As the wind raged through the night, as I tossed and turned with various anxieties swarming in my mind, the Lord woke me up with this song in my heart…
“As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee.“
I have come to cherish these hours in the dark, when it is just me and God. I often find I have so much to say to Him, but at the same time, almost no words at all! He often calls me out of the comfort of sleep, just to worship…
(To be honest, I find I am stuck in the “wait and pray… pray and wait” phase of being “called aside.” I am learning that I cannot move forward in my own strength; I cannot rush through phases on my own and expect to be victorious! I must wait on Him; patiently looking for His answer and direction.)
Through various seasons of life, I have found that without a doubt, my greatest peace, my greatest joy, my greatest and highest calling in life, is simply to worship. It brings me deep comfort to know I can find freedom, anytime and anywhere, when I worship my God. Even if my body / mind / heart fail, even when this world crumbles in darkness, and even when prayers seem unanswered, still I can hear the song of heavenly worship, and I can sing along…
“You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee”
It is here, on my knees, heart surrendered, soul crying out in worship – it is here that I can willingly let go of all expectations of others, of this world, and of myself! Nothing and no one can give me the true satisfaction and safety that is found in God alone. It is unshakable and no one can take it from me. And no one can EVER compare!
“You’re my friend
And You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything”
I wrote a poem years ago that God laid on my heart during a season of great pain. I was angry at God! I wrestled with Him, running around in circles, exhausting myself trying to rebel and refuse the path He wanted me to walk! But He never lets me wander far. He is the Good Shepherd that always comes after His sheep when we go astray. He sat me down, dusted me off, and filled my heart with worship…
Worship
I pray today, that you will hear God calling you to worship. Will you take the time to sit at His feet and listen?
“I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye”
Regardless of our physical state, the state of our country, the state of this world – He is calling us to worship in spirit and in truth. The battle belongs to the Lord and we can find freedom, joy and peace on our knees. May this poem, this song, and this psalm bless you today as it has blessed me.
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I totally agree!!! Beautifully put!!! Worship is exactly how God quiets my soul in times of anguish, stress, searching. Love this!!!
Thank you, Sister! I am so thankful we have this in common, and that we will get to worship together forever! Love you!
As I lie down in bed ready to turn out the lights I remembered your post so I thought I’d read it first. I’m so thankful I did. This was sincere and lovely. Your poem is beautiful and really all there is. All that’s going on around me can (and often does) cause me to fret, but the perspective of the deer, the perspective of worshiping puts it all, well, into perspective 🙂 As I listened to Shane & Shane’s version of “As the Deer” and I worshipped I felt the tension of the day dropping away. Thank you for tonight showing me the way. Nothing compares to worshipping our Savior and King!
Oh Mama… this made me cry happy tears! So glad this helped you let go of the day… I am worshipping with you while falling asleep 🙂 Love you!
Oh wow- insightful-inspirational and TRUE – thank you for being Gods instrument to help us all !
Thank you so much, Dad! I appreciate you reading and for your constant prayers and encouragement!