~He Understands~

(This experience happened yesterday, Friday, May 27.)

It was a beautiful day. The sun broke through the cloudy, water filled sky. Yet today, I faced a difficult trial. This one was painful. I broke into tears. My Hannah, a very loving, compassionate, gentle, SIS   placed her hand on my shoulder and said, “You need to go pray about it...” Her hand touching my shoulder felt as though Christ Himself was doing it. It took a moment before I said yes to the call that the Lord was giving me through her. I had resisted His call just shortly before and now, He spoke through one of the people—my little sister--I admire and treasure the most in my life.

I finally decided to go outside, away from the distractions in the home. I needed to spend this time in secret with Him where I could pour out my heart to Him.

At first, I didn't know exactly where I wanted to go; but as I walked toward our driveway, I looked at the garden down the slope. “That's where I want to go. The garden.”

The words, “I stand in the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses...” filled my mind as I walked toward the walnut tree that shades a corner of our garden. There were water drops on the plants and weeds around me. The birds were singing their melodious songs of cheer and adoration; and the cows were mooing in the nearby pasture. The scene was beautiful. It touched my heart. I was here in the garden alone with my Creator and truest Friend.

As I stood there thinking about the trial, I spotted some dried grass lying next to the trunk. I knelt there and poured out my soul to the One Who knows the very depths of my heart and Who reads and understands my deepest longings, pains, sorrows, struggles, joys, victories—knows my heart to the very core.

He understands...

As the tears poured down my face, I could feel His peaceful presence, care, love! Oh, how wonderful it is to be in God’s presence; to know that I am with my Redeemer!

He folded me in His strong, yet gentle, arms of love—the arms that comfort the weary, hurting, burdened. . .child. Those arms will never let me down! When I am weak, they make me strong. When I am sad, they give me comfort. When I am weary, they give me rest.

My trial seems, in a big way, to feel much lighter, now, since I asked Him to help me carry it and I rededicated my own life and will to Him.

I stayed under that tall, walnut tree for a while. I couldn’t and didn’t want to leave that precious place where I was communing in secret with my Saviour and ever faithful, constant Friend. How wonderful it was to be there with just Him! It truly was the best place in the world!

That sweet place looks like an ordinary spot in the garden, yet it’s extraordinary when God is there.

Face to face; heart to heart; hand in hand. . .We’ll walk through this trial together!

When I left, my heart was filled with peace and joy.

I stepped into my room and found a magazine lying open on the end of my bed. My Hannah placed it there to encourage me.

The quote, “A.S.A.P.”, reads:

“There’s work to do, deadlines to meet;

You’ve got no time to spare;

But as you hurry down life’s road:

A.S.A.P.—Always Say a Prayer!

“In the midst of family tensions,

When quiet time is rare,

Remember God is there for you:

A.S.A.P.—Always Say a Prayer!

“When stresses overwhelm your soul

And seem too much to bear,

Slow down; take time alone with God:

A.S.A.P.—Always Say a Prayer!

“God knows all about your troubles.

He wants to ease each care.

He will respond to each appeal:

So A.S.A.P.—Always Say a Prayer!”

~Author Unkown~

I was touched! I needed it.

Thank you, Lord, for my sweet SIS.

Thank you for understanding, caring. . .You’re always there for me.

Thank you for the peaceful garden.

I love YOU! You  are my all in all!

“Just when I need Him most...Jesus is near to comfort and cheer.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My dear friend, in whatever you are facing in life, you can go to your heavenly Father in prayer. He is ever waiting to comfort and guide the lonely, hurting, burdened, spiritually thirsty and hungry child. You will find rest and true joy in Him! He will wrap His arms of love around you! He’s always there longing to be your best friend and to help carry your trials. . .You can go to Him any time.

Your Saviour loves you “with a love stronger than death”. That love is far beyond our imagination! It’s greater than beautiful. . .It’s unending and fulfilling. . .You will find true joy in Him!

He understands. . .