Changing Places

Dear friends, I posted the following account on my Pilgrim Scribblings site but thought it might be encouraging to you to read because of God's intimate dealings with me over the weekend. In the midst of the terror and uncertainty there was a precious sense of His loving presence. I pray that you, too, will experience all that our Father has to offer you today. In the midst of our storms He speaks "PEACE".

Be encouraged today, dear ones!

Here's the CHANGING PLACES post:

This past weekend was one of those bittersweet occasions when the joy and excitement of doing something meaningful for God, family and friends was tempered by the edginess of financial insecurity and the persistent fear of possible ruin.

Throughout the weekend I had an incredible sense that the Father was with me as I walked the tightrope between where I am and where I want to be, occasionally glancing downwards at the frightening rocks and billows below.

During the long, dark night on Saturday, God was dealing with my heart and graciously reminding me that I’m never out of His care or His sight. What a precious sense of His presence and His providential care! Normally terror would have been my dreaded companion but during the night watches I could trace God’s hand as He dealt with my pain.

A reflective piece of prose or poetry kept coming to my mind as I threw myself into the Father’s arms.

Today (Monday) I hesitate to post this for fear that you, my readers, friends and fellow pilgrims, might think that I have finally “arrived”. That I have actually “got it”. That I’ve turned the corner. I wish I could say that I have but I know that there are many more mountains to cross, valleys to stumble through and deep, churning waters to navigate.

Here, then, is what I penned over the weekend. Verses two and three came to me this morning. Please note that the place I’m in hasn’t changed. It’s only my perspective that has…my understanding of a sovereign God’s dealings with His perplexed servant. As we understand Him aright, He can turn the valley of Baca into a refreshing stream. May it be so for each of us as we trust His heart.

CHANGING PLACES

Teetering on the precipice
O God…don’t let me slip…
Just above the murky mire
Begging You to take me higher
...Free me from this hellish place
...Where darkness hides Your radiant face.

Father as I contemplate
Reviewing where I am…
This is not what I’d have planned
But I’m held by Your strong hand
...Keep me in this scary place
...Where all I have is sovereign grace.

Learning here to trust Your heart
With nothing left but You…
The vain things that charmed me most
Gradually have all been lost
...Lord I love this sacred place
...Where we commune now…face to face.

- David Fisher

1st verse – April 14th, 2007
2nd & 3rd verses – April 15th, 2007

Note: This post should be read in conjuction with the revelations made in my recent post entitled FAITHFUL FRIENDS in mind.

'Til The Storm Passes By

One of my favorite Southern Gospel songs is "Til the Storm Passes By". I never tire of hearing this powerful song. I found a site with a lot of MIDI songs on it. Often these songs in MIDI format sound terrible but this one is different.

Click HERE to here a wonderful piano rendition of Mosie Lister's wonderful song!

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, 'Peace be still.' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." - Mark 4:39

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,

While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.

'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Chorus:

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,

For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"

But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise

Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,

Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;

In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I

Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

Words and music by Mosie Lister - copyright 1958

Don't Abandon The Ship

Chuck Swindoll's "The Grace of Encouragement" desk calendar sits on the window sill beside my desk here in my office. I refer to it most days that I'm here.

This morning's thought was worth sharing (most of them are):

Swindoll writes:

"There is nothing wrong or unnatural with feeling weary, but there is everything wrong with abandoning ship in the midst of the fight."

"Hear me, O Lord; for Thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies." - Psalm 69:16 (KJV)

So, dear friends, as we begin a new week, let's keep sailing towards home, allowing the Captain of our Salvation to take the wheel and guide us to our desired haven. Abandon ship? No way!

"He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and He brought them to their desired haven." - Psalm 107:29,30 (ESV)

Sail on!

Storms Of Life

Did you check out Joseph Stowell's STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY today? It's a great one! Lots of encouragement for your present "storm". Click on the link on the right.

Dr. Stowell writes:

"Are you in the middle of a storm in your life today? Wondering how you’ll ever manage to survive this one alive? Wondering if you’ll ever get your family back, or bring peace to your stormy relationship with your mate, or be delivered from your debilitating anxiety? Jesus says to you, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Mark 6:50).

Overwhelmed? Welcome Jesus into your storm."