Wonderful Words of Life

Yesterday was a good day.  A giving day.  A serving and listening and praying and caring day.  A day when my heart swelled over and over again with the opportunity to be Jesus-with-skin-on to people I love dearly.  A day to hold hands, voice prayers, speak grace, rejoice, and remember.  I fell into bed last night exhausted and content.  I had sensed the nearness and the sweetness of the Lord over and over again throughout. 

A wise person once told me, "Souls are heavy."  Today, I felt the truth of that statement bearing down on me.  Souls are heavy.  I felt weak and spent and a bit undone.  What if I was called on to give again today?  I had nothing left.  

Silly girl.  What I had to give yesterday wasn't mine either. 

It's Thankful Tuesday.  I guess I should make a list, but each time I begin, I am overwhelmed by my sense of gratitude for one gift today.  Just one.  God's Word.   The Wonderful Words of Life.  

Of course, I'll be called on to give today.  Of course, the needs that were there yesterday are still present.  Still profound.  Of course, I have nothing of value to offer of myself.  Only Christ.  His eternal promises.  

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Psalm 25:1-2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you ... Isaiah 43:2

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. I Peter 4:12