a long time coming

Yes - it's been a while hasn't it. Instead of going into the "gap" though of time that has passed since I last entered anything on this blog - I wanted to take a moment and delight in God's grace, greatness and gentleness.

Grace:
God's "unmerited favour". I have just had the most amazing gift of a weekend - spending time with friends, being reminded of who I am in Christ and that it's better to wait patiently for something than settle for less. While being overwhelmed by the shops of Sydney (I know... who would have thought!) I am thankful that the prayer my friend prayed on Saturday night was answered - I, with unmerited favour, received yet another gift from God. And as I reflect, this is a common theme in my life.

In fact, as I type I'm reminded of this song by Sarah Groves

Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me.

I can’t remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can’t remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful, He’s always been faithful
He’s always been faithful to me.

Greatness:

³³Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
³⁴"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
³⁵"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
³⁶For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

I'm very "quotey" tonight, but I feel these things bursting out of my skin, my heart, my SOUL in a way that they haven't for some time. Part of this is that I've had some time - the first "time" I've had in a while where I can just do what I want and not feel like I have to be in control all the time just to keep it together. The other part of this is that I've had another, a fresh should I say, revelation of God's greatness - that He is GOD and my life is in his hands. I can make choices, but my choices will be far from what God actually desires. As Bebo Norman puts it (I know... another quote but I've been really impacted by some great songs in the last few months)

I want a crumb, but you are a feast
I want a song, but you are a symphony
I want a star, but your a galaxy

And I have resolved that I'm much better off
In what you have for me
I'm begging you to hold on tight
Begging you to take my life from me

So tell me you won't let go
Tell me you won't let go
Cause you are the only hope for me
Take my life from me, It's the only hope for me
Take my life from me, It's the only hope for me
And I'll never want for more
I'll never want for more

Gentleness:
Some deep issues have been pricked recently, but before each one, God has been gently preparing me to hear His voice when it has come. The coming of his voice hasn't been easy at times, but I'm so grateful that though His grace he has gently prepared the way.

It's good to be back. I've been doing really well for a while now, but it's great to have the urge to download some of what is in my head.