In the Shadow of His Wings

Psalm 91:1 says, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." It goes on in verse 4 to say, "..He shall cover the with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust...".
   Wow, what a thought! Can you imagine what it would be like, to be covered by the grace of God, to find rest under the "shadow of his wings"? How safe, peaceful, and protected one must feel in that secret place.
   This past week or so I've been sick, a touch of the flu and currently a sinus infection (yuck!). I have felt pretty miserable, and although I was taking herbal stuff and medicine, I wasn't really "doing" anything about it - as in, praying. I hadn't asked God for His healing or help. I remember one of our devotions last year was reading Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest. In one of the daily devos it said that if we do not ask God, He can't do anything about it. For instance, if I'm congested and miserable and even on meds, God is the Great Physician - but if I do not ask for His help, He will not give it. He knows exactly what we need - but we still have to ask for it.
   So last night, as I had my face stuck over a boiling water with essential oil in it, I began to just talk to God. I closed my eyes, breathed in the steamy goodness, and just let my thoughts wonder towards the Creator. I prayed for healing, for relief of this sinus infection. I prayed for my family, my friends, those I know who are struggling, others who are sick. And you know what? In that steamy mist, I found peace.
     I came to that secret place; I was in the shadow of His wings - and my heart found rest. There is no other feeling in the world that can come even close to it! It is indescribable, and I'm sure we each experience it a little differently. Even afterwards as I lay on the couch amidst the quiet, I could still feel that peace: and could not stop smiling.
     Where have you found his utmost peace? When have you experienced being "under His feathers", in the shadow of His wings?
Love to all,
   Simply Jen

Give Praise

 Ahh, daisies. They always seem so happy to see you! Yesterday, as I was planting this daisy (a trip to Producers Co-op always adds more beauties to my flower beds) I noticed their cheerfulness. However, I also noticed something else: the flower seems to be tilted heavenward. In the picture above, I see a beautiful daisy-but I also see God's creativity tilted back towards Him, giving Him praise.
      I was reminded that 'All God's creatures give praise'-and began thinking. Have I given Him praise today? Have I thanked Him for the beautiful daisy, for the azure sky above, for the way He always provides, even when I am too blinded by humanity?
     God often sticks these little reminders in front of me, to bring me closer to Him, and to remind me of what I should be doing.I should be giving praise in word, praise in song, and praise in my attitude. This little flower reminded me of so much, and every time I see a daisy I think "Give Praise". In your life, what reminds you to give praise?

-Simply Jen

Struggles

Life is so full of struggles; there always seems to be a time of confusion, heartache, and the intense desire to know whether God is really in control. Why is life so full of struggle? Why is it so hard to trust God? I often wrestle with these questions.
   As a Duel Credit student, a farm and 4-H girl, and a child of God, life has been fairly stressful as of late, and several times I have to stop and reset my priorities straight. Trusting in God should be the easiest thing for Christians, however it seems to be one of the hardest. The Bible says that if we put all our trust in God, He will make our paths straight, He will guide us in the way we should go, and He will help us through the hardships and trials we face. Yet why do we find it so hard to turn to God, and simply say, "I put my faith in You; You are God over all, and are bigger than this problem,"?
    We're human. We face doubt, fear, and confusion as a part of our every-day lives: but God will never give up or leave us in the cold. As for me, today I resolve to trust God-no matter the cost, no matter how hard it may be, no matter the choices I will have to face. God is in control of my life-He's bigger than all of my problems and yours combined, and the best part is, He has a plan. A plan for our lives that is so much better than we could ever dream of.
   If you face these same questions, please know that God is waiting for you to put your faith in Him, to trust Him, so that He can bring you the peace and understanding you are searching for.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths."
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
 Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:9
"But it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him."
Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

  May the Lord be with you, and may you find His peace.
-Simply Jen