Recently the Lord has shown me how truly blessed I am.
He has given me so much, and I take it for granted.
I am surrounded by precious Jesus-loving friends who encourage me and hold me accountable. I have an amazing boyfriend who loves God more than he could ever love me and makes sure that God is always in the center of our relationship. and I am so thankful that I have wonderful Christian parents (who are more like two of my best friends) that have raised me right.
It's so cliche to say that I'm so fortunate to live in America. but REALLY. At girl's retreat, we learned about different countries and the things that young girls go through. I could never even fathom being in a place where I didn't know about Jesus, much less a place where I could be sold into prostitution before I was even a teenager. I am so thankful for my church and my youth ministry and the people who make it all happen.
I have been trying to focus more on the ways that God has blessed me and He has surely shown me. Today, I went to lunch with some friends and we got to talk about our beliefs and missions and all kinds of things that just don't come up in typical conversations because we're too busy gossipping or speaking of things that do not bring glory to God. It was such a sweet time to share with these sisters. I am so thankful for them and that God has strategically placed them in my life. I can't imagine not being with some of them in just a few short months :( scary thought..let's put that one away for a while.
I've seen God's hand on everything lately, and it's just another blessing. I see it on me. I see it on my relationships. I see it guiding me through my day. I even see it when I don't want to see it. When all I want to do is be selfish and worry about how I want things to go, God shows me how He wants it to go. How could I ever disregard His plan for me when I know that nothing could ever be more perfect? Psalm 46:10 has been on my heart lately. "Be still and know that I am God." Sometimes I forget about the most common verses that I've known my entire life, but they're usually the exact message I need. We never take to time be still and listen to God. I've prayed for God to slow down my increasingly busy life so that I can take time to be still and listen for His gentle whisper.
Psalm 25
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they share be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know you ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he make known to them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.
Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Lord, that is my prayer. Let me be satisfied in your steadfast love. Do remember me and my stresses. Help me give them to you, God. I pray that you open my eyes even more to see how you have blessed me. Show me the needs of others around me and how to live and love like you and for you more each and every day. Thank you for making your presence even more prevalent in my life lately. I can't wait to see you even more.
Amen.
If you are unaware of how blessed you are, I encourage you to take a little while to think about what God has given you. It is truly earth-shattering.
