This is from my blog post from May 4, 2020.
Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I was happy to get some flowers and some herbs for our patio!
Something else that was fun… My daughter’s future mother-in-law and I hosted a Pampered Chef virtual bridal shower with Mariah and Zack this weekend. The consultant had us gather yesterday for a Zoom call with her bridal party, family, and friends to celebrate them since we were not able to do a traditional shower.
So Today, I will be reading Psalm 138 from The Message.
“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”
Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
you made my life large with strength.When they hear what you have to say, God,
all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”
They’ll sing of what you’ve done:
“How great the glory of God!”
And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below;
no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.When I walk into the thick of trouble,
Psalm 138
keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
strike my foes,
With your other hand
save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.”
This passage takes me back to last fall, 2019. I was in a season where God was asking me to surrender my position as the Children’s Pastor at Salem. He made it clear to me in July that I was to step away at the end of the year. Now, I am stubborn and I am a planner. I knew our daughter was getting engaged and would probably have a summer wedding. SO financially speaking, I thought June made more sense! In October God made it very clear… he spoke to me and “Do you trust me, Paula?” You guys… He asked me 3 times! Well, as most of you know. I did leave my position at Salem on December 31.
The Lord has had me on a journey these past few years. He has shown me that slowing down, being still, and listening for his voice is so essential in my growth as a Christ-follower – especially in our busy culture. I think that is why I love the passage so much that I shared last week from Jeremiah … “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.” God continues to grow my roots along the riverbank – I am a continual work in process!
I guess I am sharing all of this because I know some of you need some encouragement today. I know you are weary. Friends, God is faithful – He has a plan for your life. God loves you. God sees you. God hears your prayers. Continue to praise him through your trials… He is not going to give up on you!
Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer…
Oh precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for giving us the strength to continue to navigate these trying days and thank you for hearing our hearts.
Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence.
Heavenly Father,
- I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year.
- I pray for the high school and college grads who aren’t able to be celebrated
- I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up.
- I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities.
- I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work today, that you will bless them and encourage them.
- I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now.
Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thanks for joining me today – you are loved!
Have a blessed day!