I make my way to my chair in the early morning when the house is dark with quiet. I cradle my cup of Starbucks with both hands and settle under the blanket for warmth. Slowly waking, I lean back and sink into our time together. He is already there waiting for me. We sit for what seems like a long time before either one of us says a word. It is my favorite time of day.
It starts with a pinging sound. One. Then two. Now more like a trickle. Before long the gentle steadiness of the rain is all I hear. Rain is pouring down in the darkness interrupting my quiet. I take it all in, and all at once I am covered by this unexpected symphony. It is as though it is just for me.
And I read grace. It says, “the LORD *longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He *waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are those who *long for Him”. {Isaiah 30:18} I turn these words around and around in my head and dig with tools at my fingertips. I find:
- the existing one waits to ambush me with favor and tender affection.
- this highly exalted One, blesses those who long for Him with the same affection.
His longing is for me. He waits to pour forth His favor. He sits exalted to show me mercy. I see it is about relationship after all. Grace makes the relationship possible.
And as the rain continues to fall I am changed…
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.
Amazing love, now flowing down.
From hands and feet that were nailed to a tree,
And Grace flows down and covers me.
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“It is about relationship after all. Grace makes the relationship possible.”
I savor the words of this. Relationship… with Him… because of grace.
Yes, with Him I’m finding it’s grace… and more grace!
Thanks for the last couple of weeks to ponder this verse and the challenge and promise it has brought to my own heart.
It is such a beautiful reminder of how much He loves us and pursues us with Grace! Thanks for joining the journey Donnetta!
Beautiful.
Grace & Peace like rain; nothing else like it in the world.
Thanks so much Anne! What a wonderful praise! I am learning so much and have so far to go! Thanks for stopping here today.
Love it! Thanks for sharing…and finding these verses it gave me much to think about!
I’m heading your way to read your thoughts friend!
One of my favorite verses….and a thought too large to wrap my mind around at times, but how thankful I am to receive grace upon grace….even when I miss it or overlook it…He is there, ready to pour forth.
Love that you are fixing your gaze upon grace through this series!
I have it on my memory board in my kitchen and each time I read it, I am amazed that He LONGS to be gracious to me. We are blessed beyond! Thanks for being here today Melissa!
What a wonderful reinforcement of what I just learned today watching a Beth Moore Esther video; He longs for us to trust Him and long for Him. Thanks for sharing. Jane
I loved that study! When you are finished with it, watch the movie, “Esther”. It is fairly new, in the past 3 or so years. It was a great way to end the study! Thanks for stopping by Jane!
Absolutely gorgeous words. Ever-thankful for His great grace.
I love this…it is exactly how I start my mornings…cup of coffee in hand, that sweet serenity that comes in meeting with Him each day. It is so good for my soul.
It took me years to get here Katie, but finally I can honestly say it is a cherished part of my day. Starting the day with Him is way better than sleep! So glad you stopped by! Praying this week He meets you in a powerful way each morning!