verses

I laugh as I think about how the annual verse God gave me two years ago continues to apply today. The living and active Word which takes on flesh, a child growing, features forming, but it's the eyes, the windows to the soul of truth which stay the same.

Two years ago (2010) in a hard season, I asked God for a word to carry me through the year. This is the one He gave me:
¹¹ The LORD will guide you always;
   he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
   and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
   like a spring whose waters never fail.
¹² Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
   and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
   Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
 (Isaiah 58:11-12 NIV)

We were in the thick of a rehab of new-to-us but old-in-age rental which meant the "ancient ruins," "age-old foundation" and "Repairer of Broken Walls" references particularly appropriate. Then we had an indoor flood in one of our other rental homes a few months into the new year of 2010 to add to the entire stack and sewer system which needed replacing at the new/old house so we definitely felt well-watered. (At that point, I specifically asked God if these unfailing waters might stay within the pipes for all of our houses.)

Sigh. I still bear the scars from that scorching-hard year and know I still need the Lord's healing from all that we went through. But He did bring us through it.

This past weekend, I realized this verse continues to bear truth for us because Dave started his new job last week with Habitat for Humanity and the rebuiling and repairing and restoring takes new definition. Glorious. God-given.

And my verse for this year? Same as last:

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 NIV)

Thank You Lord, for Your willingness to teach me and your patience as I err and wrestle for control. May You be glorified for Your instruction. In Jesus' name, Amen.