Mighty Rushing Waters

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name, you are mine.
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 43:1b-2a NIV

God seems to be intent on creating things to lift our spirits, provide us with joy, and for the believer stir up words of praise deep within our soul. This was exactly my experience when my husband and I visited Niagara Falls. I had been to the ocean and experienced the splashing waves crashing on the beach, but now this, an amazing display of rushing waters from the upper falls crashing down upon the lower falls! Never had I witnessed such power and such beauty.

I love the garden of my heart because it is usually so quiet and tranquil. Ever so often, God moves me out of the garden and allows me to experience his beauty outside of the garden. Moments of joy and praise always seem to accompany these experiences. Sometimes God provides me with a lesson that speaks to my spirit so strongly that even when I leave that place of beauty the experience continues to live on in my heart. Such was my experience at Niagara Falls.

As I stood on the rim of the falls with my husband I began to think of how really fragile I am. My life can change on a dime. The happiness that surrounds me one day may be crushed the very next day as life’s problems tumble down on top of me like a rock slide falling from the side of a mountain. Nothing in this life is certain except the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Life can attack us with the force and power of the mighty falls and we can fall into the swirling waters of pain, suffering, poverty, loss, estrangement, accusations, illness, and death at any given moment. Yes, life is fierce and I am fragile.

But oh the beauty of the falls! How majestic his creation! How mighty are his works! In contrast I know that no matter what comes my way, even if I find myself in the fiercest of life’s waters, God has promised to keep me safe. I really have no need to fear because God has given me an amazing promise. He has said, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. 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 43:1b-2a NIV

Those words are such a comfort! First of all, God tells me not to fear because he knows what is ahead. The things that surprise me are never a surprise to God because he is all knowing. Secondly, he reminds me that he has redeemed me. Jesus Christ paid a hideous price on the cross for my redemption. Why would God go to all of the trouble to send his son, Jesus Christ to this world to redeem me and then let me perish? Thirdly, God said, “I have summoned you by name, you are mine." He didn’t say, “Hey you, come here!” He said, “Paula, come.” Why did he do this? He did this because I belong to him, he said, “you are mine.” Those of us who have children would give our lives for our children, and God did. All of that good stuff and still we haven’t even gotten to God’s promise! The fourth statement in today’s scripture, God said, “When you pass though the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass though the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” My first response to that promise was, “that’s good God, because as you already know, I can’t swim!” This precious promise is straight from the heart of God. No matter what may come my way God’s promise to me is sure. I will not remain there forever, I will merely pass through. I may remain in the situation for a season but eventually I will pass through even if it means going to my eternal home. It is a glorious hope to know that I will not remain in the drowning rivers of life forever. What a blessing to know this truth. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27a NIV. God will be with me today, tomorrow, in the good times, in the bad times, and throughout eternity. I know this because I know without a doubt that I belong to him.

Questions:

Has there been a time when God has spoken to you through the beauty of his creation?

Do you still find strength in that message as you remember that experience?

How do you feel when you know that God has called you by name and will take care of you because you belong to him?

Do you have any doubt that you belong to God?

When exactly did God redeem you?

If you do not know for sure that you have been redeemed by God make sure that you take time today to read “How Do I Know If I Am a Christian?” This message is located on the right hand column of this blog. God wants you to have all that he has promised you. He wants to redeem you and be your Savior. Jesus can be your refuge in this life and your hope for the life to come.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

I want to be in a relationship with you that will last forever. No matter what happens to me in this life I know that you are the only one I can depend on. Jesus, I want to daily experience the peace that comes into my heart because I know that you are a safe place of refuge during the storms of my life. Thank you for the beauty of creation that lifts my spirit and brings me joy. I praise you for the beauty that is found in our world. God, thank you for Niagara Falls, how beautiful, how majestic, how powerful, and how amazing is this work of your hand! Jesus, so many times I see your creation as a perfect reflection of who you are. You too are beautiful, majestic, powerful, and amazing. Thank you for all of the lessons you teach me inside and outside of the garden.

In your name I pray. Amen.

Comfort From the Gardner

"Peace I leave with you
my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid."

John 14:27 NIV

This beautiful May morning finds me enjoying my screened in porch and it really is true, “Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning!” The early morning air smells so fresh that it reminds me of camping trips from days gone by. It is true, April showers do bring May flowers. The birds seem to be especially happy this fine day! They seem to know that winter is over and spring is here. The birds are so trusting because they know full well the extent of God’s provision.

In the background I can hear a wise old owl hooting in a steady rhythm. “oho, who, who, whoooo” – “oho, who, who, whoooo.” It seems that this owl might actually be saying, “oho, who, who, whoooo, made all of this?” My reply is, “God.” Then the owl hoots, “oho, who, who, whoooo, controls all of this?” Again my reply is, “God.” Now the not so wise owl asks, “oho, who, who, whoooo is to be trusted?” Once again, my replay is, “God, the creator of heaven and earth.”

I now find my mind is ascending to the Father who says, “Come to the garden.” My heart is eager; and my steps are quick as I run toward the garden. As I enter the arbor gate my heart skips a beat as I see the beautiful deep purple clematis that is climbing up the trellis. With every year that passes it gets more and more beautiful than the year before. In the distance I see my Savior walking towards me. At last we meet and share a warm embrace. We head for the gazebo and Jesus asks me to sit with him and share what is on my heart.

As I begin to share my thoughts he listens. He hears every single word. I explain that this world is a bit uncertain. The future is unclear. I know that he created everything, and that he is in control of everything, and that he can be trusted…but… Jesus I am still having trouble understanding all that goes on around me. I share that my knees are shaky and my heart beats fast when things in this world seem to be flying out of control. There is a long period of silence and then Jesus speaks.

My sweet daughter, you are in need of reassurance, comfort and peace. I want you to close your eyes and wait for the Holy Spirit and while you wait just listen to me. Jesus then reminds me that his ways are indeed higher than my ways, and that his thoughts soar way above the clouds while my thoughts cling to the earth beneath my feet causing me to cast my focus downward. He speaks again and says, “Paula, you lack understanding because what see through the windows of your eyes is cloudy.”

This was a wonderful time in the garden because the Master Gardner reminded me of so many important things. He told me that I am not to despair when life is hard. He simply said for me to do my best and leave the rest to him. There were also some other very important reminders. Paula, do not give in to hopeless thoughts. Remember I am the God of hope. I will sustain you. I will be your help in trouble. The second reminder was trust Me. Give up your worry. He said that worry changes nothing except my own countenance. Worry pulls you down and it steals your joy. Worry shuts out my peace, so please Paula, don’t worry. I am on the job. I know your name; I will provide for all that you will ever need.

Amazingly, my shoulders began to relax, the deep lines of concern left my forehead, my headache went away, my knees stopped knocking and my stomach stopped churning. In their place I felt this amazing peace wash over me. It was a peace that I could not explain; there was now a wonderful comfort that calmed my soul. The Holy Spirit had come and poured out on me his peace and his comfort.

It was now time to leave the garden and go back to all that had previously concerned me. But now, deep in my heart I knew that my needs would be met. I knew that I had hope, and that Jesus was going to go before me to guide me, above me to protect me, behind me to encourage me, and inside of me to give me peace. I knew that Jesus would sustain me in all circumstances and that he would always be more than enough. Jesus knew that I was in need of comfort this day and he met my need.

Questions:

What are you concerned and worried about?

Have you given that worry and concern to Jesus?

Are you lacking hope or trust?

When was the last time that you felt God’s amazing comfort in your life?

Do you think that you could benefit from going to the garden to receive comfort from the Holy Spirit?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank you that I can be completely honest with you. Thank you that you hear me and that you listen to me. I know that you don’t miss a single word I say. Today I am feeling in need of _______________. Please send your Holy Spirit to provide the peace and comfort that I need this day. I need your help so that I can remain hopeful as I put my complete trust in you.

In Your Name I Pray. Amen