Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Cease Striving

This Sunday, while in Texas, I got to visit my "home church", Cypress Bible Church. I grew up in this church. You have no idea how literally I mean that. I was there. All. the. Time. It is very much like a home to me, and it was wonderful to be back!

Also, we've all heard Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God". But have you ever heard the words used in the NASB translation? NASB says "Cease striving, and know that I am God". I LOVE THAT. It took on a whole new meaning for me. HE is God. We don't have to try to be. We don't have to do everything. Pastor Dave talked about a time in his life when he said that he was "subconsciously trying to be the Messiah". He meant that he was trying to save the world and do it all on his own. He read a "letter" he received from God: "Dear Dave, thank you for your offer to control and run the universe. I've got it, thanks. Really. I've got it. Love, God". I loved that.

Anyways, while we were worshipping, we sang the hymn, "Praise to the Lord the Almighty". I have sung this song umpteen times. But again, something clicked with me this Sunday. The words are SO beautiful and SO true:


Praise to the Lord, The Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, For He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, Now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord,Who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings,Yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how all your longings have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, Who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

That third verse really gets to me. He prospers my work. He defends me. His goodness and mercy daily attend me. And just THINK of what He CAN DO!! I am a worrier, and that verse just comforts me from head to toe. Love it! They wrote some good words back in the 17th century ya'll!

I feel a rejuvenation in my spirit. The Lord has given me the motivation and will power to make a change this week. I pray that He speaks to you this week the same way He has spoken to me!

Love you ladies!

10 comments:

John and Joanna said...

Thank you Mrs. Lucado :)
I love that song! I am glad you had a wonderful time in Texas...i am excited to be there!!
Thank you for sharing your heart and how the Lord is working in you!!
I love you with all my being!!

Angela Baylis said...

I love that song!

And I appreciate your reminder to... :Be still, and know that I am God." I needed to hear that this morning!

Love,
Angie xoxo

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

you are so alive to the things of God jen!!! loved loved loved the
cease striving comment...oohh!

Given Grace said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and thanks for such a timely post. I love the letter that your pastor read...I'm sure God could send out sooooo many!

One of my favorite songs too.

Janelle and Ella said...

Thanks for no longer "lurking" on my blog and commenting. :-) I love that you left me a comment and I'm so glad to know about your blog. Y'all are such cute newlyweds! I'm curious to read more about your story and why you are now in Baton Rouge and no longer in the great state of Texas. :-)
Thanks again for the comment.

Lindsee Lou said...

Cease Striving...

I love it!!! :)

I love you, too, my sweet friend!!!!!

Megan said...

I saw your page while I was reading The Bachelor recaps. I am new to this whole blogging thing but I wanted to say I love your little website! :)

Megan said...

Originally Houston (well, Tomball) but right now I am living in San Antonio. I read that you went to Cypress Bible Church. Did you know Salem Young (Webb now that she is married)? She is one of my sister's best friends and I know both she and her husband Jaden went there.

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

i can't stop thinking about "cease striving" - ooohhh!

connorcolesmom said...

I love that thank you!!
It speaks very loudly to me right now!!
Love ya,
Kim