Ambience: a nighttime chat by the campfire

To be obedient takes much effort to turn away from our rebellious heart. To choose mercy is to take on humility, yet our flesh seeks to justify and exalt itself, that’s why it’s difficult. To be obedient is to submit, but better to understand that this obedience is to ponder and acknowledge the authority of God. Be still, and know God

Listen to the word of God, take your heart to the Lord in prayer and allow him to minister to you in the depths of trial.

This is a poem I wrote somewhat out of the blue during one of my secret tranquil moments. I was looking around and noticed how the seasons were changing; how pruned trees were growing back, how an impossible situation (a white sapote tree-also figuratively) was showing signs of life again, and the realization dawned on me that time does pass, and there comes a moment when you linger on that point and notice. You notice grace. Your faith deepens as you know you can hope in restoration.

As I listen to this at this time, and release it now, it hits much differently than when I first wrote it. Almost as though it's aged like fine wine. In the sense that, I wrote this months ago, then, when I recorded it, it felt like it was 'it's time', then there was doubt and fear again, and moments where I felt as though it wasn't true, that I was still a matter of riptides within, and so that is why it's maturity now is ripe for I am in a place of stillness I haven't known before. That sharing it now, resonates as the right time. Yet, I am humbled by the process of it all. For there will be a storm tomorrow and I will always be reminded of my need for the Lord, as the waves will rip and I will be torn and thrown around, and it is in that pursuit of 'being still and knowing God' that my standing on the Rock is strengthened. I am not always steady, yet God is, though I can find my way to the secret place and there I find solace.

Be strong and courageous.

Follow God.

This turned out to be two-fold. In faith and in courage, Go, leave behind what you have known and follow the Lord as he calls you to go forth. Remembering who He is as a faithful God.

Even in the face of adversity, struggle and trials, those are the moments that your faith is deepened and strengthened, as He is glorified above the storms and anything that may seem gigantic in appearance.

Seek [pursue] first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, the rest will be added. He will take care of the rest, but your task is to believe in Him, love and follow Him.

James 1:2-4

2 “I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.[a]
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”[b]