Surprise Lily – Prayer Bench

Surprise! Welcome to the “new norm”!

Shelter in place? For most of us, sheltering in place is not normal regardless of how blessed we may be.

There are days when I starve for a real hug, for an unmasked smile, for a tender touch.

“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31 NASB

The best strength available is focusing on God’s promises. Here are some encouraging words to comfort you.

This week I realized I was becoming a cranky old gal! Seems every little thing irritated me. I believe God took me to the woodshed!

Seriously! For instance, when having morning coffee with Jesus on my prayer bench, I seemed to focus on the weeds, untended beds, and wished for a gardener. God seemed to smile through the Surprise lilies and beautiful flowers around me. And, I learned to praise Him for my riches; for fresh air, for choices.

And I pray: Father, forgive me. Fill me with Your love. Hug me so I can feel it.  Remind me again that You will never leave me nor forsake me.

When hubby was ‘helping’ more than I wanted, I wished my doting hubby had a hobby! I was reminded of how difficult it is for him right now, at least I am in my domain at home. It’s heartbreaking for him to be unable to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and individuals with needs. And I thanked God that I had a hubby that wanted to be with me.

And I pray: Father, help the single men and women shut in at home with no one to talk to all day. Bless the ministers who cannot serve their flock as they want. I ask for wisdom in finding ways to share His love with those who are hurting in care facilities, hospitals, and the like.

When I get bored at home, I pause and thank God I have a home. When we can’t celebrate an occasion at a restaurant, I can thank God I have a well-stocked pantry.

Each morning as I do my devotions, I try to focus more on God and ask how He would have me spend my day. I thank Him for overlooked blessings such as phones and e-mail and ways to communicate with others. I thank Him for you, my readers. I praise Him often that I could even have the opportunity to come into homes for a brief time and share the joy of Jesus.

Read our focus verse in the amplified version below. Let’s commit to pray for one another as we learn to “wait for the Lord.”

Drop me a note,

Hugs,