I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth–Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.
Psa 40:1-3
It has been a busy week in the Hopkins household. Back to work after a week of vacation for the both of us……always an adjustment but by the end of the week, although happy for the weekend, we were getting back into a groove.
Today we are, very slowly, maneuvering through the sunshine and heat of the day. Nico, the kitty is on the move, scoping out a cool spot to sleep.
Many lessons learned this week.
Surrender
What a word – conjures up all kinds of images of lack of control and doing what someone else wants you to do. In reality, surrender, to the right things, leads to a wonderful peace and freedom.
I like this definition of “surrender to” in the Oxford Online Dictionary:
abandon oneself entirely to (a powerful emotion or influence); give in to
We all surrender to something – whether it is to people, belief systems, work, the influences of the world around us. The question is, what are we surrendering too and is that working in our lives? Why do so many people has a negative reaction to the world surrender? Perhaps because the things they are surrendered to are not leading to positive outcomes in their lives.
In the past few years of my life, as I travel through many valley pathways, I have learned to surrender. To let go of control, to worry less and to aim to walk in peace and freedom. I have learned the joy and peace that comes when I consistently surrender my life, my path, my joys and my cares, to the Lord. My Lord is in control of all things, a compassionate Saviour and friend whose heart breaks in my tears and swells in my joy. A Lord who does not judge when I stumble and fall, but who reaches down, brushes me off, holds me and lifts me back up. A Saviour who surrendered ALL for my sin that I would have an eternal and beautiful relationship with the Father.
My Lord is a beautiful and heart wrenching picture of surrender.
As I continue to surrender and re-surrender every day, the Father continues to guide and direct my path, to open doors that are much more beautiful and perfect than I could have ever planned on my own, to rain down blessings upon blessings.
Just a few weeks ago I begin to plan to attend a dance conference in Atlanta. I was so excited! I WAS GOING! I had been praying about it and felt it was the right decision. As I began to plan it appeared as though there were unending obstacles. “I don’t understand” I prayed, “I thought I heard You!”
Silence. So I waited and prayed and surrendered “I trust that if this is the path I’m to take YOU will open the doors.” And I waited. And waited. Sometimes patiently, sometimes not so patiently…….
And then, suddenly, in the last hours, the door flew open – blessings upon blessings, arrangements came together and His plan was so much better than my plan. “You did hear me, I had a plan, you just had to wait for it to come to fruition in my timing.”
The sweet voice of the Father, patient and loving in correction.
And so, i GO FORTH…….International Dancing Preachers Conference – Atlanta Georgia.
Reign down Lord!
When you wait upon the Lord, He will strengthen you, mature you, and show you the paths that He has for you – supernatural paths that are more beautiful and perfect for you than you could even have planned or thought of on your own. Trust the Lord. Surrender and live in freedom!
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope
Jeremiah 29:11
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1Peter 5:7
How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good [things], Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isa 52:7
We have chosen to LIVE the abundant life that God has created us for! Won’t you join us?
