----Delight Yourself In The Lord ~~

--"Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
---[Psalm 37:4] --

--God is calling us to be faithful and thankful to Him. He doesn't promise a life without heartache or pain. He did say He would be with us in those areas. And He is always faithful.

---"LORD, please give Jeanette her house," Betty prayed. The ladies in my Sunday school class knew I wanted a home of my own. Kevin and I appreciated the lovely house that the rural congregation we pastored had provided for us. But I knew someday we'd either retire or take a new ministry. For many years, my faithful friends agreed with me in prayer that Jesus would grant my heat's desire--a home in the country, surrounded by trees and wildlife

Even when I despaired that we would never have enough money to purchase or own place, I continued to ask. One day a few month ago, Jesus surprised me.

As I looked out the dining room window of my home, I noticed the maples and dogwoods bordering our yard were in full leaf. Chickadees, cardinals, and finches perched on feeders hanging from the eaves. Chipmunks skittered across the porch.
As insight flashed, an dI put my hand over my mouth, happy tears brimmed and spilled down my face. "Lord, You answered--You gave me my hearts' desire--and I didn't even realize it." We had lived in this country house for twenty years, surrounded by trees and critters. We didn't own it, but Jesus had fulfilled my dream anyway. He simply answered my prayer in a different way than I'd expected.

How many times have I asked Jesus to do something for me and then told Him how to accomplish it? I forget that He is smarter than I am and He knows the beginning from the end. Thank You, Jesus, You are in control. ~~

--Guideposts/JL~