"Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake! For Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble." (Psalm 143:11 NKJV)

It's only natural for our souls to be troubled at times. It's times like these we can draw near to God simply by kneeling. Kneeling is a humble posture which positions us to be renewed and empowered. No one wants to feel sad, but even as I grieved the loss of a friend last fall, I was thankful that I could feel. I remember well when I couldn't feel or cry--numb from years of child abuse. Today, even the ability to cry is a gift from God.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that I can feel. Thank You, that I can trust You as I feel. Revive me with Your loving kindness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them" (Hosea 11:4 NIV).

Once a month I have the honor of speaking to a group of single mothers in transitional housing. I love them. I love them for their bravery; for showing up for life each day, and for their willingness to do the hard work it takes to overcome difficult, even tragic circumstances. 

Last month as I was preparing for the meeting, God told me to give away the bottle of purple nail polish I bought the day before. OPI--the good stuff. I really liked my new polish, but God told me that it would be a sign to somebody that He still sees her. 

When we were all gathered together, I asked if anyone would like a bottle of purple nail polish. A few women inquired of the shade of purple, but still, no takers. Great. I feel like an idiot. Maybe I don't hear from God after all. But as the meeting came to a close, a shy woman asked for the polish. I gave it to her, she thanked me, and that was it.

But it turns out, that wasn't it! I was later told that the young woman once prayed to God. But life had taken some very cruel turns for her and in the process she decided that God must not love her. Here's the miracle: The same day I gave her the polish, she wanted to buy purple polish. She picked it up and carried it around the store with her and then put it back just before leaving--it wasn't in the budget. When I said that God told me to give away my purple polish, she knew exactly what shade of purple it was. It was the very color she wanted but didn't buy. It confirmed that God sees her. He cares. He reached for her and she began talking to Him again!

I get chills every time I think about it! He draws us with loving kindness. He stoops to meet our heart's desires. 

Can you think of a time when God communicated to you through someone else? Some random act of kindness that confirmed you are not invisible? I encourage you to be on the look out for the ways a loving God reaches for His beloved daughters. (And that means you!)

"For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth" (Psalm 26:3 NKJV).

For reasons I may never understand, I am a "stray dog magnet." I've lost count of the dogs I've rescued and returned to their owners. Monday was such an occasion. A little Rat Terrier was wondering around my yard--no collar. Of course, I took him in.

He was precious. I loved on him so much that he began following me around the house. My two Labs were gentle with him, though I don't think he was ever convinced that they wouldn't eat him!

I posted his picture all over the neighborhood. I couldn't take him to a shelter. It's too disturbing. Four days later, no one had called to claim him. I wanted to keep him, but three dogs is not exactly in the budget. Then came the tears . . . because I'm an animal lover and because I've been weary from the amount of suffering I've witnessed over the last few months.

What can I say, I have a heart for the lost (pets and people), which led to the prayer: God, there is plenty of scripture to support my belief that You care for animals and for every little one whose lost his way. I've witnessed much loss recently and my heart is weary. Please reveal to me Your loving-kindness. Show me again that You see everything, including this little lost dog. My heart needs a happy ending this week. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The next morning his owner called! It turns out, he works nights and sleeps during the day. He didn't see my signs. He said he walked up the street that morning when he got home and for the first time his eyes were drawn to the post where I had taped his dog's picture.

He came over right away and picked up little Jeremy; such a sweet reunion. I opened my bible after they left and that's when I saw Psalm 26:3. Girls, God doesn't miss anything. His eyes never slumber. He cares about us and He cares about the people and pets who mean so much to us.

I needed that scripture. We all do. If you've been feeling unimportant before God, I encourage you today to ask Him to reveal more of His loving kindness toward you. You won't be disappointed.

"Blows that hurt cleanse away evil. As do stripes the inner depths of the heart." (Psalm 20:20 NKJV)

Today we'll zero in on the last half of this scripture: As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

Christ is gracious to heal us in layers. Today, I rarely have memories of the past abuse. If something does come up, I know that Christ is healing me on a deeper level and that any pain I might feel is temporary. Memories no longer strip me of the power and joy I have in Christ.

However, about four years ago, I remembered something that truly rocked my world. It was something my step-father said to me to get me to comply . . . I was heart-sick. I had a light day in the office. I rescheduled my clients, put on a big white T-shirt, grabbed a box of Kleenex and climbed into bed; where I cried most of the day.

I finally got around to asking God why He would allow me to have such a terrible memory and He answered, "To protect you. You desire to minister to little girls who've been abused. A small child is likely to tell you in confidence how her abuser coaxed her into the abuse. I can't have you falling apart--that would frighten her. So I allowed you to hear it now.  I've given you time to fall apart in my hands today, sweet daughter. Tomorrow, you will be stronger and more effective in ministry."

Praise: Father, thank You for wanting the very best for me. Thank you, for using my past for a greater good. My suffering is not in vain.

"Blows that hurt cleanse away evil. As do stripes the inner depths of the heart." (Psalm 20:30 NKJV)

Today I offer a new perspective for painful memories:

When painful memories arise, I invite Christ into the center of my pain. I tell Him what happened that day and how it made me feel. When I do that consistently, I heal. I've come to believe that though the enemy wants to torture me with painful memories, Christ wants to cleanse my heart of them and free me from the power they have over my life. Does that make sense?

It's like wiping a toddler's runny nose. She cries and protests, perhaps her little nose is tender, but Mom has cleansing in mind.

Prayer: God, thank You for cleansing my heart of evil. I trust you in this process. Though it may hurt for a moment, the freedom You bring is everlasting. In Jesus' name, Amen.