Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

     Isn't it funny that sometimes we don't realize how much has changed in our lives or spirit until we look back and review where we once were, as compared to where we are now? 2 Corinthians 3:18 We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit. 


    For instance, recent efforts at signing in to my blogger dashboard took me an inordinate amount of time. I didn't realize I had somehow created two different sign-ins for my Google accounts, and couldn't figure out why the dashboard I was logged into did not have my blog accessible.  The last time I posted on this page, save for the most recent posting on surrender, it was still affiliated with BlogSpot; Google had not yet assimilated the program. It probably would have been easy for another person to discover the glitch, but, because of my limited clarity with computer information and ease of confusion, it took me quite a bit longer.




  I was talking with a dear friend about the many changes in life, and how we are able to walk through them even when they were not just confusing, but produce deep feelings that can be difficult to bear, let alone understand... This man is a friend who has many verses committed to memory from his years in bible study and walking with the Navigators, so I had followed up by texting him, asking for a verse that he might share with me that I could find rest in...one that would speak to my particular need we had been discussing.  I was finding it challenging with the vacillation between being 100% at peace some days, and then walking in the dark places on others ~ forgetting "who" I was and to Whom I belonged. We were at odds in opinion about my desire for scripture to draw me back to truth, and his belief that we need to not limit ourselves with scripture in and of itself, which many people do, but to go beyond that into Whom is being expressed, and to what the verses are pointing - that being relationship with our Lord...the deep things of the Spirit ...




He expressed to me something I found quite encouraging, so wanted to share it here ~




You see, my dear, once those "goads" have settled into the region of the heart - we receive "eyes to see" with ...eyes to see things too wonderful to put to words ...and one day, when we've grown accustomed to seeing His words show up illustrated in a moment that wows us, we just keep looking for more...He never ever ceases. But then, we forget now and again, don't we - all of us. And in that place we're in need of reminding. It comes back to us in special ways and in special moments, fitted for our unique soul's pining and our need in that particular space of time. And when we realize - are reminded of - can once again see - He becomes all the more precious to us. We are either light or impediments to the light for others, aye, even we, to see His heart for us and a love so deep. We are drowning in it at any moment...if we stop long enough to listen, to see His heart for us.

 
"Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you - For I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you - surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 
Isaiah 41:10                            


The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit 
Psalm 34:17-18                                                       

 "The Lords loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassion never fails. They are new every morning. How great is Thy faithfulness.          

Lam. 3.22-23

 "Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you. And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of Justice, how blessed are all those who long for Him"          

 Isaiah 30.18

 These are a few of the apples of gold on settings of silver tucked away in my heart, to remind me "He ain't a gonna  go no where's"   

I hope these bring encouragement to anybody reading as well - they sure did to me in that moment, and continue to as I read them again right now.


Not too many years ago I would not have considered looking to the Word for my source of value, security, adequacy, love and acceptance.  Nor would I have sought encouragement from friends who walked so closely with God.  When I was hurting or confused. I would have turned to other things to answer my heart's cries.  However, I have come to discover that those things were always, ultimately, empty vessels providing "peace in moment" or assurance as long as they were present, but they didn't answer the deep longings of my heart... I was seeking the One who provides all answers, and fills our every need.


 I am ever so grateful for the changes He has wrought in me, as I walk from glory to glory in His presence, surrounded by His love, guided by His Spirit within who continues to speak ever so tenderly to me in a moment...."this is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)


May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
²⁵ May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’ (Numbers 6:24-26)