Praise
Dear Friends,
Once again it has been a while since I wrote to you. I was just in the garden this morning waiting for the Voice to whisper a message for me to share here. The message was given. When I opened the blog page, this one had been started, but left unfinished. The message started then is meant for today.
The garlic scape bends and curls as if bowing low in agonizing praise. It’s agonizing because the longing to be intimately communicating with the Savior cannot be held back any longer. The message to the one or ones who will hear the voice calling them is clear. Come to Me if you are hurting, grieving. Come if you are guilty of wrongdoing. Come if you are lonely. Come if you are thirsty. Come to the well to be renewed, refreshed.
The rose bush caught my eye this morning, as it's covered in delicate, velvety, red blooms. Some of the leaves are glossy as if recently polished, but others are brown and full of holes. They have been lunch for some hungry insects.
Even now, in late July, the rose bush is giving. In the midst of her pain and loss she is still beautiful, worthy. Her roots have reached out and found a source for refreshment. She has sacrificed many leaves and suffered a lot of damage but is triumphant through the suffering she endured. The Source is always willing, able and sufficient to fill the empty places.
No matter how long it's been, the Well is sufficient when we offer a sacrifice of praise.
Isaiah 61:3
"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His glory."
Psalms 141: 2
"Accept my prayer as incense offered to You, and my upraised hands as an evening offering."
Psalms 106:1
"Praise the Lord! give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! his faithful love endures forever."
