Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Awake My Soul

These past 2 mornings have been good. So good. Yesterday I had to head to a doctors apt at 7:30am. I left my dear husband and darling baby sleeping at home and for the first time in a long time, I had some time to myself. It’s just good to do that at times. My apt was next door to a Starbucks and I knew it would be a quick one so I brought my bible and my journal along with me for a Starbucks date with God. It had been a while since we’d had a date like that and it was so good. I spent an hour, drinking delicious, warm coffee and listening to what the Lord had to say through his Word. He said, “I’m so glad you’re here.” I’m glad I was too.

On the drive home I listened to one of my favorite CD’s featuring Chris Tomlin and David Crowder. No other Christian music artist can speak to my soul like those two. If you’ve never listened to them, I highly recommend that you do.  You will be inspired. The very first track on this particular CD is Chris Tomlin singing,” Awakening.” That is exactly what the Lord was doing yesterday morning.

Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing.

While this morning was a little different, it was still good. I woke early to a cool house with the windows open. I do love the cooler weather in October. After a warm shower, I put on some comfy pants and a sweat shirt (for the first time since the smoldering summer), made myself a cup of coffee, and sat down again with my bible and journal in hand. The Lord always seems to show up and I’m so glad he did.

Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing.

Last week was a rough week. Dave started working in the ER and I couldn’t have hated it more. 12 hour shifts. Crazy hours. Working weekends. Blah! God was up to something though. In the midst of David being gone quite a bit, I got to spend a Saturday morning walking with my friend Jen and our kiddos. Jen is an amazing woman of God and God uses her to speak truth to me in more ways than I can even explain. I have never told her that. Maybe she is reading. :) She reminds me, over and over, that it’s NOT about us. It’s about God, His glory, His will.

Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing.

Last week I was deeply saddened by the news that a blogger friend had lost her son at 20 weeks gestation. Thinking about it now makes my heart ache and cry out in pain. It prompted me to read the story of another blog, “Bring the Rain,” which was created when the author found out at 20 weeks gestation that her daughter would not live after birth. She carried that sweet angel until 33 weeks, and spent 2 hours getting to know her before she went to be with the Lord. My heart was shattered and I spent a good few hours weeping the loss that so many have had to endure.

While I don’t believe God purposefully puts suffering and trial into our lives. I do believe that all things happen to bring good and to bring Him glory in the end. Reading Angie’s story (from “Bring the Rain”) allowed me to see that in so many ways. It also reminded me of how temporary this life is and how every moment needs to be lived for God and Him alone. Only He can bring peace to our soul.

Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing.

God allowed me to see Him a little more each day last week. Even in sad times and rough patches, God is still God. He is in control and He is watching over us. I truly believe that. Spending time in his word these past 2 mornings have awakened my soul. It had been a while since I’d opened my bible and spent time with just Him. It was something that I needed to do. If spending time alone (while Dave was working in the ER) reading about loss and weeping to the Lord allowed me to grow closer to Him, then there was purpose in that. Not that I’m thankful for the loss others have had to endure. I’m not. My heart still aches for them. I want their babies to come back as much as they do. But, I believe that God is still God and only He can awake our soul.

Awakening. Chris Tomlin.

 

In our hearts, Lord, in this nation

Awakening

Holy Spirit, we desire

Awakening

.

For You and You alone

Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing

For the world you love

Your will be done, let Your will be done in me

.

In Your presence, in Your power

Awakening

For this moment, for this hour

Awakening

.

Like the rising sun that shines

From the darkness comes a light

I hear Your voice and this is my

Awakening

.

Like the rising sun that shines

Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing

Only You can raise a life

Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing

Lord,

Thank you for your teachings. Thank you for your stead fast love for us. Thank you for showing up when we need you. Please be with those who have lost someone dear to them. My heart cries out for them. Allow me to carry a part of of the burden for them so they don’t have to carry it all alone. Help us to cherish each and every day, living for You alone. Help us to leave a legacy of your love for our children to see. May they know you more because of the way we have loved you and those around us. Awake my soul, oh Lord.

4 comments:

Our Family for His Glory said...

Oh- how we all need those precious moments with God!! Sounds wonderful! Keep seeking!!
Jessica

MyerGirl said...

Love you. Thanks for that! XoxO

Rosemary Fagler said...

Keep reading, Danielle! When you find yourself with time, spend it with God! You go girl!

Carrie said...

Thank you, Danielle, for praying for us. It means a lot.