I can breath better
in your presence, Lord.
Does anything evolve into something weaker,
something less equipped to survive?
Like,
are any Pokémon ever worse
after they are reborn?
I am more trusting,
more patient,
more long suffering,
but also alive and well
are the things that distract,
the appetite's of the flesh.
I think only those destined for corruption
evolve into something worse,
and still,
I know I have a delightful inheritance,
so why the increase of darkness's lure?
Why the strength of my spirit,
not feeling more focused?
Is God so illusive,
that he cannot be known,
Yet,
even as I write the words,
"But I know Him!",
shouts (from the depth of my soul).
Tears.
Repentance.
Rest.
I'm so sorry, Father.
I'm so sorry.
I can see you said to love you most,
even with all my heart,
all my soul,
all my strength,
and to have no other gods
before you,
to protect me.
All other loves lead to bondage,
all other masters,
are crewel.
Like drugs or other addictions
"the first one's free."
the first time seems great,
the first one opens the door
to those we would never welcome in.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
And even as I experience the safety,
and the relief of your promise to protect,
even to forgive and cleanse,
these words "lack no good thing"
typify the temptations
of this season of acquisition,
where we call the day after we give thanks
"Black Friday",
because we put
the sellers of goods,
in the black for their annual income.
we can't focus on the Lord,
with so many things to buy,
so many loved ones to please,
so much money needing to be spent.
So many bills,
so many wants.
But God whispers:
Come sit with me a while.
Come,
my children,
listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD...
turn from evil and do good.
Those who fear the Lord are radiant,
they lack no good thing.
We do not renounce giving gifts to our loved ones,
or Christmas shopping,
rather:
Let's pray for holiness,
for the affections of our soul,
to be singly compelled to Christ
and Christ-likeness.
Let's pray the intimacy we have with Christ,
will be light in the darkness
for those who are hurting, lonely, and lost,
even those we love.
