Keeping our eyes on Him

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. Hebrews 12:2 The Message

You would think that after all we have been through as a family that I would know to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus despite the circumstances. Well yesterday I struggled with doing exactly that. Our daughter was once again in pain, muscles tightening, hindering her mobility. Feeling absolutely hopeless, I asked God for wisdom for what to do, and then went searching on the internet for solutions on managing chronic pain in children. 

And I did find some wisdom there - suggestions that a multidisciplinary approach is required - which is a track I believe God has been leading us down. However I also found a lot of other not so helpful information, painting rather negative pictures of the lives of children living with chronic pain. And that really messed with my mind. I went to bed fearful of what tomorrow would bring - more pain or less pain?

It wasn't until this morning when I sat down to have time with God and He showed me that I was a bit off track! He gently reminded me of these things ....

1. Keep your eyes fixed Me Wendy

2. Live in My strength, not your own

3. I know what is going on and I have the answers

In conclusion,  be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Ephesians 6:10 AMP

Yes, these are all messages He has spoken to me about many times before. Message that I obviously need to keep being reminded of.  

Question for today, is there something going on in your life that you need answers for? Are you, like me, trying to yet again work it out in your own strength? If yes, let's agree to keep our eyes fixed on Him, on Who He is and what He has given us - His love, His grace and His strength.

 

Before we ask

Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.

Psalm 139:16 The Message

Today I felt God wanted me to share a testimony of just how perfect His preparations are, to encourage you (and me) that whatever is happening now in our lives, is preparation for the future, for both us and who He is planning to bring into our lives.

Eleven years ago we moved from Sydney to Lake Macquarie, as directed by God. He planted us in a great church. I started attending the mums group and connected with some lovely mums. What a blessing they were to me in those early days of motherhood.

Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathising [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble). 1 Peter 3:8 AMP

There was one in particular, who had a husband from New Zealand, common ground for me, and who was a midwife. We travelled through the years of having young children. And then unbeknown to both of us, our lives were about to 'fall apart' for different reasons. She was to be the person who graciously alerted us to there being something very wrong with Victoria. Over the ensuing three years we both pressed into God and grew in our trust of Him as we prayed for restoration in our families.

My steps have held closely to Your paths [to the tracks of the One Who has gone on before]; my feet have not slipped. I have called upon You, O God, for You will hear me; incline Your ear to me and hear my speech. Psalm 17:5-6 AMP

Distance separated us as my friend and her family moved to New Zealand. Our communication was spasmodic, but we were in each other's prayers. I continually find it interesting how praying for and with someone knits people's hearts together.

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses,  your sins) and pray [also] for one another that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16 AMP

About three months ago my friend found out that one of her daughters was unwell. The week that she was to undergo major investigation in a hospital a few hours away from their home, just happened to be the week I was in New Zealand visiting my mum and dad. Without my normal family and other responsibilties I was able to speak and pray with my friend each day as they had tests and more tests and waited for results. Having been in a similar situation I could really empathise, knowing the pain of a mother's heart when your child is seriously ill. 

God knew what support my friend would need that week and He had provided for it, in advance. Just as He had done for us all those years ago when He bought us to Lake Macquarie, planted us at Macquarie Life Church and connected me with this beautiful woman of God. He answered before we asked.

And it shall be that before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 AMP

And now I have the privilege of standing with her in prayer for her daughter, using all that God has taught me, to support her and encourage her in this new journey.

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Ephesians 2:10 AMP

As I reflect on what God has done in this time, here are some of the key things he has taught me ..... 

1. Stay connected with the body of Christ in a local church.

2.And when in that body, don't isolate yourself, allow yourself to be vulnerable and make connection with people. 

3. When the times of disappointment come, keep talking to God about it, keeping your spirit sweet allowing Him to minister to you.

4. Ask Him to show you what He wants to teach you. 

5. Be open to what He wants you to do with what He has taught you.

6. Keep trusting that He has a plan and it is good.

Thank you Jesus that you don't leave us or forsake us, but that you do have a plan and it is good. Thank you that you do go before us. Thank you that you answer us before we ask. Please help us to keep trusting you no matter what. Thank you that you love us and are faithful always. Amen.

 

God has a plan

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

When life is difficult this is one of my 'go to' verses. Those truths - He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, and He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it - how much comfort do those words bring when the heat is on?

The Amplified Bible expands the second part of the verse ....

But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. 1 Corinthians 10:13b AMP

Basically, He has it all covered. We just need to walk with Him, keep taking every thought and action to Him, asking for wisdom, listening to what He says, doing what He says, and wait with a supernatural abundance of patience.

It sounds so simple. But I know it isn't, we have our own ideas, our own plans and a free will. We have to learn to yield, which is definitely not so simple.

So today, let's thank God for being faithful and for providing all we need for every aspect of our lives, in the past, today and in the future. And let's ask Him to teach us how to better yield to His plans, trusting that He is a good God, always.

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message

Be alert

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 1 Peter 5:8 The Message

Stay alert. Over the past month there has been a lot going on in our family. We have been alert to somethings, but not to other things - not to the subtle things that can cause distraction, disappointment, disharmony and ultimately disunity - just what the devil wants. Thankfully last night one of our children was alert, and  declared, 'Our family needs prayer'. And they were exactly right.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

So this morning God spoke to be about staying alert to what is happening within our family, and not letting that core responsibility He has blessed me with, be overtaken by other responsibilities. God then reminded me of a conversation I had with a wise woman from church a couple of months after Victoria was diagnosed. I was complaining that Victoria only wanted me to help her, and this woman simply reminded me, 'Of course, you are her mother.' I had to take that response to God and learn that He has given me all I needed to indeed be her mother. And that if I carried that responsibility in His strength, not my own, I would get through.

So that was another example of me needing to stay alert, but this time, being alert to what God was wanting to teach me and change in me. 

Here are some other scriptures in which God tells us to be alert ...

Keep your eyes open for GOD, watch for his works; be alert for the signs of his presence. Psalm 105:4 The Message

Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Isaiah 43:19 The Message

Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing  you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire. Matthew 26:41 The Message

Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Colossians 4:2 The Message

Question for today, how alert are you to what is going on in and around your life? Are you alert to the enemy's plans? Are you alert to God's plans? If like me you get distracted sometimes, repent and ask God to open your eyes to what is going on, and to help you stay alert and see things from His perspective.

Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ - that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. Colossians 3:2 The Message

 

God's love

O praise the Lord, all you nations! 
Praise Him, all you people!
For His mercy and loving-kindness are great towards us, and the truth and faithfulness of the Lord endure forever.
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
Psalm 117 AMP

Verse 2 starts, 'for His mercy and loving-kindness are great towards us.'

The Message Bible says it this way, 'His love has taken over our lives.'

There are so many things that can take over our lives - illness, financial pressure, the hurtful words of others, the enemy's lies we believe about ourselves. But what would happen if everyday we truly let His love take over our lives?

Let's have a look at some of the scriptures about His love ....

Give thanks to GOD - he is good and his love never quits. 1 Chronicles 16:34 The Message

God's love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost. Psalm 26:5-6 The Message.

Blessed be God; he didn't turn a deaf ear, he stayed with me, loyal in his love. Psalm 66:20 The Message

Oh, thank GOD - he's so good! His love never runs out. Psalm 107:1 The Message

So thank GOD for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. Psalm 107:8 The Message

Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. 2 Corinthians 5:14 The Message

So here are some characteristics of God's love - it never quits, is meteoric, is loyal, never runs out, is marvelous and it moves us.

Question for today, what will you let take over you today - life and it's ups and downs, or God's love?


Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Ephesians 4:4 The Message

 

His restoration

In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 AMP

This morning I find myself reflecting on the restoration God has bought into our lives, especially over these last eight months. 

It is with tears I think about those hours and hours in hospital and what our daughter went through, along with all the other children in there. 

For me, in those years, I found my world and purpose narrowed as I focused completely on getting through that appointment, that treatment, that night.  There was little space emotionally or physically to consider anything outside of that circumstance. It was extremely challenging for me when I was used to being so fully involved in life, with many connections in different places, to suddenly be essentially constrained out of sheer necessity. 

The fellowship with one another all but disappeared except for the core one or two people in my life. Resentment crept in. Continually I had to take that resentment to God and ask Him to help keep my spirit sweet.

So what a joy it has been over the past eight months to see restoration in this area of our lives. For me, I love people, I love being involved in people's lives, bringing encouragement, helping them to look for God in all that is going on in their lives. And over the past eight months God has graciously restored the emotional and physical resources to enable me to do more and more of that. 

But He has done more than restore it, unbeknown to me, in these past five and a half years He has re-built me. The way that I love people and encourage now is different, it comes out of heart that has been broken and glued back together with God's perfect love. A heart that is still not perfect, but filled with a lot more grace than before.  What a blessing to my soul.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteous, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3 AMP

So why am I sharing this today? I don't really know, it is just what the Holy Spirit has led me to do. I am praying that what I have shared will bring hope to anyone reading this who has had challenging times in their lives and are waiting and believing for God's restoration. 

We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 AMP

 

Being thankful

Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. Hebrews 12:28 The Message

How thankful are we today? I am guessing that there are things in your life, just like there are in mine, that you don't feel very thankful for. But I have learnt if we can lift our eyes and see past those things, there is plenty to be thankful for. Especially God's grace and strength which empowers us to indeed lift our eyes.

We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul - not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. Colossians 1:11-12 The Message

I believe that being thankful opens the door to seeing more of God's plan for our lives. It is, as Psalm 100 says, like a password,

Enter with the password: "Thank you!"

Make yourselves at home, talking praise.

Thank him. Worship him.

For GOD is sheer beauty,

all-generous in love,

loyal always and ever.

Psalm 100:4-5 The Message 

He is a God who is always worthy of our thanks and praise. David knew that so well.

Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!"

Angels listen as I sing my thanks.

I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "Thank you!"

Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness;

Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word.

The moment I called out, you stepped in; 

you made my life large with strength.

Psalm 138:1-3 The Message

Question for today, are you able to find 20 things in your life that you are thankful for? Maybe it will only take you a few moments to think of 20 things, maybe it will be a challenge. However it is for you, give God thanks for those things in your life, and ask Him to keep showing you more.

He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough - and he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:16 The Message

God is a safe place to hide

God is a safe place to hide,
ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.
Psalm 46:1-3 The Message

Do you believe that God is a safe place to hide? What does that mean? How do we do hide in God? Does it mean all our troubling circumstances disappear? 

Here are a few of my thoughts about what hiding in God is, and is not ....

It isn't denying your circumstances. It is declaring that God is greater than your circumstances.

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] Romans 8:31 AMP

It isn't isolating yourself from God in anger and disappointment. It is going to God, telling Him how you feel, and asking Him to help you process those feelings in a healthy way.

Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls]. Matthew 11:28 AMP

It isn't looking at the circumstances and only seeing the negative aspects. It is asking God to help you see the things to be grateful for, and what He wants you to learn.

Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7 AMP

When we are hiding in God, look what we can do ....
 
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.

And why can we do that ? Because we have learnt how to completely trust Him in everything.

Question for today, do you know how to hide in God? If not, ask Him to show you how. But remember, it doesn't mean hiding from your circumstances. It does mean that together, you go through the circumstances, trusting God every moment of every day. A trust that builds day by day until we can stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom and courageous in the seastorm and earthquake. Because we know, that we know, that we know ....

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us.
GOD of angel armies protects us.
Psalm 46:3 The Message



 

What is your fight song?

At the Colour conference this year I heard Fight Song by Rachel Platten for the first time (I am a bit slow when it comes popular secular music).  Anyway, this morning I was thinking about that song, and what would be my fight song?

All I could come up with was a list of scriptures. These scriptures are my weapons I use in battle and I have found they are the best kind of weapons. 

My prayer is that for anyone who is in the middle of a battle now, you will pick up these weapons, the word of the Almighty God and wield them with the power and authority that has been given to you through Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:37-39 AMP

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 10:39 NIV

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Romans 8:31 AMP

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] 

Joshua 1:9 AMP

Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Luke 1:37 AMP

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

Philippians 4:13 AMP

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Question for today, what scriptures make up your fight song? Are they written on your heart for when the day of battle comes?

My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3 NIV

 

 

 

Intimacy with God

But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognised as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him]. 1 Corinthians 8:3 AMP

What is your depth of intimacy with God? What do you talk to Him about? What are you prepared to do for Him? What do you thank Him for? What is your expectation of Him? What do you do when you experience disappointment from unmet expectations? 

Just a few questions to get the day started. And here are some more ..... When you think about the people you are closest to, how do those relationships compare with your relationship with God? Who are your 'go-to' people? Is God on that list? And if yes, what number is He on that list?

I am asking these questions, not to bring condemnation, but rather to give us the opportunity to think about our level of intimacy with God. 

I know for me, my level of intimacy with God has certainly changed since I became a Christian about 20 years ago. It has deepened and widened as over the years God has taught me that He is the ultimate 'go-to' place. He is my secret place.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my fortress, my God, on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! Psalm 91:1-2 AMP

The daily challenge though is to stay close to God in that secret place, and not get drawn into the busyness and stress of circumstances and issues that present themselves each day. 

Final question for today, when you reflect on your level of intimacy with God, is there room to grow? If yes, why not ask God to show you how, and expect to develop a deeper, more beautiful intimacy than you ever thought possible.

Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. 1 John 4:15-16 The Message

 

Surrender

Wait and listen, everyone who is thirsty!
Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!
Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing]. 
Isaiah 55:1 AMP

Wait.

My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him, for my hope and expectations are from Him.
Psalm 62:5 AMP

 
Listen.

I will listen [with expectancy] to what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints (those who are in right standing with Him) - but let them not turn again to [self confident] folly. Psalm 85:8 AMP


Come.

Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls]. Matthew 11:28 AMP
 


Buy.

Buy the truth and sell it not; not only that, but also get discernment and judgement, instruction and understanding. Proverbs 23:23 AMP



Eat.

O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8 AMP


Today, let's wait, listen, come, buy and eat of all that God has for us. All that He wants to show us, teach us and give us. Let's surrender to Him and His ways.

The feet of Jesus

Something a bit different today .... let's start with a worship song ....

Find me at the feet of Jesus - Christy Nockels

What a beautiful way to start the day, at the feet of Jesus, not running around trying to get a head start on the day. 

But rather, choosing to lay aside all our plans for the day and 
sit with Jesus. Worshiping Him. Listening to what He has to say. Choosing to go and be with Him. He will always meet us.

And as they went, behold, Jesus met them, and said, Hail (greetings)! And they went up to Him and clasped His feet and worshipped Him. Matthew 28:9 AMP

In the scripture we read about people who went to the feet of Jesus for different reasons.

The man with the unclean spirits, after Jesus had commanded them to depart. He just wanted to be close to Jesus, his Saviour.

And [people] went out to see what had occurred, and they came to Jesus and found the man from who the demons had gone out, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right (sound) mind; and they were seized with alarm and fear. Luke 8:35 AMP
 
Jairus, desperate for Jesus to come to his house and heal his daughter, ... knowing that Jesus had the power and authority to heal.

And there came a man named Jairus, who had [for a long time] been a director of the synagogue; and falling at the feet of Jesus, he begged Him to come to his house, Luke 8:41

The Leper who was healed and returned to thank Jesus, ... so grateful for all Jesus had done for him.

Then one of them, upon seeing that he was cured, turned back, recognizing and thanking and praising God with a loud voice; And he fell prostrate at  Jesus' feet, thanking Him [over and over]. And he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 AMP

Mary, in grief, not afraid to express her thoughts, coming to Jesus for comfort ....

When Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw Him, she dropped down at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. John 11:32 AMP

Mary, full of love for Jesus and all He had done, anointed the feet of Jesus ...

So they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those at the table with Him. Mary took a pound of ointment of pure liquid nard [a rare perfume] that was very expensive, and she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:2-3 AMP


Today, we have access to come and sit at the feet of Jesus. There are no barriers except the ones we erect. Whatever we feel - gratitude, desperation, grief or love, we are welcome at the feet of Jesus. Let's choose to go there today.

 

The emptiest of places

I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places - firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. Isaiah 58:11 The Message

Have you been there, in the emptiest of places?  I have. It is the place where you have the opportunity to meet God in a whole new way. It is the place where scriptures like 1 Corinthians 10:13 become a daily declaration ....

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down, He'll never let you be pushed past your limit, He'll always be there to help you through it. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message

It is a place where God's promises breathe life and hope into you. A place where every word that you read from His word carries truth, that you dare to claim over your life ....

God will always show Wendy where to go.

God will give me a full life in the emptiest of places.

I will be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. 

Maybe it is a timid declaration at first. But as faith rises in you it becomes louder and louder. Eventually speaking louder than your circumstances. The truth of God's word consumes your thinking, and you know that He has a plan and it is for good.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. " Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

And you begin to trust God at a whole new level ....

And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity]. Psalm 9:10 AMP

Question for today, are you in one of those emptiest places today? If yes, why not stop, and ask Him to show you where to go. Ask your Heavenly Father to show you how to live a  full life now. And thank Him that you will be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry.

The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11 NLT