Thirst.
I have recently put my copy of Streams in the Desert on the bathroom window ledge. I have found that it has been a great source of encouragement. So when I get a minute, (somehow I find it in every day), I go to the bathroom. And when I do I take the time to read the day's devotion. I have found the past two days most encouraging. Especially as I've struggled with grief lately. And also being reminded God is in control of my circumstances and He cares about them.
"Grieve not for things you have seemed to miss.." This might be the most applicable for me. I have struggled with sadness over the things I feel I have missed. Not having the most easy of pregnancies (being on bed-rest for months at a time). Not having money to do or buy certain things for my children or home. Not having healthy children. Moving 5 1/2 times in 5 years. Not ever being able to be with my sister again, here on earth. Not parenting the way I wanted. ETC. But when I stop to realize that these are things appointed for me,that God purposely withheld certain things... and for my good... well, it changes things.
I hope you find encouragement too. Read on:
My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your innermost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from ME.
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, "he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye" (Zech 2:8) You are very precious in my sight (Isaiah 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.
I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the "enemy comes in like a flood," that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances.
Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.
Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are working only My will.
Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil. 4:19). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, "In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God (Deut. 1:32).
Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolations (2 Thess. 2:16-17) Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you so me of My deepest lessons. "They also serve who only stand and wait." Some of my greatest workers are those shut from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all- prayer.
This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, My child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. LAURA A. BARTER SNOW
"This is from Me," the Saviour said,
As bending low He kissed my brow,
"For One who loves you thus has led.
Just rest in me, be patient now,
Your Father knows you have need of this,
Tho', why perchance you cannot see-
Grieve not for things you have seemed to miss.
The thing I send is best for Thee...
Streams in the Desert - February 1st.
In the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft: in his quiver hath he hid me (Isaiah 49:2)
"In the shadow." We must all go there sometimes. The glare of the daylight is too brilliant; our eyes become injured, and unable to discern the delicate shades of color, or appreciate neutral tints- the shadowed chamber of sickness, the shadowed house of mourning, the shadowed life from which the sunlight has gone.
But fear not! It is the shadow of God's hand. He is leading thee. There are lessons that can be learned only there.
The photograph of his face can only be fixed in the dark chamber. But do not suppose that He has cast Thee aside. Thou art still in His quiver, He has not flung thee away as a worthless thing.
He is only keeping thee close till the moment comes when He can send thee most swiftly and surely on some errand in which He will be glorified. Oh, shadowed, solitary ones, remember how closely the quiver is bound to the warrior, within the easy reach of the hand and guarded jealously.
FROM CHRIST IN ISAIAH- BY MEYER Streams in the Desert-Feb. 2nd
"Grieve not for things you have seemed to miss.." This might be the most applicable for me. I have struggled with sadness over the things I feel I have missed. Not having the most easy of pregnancies (being on bed-rest for months at a time). Not having money to do or buy certain things for my children or home. Not having healthy children. Moving 5 1/2 times in 5 years. Not ever being able to be with my sister again, here on earth. Not parenting the way I wanted. ETC. But when I stop to realize that these are things appointed for me,that God purposely withheld certain things... and for my good... well, it changes things.
I hope you find encouragement too. Read on:
My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your innermost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from ME.
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, "he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye" (Zech 2:8) You are very precious in my sight (Isaiah 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.
I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the "enemy comes in like a flood," that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances.
Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.
Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are working only My will.
Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil. 4:19). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, "In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God (Deut. 1:32).
Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolations (2 Thess. 2:16-17) Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you so me of My deepest lessons. "They also serve who only stand and wait." Some of my greatest workers are those shut from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all- prayer.
This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, My child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. LAURA A. BARTER SNOW
"This is from Me," the Saviour said,
As bending low He kissed my brow,
"For One who loves you thus has led.
Just rest in me, be patient now,
Your Father knows you have need of this,
Tho', why perchance you cannot see-
Grieve not for things you have seemed to miss.
The thing I send is best for Thee...
Streams in the Desert - February 1st.
In the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft: in his quiver hath he hid me (Isaiah 49:2)
"In the shadow." We must all go there sometimes. The glare of the daylight is too brilliant; our eyes become injured, and unable to discern the delicate shades of color, or appreciate neutral tints- the shadowed chamber of sickness, the shadowed house of mourning, the shadowed life from which the sunlight has gone.
But fear not! It is the shadow of God's hand. He is leading thee. There are lessons that can be learned only there.
The photograph of his face can only be fixed in the dark chamber. But do not suppose that He has cast Thee aside. Thou art still in His quiver, He has not flung thee away as a worthless thing.
He is only keeping thee close till the moment comes when He can send thee most swiftly and surely on some errand in which He will be glorified. Oh, shadowed, solitary ones, remember how closely the quiver is bound to the warrior, within the easy reach of the hand and guarded jealously.
FROM CHRIST IN ISAIAH- BY MEYER Streams in the Desert-Feb. 2nd
Comments
Your Grandmother Shirley introduced me to Streams in the Desert. I searched for a long time and God was so kind to find a special edition. I love it and it is part of my quiet time everyday. What a blessing. And how very kind of our Lord to give His Word and then others that help point us to Jesus, too. I must say that your writing is a blessing, too. Thanks for using your gifts and not hiding them under a basket.
love you.Faf
"Child of My love, lean hard,
And let Me feel the pressure of thy care;
I know thy burden, child, I shaped it;
Poised it in Mine Own hand, made no proportion in its weight to thine unaided strength
For even as I laid it on, I said,
'I shall be near, and while she leans on Me,
This burden shall be Mine, not hers;
So shall I keep My child within the circling arms of My Own love.' Here lay it down, nor fear
To impose it on a shoulder which upholds The government of worlds. Yet closer,come: Thou art not near enough. I would embrace thy care; So I might feel My child reposing on My breast.
Thou lovest Me? I knew it. Doubt not then; but loving Me, LEAN HARD.
The Love that will not let you go...rest in Him. That song is expressed in Nov 7. HOw healing it is when God speaks through a heart to heart hookup with Him using others that have travelled the road before you. No pat answers... but a knowing and identification. Thanks for blessing us, Jennifer Leigh and letting us know where you "are". XOXO Grandma
I follow your blog quite regularly and I just had to comment on your posting about Streams in the desert. I felt really low yesterday and I felt like I needed to read your blog and the post uplifted me instantly. Thank you for being such a blessing and you have no idea how much it really helped restore my joy.