Not too long ago I was able to vacate my normal routine and go to a cabin in the woods. I spent seven days in solitude. I slept. I prayed. I listened. I cried. I read. I wrote. I wandered. I wondered. It was one of the most conversational times I’ve ever had with the Lord. It came with a surprising ease. Maybe it was the quiet that allowed such a flow. Maybe it was desperation. Maybe it was his kindness meeting me–drawing near to him, he drew near to me (James 4:8).
Below are five things I heard that week. They are in the simplest form possible. I sense a book could be written for each one–maybe I will. In some ways I feel I am cheating you from glorious details. I like things in their natural form. But even manicured and cut down, I believe these five things are valuable gems (at least to me).
- God does not swindle. He doesn’t play thimblerig* with his children. Stop believing that lie!
- Every “dream” in my heart is subject to the cross and the grave. They should/can only live in his resurrection power.
- If God is my treasure, I cannot lose.
- Let worries fall the way trees release their leaves, making room for new growth. Everything is purposed. Nothing is wasted that falls below. Come and see. Walk with me under the canopy, where dreams like stars glisten as I breathe.
- I will praise you even in the sadness–even in the waiting–even in the let down–even in the let go–even in the empty–even in the wanting–I will praise you for who you are and what you’ve done.
*thimblerig – a swindling trick in which a small ball or pea is quickly shifted from under one to another of three small cups to fool the spectator guessing its location.
Brave Sparrow 