Book Excerpt #25 "The Power of Words

40.  The Power of Words

“And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29: 9b, 11)

The Old Testament relates how God’s words spoke creation into existence (Genesis 1). The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among men. Some of Christ’s words are recorded in Scripture to teach and exhort us. He spoke forgiveness while dying and reconciled us to the Father. 

Christ’s promised gift of his Spirit who would dwell within us, comes to those who choose to receive him. He longs to be deeply present and a consistent source of guidance and fellowship. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13: 5). These and other amazing grace-filled words from him deserve responses of gratefulness and praises. 

And in his temple all cry,“ Glory!”

 I want my spoken and written words to enhance relationships and my internal words to bring peace, not anxieties. May I not only read God’s words in Scripture, but listen to the quiet voice within me that I have come to know is his. I want to speak honestly to him when burdens of my life  are heavy. I want to keep my heart open to receive his words of counsel and comfort. 

Words spoken in confrontation with another can lead toward resolve and peace. May I gather honest prayer-filled words to thank him for his faithfulness.

 I cherish the caring words both spoken and written from others. Reception of them has brought joy and consolation. When alone, I have passages in books that change my attitudes, enhance my understandings, and renew my hopes. I never want to underestimate the power of God’s words or the effect of my own. 

In many configurations, the power of words is revealed. Hopefully, God’s glory is revealed as well.

Lynn L. Severance. “Seeking the Light of God's Comforter - When Challenges Dim Our View”. 40. The Power of Words. Redemption Press. 

Book Excerpt # 24 The Waiting Time

44.  The Waiting Time

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than the watchmen wait for the morning.” (Psalm 130: 5-6) 

These verses challenge me. Often I am waiting for the Lord, but I am waiting for him to do what I want. The years stretch on and many of my wants remain. 

Waiting is not an inactive time, although it involves stopping and surrendering my plans, allowing God to work. I am to wait “more than watchmen wait for the morning.” 

At night watchmen guarded ancient cities from atop fortress walls, alert to any potential havoc from invaders. Other watchmen inside the walls worked to keep the city safe. Morning’s light bathed many areas out of darkness, lessening some dangers. 

The Lord is a watchman for me. When He says, Wait, it is for my own protection. He sees what I cannot see. My waiting times can seem as darkness with no certainty shed on the way ahead. It takes soulful trust as I remain stationary. It is a time to hold tight to the Holy Spirit who can help ward off shadows of discouragement and impatience. 

My task in waiting is to place my hope and trust in the Lord and not hurry ahead of him. He watches for the right time to pull me out of the dark and into the morning light of his plans. He knows when I am ready to pursue them. He has prepared the way. 

There is also the perspective of time that helps me appreciate the wisdom of the ways God has guided me. This fuller clarity helps me understand how some of my choices could have been the wrong ones. I perceive anew the occasions when God grabbed me out of harm’s way because I was not careful in heeding his warning signs. Such protection and his watchful care is worthy of thanks and praise.

Lynn L. Severance. “Seeking the Light of God's Comforter When Challenges Dim Our View” 44. The Waiting Time. Redemption Press. 

Book Excerpt #23 Planting and Harvest

45.  Planting and Harvest

How do any of us become the fertile soil where the seeds of God’s word and life remain rooted? Once it was a given in a garden, but now we must tend to our lives as we journey back Home. 

Thus, if the soil is to become fertile, it will happen along the way. We co-labor with God, the sower, making choices that lead us toward the harvest of his intent.

Lord, help me stay the course. Keep sowing the seeds that will help me remain rooted and secure in, and with you. Amen.

Lynn L. Severance. Seeking the Light of God's Comforter When Challenges Dim Our View. 45. Planting and Harvest. Redemption Press.