Summer Sanctuary

            Summer is passing much too quickly, I muse. Desiring to enjoy summer before it slips sway, I grab my Bible, devotional book, tea, and a sweet cream, blueberry biscuit and step outside. I settle on my porch swing. I read from Sarah Young’s, Jesus Calling: “Stop worrying long enough to hear my voice.” Then she writes about “weaving webs of anxious confusion.” I needed these words today.

I look up the suggested verses in my Bible as I sip tea, nibble on my biscuit. I ask God to help me set aside the worries and concerns of the day, while allowing him to renew and transform my mind. I remember the scripture that says, “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2Corinthians 10:5 NIV).

            Then I sing, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning my songs shall rise to thee….” The little chirping finches seem to join me in praise under the cloudless blue sky as they dart in and out of the bird bath.  Tree branches gently sway. A butterfly dances by.

            I cast my cares aside for the moment and thank God for this sacred space. I promise myself to return to my swing, this summer sanctuary of sorts, many times before cold days arrive and force me inside to another sanctuary.

(c) Marlene Depler

Hold on to Hope

Dear Readers:
Today I thought I would share a devotional that I wrote. I hope these thoughts and Scriptures bless you.

Hold on to Hope

By Marlene Depler

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galations 6:9).

Gardeners all have moments of weariness. They prepare the soil and plant seeds. They fertilize and water. Weeds are pulled until the back aches and perspiration drips. Gardeners may rest along the way, but they soon return to their toil. Why? Hope of harvest spurs them on even when they are tired. They anticipate slicing the first juicy tomato and cutting open a sweet watermelon. In time, their diligence and perseverance are rewarded.

Life is much like gardening. Doing the right thing and living well aren’t always easy. It takes effort to obey God. In the process, everyone experiences the malady of weariness from time to time. The cacophony of daily challenges and difficulties has a way of depleting energy. Physical or emotional exhaustion sets in. Efforts to serve may seem pointless. Weeds of discouragement take root.

Does this describe you? Are you worn out? Are you in the midst of something that has left you weary? Demands at work? Financial pressure? Health issues? Concerns over your children? Relational difficulties? Lack of appreciation for your ministry sacrifices? Have your best efforts failed to obtain the desired outcome? You are not alone.

God recognizes the human propensity towards giving up during seasons of weariness. He knows how easily hope is diminished and perspective is skewed. Thus, through the words of the apostle Paul, God encourages each believer not to give up. Because he knows that the heart craves hope, God reminds his children to refocus on the promise of an eventual harvest.

When the weariness sets in, know that it’s normal. Use it as a warning sign. You may be in need of rest. Jesus knew what his disciples needed when he said; “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). As we allow God to strengthen and refresh us, we can regain renewed vigor to continue loving, serving and giving. Once eternal perspective is regained, you can again eagerly await God’s promised harvest at the appointed time. Endurance eventually pays off. Hold on to hope!

Questions for reflection:

• In what ways are you experiencing weariness or discouragement? 
• What needs to be done to help to re-energize you? Rest? The encouragement of a friend? Renewed perspective on the promised reward?
• Think of a past example of when perserverance paid off.
• Within your circle of family and friends, who needs your words of encouragement right now?

Today: I will not lose hope. I will share this hope with a friend who is weary and in need of encouragement.

Additional References:

Isaiah 40:29-31

Matthew 11:28

Psalm 62:5

Romans 5:5

Hebrews 11:1

(c) Marlene Depler Permisssion required to reprint in any form.

 

Heavenly Lullaby

By Marlene Depler

For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. –Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

“Sing song—‘nother one,” my two-year-old granddaughter says as we rock back and forth. She enjoys having lullabies sung to her, and for me it is pure pleasure.

I treasured the moments of rocking and singing to my children when they were small. Now it’s the same with my grandchildren. For a few moments, I pull them close to my heart and look into their precious little faces. I express my delight and love for them by singing a melody. The soothing tones usually bring comfort and calm. Often, they fall asleep.

In this Scripture we are given a wonderful word picture to help us understand our tender Heavenly Father. The mighty Creator of the universe desires to calm our fears and sing to us. Now that is hard to comprehend. Nevertheless, God wants us to see ourselves as infants in his arms, carried close to his heart. He longs to quiet our frustrations and anxiety with his love. He so delights in us as his children that he bursts into a heavenly song.

God’s joy over me spills out into song!

(c) Marlene Depler (permission must be granted by author to reprint in any form)