Oh, Abba —
When did I finally go to sleep last night? Somewhere around “0 dark thirty”???
Truth be told, I didn’t sleep much at all. I know I was snuggled safely in Your arms, but the pain in my sprained ankle was excruciating… even with extra strength aspirin.
But that’s OK, Lord… because it reminded me of a very important truth: The reality of Your Presence — and Your Unfailing Love — is not dependent on the circumstances I may be facing any given day. I can’t see You with my natural eyes. Yet even when I cannot feel You, I can rest assured that You are right here with me.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
It wasn’t Your “fault” that I twisted my ankle. It wasn’t my fault, either. Yet it also wasn’t Your Will to remove the resulting pain. And that was OK, too. It certainly reminded me of how fragile I am, and how dependent I am on You. Not to mention how blessed I am that my biggest physical concern at present is simply a twisted ankle that will soon heal.
You and I have been in much deeper water than this… haven’t we, Lord?
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you… For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:1b-3a)
I was at my computer most of the day, working for — and with — a precious client. As the day wore on, the pain became tolerable… then, forgettable. It is now reasserting itself… only enough to remind me that it is time to give it a break. Tonight I must sleep… and I will. Because You have been gracious to me, Lord…. and I am grateful!
“The Lord blesses [me] and keeps [me]; the Lord makes His face shine on [me] and be gracious to [me]; the Lord turns His face toward [me] and gives [me] peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Forever Yours,
Abba’s Girl