kept by God

"Thou Creator, Upholder, Proprietor of all things,

I cannot escape from thy presence or control,

nor do I desire to do so.

My privilege is to be under the agency of omnipotence, righteousness,

wisdom, patience, mercy, grace.

Thou art love with more than parental affection...

It is the discovery of thy goodness alone that can banish my fear,

allure me into thy presence,

help me to bewail and confess my sins.

When I review my past guilt and am conscious

of my present unworthiness

I tremble to come to thee, I whose foundation is in the dust,

I who have condemned thy goodness,

defied thy power, trampled upon thy love,

rendered myself worthy of eternal death.

But my recovery cannot spring from any cause in me,

I can destroy but not save myself.

Yet thou hast laid help on One that is mighty,

for there is mercy with thee, exceeding riches in thy kindness through Jesus.

May I always feel my need of Him.

Let thy restored joy be my strength;

May it keep me from lusting after the world,

bear up heart and mind in loss of comforts,

enliven me in the valley of death,

work in me the image of the heavenly..."

{'valley of vision.}

This past week God showed me such kindness. I took advantage of my lack of computer, tv, other distractions; and my lighter work load to spend extended time with Him. I'm ashamed to say this, at first I was afraid I'd be overwhelmed by the sin revealed to me. That I'd be more discouraged then before. Oh the foolishness of me! He was faithful to reveal sin. But even more faithful to show His grace. To call to mind His mercy poured out on the cross. One morning in particular, He inturrupted my prayers and just said "Be still". That hour spent delighting in Him and worshiping His majesty did more good for my soul then the previous 20 minutes of "talk". (PLEASE don't think I'm saying that is an unfruitful practice, in this case it was just not what God wanted me to do). How very kind He is. "I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings".

((when i have thanksgiving photos uploaded i'll probably share some))