Jazzy Love, Fleeces, and Why I'm Too Old for This
Answered Prayer? Yes, please.
I had a big one this Sunday. Before I tell you about it, let
me first offer an opinion. I am far too old and have been a believer for far
too long to be prayin’ for proof, in an overt and obvious way, that God loves
me. I should be beyond fleece-throwing (Judges 6:36-40), especially when it
comes to God’s love for me. I know better. I truly do.
Confession? I prayed for a show anyway.
On Sunday, I got it. Phillip and I attended a different
church this last weekend and the service, to me, was like a dozen roses wrapped
up in a bow with a card on top “To Katie, with love, from God”. Seriously. If
you’ve been reading DFF for a while, you know that I have lived in many places
and cultures. But my home place, my heart, is southern Louisiana. And if you
play Jazz in my presence, you will have my very soul’s attention.
Sunday, worship was led by the phenomenal 7-piece Jim Cullum
Jazz Band. The WHOLE SERVICE was one favorite gospel/hymn after another.
Interspersed with the melodies were both the background stories of the lyrics
and the composers. Powerful testimonies. Powerful music. Powerfully moved heart
and soul.
The best part? Remembering that I had prayed for a show…and
gotten one. I teared up throughout worship. I cried on the way home. I played
Jazz all afternoon, my heart full of love for a Fella who heard me, answered
me, and (as was confirmed to me AGAIN) really does love me.
As I began my week, I wondered why God humored my silly
request to prove His love. And why did He go all out? By Monday afternoon, I
believed I had my answer.
Monday afternoon, we were all reminded that we do not live
in a safe world. Folks around me all reacted differently to the news of the
Boston Marathon bombing. I, personally, was gripped with fear. Fear for myself.
Fear for my family. Fear for my children. Oh, dear God, my
children…
Tuesday morning, Noah suddenly, and desperately, didn’t want
to go to school. In my fear, I wondered if his words were a premonition. What
if something happened to him? I began to think of all the things I didn’t want
to expose him to…crowded public events, movie theaters, schools with
insufficient security, airplane rides…
I am too old and have been a believer far too long to live
in fear. But here I was. And then I heard words in my head… “perfect love casts out
all fear.” (1 John 4: 18)… and I thought, “I wish”.
I know better. And because God, in His grace, had just
overwhelmed me with a huge show of his love, I began to pray another simple
prayer… “God take away my fear”…and I believe He will do it.
I pray this for myself. I pray it for you. And I pray it for
my children, so that one day when they’re old enough to comprehend the kind of
world they really live in, they will be able to face it with courage.
I am anticipating an answer to this little request in an
overwhelming and powerful way. Perhaps I will wake up one day with the courage
of a lion and an internal soundtrack…a little 7-piece Jazz band playing their
hearts out…
Oh when the saints, go marchin’ in…oh how I want to be in that number…
Then I’ll write and tell you all about it.
Peace to you, my friends. May you rest in His love this
week.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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Prayers for Boston
This is the scene on my screen as I prepare to write tonight.
.PNG)
After a long day of considering what I would say to you about prayer, this seems to be the only logical choice.
A few things came to mind as I considered our topic and watched news footage of the tragic events at the Boston Marathon today...
- Pray.
- Pray Scripture.
- Remind the readers that God answers prayers based on His Word.
When I considered what verses to pray, several phrases came to mind...
- "I will never leave you nor forsake you"
- "As I was with Moses, so will I be with you"
- "You, Oh Lord, are a shield about me"
- "If my people pray...I will heal their land"
They are phrases from Psalm 3, Deuteronomy 31 and 2 Chronicles 7:14, and here's how I'm praying them...
Lord, I thank you that even on days like this, your promise to neither leave nor forsake us holds true. Thank you that you are the same God who empowered Moses in the days of Pharaoh--as you were with Him, you are also with us.
I pray for the comfort of those most closely affected by this evil. Free them from grief, fear and anxiety and draw them, by your Spirit, to the peace that can only be found in your presence.
Although our enemies continue to rise against us, you are a shield around your people and in the face of this distress, you are indeed the lifter of our heads. Our eyes are on you and we look to you for your salvation. Hear the cry of our hearts and heal our land. In Jesus' name.
I'll leave you with the entire passage of Psalm 3. Let it encourage you.
1 Lord, how many are my foes!How many rise up against me!2 Many are saying of me,“God will not deliver him.”3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,my glory, the One who lifts my head high.4 I call out to the Lord,and he answers me from his holy mountain.5 I lie down and sleep;I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.6 I will not fear though tens of thousandsassail me on every side.7 Arise, Lord!Deliver me, my God!Strike all my enemies on the jaw;break the teeth of the wicked.8 From the Lord comes deliverance.May your blessing be on your people.
Anitra Elmore is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Monday, April 15, 2013
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