean on now!!!I try to remember not to worry and turn all over to God in times of concern in my life-especially recently. Giving troubles to God really does give me peace! You are such a blessing in my life!
Karen Pavone
I am new to this blog, in fact I am new to all blogs. My sister sent me here this morning. I needed to read your message. I have been doing ‘Streams in the Dessert” all year. My husband left me after a 28year relationship in Nov 07 and I am praying for a miracle of salvation for him, restoration and renewal of our marriage. We have 3 children, the youngest serving in the Middle East as I write this, all of them grown adults, but torn apart by this divide in our family. It has been the loneliest time of my life until recently. I have been misplaced from my home, my family, my ministry/job, my friends and community. I am living in another state among people I do not know. But God is moving, I see it and I feel it. I am encouraged and today, as I started to “worry some” about if I was in God’s will, well…my sister sent me here to this message.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Teri
I'm a year late reading this, but don't think I could have read it at a better time. I am the worst about worrying. Even about things that don't pertain to me… Lately I've been really struggling with worrying about future plans. I've realized though, that my worrying is also doubting God. Man, I really don't want to do that. Every time I begin to go there, I start begging for forgiveness. "If He's going to bring me to it, He's going to bring me through it." Right? Just have to keep telling myself that.
Thanks for posting this and thanks for being you!!
Lots of love,
Becca
Greenwell Springs, La