Skip to main content

He Makes Me Lie Down In Green Pastures...

He restores my soul...

When I recognized the parallels between this painting and the actual picture, I was humbly amazed. Upon further reflection, I am aware of Gods intimate love for me. Let me explain:

Last year, I faced a very challenging season in life. Doubt plagued my mind, fear gripped my heart, and I felt paralyzed in a sea of ambiguity. I often lamented to the Lord to guide me, failing to recognize His continual guidance. I pleaded with Him to reveal a glimpse of a future path. Many of these prayers were offered on my bed, staring at the painting on my wall. As I cried, I imagined myself in the painting. I pictured escaping into the brush strokes of the nature scene, enjoying the freedom of creation and the security of a path clearly laid before me. After much praying, healing, and surrender. I learned more of what it meant to walk by faith. I gained a new understanding of God's continual presence and pruning in my life. I discovered the gift of sharing the Lord the desires of my heart, although He already knew them. I dropped the guilt of having aspirations and dreams. I invited God into the space of my heart's hopes and allowed Him to shape them into His plans. My prayers became bolder and more grateful. I lifted my eyes above my circumstances to praise God for His faithfulness and lived with deeper faith.
As the Lord worked in my heart, He also opened the doors of opportunity. I accepted a job offer which relocated me to Texas. God answered the desires of my heart by granting me an opportunity to work and further my education; to be outside in nature, serving in ministry. Having worked in Texas for six months, I often reflect on my Father's power and great care for me, but it was not until last week I recognized the painting come to life. I walk by the tree laden creek often and finally established the connection. The same painting I looked at when I prayed is the very pasture before my eyes! I am walking by the exact scene that hung on my wall! Just thinking about this truth leaves me astounded.
God loves me so profoundly! His word says He hears my prayers and knows the desires of my heart (1 John 5:15, Psalms 145:18-19). He heard me and answered my prayer in a way which demonstrates His deep devotion to detail.

My prayer is that you may know His immeasurable love. May your eyes be opened to the work of God all around you. In both the big and small ways. Sometimes, the most minor works of God are the most prominent reminders of His love for me. May you know more of this love.

All my love,
Gennavieve

Psalm 23 (ESV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Hampton Court Palace

Today, I toured Hampton Court Palace, an official historic, royal palace. Following are some of the sights I saw, history I learned, and favorites I enjoyed. The guard chamber of King William III. The magnificent display of 2,871 items of armor and weapons displayed a message that William was a great soldier and peacemaker. William's Presence chamber. Only high-ranking individuals were permitted into this room. William would be distinguished by sitting on a Chair of Estate. Those who entered his presence were required to remove their hats and make three low bows to the King, or even his empty chair. I'm grateful to serve an accessible King, who is with me wherever I go. William's eating room. He was expected to dine here on occasions "in front of persons of good fashion and good appearance," in order to display the sumptuousness of his food and to reassure everyone he was in good health. He was served by three servants on bended knee. William's P...

Finals Ahead

With final exams around the corner I have completed quite an assortment of exciting adventures, all in preparation for studying I promise. From body surfing in the mighty waves of the Indian ocean, to zip lining above the beautiful canopies of South Africa, to sliding down the tarp on AE's grassy hill I feel so blessed to be able to experience wild and carefree fun. I went to Durban on Saturday and the weather was perfect for a swim. The waves were absolutely gigantic and completely powerful! There were several times that my heart would quicken because I got knocked around a little out of my comfort zone. Sunday, we went on a zip lining tour, which was very nice. Having zip lined before I was not nervous and so went first within our group. On a few of the lines, the guides would goof around and flail their arms or reach for trees and bounce off of the branches. However, when I expressed a desire to try to mirror them one of the men said, "Monkey see, monkey do. Monkey t...

I'll be home for Christmas

Cue Christmas music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t_forzHXzE -No, seriously! Click on this link and listen to this as you read my words, go on! Please click away.), which should be titled Holiday Music , after Halloween and decorations after Thanksgiving, everyone should abide by this principle. Thus I have been listening to Holiday Music and, although I have not a place to decorate or means to decorate, I have been fantasizing about Christmas. So here is a little post to say, Here's to the song I'll be home for Christmas , I have never sang this song with such fervor before... I'll be home for Christmas You can count on me Please have snow and mistletoe And presents on the tree Christmas Eve will find me Where the lovelight gleams I'll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams Christmas Eve will find me Where the lovelight gleams I'll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams ... I am dreaming about Christmas with my loved ones. I'l...