In the Morning when I rise, Give me Jesus.

let's be real, my mornings aren't always beautiful

notice..

the trash the dog shredded on the floor

the laundry I folded last week all over the table

the fact that its 10:30 and all the kids just got to school

the never ending to-do list.

I could go on for hours..

 

but what does that really matter?

50 years from now, NONE of that is gonna matter

but will matter, is my eternity with the Savior

 

amidst the crazy, I savor every minute I get to spend with the Lord.

I recently discovered an amazing community of women,

that go through the bible together, with plans, devotionals and just refreshing.

If you'd too like to join us, check them out!

 

Today, we started Nehemiah.

 

Wow.

He's awesome y'all.

and yet he's so relevant to where I'm at right now.

he was only 20, moved away from home and lived the life.

dined at the kings table and did as he wanted.

when his family came to visit, he just casually asked how things were going

and he was devastated to find out they weren't good

he wept and mourned and prayed.

He cried out to the Lord, and asked for forgiveness for his entire family

he prayed on behalf of all of them.

 

As I savored these words

I realized how much I am, like Nehemiah.

In college, living the life. Doing what I want, when I want.

I come home, and realize what really happens and how most days

honestly, I don't ask how things are, or care. {just keeping it real}

I do indeed know how things are, because our family is

pretty open about what goes on, both ways so I don't really

have to ask, but why don't I?

the compassion behind asking someone how they are

goes a long way.

Now granted, our house isn't burning, the police aren't quitting,

our city isn't burning.

but we're still human, just as those people of Nehemiahs community

were suffering, wanting to die.

I live in a community that is suffering,

and some even wanting to die.

 

but when was the last time I weeped and mourned and prayed

on behalf of me and others about the current state?

the last time I asked for forgiveness for us all?

just asked the Lord to be heard?

 

here is Nehemiah, 800 miles away, his family is in danger and his community

is suffering horribly. and he still went before the Lord humbly and asked for forgiveness

and just to be heard. just for the Lord to acknowledge him.

 

That is my prayer today.

That I could be a Nehemiah, even when life

may be falling apart, to pray to be heard and to be in the place

where the Lord dwells. not only asking the Lord to fix everything.

to make it all better. and instead to use me to fix this chaos.

we are the Lords disciples, we are called to go out.

the Lord uses our valleys to strengthen us

he works all things for the good of those who love him.

 

Are you suffering today?

Ask the Lord to be heard, meet him in his dwelling place.

 

Austyn