As they walk together, Isme confesses to the Lord times of emotional despair that often steal the joy from her day: “Lord, often times I find happy memories of the past leaping forth in my thoughts with an overwhelming stream of emotion. These fond memories that first bring joy, can turn upside down, and carry deep feelings of despair.
Time has now separated me from many loved ones and I have been forced to leave friends and family far behind. These happy memories are lost, forever locked securely in the past. My mind easily falls into a pit of pity. Then sadness fills my heart. This sadness then spills over into my day.”
The Lord answers with great concern: “But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT)
Isme says to the Lord as they walk on together down the twisting path:
“Lord, I must not let the shadows of my past dominate my mind and steal the Joy you give. As I trust you, living every moment today in your grace, you continually work in my life according to your word."
The Lord encourages Isme to forget the past and to not focus her thoughts and energy on the past, but to keep pressing on focusing on the goal of His calling: “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
Isme thanks the Lord, they continue to chat as the sun begins to break through the morning clouds: "Thank you, Lord, that with each new day you send forth your promise of renewal, love, forgiveness, and everlasting life."
The Lord reminds Isme of his promise: “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” John 5:24 (NLT)
Isme responds as they continue to walk together, enjoying the refreshing breeze from the coolness of the new day: “Thank you, Lord, You and you alone, Lord, can restore my soul and keep my days filled with joy.”
“..., for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” 2 Tim. 1:12b (NLT)
by JP Miner, El Paso, Texas
