Oh, how Amy Carmichael has ministered to my soul this morning, and I pray she does for you as well. The trials come, my friends, and when they do, we must put our wading boots on and grab the Lord's hand. Here's how Amy puts it:
"I want to give you a word that helped me all yesterday and will help me today. It is the "through" of Psalm 84:6 and of Isaiah 43:2, taken with Song of Songs 8:5.*
We are never staying in the valley or the rough waters; we are only passing through them, just as the bride in the Song of Songs is seen coming up from the wilderness leaning upon her Beloved.
So whatever the valley is, or however rough the waters are, we won't fear. Leaning upon our Beloved, we shall come up from the wilderness and, as Psalm 84:6 says, even use the valley as a well, make it a well. We shall find the living waters there and drink of them."
*
Psalm 84:6 (ASV): "Passing through the valley of Weeping, they make it a place of springs."
Isaiah 43:2 (KJV): "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee."
Song of Songs 8:5 (KJV): "Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?"
~Excerpt taken from Candles In The Dark by Amy Carmichael
Friends, when we wade through the valley of weeping, may we drink from the Living Water. And when we come out dripping, may we also be leaning securely upon our Beloved Father. This is what I want. It is my heart's desire. Amen.
In the Key of HE,
14 friends shared a comment:
You know I'm clinging to this one! If there is one lesson I've learned in my 42 years, it's the power of follow-through. Of walking it through with the Lord, even when it doesn't feel good or perfect. I'm pretty stubborn. This quality has been both bane and blessing. But it has kept me to Jesus, no matter what. Thus, I read my Bible; I talk to him everyday; And I'm learning to neglect the "things" that are weighing me down. He's been so faithful to point all of those things out to me.
God bless you friend, for your continual presence in my life and for your obedience to follow-through with Jesus.
peace~elaine
Laura,
You know walking in high water is never fun...but knowing that someone is walking along...sure footed is peace that sustains...
I've learned that I can walk in that infested murky water alone...if I choose, and end up face down..OR asking HIM along for the walk...He never says "no, too rough for me..."
What beautiful words this morning...that's what I love about you ladies...it's someone else's words that through the power of technology, I can read and be inspired...
USING it all for good...:) THAT'S what we are called to do...as "LIGHTS!" You are one indeed!!
peace,
lori
I love you and I'm praying for you. Keep your eyes on Jesus; He'll show you the way through the valley.
((hugs))
Vonnie
Wonderful, wonderful reminder. I am encouraged by this truth, both for myself AND for you, dear Laura. Knowing the valley is only for a time, and that we WILL end up on the other side, is an amazing encouragement.
What a precious post! I love the words she penned, and yours as well. There is nothing better than The Living Water!
Ooh, such wisdom and comfort in this. He is always see us through if we don't just give up. Beautiful post, thank you, and thanks to Amy Carmichael too!
Hello precious sister...you know I've been praying for you and still am. :-)
THROUGH and WITH are two words that go together well...especially when we're walking THROUGH the valleys, storms or cesspools of life, b/c we are still WITH Jesus, all is well.
Love you sweet sister,
Sunny
I'm praying for you LauraLee!
No matter what He does and will bring us through! It's a sure hope!
I always say when you can look back and see what you've gone through, rejoice, because it means you made it through. Great post my friend.
Hugs to you.
P. S. Please stop by my blog for a happy - http://magnoliaheartbeats.blogspot.com/2008/10/awards-day-i-am-recipient-of-2-new.html
Some days I'm leaning so heavily I'm sure He must be carrying me. But He does...I am blessed.
Thank you. Just what I needed tonight...
I need this truth this morning. I've never found it easy to trust or lean, or even to believe that anyone would want me to do that. The voice of my mind says, with a sarcastic and bitter tone, "Toughen up, woman!" And I'm beaten down by those words, not encouraged by them. I need to hear the Still, Small Voice saying, "Lean on me, daughter."
Bless you.
Laura Lee,
Oh to be leaning on our beloved Jesus...tis the only way! May you feel His loving embrace tonight, my sweet sister!
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