After reading today’s psalm, use the guiding content below to help you reflect, respond, and engage with one another.
This song both remembers God’s purpose in making His dwelling place in Jerusalem and looks to a promised future of God’s presence in abundance. In praising God for bringing Israel through hardship, the song reveals that to truly be home is to be with God.
- When you look back on seasons of hardship or struggle, what do you remember longing for in those circumstances?
- How can you invite God’s presence into current areas of hardship?
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168 thoughts on "A Song for Going to His Presence"
Initially, I longed for answers to my problems that it would all go away. As I experienced God’s constant love and presence even in my struggles, I began to long for more of it. It was knowing that he was with me that gave me hope for the future. So, I started trusting that the Lord would bring me out of my struggles. I thank God because He did in his timing and way!
I long for rest and peace – probably some comfort when I am going through a hard time. The interesting thing is that God is all of those things – he promises those things. It’s really very simple to invite God into hardship. He is always there – it’s just weather or not we acknowledge him.
Desiring to please God in all my decisions without contributing my wants is difficult.
longing for gods plan to be revealed. i ask him daily to show me where he wants to lead me
I wanted and prayed for his help with my struggles and I became frustrated and very upset when I didn’t get what I wanted when I wanted it. Instead of waiting on God’s timing I demanded it when I wanted it. Now I ask and trust that when he is ready he will provide. I still get anxious sometimes but I try harder to be patient.
In the past I would be confident that God would provide as I actively worked trying to solve my problems and would seek His presence. Now I am quiet and very still as I allow God to move freely and draw near to me instead of
I longed for God to fix my problems. I continued to ask to feel His presence because I knew that I couldn’t do anything without Him guiding me. Now, I look forward to the other side of troubles because I know the Lord is shaping me and molding me to be more like Jesus.
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Hello Shes
After scrolling the comments I am led to say
“nothing is ever lost or wasted” by our Lord.
We are always being restored & redeemed.
Or refined & readied.
Whatever. Whenever. Wherever.
And the key verb for me today was “invite”.
Call upon Him. Welcome Him fully.
Somewhere in scripture it’s said “In His presence there is fullness & joy…”
Amen & Amen
Amen GWINETH52, amen!
Hugs coming across the pond! ❤
yes, love this! Always something happening..lean in and let the Lord use you in every situation and grow!
153 comments!! Wowzer!
Thankyou for this – I was just sitting asking myself how to – invite I just need to ask x
COLLEEN DEVEAU- I just read your reply to my comment on yesterday’s post. I hope you see it. What you shared this morning is so rich and deep! I am in EST also. (smiley face) ❤
Asking for prayers please. My 18 yr old granddaughter just found out yesterday she has a large tumor on her thymus gland. Doing a biopsy now for cancer and treatment. She is supposed to be in college rush in a month. Please hold her in your prayers for healing. Thank you all so much.
Praying for a not too advanced situation for your granddaughter, for accuracy in the tests and diagnosis, wisdom in how to proceed, and peace for your hearts. ❤
Thank you so much
Praying Gayle Gartin, praying..❤️
Praying, Gayle! Lord hear our prayers!❤️
When you look back on seasons of hardship or struggle, what do you remember longing for in those circumstances?
I longed for the right answers and for comfort.
How can you invite God’s presence into current areas of hardship? Asking for His comfort, guidance, and forgiveness if I still make the wrong choice.
In past seasons (and current) of struggle, I’ve seen areas he is trying to grow me in, typically for the use of strengthening a own deeper understanding if who he is. In addition, it enlarges my understanding of how to live him out to others. Even in my (very many) mistakes and unwise choices, he sticks around to foster learning and growth. He never meets me with condemnation or disappointment. He knows my weaknesses, he knows my humanity and he has compassion on that. And he loves me enough to not leave me in the depths of my humanity. Struggles – if they exist because of our own poor choices or just because of this fallen world – are where God says he is. He cannot bind up wounds and trade us our ashes for beauty and grant freedom to the captive if he is not aware of our pain and existing in the center of it with us. We cannot learn to comfort others without first having experienced the comfort he fills us with. Hardship is the uncut-thread that is laced through every human that has ever walked this earth – though some hide it quite well. By choosing to stay in his presence and give him the glory for all he redeems, I am supernaturally enabled to illuminate his presence to others who need it but still live in darkness. Most currently speaking, I can invite God’s presence into my newest struggle by accepting the circumstances within myself that I cannot change and daily working with him on how to still be glorifying in all I do so that he is who others experience through me.
Glad to see you back Heidi and read your thoughts ❤️
Hello Heidi! So lovely to see you, Mwah! ❤
Your insights are so good and encouraging!❤
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I don’t respond to these often but when looking back on seasons of hardship, I remember longing for alcohol. This is me being vulnerable. That is what used to get me through. I was never addicted to alcohol but I always wanted a drink when I struggled.
Since 2019, when I rededicated my life to Christ, when inviting His presence into my life, worship, prayer, and community is what I need most.
Love that… this is probably one of the most relatable situations in our culture right now. This day is rough, these people are annoying, i’m exhausted and “done”, so I’ll just take the edge off. And it’s so good that you point out — it’s not just for those with addictions to keep an eye on! Using anything other than Godly community, prayer, worship, scripture to “take the edge off”, is just masking. And hear me – I am NOT condemning the enjoyment of things that can be good, but you are so right to bring up, we need to keep all things properly prioritized.
Amen & Amen to that, Heidi!
Praise the Lord for your well-won wisdom & rich resolve, Maryssa!
Marissa, So glad that you have found a supportive community and rely on God in your difficulties. ❤️
Heidi, I agree with you as well! Alcohol and drugs are a common way for people to tune things out, but also too much and the wrong kind of television, pornography, shopping can all be destructive. I continue to work on bypassing a glass of wine to wind down or distract myself when I am going through a tough time. It’s tough but I’m always glad when that part of me is under control.
When I look back on seasons of hardship, I remember longing for the thing that would resolve the hardship, peace, strength, and for someone to see me/unexpectantly bless me. I can invite His presence by quieting my heart, worshiping, and being honest in prayer.
Dear shes, if I may ask for your prayers concerning some IT issues with my work, I submitted an IT ticket yesterday on a very simple issue but the IT person could not figure out, and from a simple issue escalated into a big delay, and other work issues that have been bombarding me in past two weeks since I returned from my trip. Besides, I have been dealing with this cloud of sadness that I found myself crying so often, and losing hope. I will be seeing a counsellor next week for some sessions to help with this sadness. It is my first time seeing a psychologist and I don’t know how it will go. I would appreciate your prayers that healing and clarity could be achieved. I hope she can help me identify and rid of any emotional baggage that I could be holding on to. May the Lord bless you greatly and send you help in areas where you need. Be blessed dear sisters.
I pray the Lord uses this counselor to guide you through what you are feeling. I have been seeing one since 2019 and the Lord has really used this woman to help me work through my emotions. God is in therapy. I pray you find the wisdom and comfort you are seeking, too. He is there with you, Mercy. God bless you and keep you. ❤️
Praying for you Mercy. May God give you the clarity you need and may He guide you to the right counselor. I pray that you will find peace in all that’s happening in your life. ❤️
Agreeing in prayer! Also praying for the strength to deal with any ‘hard talk’.If this person isn’t the right one, don’t give up! Sending a comforting hug. ❤
Praying for you dear Mercy… For the work situation to be resolved and for your visit to the counsellor. I am sorry for your sadness, but prayerful help will come from the Lord through the sessions.. Bless you Mercy.❤
Prayers dear friend and Sister! Sorry you are feeling sadness and having work issues. I hope the therapist can give you some help in this area, hugs!
Praying for you,Mercy! Thanks for sharing, appreciate your insights and thoughts. ❤️
Hugs to you dear shes.
I remember longing for peace amidst chaos. For strength and perseverance. I remember feeling the closest to God that I have ever felt. That was in my 30’s. Life was hard, but some of it was due to my own choices. I longed to feel that closeness again. I received it during the time Tanner started faiing in his health.
Lately I have been inviting Him in to change me. To remember that I want to exemplify God’s love. To not judge others. I don’t feel hardships at this time, thank God! But it is time to work on my life as a christian.
Traci, He never let’s us down. If Heds done it before, He’ll do it again! Right?
Hugs..❤️
Dear sisters, it is an honor to lift your concerns in prayer. Praying as I read. As I age, it’s easy to look back during difficult times (mainly created by me) and see where the Lord was in those times. I wish I had been more aware (that I didn’t fix) of what he was doing and said thanks. Be blessed this day, it’s VERY hot in the northeast.❤️
Donna Wolcott, thank you! ❤️
I woke this morning with the following verse on my heart. In practicing Gods presence these are the traits I long to recognize & practice.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8”
Think about such things indeed…Thanks Cindy lifting up this verse.
We can invite Gods presence into our current areas of hardship by handing them over to Him- trusting Him completely, looking back like we did today and remind ourselves of His faithfulness, trust the process and of course share with others our testimony like so many of you she’s do here everyday. God is good sisters- restoration is His specialty and Jesus shines brighter in the darkness!!! ☮️❤️
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I remember longing for it to go away and go away quickly. I couldn’t bare the pain and anxiety that went with it. I couldn’t breathe! I longed for PEACE. Knowing that my Jesus NEVER left me and was always with me, I continued to trust HIM through the pain and anxiety knowing it wasn’t going to last forever EVEN though it felt like it! Now whenever those hard times come, I know that I know MY JESUS will see me through just like HE always does. Its through those hardships that we grow. AND its through these hardships when I felt the closest to MY Jesus! Never did I feel abandoned. BUT did ask “when” I’m thankful as NOW God can use my experience to help other women especially young ladies who are experiencing similar situations and can advice to FLEE! HIS were the FOOTPRINTS in the sand! Happy WEDNESDAY! Though I didn’t sleep quite 7 hours, I feel SO rested! Oh…..if its OK to add, my daughter and I have a dental appointment this morning after 2 years (so expensive) Please pray it will go well and that I don’t need root canal (very expensive) and we know my daughter has cavities, but I couldn’t afford to get them filled back then. Hoping I have enough HSA to cover it for her! So sorry for such a long comment and request.
Lifting your visit to the dentist up to the Lord in prayer..you’ll be fine!
Blessings..❤️
Praying for you both on your dental visit. And for low cost follow up. Dental care is extremely expensive.
It is SOOOO hard for us to remember that the LORD has chosen US (and not the other way around). I love verse 13… He has desired us for His home. Let us rest in the sweetness of that every moment, sweet sisters!
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❤️ So many prayers lifted as I read the comments. If I were to respond to all of them, I would be here for hours. Be blessed today. He will provide all you need every moment.
ADRIENNE, God bless you, thank you!❤️
Amen
ugh…Had written out long comment and got erased. :/ But I said I love all your comments, I can clearly see the Glory of God in them. We know where our help comes from, my help comes from the maker of Heaven and earth! In the valley, climbing the mountains..and high on the mountain (hoping we don’t tumble down!) He is love, he is good, he is for us, not against us. That is a truth. We love you God, we bow to you. Would I? If I actually had to get up, walk 4 miles to a place of worship every morning? It’s easy to say we love him and put him first from convenience stand point. But if it isn’t easy, if we had to put true effort, time and sweat..constantly. Would we stand? I don’t know why I took that turn..But that is where God led me. I preach, but to I stand firm to what I preach no matter the cost? The Lord is certainly preparing for a time such as this! I think our culture is turning rapidly and persecution as a whole will come, like a flip of a coin. I hope we are ready. God is preparing his army, we are his army, together we are strong, through Him we are strong. He is building that faith and trust in us to Praise Him in the Storms (Casting Crowns) and on the Dessert Road (Casting Crowns) and Even If..(Mercyme). We are in the right place at the right time…to shine bright in a dark world. Made for these Days (Jeremy Camp!)
Have a great day, praying for the requests!
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Looking back at my past struggles, I would always be searching for hope, love, comfort, resolution, understanding, compassion, for the pain to just stop and go away. I would struggle with the why me, why is this happening?
I am in such a peaceful place in my life right now but I also know that can change tomorrow. I understand that what God is teaching me through these studies and is gearing me up for a battle I will one day face, and I am grateful.
Yes, amen!
“Searching” has defined my past struggles too. Striving to be fully seen, known, loved. Something that never really goes away, but into remission. While I might not be struck down emotionally as of this writing, things can get stirred up ever so swiftly. I can be/should be about building a firmer foundation of faith for the future. And whatever that holds.
I was so impacted by vs 14-18 … a resting place for the Holy Spirit right now is in me! God abundantly blesses, satisfies, clothes, prepares… all the actions listed in those verses He does within me even now.
THAT is an overwhelming beautiful truth! Wow! Really..if only we lived like that daily, through the hard and the good! ALL has purpose! Totally gives a different perspective! Now if only I could solely depend on this and keep my focus correct!
What truth, Jessica Herzog! Thank you!❤️
During struggles and hardships I always feel God’s presence so close. It’s during some of my darkest days that God drew me so close. I know it had nothing to do with me. I was to weary to be pray anything but I need you Lord. But GOD, He always shows up.
Even now recuperating from shoulder surgery, He is there. I just have to cry out to Him. He gives me strength.
Read through your requests. So many going through so much! Pray for all of you!
Cheryl–I totally agree with you. During the most difficult times in my life, I felt God’s presence all around me. He gave me strength, focus, and healing. Phil 4: 13 became my mantra…
Throughout my life, I would say that when hardship or struggle hit, I rarely relied solely on the Lord and instead powered through and dealt with it myself. I was a Christian, but I wouldn’t say I gave ALL of my life to the Lord. Nine years ago when my oldest daughter was in college, she told me about She Reads Truth and how she was reading and following along and growing in her faith. She inspired me to do the same. I started reading every day. I also was prompted to spend quiet time just praying and listening to God. I wasn’t going through any specific hardship at the time, but things were not great in my family and I had a lot to bring to the Lord and just rest in Him. God really met me then and I became disciplined in reading His Word and talking to Him and listening to Him. One year later, my life completely fell apart. My husband confessed his affair, he left his ministry, my youngest daughter was deep in lots of trouble. Things were a mess. I went down the deepest hole I had ever been in. In the past, I don’t think I could have handled it, to be honest. But because of the year I had spent reading His Word, praying and listening to Him, I was prepared to handle it. During that time I felt such a deep and real presence of God. It was so tender, so loving, so gentle. Every morning I longed for it, to just feel His presence. I can hardly describe it, but I’m sure it was a glimpse of Heaven. I haven’t felt it since, but the closeness I felt with God, the love I felt from Him carried me through that valley. It got me to the other end. It allowed me to hang in there with my marriage and start to rebuild it. It allowed me to keep praying and hoping for better things, a better outcome for my children. I remember during that time we did Mourning and Dancing as a community. It was so timely. I don’t think I commented much at the time, but I remember others commenting who were going through something similar to me in their marriages. It was timely, because I literally knew NO ONE who could relate to me. God spoke to my heart several times during that time as well. I can truly say that I heard His voice and will carry that with me until I meet Him in person in Heaven. Now, in current areas of hardships, this closeness is what I long for. I have never felt His presence like that since, but I know that He prepared me for it a year before it happened and He is always there for me even when I don’t see Him or feel Him. One last thought, I always expected God to turn my mourning into dancing by now. I am still mourning some things. It didn’t happen as I thought. I assumed I would go through the valley, suffer for awhile, and then boom, things would miraculously turn around and all would be well. It is not like that. Things are still hard. Better, but hard. My marriage is still hard, but better. My daughter is still lost. My son still does not have faith anymore. But there are blessings as well. And I felt the presence of God. I know He is with me, with us. THAT’S the important thing.
Yes, he is with us, that’s the important thing! amen. Love you, thank you for always being so vulnerable. I think many of us Christians think the same way…we will go through valleys, and then God will fix it and we are done. I see many people suffering for years and hardships after hardships, and they may never see the good until heaven. But God..something is happening and moving, we can’t see it..but our hope and faith and love will be lasting forever. It may not feel like his favor is on us, but his blessing come through to give us glimpses.
“Dessert Road” by Casting Crowns came on to hear my thoughts better summed up! So good.
I don’t wanna write this song
I don’t want this pain to be my story
I don’t want this desert road
Are You sure this is the plan that You have for me?
Out here in the dust and clay
God, if there’s a bigger picture
It’s gettin’ hard to see today
But I know that You won’t leave me hereI don’t know where this is going
But I know who holds my hand
It’s not the path I would’ve chosen
But I’ll follow You to the end
Lord, as long as I am breathing
I will make Your glory known
Even if it means I’m walking
On this desert road
You got my attention now
I was doin’ the talkin’, but now I’m listenin’
This is where my hope is found
Knowin’ life is hard, but You’re still with me
And I’m not out here on my own
You are close to the broken-hearted
‘Cause You’ve already walked this road
And You’re gonna finish what You started
Amen, Laura. We are glad to have you here with us to share your story and lend encouragement ❤️
what a wonderful testimony Laura Diane. Thank you for sharing. It’s so true…we think we “deserve” to have things better after our valleys. But God doesn’t promise an easy life. In fact, he tells us we will have troubles. And then we beg Him to take them away. But He just carries us through them and never leaves us. Yes, staying in His Word is the only place to be.
Hugs to you and prayers for your prodigals. ❤️
Laura Dianne thank you for sharing. I can relate to you in that about 4 years ago I had a special, sweet time with the Lord that I hadn’t experienced before nor since. I always long for it … but when I doubt and feel like “God where are you?” I can recall that time and hang onto it.
What a wonderful testimony Laura Diane.. It’s only when we look back that we see His hand and the weaving of His mercy in our stories..
Glad you are here with us.. ❤
Dealing with chronic pain is a struggle to be patient. In my heart, I know that God is mighty, and He can heal me in a second. However, for some reason, He has not yet. I pray about my health everyday so that I can fulfill my duty as a mom and wife, which He called me to be. Until then, I pray that I will continue to remember to pray to Him and be patient for His timing. ❤️
Angela, I have fibromyalgia and also deal with chronic pain. I’m praying for you. God will give you strength.
In seasons of hardship I remember wanting relief from the hardship, to have the burden lifted and feel safe and secure. I wanted revelation from God – why, how,etc. Like SEARCHING, I have learned to ask God what He is trying to teach me and change in me. That focus helps me to trust and carry on whether I see the desired relief or not.
Reminded of this passage:
Luke 1:31-33
“31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” NLT
So many great comments as usual; thank you all!! ❤
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Being deep on all the grief, loss, and sorrow of losing my husband, I long for peace and to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit continually.
Praying for comfort during this really difficult time, Mia Faith. Hugs to you ❤️
OH….Mia, sweet girl…praying for you!
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Holding you and yours close, Mia… with c continued prayers.. ❤
Reading this today, I couldn’t think about hardship because all I can see once rounding vs. 14 is God’s promises fulfilled and yet to come. I see Jesus everywhere: the bread that satisfies, the clothing of salvation, the horn of salvation, the light of the world. And then I read revelation 19:6: where the saints are clothed in fine linen rejoicing, and revelation 21:22 where there is no temple because the glory of the Lord fills the city giving it light. And in our current state of affairs I feel like we are in a time where everything hidden in the darkness is being brought to light, and yes if all you see is what was in the darkness, it feels dark, but to see it as God clothing his enemies with shame, feels pretty good. Come Lord Jesus come.
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Indeed, Lanie, come Lord Jesus come..❤
Got LOTS out of today’s reading!! May each of you be blessed and may each of us choose to make our home with God. Amen.
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Psalm 132:14 This is My resting place forever;
I will make My home here because I have desired it.
*Zion. God’s resting place and home is Zion. I wanted to look this up and research it further so I went to the website Bible Study Tools dotcom. Subject: what is Mount Zion & why is it important. Hopefully you’ll be able to find it.. I will post the article in our Facebook Group.
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It gave a history of many important & significant events that happened on Zion before it was Zion.. like where Abraham offered up Isaac in sacrifice, where Jacob had his dream of climbing to Heaven, where David purchased a threshing floor and made atoning sacrifice for his sin, where Solomon built the temple.. there is SO much depth in each of these events, what they represent and how they prepared the way for The Foundation (God), to right now and all that is happening both physically and spiritually in the world!! It really blows my mind!!! Wow!!! …if you don’t want to read the whole article (which is super good and enlightening, if you have time) then here is what I highlighted from it…
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“Zion is the essence, foreshadowing, and symbolism of the Kingdom of Heaven. Zion is our place of refuge, protection, and communion with God. From Zion, all God’s children can obtain an intimate, sacred view of the Almighty—as He was, as He is, and as He will be. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant that transformed Mount Zion into an eternal city. And on Mount Zion, we will live in His Holy presence forever.
*Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
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Today, Christians have the privilege and honor of dwelling in Zion which is the Kingdom of Heaven or God’s presence—through the blood of Jesus that was shed for us on Calvary. But our present, glorious walk in Zion is nothing compared to the future glory that will be revealed. Now, we witness Zion from an incomplete vantage point. As “through a glass, darkly.”
A day is coming when we will enjoy the fullness of God’s presence when we see Him “face to face” in the eternal Zion.” -Annette Marie Griffin
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**May we choose to dwell in His Presence now and forever. And may we desire God the way He desires us!! Amen.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have often wondered this myself. What Facebook page are you referring to?
Kristin, as AZ Walker said, Rhonda J created a private Facebook group called SRT She’s. It’s wonderful to put faces to names!! Hope you join the group!! ❤️
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Glad you all were blessed by the article!! Blessings to all you sweet sisters!! Xoxo
Thank you ERB / Emily! I just read the article and it’s hard to describe to other people what Zion means to us as believers, this is so helpful. Kristin, SRT She’s is a private Facebook group that Rhonda J created for us.
ERB, Blessing right backatcha dear sister She! ❤
Good morning! I know this group is made of so many amazing prayer warriors and so I’m asking for prayer today. My sweet friend has been battling a glioblastoma for 2.5 years. She was finally feeling back to herself and on her scan yesterday, they found more cancer and she is having major brain surgery tomorrow. Please pray for her heart to be calm and surrounded by the peace of Jesus. Please pray for her husband (who is a pastor) to support her and for Jesus to meet him where he is. I know he is likely as upset as her. Please pray for their kids as they have to be away from their parents. Thank y’all!
I have a childhood friend who is also going through this, except he has not quite surrendered his life to God..there are MANY prayers being prayed for him, his wife and their young kids.. we have seen a lot of those prayers be answered as well as miracles!! But it is a tulmultous rollover coaster ride!! I am and will be praying for your friend and her family!! ❤️
Katy, will put your friend and her husband in prayer, especially that it all goes well with her surgery.
Katy, praying as you requested and that the surgery will be successful and recovery uneventful. May God guide the hands of the surgical and care team through this procedure and recovery. ❤
We pray healing for your friend from all cancer. God, cause the surgery to be successful and for her to recover quickly. Be with their kids while they are away.
May God be so near to this woman and her family – may she walk in the confidence of God and trust Him no matter the outcome. May this family have the peace of the Lord as their strength and comfort. ❤️
My husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma 2.5 yrs ago. That was a scary time for us. His scans have continued to be clear ever since. We have gone the integrative medicine route rather than chemo and he is doing well…until last October when he got vasculitis. Now that! This has been much worse than the brain cancer!! But God….
I have added your sweet friend to my prayer list ❤️
Oh Katy, will be praying for your friend and her family. Is it possible to get her name.. Even if it’s only her initials..❤
Thank you for the kind words and the prayers for my brother. Unfortunately the news was not great. The cancer has returned and we are meeting with his doctor today for next steps. I want to remember that God is writing his story. I want to make room today for God to speak, and not listen to the lies of the enemy. Like Colleen wrote, make a place for the Holy Spirit. One of youth pastors at Elevation have a sermon a few weeks ago called “Make Room” that speaks to this. Praying for requests ladies. Xo
❤ So sorry to hear this; continued prayers!
TAMI C,continued prayers for your brother. Praying the meeting tomorrow will have some positive angles, and that today/tonight there is peace in all affected by this , hearts.. ❤
Lord please remove fear and replace it with the joy and peace only you can give. In Jesus name, Amen
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Sadly, the last hardship that was as significant as the current family health struggles, I longed for acknowledgment and recognition for my caregiving and my sacrifice, BUT GOD saw and ultimately that is what matters. It can be fickle and at times hollow to chase man’s approval. May I continue to ask God for strength then it is in Him and not me. Then instead of me getting acknowledgment, it is me giving Him the praise!
Oh, Danielle… I see God’s hand working in your spirit…Caregiving is so difficult…Thankful for your heart’s cry and obedience… lifting you to Jesus…♥️
Danielle, I pray that God would continue to give you lots of affirmation that He sees you and feels pleased by how you have been extravagant in your love towards others. I pray that the sweetness of His approval would far surpass that of people.
Danielle, sending you a Tina hug wrapped in love and covered in prayers of thanks for you and the caregiving you give. It is not the easiest of jobs and sometimes it can be a thankless one.. I salute you!
Thank you! ❤
Past seasons of hardship and struggle – no fun in looking back at many of them as the decisions and choices I made – poor is a vast understatement. The longing was escape, relief, a path out. I still long for those things in tough seasons, but now also pray to see what the Lord wants me to see or learn, along with seeking His wisdom and guidance.
CEE GEE – yesterday’s post ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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HEIDI !!!! so good to see you, sister! Thank you for the updates and praise reports ❤️ And this – God is already working to redeem what needs to be redeemed.
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TAMI C – praying for your brother
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying for the praise team situation!
MIA FAITH – praying, sister.
You used the very words I was going to share! Escape, relief, etc. and about how you respond now: excellent! ❤❤
Thank you! ❤
Searching, My door is always open! Glad though, that the Lord is your ‘hiding place’ 2 Samuel 22:2 says.. The Lord is my protector, He is my strong fortress..
Much love my sister, much love..❤
Thank you Karen, Tina, Colleen, Lauren. Praying for each of you. Please pray for me too.
Mary Ann, praying peace over you, covered in His richest blessings..❤
In my NLT study Bible commentary for Psalm 132:2-5 it says, “We must live so close to God that we become restless until God’s will is accomplished through us.”
So good!
Lord, please see my open heart. Please use me for Your will and Glory. Amen
Have a blessed Wednesday, Sister. VBS has been going strong this week. Please keep us in prayer as we share God’s Word with the littles.
I LOVE this!!! Thank you for sharing!!! I’m putting this in my journal!!! ❤️
❤❤
I’m just now going through the comments from yesterday. I appreciate you, Sisters, and all of your comments, insights, and rawness. Thank you so much for sharing.
Heidi, welcome back. I am glad to hear things are coming along. Isn’t God so Awesome and Faithful?
I just need to trust God and know He is there either me through big and small hardships.
My longing has been peace that only God provides and a way forward that He also provides.
I came online to find this reading as I was hungry for more truth in the middle of my night (EST, anyone?). I am so glad I did. I needed it so badly.
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Father, may I always be this hungry and thirsty for You and Your Word.
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As I lay in my bed reading this, these words of David struck me and stuck with me:
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“I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob” (Psalm 132:3-5).
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I know David swore these words to the LORD regarding building a temple for Him (which was finally realized by Solomon), but I also read it as the temple of the Holy Spirit: my body and my heart (1 Corinthians 6:19).
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Father, I cannot rest or live a day without finding and making a space for You, the LORD of all. Forgive me when I put so many worthless things above and before You and refuse to give You what You deserve: all of me. I am so convicted by these words. I have been unfaithful in my life and heart. Break me open, LORD. Remove every idol and wash me clean.
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“I am sorry, LORD, for the thing I’ve made it when it’s all about You. It’s all about You, Jesus” (“Heart of Worship” Matt Redman).
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Please forgive me, LORD. Teach me love, trust, and value You above all else. Be the King of my heart (“King of My Heart” Bethel Worship).
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You are in my prayers and on my heart, dear Shes. Be well and be blessed today. Remember Who is on the throne. Commit to Him. He is so worth it.
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P.S.: I pray that my prayers written and shared here are not seen as being pharisaical, superficial, showy, or ingenuine. (I have to fight the enemy’s condemnation as I type this.) I share them here for encouragement but mostly for accountability. I am so human and frail. I know I am no better than the Israelites who said one thing to God but did another. You are my friends, my community, my family. Please pray for me and hold me accountable.
Colleen,
Thank you for sharing. So glad to have you hear on this journey with us. Such good stuff! <3
Amen Colleen – thank you for putting your thoughts into prayers and sharing them so we may pray them along with you!
100% agree with Tricia C and Cat-Tee
Me too, COLLEEN! Thank you for sharing your prayers and encouragement with us. ❤️
Colleen – I follow daily but seldom comment. However your prayer so applies to me. I plan to save it and pray it regularly. Thank you.
Amen
Wow Colleen – I love the connection you made to us being the temple of the Holy Spirit and the need to make room for Him. I am convicted and you voiced what I am longing for. On the podcast this week they talked about wanting to slow down, and that resonates with me. Slow down when situations in my life are chaotic and I’m trying to do it all on my own, slow down when my kind goes to all different what ifs, slow down and just sit at Jesus’s feet. I have an easier time studying, reading, doing than sitting. Have a blessed day!
Thank you for giving us words to pray—at least those of us who are just barely waking up.
AMEN!!! Thank you SO much for sharing!! Your words and insight encouraged me immensely!! ❤️
Your words weee what I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing them!
Colleen, thank you for sharing your prayer and convictions. It certainly applies to me also. Have a wonderful day!
Colleen, what a powerful share; thank you!!! ❤ Amen to what other SHES replied!
Thank you Colleen, I prayed them as I read along.
Please continue to share your prayers dear Colleen. The devil is so wicked with his horrible lies. In moments when the pain is too much to pray, I usually borrow the words of prayers shared here. Thankful for you and shes that share their prayers.
Colleen, your prayers are beautiful! I say thank you as I pray along with you.. keep ’em coming and I’ll keep joining you.. thank you for thinking of us and trusting us.., Sister ❤️
I can’t look back without tears! There have been rivers cried over the years. From my early years, my father being awarded custody of my brother and I, to boarding school at 4, to leaving my dad to meet my mother after 13 years, to wanting to end my life because I didn’t feel I belonged in the family my mother had.. to having a child at 17, and no help from family..to ending up in hospital, a few times after being beaten by my then husband..
The seasons of my childhood were not all bad, but the memories of the struggles and pain returned in the asking of the questions this morning.
To the first question, I longed for home! The safety of my father arms. The safety of his love.
Funny, I’ve only just realised now in this response that, that is all I’ve ever wanted.. to be loved and safely home in my father’s arms.. I was always working towards my Father God..,even in the young me thinking, I just didn’t know it!
BUT GOD..
Father God’s love is HOME. It’s safe. It’s true. It’s pure. Its freeing. It’s a perfect love that casts out the fear of not knowing. The fear of rejection. The fear of getting it wrong. The fear of ‘what if’. The fear of the struggle. The fear of homelessness, not belonging. hopelessness..
It is a perfect love that brings you HOME.
Now,in the autumn of my life, I am so so very thankful that this is a heart and soul truth I carry with me. I have tasted and seem the goodness of God, more often than I can count. The journey of life will always have it’s ups and downs, and for sure a few side swipes, with a few lemons thrown in for good measure…
BUT GOD..
He made Himself known in my heart, and stayed .. forever.
I will shout for joy in praise for the promise keeper, who provides, protects, and is ever present.
He has chosen me, and He lives in me, giving me a home .. forever..
I will live in the house of the Lord.. forever.
AMEN.
Happy Wednesday dear hearts, praying the Lord turn His face to shine on you today, in all you do, say and are..❤️
Amen. Thank you, TINA, for sharing your story and His faithfulness. He is so good.
As I made my bed, just now, the words , I have lived totally and utterly in the goodness of God, through the thick and thin of my life!
Thank you Father God, thank you..❤
Amen Tina ❤️
Amen and amen❣️
Love you and thank you, TINA, for sharing the testimony of the Lord’s past and ongoing work in your precious life. ❤️
Tina you never cease to amaze me! I think you should write a book:) You have a gift with words and it is such a blessing to all of us.
May you know the peace and comfort your words bring to your sisters. I thank God for you, Tina
Good Morning Ladies!
Tina Thank you so much for being so open and real. We never know how our words can touch someone or be what they need at the time!
Praying for all of you Ladies this morning!
@Tina it’s so crazy because when answering the questions this morning I wrote LOVE too (before I ever read your comment). My story was the opposite- both parents in my very stable and consistent home growing up, somewhat rebellious teenage/young adulthood and then pretty stable and safe adulthood. Yet I too longed for love in the hard times. So grateful for the infinite love of the ultimate father! And thankful for each one of you She’s ! I’m
❤️Beautiful Tina.
❤
I’m longing for home…as I have shared before, my husband returned from deployment almost exactly 4 years ago with severe ptsd. He’s tried and failed treatment, been put off by the VA. I’m longing for stability, longing to have him back.
Please pray for myself and the kids tonight. Things got bad enough that I had to take the kids and leave. My husband kept having screaming fits and screaming awful things at my kids. We’re at my mother in laws now. I’m thankful that she’s having us, and that we have somewhere to stay, but it can’t be our forever plan, and my husband can’t go on like this. I know his real self is in there somewhere, and I know he hates being in his current state too
LAUREN GW, After I finished praying for you, these words of praise began singing in me,
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“Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
‘Cause He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?
He won’t…” (“Firm Foundation” by Maverick City Music)
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Which then blended into:
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“That’s why I trust Him
That’s why I trust in God, my Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail…
I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered…” (“Trust in God” by Elevation Worship)
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God is faithful, and He is with You. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
LAUREN GW, I had typed up a prayer for you and your family to, hopefully, encourage you. It did not save in the comments, but God heard it and He hears your prayers and your cries in the night. Hold firmly to Him. He will never let you go.
Praying for you dear sister. Praying God’s loving arms around you and the children, and your husband. Lord, in your power , love and grace, help this family to be a family again, for Laurens husband to get the help he needs Lord and for life to return covered in hope of a better future.. Lord, in your mercy..AMEN.
Lauren, may you and yours know His peace today and in the coming days..
Much love covered in continued prayers.❤
Lauren, praying for you and your family. It’s the very least I can do for what your husband, you and the kids have sacrificed for me and my family and friends. Lord, heal the hurt and heaviness and bring wholeness for this family. Place a protective hedge around their hearts, minds, bodies, souls and spirit. Pour Peace into all the cracks and crevices by Your mercy. In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Praying now
Praying for you all.
Lauren, you and your family are in pmy prayers. The Lord hears our prayers. Just stay faithful to Him. We love you. You are in a safe place here. {hugs}
Lauren GW, praying along with our Shes sisters for you, your husband, and whole family ❤️
My heart breaks with your situation. I’m so sorry for the suffering you, your husband, and the children/family are going through.
Praying, sister, for healing of the ptsd that your dear husband continues to battle. Praying for his safety and that of you and your children, for wisdom, guidance and encouragement as solutions and healing are sought. ❤️❤️❤️
Lauren I join my voice with the others here! Praying for peace for you and your family and for your husband to get the help he needs. That God would open a door today that would lead your husband on the path to healing. In Jesus’s name. Amen
Lifting you and your family to Jesus, dear Lauren…♥️
Lauren, I am so sorry for this situation. Praying for all of you.
Praying for peace and rest for you, your children and your husband. May the God of all miracles reach down and touch your husband and heal him from this terrible anguish. I am so sorry for what you are going through and pray that you feel God’s presence in real and tangible ways as you work through each and every day. Sending lots of love to you and your family.
LAUREN GW, you and your family have been on my “every single day” prayer list for some time. May God wash over your husband with thoughts of peace. May the right help be found. May God protect you and your children physically and emotionally. God sees and knows your need. You are loved, sweet sister! Thank you for the service of your husband and your entire family! ❤️
Yes I join the other shes in praying for your husband, you, and your children. So thankful you have a place to go. Thankful for your family’s sacrifice for us.
Hugs ❤️
Lauren GW— I’m so sorry that you are going through this. This is a hard situation to be in. I will pray for your sweet family, for healing for your husband, and for a reunion of you and your children with him. Sending much love.
Praying for you Lauren and the kids, and may God heal this PTSD and its damage.
Praying for you my dear sister, Lauren. I can’t imagine what it is like for you and your children or for your husband who is suffering so. May God come to your rescue and aid. May He minister to your hearts, giving wisdom to you and finding help for your husband. I am so sorry your are going through this – my heart hurts for you all. Much prayers! ❤️
What a hard place to be, dear Lauren. My heart cries out. Please cleave to the great Peace Maker & Promise Keeper & Lord Protector. And pray without ceasing.
LAUREN GW – Such beautiful prayers have been lifted on your behalf! I add my AMEN! to our sister SHES prayers. I am so glad you have a safe place temporarily and support along the way. Adding your in-laws to my prayers as well. I, too, shout out a thank you for the sacrifice of service! ❤