We are close to the Cross when we have been laid low...

I changed the "time" on this post to make it say that it was written Thursday (even thought I'm writing in at 4:00am Friday morning), because, in my mind, it's still Thursday.

Today was a rough day. The Lord really worked me over. One thing after another: sin after sin in my life was exposed, friends hurt, my inadequacies were laid bare. But the Lord shown through it all. He was there.

I don't really know what kingdom purpose I'm accomplishing by writing about my bad day, except that I want to put the Lord and His goodness on display. He is kind, He is gentle. He is faithful to rebuke and reprove and to discipline. He is loving and willing to restore and forgive. He is always there. He sees the tears and the pain and He lovingly says, "follow me; the punishment is for your good; follow me; I care for you; follow me, trust me, follow me."

Praise God, who wondrously ordaineth all things.

I'm gonna close with a song that I've recently learned. It's a Sandra McCracken song titled "In the Secret of His Presence" and it has brought me to my knees in prayer and praise much these past few weeks. (I put my favorite verse in bold)

In the secret of His presence, how my soul delights to hide!
O, how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus' side!
Earthly cares forever vex me, all my trials lay me low;
But when Satan comes to tempt me, to that secret place I go.

When my soul is faint and thirsty, 'neath the shadow of His wing
There is cool and pleasant shelter, and a fresh and crystal spring;
And my Savior rests beside me, as we hold communion sweet.
If I tried, I could not utter what He says when thus we meet.

Only this I know: I tell Him all my doubts, my griefs and fears;
O, how patiently He listens! And my sorrowed soul He cheers.
Do you think he ne'er reproves me? What a false friend He would be,
If he never, never told me of the sin which He must see.

Would you like to know the sweetness of the secret of the Lord?
Go and hide beneath His shadow. This shall then be your reward;
And whene'er you leave the silence of that happy meeting place,
You will surely bear the image of the Master on your face.