Humility and Inspiration

This has been a season of darkness for me. We all go through our lows and highs. I thank God for friends and family that pray for me and Peter.
It's important that I share my feelings...not to be put above others but that it is a way to bond with others. I have found kindred spirits in people that have experienced dark times as well. Does God hide his face when we are in sorrow? NO! In fact, I believe he shows his face in these dear people I know.
My self-centeredness could be my undoing, but God's grace and mercy temper that and help me to see I am not alone.

One of the books my pastor has recommended to me and our congregation is a book of Puritan prayers: "The Valley of Vision", edited by Arthur Bennett. Here is an excerpt. It is my prayer today.

THE MOVER

O SUPREME MOVING CAUSE,
May I always be subordinate to thee,
be dependant upon thee,
be found in the path where thou dost walk,
and where thy Spirit moves,
take heed of estrangement from thee,
of becoming insensible to thy love.
Thou dost not move men like stones,
but dost endue them with life,
not to enable them to move without thee,
but in submission to thee, the first mover.
O Lord, I am astonished at the difference
between my receivings and my deservings,
between the state I am now in and my past gracelessness,
between the heaven I am bound for and the hell I merit.
Who made me to differ, but thee?
for I was no more ready to receive Christ than were others;
I could not have begun to love thee hadst thou not first loved me,
or been willing unless thou hadst first made me so.
O that such a crown should fit the head of such a sinner!
such high advancement be for an unfruitful person!
such joys for so vile a rebel!
Infinite wisdom cast the design of salvation
into the mould of purchase and freedom;
Let wrath deserved be written on the door of hell,
But the free gift of grace on the gate of heaven
I know that my sufferings are the result of my sinning,
but in heaven both shall cease;
Grant me to attain this haven and be done with sailing,
and may the gales of thy mercy blow me safely into harbour.
Let thy love draw me nearer to thyself,
wean me from sin, mortify me to this world,
and make me ready for my departure hence.
Secure me by thy grace as I sail across this stormy sea.

This is a lovely prayer. I'm glad you read it. May it bless you today.

Victoria