Psalm 40:1

In the past few days, I've been reading a book of compiled verses, called God's Promises for Every Day. My mom and I bought it from a gift shop in the hospital she works for. It's been just sitting serenely in my mother's office area for quite some time now, unless of course I take it and randomly flit through the pages. But I haven't actually dedicated my time to reading it until recently. Now that I am finished with it, I can say that it truly added to my spiritual knowledge and understanding, as well as spiritual acceptance of who Jesus is in my life, and what the Word of God can do for us when we are in the lowest points of our lives. I highly recommend it if you want to check it out. There is no author, but the ISBN is 0-8499-6268-4 by the W Publishing Group. Forget wanting to check it out. You need to check it out! It's a precious literary gem that you could LITERALLY bring with you anywhere you go, at anytime, to remind you of God's love for us, to remind you that you will find your answers and security in Jesus Christ. And really, investing your money and your time in this book for what you will have in your life in eternity with God, is truly worth it.

So, on to Psalm 40:1. This verse says, "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry." Now, the story behind this beautiful piece of Scripture is really simple. It reflects my relationship with God lately, especially the things He has provided for me this summer. It's been full of spiritual enlightenment, understanding, acceptance, restoration and healing. It's life- transforming, and it's relationship-enhancing. The miracles He has done in me and for me have been nothing short of beautiful. He is so merciful in His patience, and so compassionate in His love, that it has truly been exhilarating getting to know Him, and being mesmerized by everything big and small He has created, all for our characters' maturity and growth. Because of the endowed blessings this summer, not only am I able to understand my parents more, but I've come to appreciate their sacrifices, and to love them more. Because of the little 'epiphanies' that God has showed me through daily objects, nature, and other people, I am now more assured and decisive. The line between right and wrong, black and white, what is and what isn't, has never been more distinct.

During the summer, I've been afraid and doubtful numerous of times. However, whenever I call upon the Lord, to ask Him for comfort, security, protection, deliverance, and guidance, He's been there to answer and see me through every time. During this summer, I've been able to let go of a person who meant a lot to me, but also brought out the worst in me. I wouldn't have gotten the courage to go through it, if it wasn't for the Holy Spirit pushing me and telling me that it was time. And for that, I've been able to focus more on my spiritual journey. There just comes a point in our walk with Christ that we come across a fork in the road, where we have to ultimately choose between continuing our walk with God or deviating from this priority to pursue another one. Also, I got into a fight with one of my oldest and longest friends. It came to the point where I just lost my temper and patience with her, which was too much because I hardly lose my temper and patience with any of my friends at all. For weeks, I blocked her from everything. For weeks, there was just no communication of any kind. And I thought that that wasn't the way to go. Maybe our friendship had truly ran its course, but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't make amends. I prayed to God again. I asked Him to take away my hurt and pride, to soften my heart, and He did. I apologized to her, and she also apologized for the things she's done to break off our friendship. After that, I just felt good that although things could never be the same between us again, we are still grateful for the things that bonded us, and the things that we shared together. There was also that inner, serene acceptance, that allowed us to move on.

The thing that I've come to realize about having a personal relationship with Christ is, He is always there for me, regardless of the circumstances I find myself in. My only regret is really not knowing Him sooner. But even with that regret, I am still grateful that I am one of the blessed ones, blessed enough by God's grace to have known, have learned from, and have been inspired by, His one and only Son.