but gratefulness that makes us happy.
This month's devotion was written by Lynn Wallace...
IN GOD'S PAVILION
By Lynn Wallace
For months Ellen lay helpless, wracked
with pain from compressed disks in her back. Her husband winced as he helped her with simple needs like her personal hygiene
and eating. Ellen, in the midst of her pain, was more concerned
about others and would ask about people at her church.
It was Ellen's habit to help others,
yet she lay in bed unable to help even herself. Riveting pain often interrupted her sleep. In those long, pain-filled
hours she turned to the Lord. Ellen thought, "When I can't sleep at night, it gives me more time to pray." She could help
others by praying for them.
Ellen's condition worsened. Now she
resides in a nursing home, debilitated and in a wheelchair. Yet her heart still rejoices. "How are you?" she asks residents,
wheeling towards them. "Jesus is with you." Ellen refreshes even the visitors.
Ellen is human like the rest of us... so how, then, does she think of others when her own needs are so great?
She testifies, "I have known the Lord about forty years, and there still is much for me to learn. I place my full dependence
upon Him."
Ellen is content, and her heart seems
to be somewhere other than the nursing home. Perhaps she found a secret hiding place - a place of renewal.
Psalm 27:5 promises, "For in the time
of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion" (KJV). The essence of prayer is entering God's pavilion. Ellen enters and knows
how to remain there, especially during adversity.
Are we prone to complain when swallowed up by pain? When troubles come,
do we still have a thankful heart? When unwanted circumstances threaten to consume us, do we pray? Prayer is responding to
God's invitation to enter in His pavilion, where He hides us under His safe covering. Like Ellen, we can depend on Him and
live with a heart of joy.
Dear Lord, help
me to remain thankful when I suffer pain. Equip me to endure hardships. Give me, like Ellen, the habit of helping others.
In times of trouble, hide me in Your pavilion. Thank You, Father, for the safe, tranquil place of prayer where You embrace me
and care for me. In Jesus' Name, amen.
________
Lynn plays the piano for Faith Baptist
Church in Colorado. Her late husband and she served for years as missionaries to the Navajo. To contact Lynn, e-mail: writeheart@montrose.net
Renewed joy to you,
Brenda Mayfield
Prayer Support for Women
www.brendamayfield.com > Praying
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