I had an opportunity to attend a retreat with CBC New Braunfels women’s ministry, I was invited by my very good friend Linda. I was telling her that I needed to get away and wasn’t sure where, when, how. This came up at a great time. It was at River Chase Park, a gated park that was connected to a subdivision by the Guadalupe River. The day was filled with fair skies and gentle breezes could not have been a more perfect day. Immediately fell in love with the place and was ready for some refreshing.
The theme of the retreat was from Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God for he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness … adorns me as a bride with jewels.
How wonderful the Lord cares about the details in my life and lavishes me abundantly with His grace. When I arrived I received a beautiful tote bag, pillow, snacks. We were to pick out a journal of our choice and pen. Later we were told that the team chose bible verses and placed them in the journal no two were alike. They were prayed over that the each woman would choose a journal that God provided.
How exciting, we were instructed to find a place to be still before God and to start with the bible verse given and listen for his prompting. My verse was Psalm 103:15 “as a man’s days are like grass that withers and wildflowers that bloom and die” excuse me what kind of verse is that? This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. I thought …well… this is God’s word nevertheless I would research it when I got home. Then I got a gentle whisper that I couldn’t let go and felt I should just look up the references now. The bible I had was not the one with much commentary or dictionary, but there was some cross references. The first two said the exact same thing the third one 1Peter 1:23-26 had the same with an added sentence “but the Word of the Lord remains forever”. Wow! That was so powerful – the word of the Lord is forever, endures for all eternity. We were to share and the Lord is so amazing all day – this verse reminded me and the ladies that whatever the word the Lords speaks to you….that word can be trusted and to hold on, because His Word will remain forever.
Linda introduced me as a long time friend and said that as soon as I spoke she knew that the Lord wanted me to keep looking till I was satisfied that I knew what the Lord wanted me to know. It seems all day long and since that day the Lord has given me confirmation and elaborated on that simple word. I would have to admit that to keep learning I will have to keep in the Word and search diligently, consistently and to be available to hear when God whispers.
I pray you send out your light and your truth, let them guide me; lead me to the place where you live. Faith brings joy and God will not disappoint. Show me the wonders of your great love; your mighty arm protects those who run to you for safety from their enemies. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:7-8
