After reading today’s psalm, use the guiding content below to help you reflect, respond, and engage with one another.
The ascent provides time to reflect on God’s provision. In counting up the things the psalmist holds dear, the song tells of God’s care for His people with praise and gratitude.
- In what areas of your life are you the builder or protector?
- How can you remember God’s provision in those places?
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165 thoughts on "A Song for Going with God’s Provision"
Eating the bread of anxious toil. That can definitely feel like me. I can feel on edge a lot not know what to expect. I am a mom of four – while I know that children are a blessing a lot of anxiety can come from parenting as well. I need to trust in the lord – lean on him for his rest/sleep
I am the builder of esteem in my family. I lift up people when they are down.
i am protective over people i care about and building wise i know i have faults. i want to be better in this time of reflection
I’m not the builder or protector of anything. How can I apply this psalm to myself? I am very grateful for His provision of all that I have but I don’t know what else to say about this one.
I try to build an environment of love in my home. I try to help provide for my family.
Filled with gratitude from the goodness of God!
I am a mother and always doing what I can to provide for my daughter and protect her. I need to trust that God is going to provide in ways that I cannot and make miracles for us when we need it most!
Amen
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord ❤️
Lord, thank you for the blessing of my beautiful children. I pray for those couples who dearly pray for children and are in the waiting. May you grace them with your gifts. Amen.
I am the builder and protector of our finances, home, and children. Father thank you for your provision, for the career you’ve blessed me with, the home you’ve allowed us to inhabit, and the children you gifted us with. I’m so thankful for these wonderful blessings and know if not for you, we would not be where we are. Please help me to be a better steward where I need to be and to not be anxious over my children’s lives as I release them into adulthood. As much as I love them, You love them more than I am capable! You are their ultimate protection and I pray they seek You! Father draw them close to you! In Jesus Name, Amen!
I have finally caught up on my readings after a stressful week. I hope all of you are doing well and am praying for you all! ❤️
Taylor G, praying for you too.❤️
Sometimes I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, feeling like I am the builder and protector of all those around me. In the last 10 years my family has suffered the loss of 10 family members, about 1 a year. My 3 grandparents, my own parents, and 4 aunts and uncles. At 53 I am now the “matriarch” of the family. I have 3 younger brothers and I feel keeping the family together is all on me. One of my brothers is divorced and fighting stage 4 stomach cancer. I am walking beside him in this because there is no one else. We have to make some heavy decisions and I feel unequipped. My other brother has 2 young ones to whom I am surrogate grandma. They are my joy! And then I have my own 2 kids and my husband. It just seems like a lot and I miss the older women in my family. Being a woman amongst men is not easy.
I am learning to turn to and lean into God. To be grateful for those who have past and to do the best I can do now. But I put a lot of pressure on myself.
Tami C, you are the Esther of your family! And you were made for such a time as this! With the Lord God as your guide and wisdom from the ones on whose shoulders you now stand you’ve got this, just breathe… breathe..
Sending you some encouraging love and hugs covered in prayers for rest and grace..❤️
Tami, man my heart and my prayers go out to you! You have suffered so much loss. Just remember you can’t and aren’t supposed to be everything to everybody. Of course give all the love you can, but maybe hand of some responsibilities in your own household to the hubby. Praying for your brother, I’m so sorry you are having so much! I love what Tina said…you are an Ester..for such a time as this.
Amen Rhonda! Tami, praying for you
Tami my heart goes out to you! I understand the pressure you are feeling! I pray that you will feel the strength and wisdom of the Lord!
Praying you continue to find your strength in the Lord, Tami, as you steward what you can… that is a lot to manage and emotionally make sense of!
It is He who holds all things together- including your family ❤️ (Colossians 1:17) praying when you feel weak and unequipped, you see Him carrying the weight for you. God bless you!
I learned 30 years ago that I was not in control. I’m thankful that God provided me with the hands and talent to make a living doing hair. He was the builder of my clientle. I did feel that I was the protector of Tanner until a very young man told me that he was God’s child on loan to me to take care of. Out of the mouths of babes…
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In what areas of your life are you the builder or protector? I think I’m a bit of both in family. Building up my family and protecting them in times of need.
How can you remember God’s provision in those places? That the Lord provides in his time. We will all go through times of triumph or loss, but we are saved through His grace and love. We can count on that and when we need to we remind our friends and family of that truth.
As a parent to children through birth and foster care, my idea of protection and who I can protect is continually challenged. What freedom to know that the Father is my kids’ protector. What freedom to know that he loves them and protects them more than I ever could, and when I think it is my job, that is only because of his gift to do so in the daily moments that he already knows and sees.
Amen Kaley! That is so true.. what freed!❤️
Happy Wednesday! Deciding if I am a builder or a protector is hard. I will go above and beyond what is needed of me but I am an extremely empathetic person as well. I try to see the best in every situation and often times feel bad for most people.
Hello Everyone. I echo much of the comments already. As a mother I am definitely a protector. My kids, even though they are grown, are my life. As a wife I am a builder as I work everyday on my marriage and my life with my husband.
I am very fascinated about the subject of house building. I love it. Years back, I studied courses on construction, some real estate law on encroachment and such, to be an appraiser. I got to see and inspect new built, went to construction site, spoke with builders, contractors and it was a wonderful part of my job. There are many things that go into a completion of a home and I am just fascinated by it all, imagining all of this work was put in, for a blessed family to one day move in and build a life and memories. My husband is the protector of our home. When he was little, he always wanted to be a police officer, to protect, and he is protective of us. But to what extent? He fell victim to suicide thoughts. Even himself could not protect himself against those things. But GOD, only GOD can protect us from unseen enemies, the constant whispers of scorn and contempt, the voice of shame and deadly condemnations. I sometimes look at myself as a guard/watcher of our home spiritually, because I cover them in prayers daily, and it was hard work for me, and I was watching out for the issues and those issues hurt me. But by His grace, prayers were not so hard like they once were. Prayers used to be crushing for me, but gradually, by His grace, ashes were turned into beauty. I could pray also for others without grieving so bad the current reality, setting my eyes on the glorious promises. The Lord was always, always so gracious to guard us and grant us our answers to the prayers, one way or another, His gentle hand, His mighty hand, His kindness and also sternness will bring us through. New mercies every morning are our portion and legal right. To God be all the glory and praise from us forever and ever. Be blessed dear sisters.
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Mercy, ❤️
God bless you, sister❤️
I have tried to build my house on my own strength and then set out to protect it from what I think are dangers. The problem is that often it’s more like a house of cards, one puff and it falls apart. It can be a scary thought to allow the Lord to protect it because there’s no guarantee that we will be spared physical or mental harm. Those are the areas that I try desperately to protect. God is more interested in protecting our souls. My walls of protection need to be dismantled so that God can build His protection around me. This process leaves me raw and vulnerable but that’s where He can start to work.
As I pondered to answer the question, in what areas of my life am I a builder or protector, I thought to myself…I don’t even feel like I am in control of my life. Decisions are made for me, pretty much on a daily basis. On days I work, I have to go to work. I guess I can decide not to go but then my bills don’t get paid. I don’t have money to purchase food or gas. I really do not feel I have much control over what goes on around my life. I want to control my reactions to what is going on in my life. Not let it run me but to live past them. Not let them be the center but Him be the center. Let Him direct my actions, responses and my entire life.
prayers for your peace and the medical staff during these tests, Victoria…
I loved the point made in the podcast about how the pagans often sacrificed their children to Molech or built them into the foundations of their homes to seek their god’s blessing, and this song was to remind the people that NO, our God does not want that of us! That is why he stresses that children are a blessing.
Can you even imagine people being so hard-hearted towards their own children???? I just can’t fathom that behavior. And yet, we have terrible things happening to children in this day and age, too… abuse, abortions, neglect… oh God, please help us!!!
Good morning She’s! I’m here early as I have a day off work to get some testing done. These Psalms have been a balm for my soul. I definitely feel like a builder, trying to craft a good existence for myself and my family. Right now though I need God’s providence as I wait to go into the scanner. Please pray that the results are good. I have faith they will be.
Praying for an accurate test and report and for peace of mind for you!❤
Praying Victoria, thst God’s hand is all over and in these tests. Thst you have peace and trust in Him who knows you, your today and your tomorrow.. He has got this.. ❤️
praying dear Victoria.
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As protector, I think of my children (even though they are grown), my grandchildren, my clients I deliver meals to twice a week, my sisters (I’m the oldest) and my soul. As a builder I look on how as Outreach Chair at church we can serve our community and beyond. In Rotary, I am Community Service Director and look for ways to serve the community, state, country and internationally. None of this can happen without praying for direction and discernment and giving the results to the glory of God. He is the builder and protector of all we do, if we can keep our of His way. For those who don’t get the books, there’s an extra page with a map of the possible routes they took to “Journey Home”. It shows where they would have come from to gather for the three feasts a year. Lifting up all you “builders and protectors”.
Wonderful all you do!!
Donna Wolcott, God bless you.❤️
I’m writing a story where I don’t know if a happy ending will occur or not.
After reading your comments, I am actually not a builder or protector. I live like a story teller in my mind.
It is so easy to think I am in control of things when I am the schedule maker, bill payer, planner of meals, etc. But God has made it clear lately that my plans need to be revolved around Him. He is the supplier, and unless He grants it, then everything I strive to do is useless.
I struggled for a bit over the scripture passage today, wondering how the two sections went together. Came up with this: Whatever the Lord has given you to do, whether it’s raising kids, having a ministry, being in a career…all of your own efforts are in vain unless you are following God’s instructions for YOU. God has blessed all of us with a calling…and we can stress over it all, try to figure it all out ourselves or following His ways and sleep at night because we are trusting Him. I need this today.
Like you Dear Kris, I struggled too with these verses. Coming to the conclusion the vanity must be the futility of trying to do things on our own, which likely is not in keeping with His ways. And the revelation of His knowledge, wisdom & power. Anyway…our willingness & motivation to ponder, reflect, engage with scripture is in itself a gift provided by God.
Amen, Kris..❤️
I feel like the past 7 years I’ve been both builder and protector. I don’t have much time to comment as I slept in a little longer. When I left an abusive marriage, I went right into protective mode for my children and myself. I became the sole provider (he did not support us) and I had to flee (got restraining order) and I felt I had to protect my children from their father. I put my trust on the ONE and ONLY Father God! MY JESUS to guide me. Had to make decision that were hard and not popular. It was hard for all of us. Fast forward to today. MY children LOVE me!! WE are VERY close! AND also protect me. I guess you can say we protect each other. During that time their were many tears, heartaches, I was beside myself trying to figure it out, BUT GOD…was with me the entire time. MOST important I did not blame God and my faith grew stronger. I wanted and want my children to see OUR JESUS has it all under control. Even when its hard!
Wow, what a testimony of God’s faithfulness to you and your kids. You’ve sure been thru some horrible times, but it’s so great to hear of your faith and trust in God during it all. I bet there were times you felt like you were failing, and maybe God was failing too, but here you are now, with a fabulous testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness. You are a living, breathing testimony.
Amen Mark! What a beautiful testimony. Gives me hope for seeds down as tears to reap a harvest some day.
I was searching to answer the questions this morning until I went back to the Psalm. ” Unless the Lord builds…it’s builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over.. the watchmen stay alert in vain. We can do nothing Unless we hand it over and trust Him to do it. Praise God for His grace!
I have been having trouble sleeping this week. I love the last part of verse two and will repeat this in the middle of the night… “yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.”
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It sounds like we all have tried to be the builder and protector, and some of us are better at realizing that this is God’s job and His delight. Let’s always remember to let Him do the building and protecting, sweet She’s! He knows what He is doing.
I feel like I am a poor protector and builder though I be a mom (4 amazing kids from 11 to 3), though I be a wife, and daughter of the King. I feel like I am doing good to just do the next right thing in front of me in my now. Even then, I often fail due to myself. The future is even murkier. BUT, what keeps me going is the simple fact that it isn’t about me and what I can do (which the older I get the clearer it becomes that I can nothing). I praise God that it is about HIM. It is about what He did, what He does, and Who he is!!! I would not make it except for Him and all I do is fight on my knees (a thing I could not do without Him -again- saving me from my sin and giving me new life).
I used to feel that I’m the builder snd protector of my family. My mom was the prayer warrior over all of my family. When she passed away, I felt a great void so I took up praying for the family. Which is what I do, but had to learn to surrender them all to the Lied’s care because I would worry over them a v lot
GM She’s. I love all the self-reflection and honest sharing during this study and hearing from so many!
I’ve always been about control, probably not in an obvious way, but I have always felt it is your attitude toward things that matter. I am positive and seek happiness in my life, with gratitude and thankfulness. But then- it fell a part in a Big way when I finally felt so happy and secure in my second marriage, a fun, good looking successful guy, a nice beautiful big home, and best of all- a beautiful baby boy!! I was so thrilled to have “arrived” to all I had wanted. Then- my husband said “I don’t really love you, and I just can’t stay married to you!” What? ..um..excuse me? You can’t say that…you can’t ruin everything!! Well, I was crushed. He moved out..and my dream crumbled and for once I couldn’t control my life. It was a huge wake-up call on my life that had been out of control in my twenties…still loving God but not living like it. Now, after this I felt so discarded and broken. THAT is when I hit my knees and knew I couldn’t control all things. I couldn’t make my husband love me magically..and I couldn’t stay with someone that didn’t love me in a way one should. It was more crushing when I had to continue co-parenting with him through those early years and still had to see him, and worse to be a part from my precious little boy. You know you couldn’t really communicate with him, you had to rely on communication with his dad while he was with him. Anyway…it was a hard, hard time. Luckily I had Christian clients I trained that brought me to their church and small group. I also had non-Christian friends wanting to go out and drink and hook up with men! (who you cling to in your valleys matter!!) Luckily (my Christian upbringing)..I ran to Christ. The devastating time is EXACTLY what I need to change my relationship with Christ from a Savior to THE LORD OF MY LIFE. I have basically been loving the Lord more and more over these last 20 something years. I will never forget how he brought me out of that and held my hand through so many other parts of my life since. You have to grab hold to him and not try to be in control of everything.
Sorry for the long post..but our testimonies are to help others. Mine seems so similar to dear Tina’s. So many lessons learned..so when you are in the trenches and valleys or facing big mountains, remember God will bring you through, but it is an exercise of dependence on Him, to strengthen you and to transform you in some way and you will be so fulfilled by him alone.
Keep sharing that testimony, sweet sister. That story always makes me so sad. I am glad you ran to Christ instead of toward destruction. Others see that and can have hope.
Thank you for sharing your heart! ❤ So glad you are thriving in ministry today!
Apologies in advance for another really long post, but this is too good not to share!
127:1 A wrecking crew or a demolition team can destroy in a few hours or days what it took engineers and builders months to plan and construct. Even a weak little child can heedlessly destroy something valuable, and some adults go through life just tearing things down. God has called us to build—our lives, our homes, our churches, and the kingdom of God around the world.
127:2 If verse 1 warns against overconfidence (“We can do it without God’s help!”), verse 2 warns against overwork and anxious toil (“I have to do it all right now!”). This verse does not say it is wrong for people to get up early, work hard, and make sacrifices (see 2 Thess. 3:6–15). It only warns us that our work must be a blessing we enjoy and not a burden we endure. Yes, both physical and mental toil are a part of this fallen world (Gen. 3:17), but doing God’s will is nourishment, not punishment.
127:2b Even as we sleep, God works for us in different ways, for He never slumbers or sleeps (see Mark 4:26–29). As we go to bed at night, we may look back at the day and wish we had worked better and harder, accomplished more and had fewer interruptions, but we can commit the day’s work to the Lord and not fret. After a hard day’s ministry, Jesus was able to go to sleep in a boat on the sea in a terrible storm (Matt. 8:23–27)!
127:3-5 Children are precious—a heritage—and make the home a treasury. But they are also useful—like fruit and arrows—and make the home a garden and an armory. If we do not raise our children to know and love the truth, who will plant the seeds of truth and fight the battles against lies and evil in the years to come? It is in the family that we preserve the best of the past and invest it in the future. Every baby born is God’s vote for the future of humankind and our opportunity to help make some new beginnings.
NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible
Copyright © 2021 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
You SHES have shared some outstanding comments today! Thank you! At the age of 70, I feel like my ‘building’ days are in the past. Maintaining as MARIA mentioned is where most of my attention is these days. There is an area in my life that would benefit from rebuilding, however, and that is in my marriage. I, in no way consider myself the builder or re-builder there. God knows the needs and I wait on Him. I struggle since days are closing in on time on this side of Heaven and I would love to spend the last years in peace and harmony rather than disagreement and strife, but it seems out of my grasp.
Praying for each of your heats. ❤
Thank you, I love commentaries on the scripture! That is the only thing I miss with the devotional and questions format! And BOY does your last paragraph resonate with me about NOT wanting strife and disagreement in my home!! I just want to enjoy each other and our life. I don’t understand it. but I feel like with me (God) having a spirit of calm, rather than reaction, and being loving and forgiving..my husband is seeing that is Jesus in me..and little by little he is seeing how he needs that. I hope, lol. I am obviously working on myself too and trying to give him what he needs (words of encouragement, not criticizing, more love and touch..(eyeroll) They require so much, lol.
Girl, you made my heart laugh at your eyeroll, but it isn’t a fun or funny situation and I am there with you! Thankful you are seeing some improvement!!!
I especially loved the commentary about 127b (and sleep). That is some helpful verbiage I need to remember on the nights that sleep is elusive. Thank you.
Isn’t it?! Glad it helped! ❤
Thank you CEE GEE. On the building of our home, this verse comes to mind, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down”. Thank you for pointing out how fast it takes to tear down, but building takes forever.
❤ that really resonated with me, too, Mercy!
Praying for some of God’s golden joy (Tina ❤️) in your marriage, dear Cee Gee
❤❤Awww, thank you, sister! How sweet!!! I will be looking for that (as Searching said ❤).
I’m the builder/protector of my child, my special education team at work, the emotional thermometer of my house, and my peace. God has given me so many beautiful gifts in these areas, but like everyone else, I sometimes rely too much on myself to get things done. I have been struggling with anxiety about my son’s safety (he’s 3)now that it’s summertime and my mind isn’t busy with job responsibilities. I always find something negative to ruminate on, unfortunately. I always pray for the health and safety of my family, but yesterday, I finally prayed to God about taking my toxic, ruminating thoughts away, and I did receive some peace for awhile. So, I will be leaning on God for this daily!! When I’m working during the school year, I always ask for compassion, patience, and energy to get through the day, and he always gives me that too! I’m just trying to remember to give it to God when I’m feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, stressed, instead of trying to do it all myself. I’m not quite awake yet, so this is very rambly! :)
❤️… makes perfect sense to me!
Dear Kim
Your imagery:
“the emotional thermometer of my house, and my peace”
Truly resonated with me. As a woman, I do believe far too often, this job rests on my shoulders alone. And I have to be vigilant, not on perfecting that job, but knowing it’s not solely my job. God can & does provide “helpers”. Tangible & intangible.
Praying for all Shes heavy laden. Praying that we lean more upon His strong shoulders.
Amen & Amen
I guess I’m the protector of my kids and somewhat the builder of my home…but both with my husband…I pray God is the true Builder and Protector of all. I cannot build anything He hasn’t created first and He protects, leads and guides our home with His mighty Hand. We need You, oh we need You. Every hour we need You!
Good morning, She’s! I feel the weight of building and protecting my 4 children, always. This past Sunday, our pastor spoke on the first verse of Psalm 123, “the Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” During our prayer time I saw each one of my children being embraced by Jesus. I saw the joy on their faces as they looked up into his face, His gentle smile as he held them close. It was a beautiful reminder that He is their ultimate builder and protector.
I would like to ask for prayer… yesterday I was offered a full time teaching position at a local private school. I’ve spent 20 years as a singer-songwriter, which has made it possible for me to build my own schedule and function primarily as a sahm for the last decade. Taking on a full time job would be a huge change for our family. I would appreciate prayer for discernment as I seek the Lord about this. Thank you!
Praying for definitive guidance; that is a HUGE decision, for sure! ❤
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Praying for you Jenny – may God guide and direct you every step of the way as you seek His will in your decision making.
Praying for discernment, Jenny ❤️
Years ago I had a plan for my life. I wanted a home with a fireplace and a porch, a family that loved God – surrounded peace and harmony.
Not long after voicing out loud my plan, God showed me His plan. It was to leave my home, family, church – all that I knew and loved, to follow my husband as God called him to study & prepare for ministry.
God eventually (after 7 1/2 years of training) called us to a church in NJ…and guess what, the parsonage had a beautiful big front porch and 2 fireplaces! I had my 3 children, and envisioned all of them walking with and loving God. Sadly, only my daughter has a relationship with Christ. “I could say, my plan was better Lord!” But I know that would not be true. His plan is always the best, His plans are always perfect. (Psalm 18:30) It was not God’s plan for my sons to walk away from faith, it was their own choice. God is good -all the time. (Psalm 100:5) It is He who is the architect of our lives. I will trust Him and will continue my prayer for my sons because I know our God is able to do exceedingly’ abundantly above all that we ask or think! (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Remembering you all in prayer. Have a blessed Wednesday! ❤️
Yes, Amen!
Like our pastor always says…”there’s no pain like kid pain”. I keep praying and sometimes struggle with those feelings of failure as I was a SAHM when we were raising them. When those little voices speak lies into my ear saying “you only had one job”, I have to cling to my Heavenly Father and continue to pray that God will use His Spirit to intervene and draw them back to the Truth of the Word of God and into the arms of the one who knows the hearts that used to be tender and on fire for Him but have been lured away by the deceiver…to never give up asking God and being thankful & hopeful as He says he leaves the 99 to save the one who has gone astray.
That is my hope and prayer ecs – thank you! ❤️
“Many children make many prayers, and many prayers bring much blessing” (a German proverb cited in Spurgeon). Joining you in prayer ❤️
Love that – thank you Julia! ❤️
Your story isn’t finished yet, so don’t give up on your sons. I, too, have kids who aren’t following God, but I truly believe that God will get ahold of them sooner than later. I keep praying that I get to see my kids yield to God in my lifetime. Don’t give up, keep praying, keep declaring salvation over your kids.
That is my prayer too Kris – that I will see them turn to the Lord, before I die!
I can relate to so many of you with children who wandered away from the Lord. Both my children and their spouses were baptized upon confession of their faith and spent the first few years of their marriage as part of a church community. Slowly they became more and more distant from the church and now they have stopped going altogether. Their children are now following in their footsteps. It was a slow fade and now it follows into the next generation. But as someone commented, their story is not over. I can’t protect them anymore but I can pray without ceasing.
Yes, that’s what keeps me going – the story is not over yet. As long as they are still living and breathing, there is hope! ❤️
What beautiful heart you have. Joining you in prayers over your dear sons.
Thank you Mercy! ❤️
The good thing Sharon, Jersey girl, is that your stories are not over yet.. Gods plan is perfect, whatever route we may take to get there… we WILL get there! Your boys WILL get there.
Your boys may make their choices now, BUT GOD..
Life is enriched, no matter the storm, IF GOD is made the centre. Your home has God at the center, He has got this.. He is a promise keeper.
Easier said than done, but maybe not watch what the boys are doing, so much as, rather watch for what the Lord will do, one of these fine days. They may have made the choice to walk away from Him,.. BUT GOD.. has not walked away from them..
AMEN.❤️
I echo all of these comments. My 2 children are not following the Lord. My husband and I are newer Christians (about 10 years now) and did not raise them in the church. My son was 18 when we started and my daughter 10. She was going and enjoyed it but then covid hit and she was disinterested in coming after that. I hate to push bc that’s what my mom did to me and it sent me in the opposite direction. Praying for this generation alongside all of you.
This is a challenging word for my soul this morning. I want to build, but if it’s not with God, I don’t even want to dream about it.
If God gives us gifts and talents, why would He not put them to use? Sometimes, it is a matter of timing.
I’d love to own my own business, serving the local community. I’d love to be a mother and a wife, making my home a place for the Lord. But I don’t want to start building towards those things unless I know God is building His Kingdom through me in them. Our lives are not our own, they are His. So, I wait for the green lights and the confirmations of God – “now is the time” and “this is the man that will build with you.”
I pray I am fruitful where I am today. I know at any point my life can end. God’s timing is not mine. I pray I can build His Kingdom today, in the here and now. I know that my dreams for my future are produced by the character God is building in me today. I will be a better steward of my future if I am faithful with what He tells me to do, today. ♥️
This life is such a mystery to me. The road God has me on. But as I go about it, it makes more and more sense, even in the mystery of the journey. I see the ways God is growing me to be more confident in Him, and less like who I used to be – full of such pride and stubbornness. Even God uses that stubbornness in a new way, to be setting my face like flint at Him and staying sturdy in my faith. ♥️ I am grateful to be with Him, rather than living a life in the world, totally lost and hurting. Thank you, Jesus! Praying my heart can encourage someone as I share it today. Love you ladies so much !! ♥️♥️
Oh, Michelle, such wisdom!!! Thank you for sharing your heart! ❤ Love you too!
❤️❤️❤️ Cee Gee!!
Love! You are such a sweetheart and have much wisdom dear Michelle! Enjoy being young and unanchored while you are! Once the hubs and kids come..life is busy and your time belongs to them, lol.
Thank you, Rhonda ❤️❤️ I know this time is very precious, trying to make the most of it!!
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Amen! The mystery on the blindfolded journey with God.
I suppose sometimes it does feel like we are blindfolded! That is faith, I suppose – believing what we are unable to see, yet know is in front of us ;)
Thank you for these encouraging words, Michelle ❤️ I needed to hear them. Praying with you that “we may be ruitful where we are today”.
aw glad to know, Julia ❤️❤️❤️
Sometimes I feel like I try to build and protect too much. Like so many have already stated, I need to keep Jesus at the center and NOT always see myself as solely responsible. I was definitely one of those kids who could always “do it myself” and I have a hard time asking for help. I am not always God-honoring in that way. In marriage counseling we also talked about putting God at the center and I know we do not get that right. As far as God’s provision…wow! He has provided so much for me and I take it for granted so many times. I focus so much on what I do not have and forget about the many things I do have. I was that prayerful teenager who prayed for a Godly husband and a family. So why is there so much conflict in those areas of my life? I don’t know, but I need to be more grateful for all of my blessings and focus on what is good and true and beautiful in my life. I am grateful for a husband who loves the Lord and I am grateful for my three children. Lord, forgive me for my negativity and focusing on what isn’t going right. I turn it all over to you.
I struggle with the same question. Sharing that prayer and thanks with you!
Well said! ❤
Yes, Amen! We all tend to do this…Lord, help us to focus on all that we DO have!
At this stage of my life, I am learning that protecting my Spirit is also as important as protecting others. As I pray over my family, I sometimes forget to pray about God protecting me and using me to build his kingdom. I saw a quote a few weeks ago that said: “I pray I don’t mishandle what I prayed for.” And that stuck with me because I think human nature is to, once God provides, how are we protecting and building from what we prayed for? I hope this makes sense. Feels a little like rambling this morning for me.
I understand you perfectly, I think! I, personally, was thinking my marriage as answer to the first question. So, building off of that and, say, praying for children, a job, etc. – are we prepared to rely on/trust God for the provision in each case or will we insert our own ‘colored by the world wisdom’ and overrule Him?! Great insight Maria!!! ❤
@Maria Baer, makes perfect sense to me
I love. Love. LOVE. that quote. I need to remember it. (To that end, I will be taking a screenshot of it!)
This morning I am reminded of a song by Hope Darst “If the Lord Builds the House” (lyrics below) and had to grin because of course her name is Hope. My hope is in the Lord! Praying today that we all seek the Lord first (and wait for His response) so that our own work is not in vain! Happy Wednesday She’s !! ☮️❤️
“If the Lord Builds the House”
I’ve built up my own name
But the walls couldn’t stand
I’ve trusted my own strength
But it was sinking sand
So I put my ruins
Into Your hands
And watch You restore them
Like only You can
‘Cause if the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
When it’s built on His name
There’s nothing gonna shake this ground
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
Ooh
The bricks may be weathered (yeah)
Through storm and through fire (fire)
Uh, but what God holds together (yeah)
It stands firm every time (every time, oh)
‘Cause my life is anchored
On this solid truth (anchored on the truth)
That whatever God’s building (build)
No, it can’t be moved
‘Cause if the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
When it’s built on His name
There’s nothing gonna shake this ground
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
Oh, nobody (ooh)
As for me and my house
We’re gonna serve You Lord
So here’s the keys, come on in
Everything we have is Yours
As for me and my house
We’re gonna serve You Lord
So here’s the keys, come on in
Everything we have is Yours
oh, here’s the keys
Won’t You come on in
Everything we have is Yours
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can (tear it down)
Nobody can tear it down
(If the Lord builds the house)
Nobody can tear it down
When it’s built on His name
There’s nothing gonna shake this ground
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down, oh
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
When it’s built on His name
There’s nothing gonna shake this ground (nothing that can shake this ground)
If the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
I said if the Lord builds the house
Nobody can tear it down
Love this song!
I am definitely the builder/protecter over my kids. It’s hard not to be, but as they continue to get older, I’m having to let go and trust the Lord. I cannot control every circumstance and so I have to give those things over to Him. I’m definitely a work in progress over here! I love that song, “I give it all to you God, trusting that you will make something beautiful out of me.” It reminds me to approach the Lord with open hands instead of a closed off heart. There is nothing to big or small for our God.
I wrote the exact same thing this morning! I think I’m the protector of my kids and how hard it is to come to terms with how that role changes the older they get. They’re 25, 23, 21 and 18.
I love this song ♥️ Will Reagan . Amen!
This hits home this morning.
I was a single mom for 8 years, got married 2 years ago, and within the last year transitioned to homeschool while also having my 3rd child. And moving..it’s been crazy and stressful. I could go on but truly I’ve been working on giving our homeschool to God, entrusting him in every area of life, and also learning to trust the Holy Spirit within me and that I am able to discern what he wants for me and my family. The burden of making the “right decisions” is something I really struggle with, ultimately God is the burden carrier and I need to rest in him and his provision.
Our home life, financially and with my children. Sometimes it’s overwhelming but Hod is the true builder and provider. I need to keep that always in my heart.
Good morning friends, what a beautiful gift to reflect on how God is our protector and provider! I am so grateful! I am a foster mom and don’t always make comments, but I love being part of this community. Could someone direct me to the Facebook page you all members of? I can’t seem to find it! ❤️
In the search bar, search for “SRT SHE’S” (but without the quotations). When I was searching for it, it was helpful for me to know that Rhonda Johnson is the administrator. Another clue you’re in the right spot is that 1 Chronicles 16:10 is the verse on the cover photo.
GM! Yes, good to see you, it’s been awhile!! I think I accepted you…but for others asking to join please put you are a member of SRT so I know you are legit,(many people join groups to spam and advertise). Thanks!
Ok Ty for the info!! This is Catharine and I just submitted a request to join the FB group!!
Great to see you again! ❤
I used to live life as if I was the builder and the protector. Finally being able to surrender my life to the Lord and work daily to not strive for control of my own life has allowed me to see Gods provision. I still am tempted to be the builder and protector now that I have a daughter but remind myself the only reason my daughter is here today is because I allowed God to be the builder and protector of my life. He is the ultimate provision!
Builder/protector … the tears started when I read those words. I’m neither, and yet am currently overwhelmed with responsibilities for family and business issues. Seeking guidance daily, hourly, by the minute at times. —
Thank you KELLY (NEO) for the reminder of being protector of our reputations. Thinking about my personal reputation, including my reputation as a Christian. Lord, please guide my words and actions. Praying for your work environment.
—
Praying for –
MISSY CSONKA – relief from anxiety, depression and fear
JACQUELINE MENA – marriage
ARLENE and LAURA DIANNE – joy restored, may you be surrounded by it
ADRIENNE – today’s dr appointment
CASSIE TAYLOR – financial provision
TAMI C – daughter’s mental health
CHERYL S – thankful Alana was found, praying for healing of mental health issues
LIBBY K, RHONDA J, SHARON JERSEY GIRL, LAURA DIANNE and others – praying for our prodigals
JILL SMITH – daughter’s marriage
—
LESLIE LITTLETON – “Eyes on Me”, thank you. That’s what I need to remember, keep my eyes on the Lord. Apologies that I didn’t note who said it this week – the benefits of looking up – spiritually and physically- appreciated!
CEE GEE – commentary shared yesterday…❤️❤️
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Praying for provision for dealing with the stresses in your life! May you see blessings at every turn today! ❤
Praying for God to provide divine help, wisdom and strength for you, and resolve the many issues.❤️
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Praying for your peace of mind and trust in God through this situation, Searching. ❤️ may you continue to seek the Lord and see His goodness, faithfulness, and mercy following you all the days of your life.
How can you remember God’s provision in those places? For me those places of building and protecting, are the many places in my life between caregiving my parents and grandma, my work, and my sister who walked away from God has been reaching out more to me in her struggles. So the key for me is to remember God is the provision. The verse of the day on a Bible app I also use reminded me to be yoked to Christ. He will help me bear the burden. I love God gentle reminders this week of relying on His strength.
Sitting in my kitchen looking around me. I realize I could not have built the life I have, husband, children, grandchildren and business without Jesus at the top.
He is my builder and watchman. In him I trust.
Happy Wednesday she’s. It is cool here in eastern Canada❤️
In what areas of your life are you the builder or protector?
.
I’m the builder and protector of my reputation. Some days I build with solid stone; some with flimsy veneer. :-\
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How can you remember God’s provision in those places?
.
I need to trust the if I love the Lord with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, the reputation I seek will follow (1 Peter 3:13-17).
.
SEARCHING – Praying Trey will seek the Lord and His guidance for the help needed to overcome addiction.
.
CHERYL S. – continuing to pray for Alana.
.
ADRIENNE – praying your appt. yesterday sheds light on what you are dealing with.
❤️
Phew— Kelly, the way I felt that first part of your answer.
Powerful, Kelly, thank you! Adding my amen to your prayers. ❤
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What comes to mind is the most important thing I need to build and protect – my spiritual growth and relationship with the Lord. And no matter how much effort I put in – unless the Holy Spirit opens my eyes and heart to the Truth, all striving is in vain. Thank you God for sending the Spirit to guide, bring to mind and correct me in my daily efforts to love and know You more! (Confessing a little envy of Tina’s cool temperatures – it is Not cold here in the south USA!) Blessings to you all no matter the weather.
Amen, Sally. Sitting on my deck in upstate SC. Beautiful!
Amen to all! I’m in Georgia, it’s a bit warm!
Amen Sally!❤️
I also wanted to share my excitement! We sponsor two children through compassion internation. Well, Ibrahim is going to be 9 the 26th. We sent him a birthday gift and we just got a picture of him with the goat that he bought with the money. See, God is providing for him and his family! I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to be a part of God’s plan.
♥️♥️♥️ love that you do this!!
Awesome!
My girl just turned 18 last December! I had sponsored her since she was 4! It was such a joy to see her grow over the years. Unfortunately the communication wasn’t that great over the years on her part which is what I really craved to know her and see how her life evolved. But none the less I know God used it to bless her.
We just started to sponsor Ibrahim who is turning 9. We have been sponsoring Kiara for 7 years! She will be 12 in September. It’s so wonderful! So grateful that we can have a small part in their lives.
If you ever get the opportunity to go with them to visit a child you sponsor…GO! It was such an amazing and life changing experience.
I would love that! We sponsor Ibrahim in Togo and Kiara in Columbia. What a blessing to be able to see their faces in person!
I sponsor kids thru there, too! It’s really cool! I don’t have much contact from them, but it’s still a joy to know I am making a difference in little kids’ lives.
❤️
Thank you, Lord, for your provision. Even when I think I have to do it all, thank you for the reminder that you are the ultimate provider. Please remind me to rest in you and not get so caught up in to thinking I have to be in control of everything. You will take care of me.
This song came to mind:
“God will take care of you,
Through every day,
O’er all the way,
He will take care of you.
God will take care of you.”
Blessed Wednesday, Sweet Sisters! I am keeping you all in prayer.
Amen! He does take care of us!
Dear Tricia C.
Thanks for the memory! That song took me way back to the little country church I grew up in. Can still hear Sister Earline letting that last line linger. Causing my soul to look back & “wonder how I got over” as in another ole time spiritual. And witnessing to His fine work & steady watch through the years.
❤️
God is a provider, and protector.
God provides all
I don’t know about you, dear She’s, but as a child I dreamed of what my life would look like when I was older. For one, I was going to be a doctor, i wanted to save lives. For two, I was going to have a nice house, white picket fence, the works, with a couple of children, dogs and a husband thrown in for good measure!
It was a beautiful dream, and I would add to this dream as I read magazines and made plans..
But here’s the thing I realize now.. they were the ‘rambling’ dreams of a girl who believed what she saw around her as good. As the aspiration. The ‘I have arrived’
BUT GOD..
He let me have my dream of a home with children and a dog, yes, and a husband, life moved at a pace i had not planned for, but, there was always something missing. I would strive, and strive some more. I would work hard, and still it would not be hard enough to reach that little girls dream. The dream was becoming a nightmare.. An unsang heartbreaking song.
God wasn’t in the mix, He was only present at Easter, Christmas and any holy days the schools allowed, but He was not present in everyday life.
When life takes a turn that has you accessing your life, the realisation that what you thought was good/better/best actually has no real meaning in your life without God.
I was brought to that stage, and my knees when the world I so carefully had made mine, fell apart. It was like a bomb going off in multiple areas of my heart..
BUT GOD..
The God I only gave time to at Easter, Christmas and any other school appointed dates, scooped me up, turned me around and gave me a new way to dream, with purpose, with Him at the centre, with Him as my anchor, my go to, (not the magazines), my home!
The song, Jesus be the center, came to mind as I was writing/typing..
Jesus be the centre
Be my source be my light
Jesus
Verse 2
Jesus be the centre
Be my hope be my song
Jesus
Chorus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in these sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus Jesus
Verse 3
Jesus be my vision
Be my path be my guide
Jesus..
No truer words for one that has travelled a road of discovery, that life is not always as you dream, but it can be better with God as your architect, builder, protector and
hope.
AMEN.
I ramble, (nothing has changed for that little girl, lol)
Happy Wednesday, lovingly wrapped (as it’s cold here), in warming hugs and covered in prayers for God to be the center in all you do today..❤️
Rambling about Jesus makes all the difference, dear Tina ❤️
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Whether rambling or waffling, I love the testimonies, wisdom and insight shared by you, dear TINA ❤️
Tina, God uses your “ramblings” to reach & touch the heart of others…keep on rambling!
I love this song – we just sang it recently at church. ❤️
Wonderful testimony, Tina! My mind ‘rambles’ like yours! Lol We are blessed to read all that you write ❤
I love your ramblings and testimony of Jesus at work in your life ❤️
Yep, you probably resonate with many of “our” own dreams and how really..without God, they never seem to amount to what we really want and need. I remember after my divorce…I prayed and prayed just to have a man that loved me and my little family. God delivered. But of course..there’s ups and downs, curves and road blocks in every life. I now have learned I need God in the center of every thing I live and breath. What joy it brings. I thought of the song “I Thank God” by …? Let me google that…Upperroom and Maverick City!
Tina, I loved how you said that all we aspire to is the good we see around us. Because God has SO much more than we could ever imagine!
I can’t get enough of your stories. Beautiful Tina!
Oh my, I think we all had our dreams. And never once did I consider that God should be at the center. I don’t think there was much emphasis placed on that when I was growing up in our church. And that church…oh my have they made some wild decisions! Glad I’m not still in their realm.
Whoosh! Down a rabbit hole I went!
Blessings to all ❤️