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The mug in my hand was filled with warm, dark roasted incentive. I cozied in on my favorite couch corner, breathing in the quiet. Settling my heart before the all-loving One, my whispers rose to heaven. I was desperate for God’s presence and power to fuel another busy day.
To my surprise and great delight, as I cracked open the Good Book a tiny distraction flew into my peripheral vision. A hummingbird had made its way over to the orchid arrangement on the side table of the deck outside. The artificial orchid arrangement. The nourishment that little flyer sought could not be found in a plastic and silk imposter, so the humming bird flew away.
I smiled and shook my head at the very notion that the little bird was looking to be fed by a fake flower. But less than five minutes later the hummingbird hovered near the orchid again.
You’ve got to be kidding me! I thought. What about plastic and fake did you not understand the first time, little guy?
And just like that I was humbled before God.
Yes. I do this too, Lord.
I do this when I look to the approval of others to validate my significance. I do this when I’m upset and I reach for something salty-crunchy instead of reaching for the Bread of Life. I do this when I find my security in the success of my children, in the numbers on the bank statement, or in promotions or positions at work.
Jesus is not our fast-pass to get through the pearly gates. He is our Sustainer, our Strength, our Comforter, our Deliverer, our Hope, our Defender, our Provider, and our Healer. He is behind us and before us. He loves us perfectly and. He is the very-real, very-alive, and very-able Lord we are all hungry for.
When I need soul-strength, nourishment, that will get me through the next few minutes, hours and days, it is vital that I go to the living source. To the unending power, perspective, and portion of Jesus.
The Bible shows us many great examples of this. Daniel found himself in an impossible-by-man’s-standards situation when a decree had been passed that violated and compromised the very core of his beliefs. He didn’t freak out. He didn’t run to talk to his friends about it. He didn’t post or tweet of his frustrations with the government. He turned to his Lord.
“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God” (Daniel 6:10).
Not only did Daniel pray, he gave God thanks! In the middle of a life-threatening situation, he focused his heart with prayer and gratitude. I should too.
Hannah was another great example. She had real problems with fleshy, prickly people. Hers was a long-term situation with no simple solution on the horizon. She didn’t pretend she was okay or distract herself with things that didn’t matter. She got on her knees and got real with her very real God. She poured her soul out in the presence of the Lord and was met with the provision of His grace.
“In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly” (1 Samuel 1:10).
Just like Daniel and just like Hannah, I need to turn to Jesus with my worries and my woes. I need to pour out my heart to Him when I am feeling empty. I need to turn to Jesus continually, remembering to give thanks.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
You give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Psalm 36:7-9
When I turn to the Word and to His presence, I am nourished in unfailing love. I am hidden in His shadow. I am invited to the feast of His goodness. My eyes are illuminated to see beyond my struggles by the One who shines brilliant as the Light of the World.
No more fake flowers. I’m reaching for the real. Jesus is the sweet Rose of Sharon. He is the Lily of the Valleys. (Song of Solomon 2:1-2) He is the Vine that is vibrant with life. (John 15) He is the Living Water that flows eternally and quenches every thirst. (John 4)
And He. Is. Mine.
Dear Lord,
You are faithful and kind, and all that I need.
Thank You for every trial that leads me to pray. Please keep my heart from wandering toward fake flowers and help me to turn to You instead.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What fake flowers do you often fly to?
CLICK HERE to spend a few moments in response and reflection as you listen to my song “You Are Mine.”
Keep reaching for the real, friend!
Hugs and Blessings in Christ,
GWEN
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Comments 18
Thank you Gwen for your words of wisdom, encouragement and comfirmation. For the last two days, God has been showing me He is mine. I’ve found so much strength in His Word and in my “secret prayer closet”. I’m no longer like that hummingbird flying to a fake orchid for nourishment. His is my daily bread and refreshing drink!
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 KJV
Yes God is mine and He made everything good for me Jeremiah 29:11. even you are made by Jehovah just for me. stay strong and blessed.
Afternoon Gwen. Yes God’s healing and His love are the corner stone through my days. Thank You for a response, that was a nice surprise when opening up my gmail. Have a nice Tuesday what’s left of yours Gwen.
Beautiful song. Thank you for the wonderful devotional of encouragement. God Bless you Gwen.
That was a beautiful song… Thank you for encouraging me letting me know that God is mine… I really enjoyed this on this morning… it was much needed…. God Bless you Gwen…
Wow, our God is so good! He knows what we need and exactly when we need it. That was this devotion for me this morning. The song was absolutely beautiful and spoke to my heart. Satan is trying so hard to attack each of us and bring us down. During those times, I am learning to turn to His word for guidance and comfort. He is mine!
He surely is good, Robin! And our enemy is on the attack big time. I feel it too. Good thing we can be equipped for every battle in the spirit.
Blessings in Christ,
Gwen
Gwen that was a wonderful devotion this morning and a lovely song. I needed them both, just as I was in study with Dr David Jeremiah on the study of The Agents of Babyylon, The prophet Daniel and his life after being taken captive as a teenager.
Love that! Glad you were encouraged, Cathy. Isn’t it fun when God gets personal with us like that?
Blessings,
Gwen
Hi Gwen! Such a wonderful devotional today, I was truly blessed as I sat on my back porch with my cup of tea…would you mind if I gave a copy of this devotional to my Bible Study class this evening? Many blessings to you…
Hi Cici! Tea, not coffee?? 😉 #kidding 🙂 Absolutely. Share away, friend. And if you want to share the devotion on you Facebook page, you can do that easily by clicking the FB icon at the top of the devotion. That way all your social media friends can read it too!
Blessings,
Gwen
Proverbs 12:25
25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Here is simple line of thought that is so very true.
Morning Gwen. Yesterday a scar from my past that is always with me was touched upon.Your writing and song “You Are Mine” reminded to trust in Our Lord even when the scars of my past are hit upon and the pain is deep and heavy. Thank you for the words of strength and encouragement and of reminding me to keep my eyes on my Lord. That Our Lord will lift me or you up when we find ourselves again on our hands and knees. The Lord is standing there, hand out stretched, with a smile of love and peace, to pull me back on my feet. I can see His smile of love and understanding and compassion as I read your writing and listen to your beautiful song Gwen. Such a Beautiful way to clear my heart of anger and frustration. To feel Our Lord’s loving peace within my heart and deep within my soul. Thank You Gwen for your prayers for all who struggle with lifes hurts, some our own doing, some that you and I carry from interacting with every one we meet.
What a blessing to hear this from you, Kevin. Thanks for the post. You are right… God’s plan is always healing and restoration. The pains of life often drive us to His presence, but the pains of our past should never keep us from progress and peace. That’s what grace covers! Have a peace-filled day.
In Christ,
Gwen
that’s a beautifully sang song ? and a great way2 reflect on what at times I turn to when I’m having a hard times at times when I should just have faith knowing THE LORD has got this! MY entire life has been mostly inside down. And as a Christian, I’ve learned too be MUCH MUCH stronger inn myself KNOWING I’m NOT alone with Christ Jesus makes the world a different place for me. life’s gotten Soo much better for me since I became a Christian, it’s far from prefect BUT TODAY I’m okaaaaay with this… and I do trust THE LORD threw my struggles but catch myself STILL WORRIED ALLOT,having2 tell myself over and over AGAIN “JUST HAVE FAITH?GIVE IT2 THE LORD, and DON’T WORRY HE’S GOT THIS…. and repeatedly, STILL almost5 years later I’m doing this…
Love this, Ruby! Thanks for sharing your heart, friend.
Blessings,
Gwen
Lord, I thank You for loving me. You are mine and I am yours….
Yes. Yes. Yes. 🙂
Blessings, Vanessa.
Gwen