In the presence of the Father

The one place where I always feel refreshed and renewed is in the presence of the Father. He is a refuge! He is a place of comfort, peace and rest. He is a fortress and protector from all that threatens and consumes. Even as I draw breath this afternoon, I am thankful to be alive, to be loved and forgiven and secure in my Savior. And I am passionate about the need that is out there for this God!!

How very different today is from years past. I can fully appreciate this fortress of peace because I remember a time when I had no peace, only fear and depression. There was no rest, and I found no comfort. I was so deeply consumed by my sin. I love how David puts it in Psalm 32:3-5.

"When I kept silent , my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me, my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I confess my transgressions to the Lord"- and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

Then in verse 7 he declares "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

This is the place that we get to when we realize just how rotten we truly are, and how Holy and Righteous our Heavenly Father is. Praise!

"Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6

We all have reason to sing, to rejoice in the Lord. It is good to remember where we have been and where God has brought us! We have a faithful God, so lets let Him be our focus and lets praise and rejoice out of a grateful, glad heart that has been saved!

P.S. The picture above is a glimpse of what God has inspired today as I reflect on his goodness. Journal + Bible + Guitar = Songwriting :)

#songwriting #praise #fortres #rejoic #deliverance #refug #comfor #protection #confessio #forgivnes