Recently I went White Water Rafting on the Ocoee River. I was looking forward to it with much excitement and anticipation. It has been a very long time since I've been on the Ocoee. The weather was beautiful. The fall breeze was blowing and the sun was shining brightly. I felt as if God hand-picked this adventure just for me. The reminder that was before me came straight from my Father's Hand and it had my name written all over it. Was I ready for what He had in store for me? Ready or not, it was coming!
Faith. Surrender. Freedom.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17
The River:
The Ocoee represented the ebb and flow of seasons in my life. A reminder of those seasons where the raging waters have tried to pull me under and everything representing LIGHT was just above the surface. My battle to reach the surface, at times, has been overwhelming. The wounds and fears from the past have taken hold of my limbs in an attempt to keep me from reaching the surface. That is..........until His Hand reaches out time and time again lifting me from the deep, mirky waters. As I'm drawn to the surface those same waters become still and calm to my soul. Those waters transform as they fill my lungs with new life....new purpose. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 I traveled down the river I was reminded of God's absolute Sovereignty. He is my Leader; my Guide in the travels of this life. No matter how raging the rivers are, He is always in control. Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 He alone knows the direction I must go in order to make the most of the journey. The reigns must be loosened so that FREEDOM can be mine!!
The Onion:
Layers and Tears. The peeling away of those layers......there is nothing neat about it. Infact, most of the time, it is messy. Oh, the mess that is made and the tears that come with it!! But in the end.......Oh, what BEAUTY!!! In the shedding of those tears comes the healing that only my Father can bring forth. The tears that flow are like a raging river that's been kept from it's natural flow of release. Like a dam that's been built. He is the One that peels everything away until all that's left is the core. The core of who we are meant to be. The CORE of who I am meant to be in Christ. In the peeling of those layers; the shedding of those tears He brings forth beauty from ashes. Isaiah 61:3
"You have stored my every tear in your bottle." Psalm 56:8
"Come all you who are heavy ladened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
God's Promise: One scripture that spoke to me this so strongly this day at the river was Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you." {Isaiah 43:2}
It doesn't say "IF"..........it says "WHEN". There WILL BE waters. There WILL BE rivers. There WILL BE fires. And there WILL BE flames. But most important of all is that His promise to me, His Child is that He IS with me through it all. Praise Him for His faithfulness!!!!
This following are the words to a song that has become very special to me. It is often sung during Monday night gathering at church. The words are beautiful. I pray it is as much a blessing to your heart as it has been to mine.
Shalom,
Lisa
**GARMENT OF PRAISE** by Revivial in Belfast
Chorus
Put on the garments of praise
For the spirit of heaviness
Let the oil of gladness flow down
From Your throne
Put on the garments of praise
For the spirit of heaviness
Your joy is my strength alone
My strength alone
(Repeat)
Make these broken weary bones
Rise to dance again
Wet this dry and thirsty land
With a river
Lord our eyes are fixed on You
We are waiting
For Your garland of grace
As we praise Your name
(Repeat chorus & verse)
Hallelujah
Sing hallelujah
We give all honor and praise
To your name
Hallelujah
Sing hallelujah
We trade our sorrows
For garments of praise
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