August 12, 2010

I'm Here

Last night I concluded a Ladies Bible Study on the Names of God.  It was a FANTASTIC study by Kay Arthur, Lord I Want To Know You.  I must admit, my prayer life will never be the same!  Now I know that I can call on Jehovah-jireh, when I am in need of provisions.  I can call on Jehovah-raah, when I need my God to lead me to greener pastures.  I can call on Jehovah-sabaoth when I need God to lead the charge against my enemies.  I love being able to call on Jehovah-rapha when I need his healing balm of Gilead.

I could go on and on here.  We studied 16 different names of God (from the Old Testament) in just 6 weeks.  I'm so proud of all of the ladies that attended in person and those who followed online at Studying His Word.

But what I came away with last night is a name most precious to me.  A name I can say when I'm not sure what's around the corner.  A name I can cry out to when it feels like God is being silent.  A name I can be comforted by when it appears that God has let me fall.


The first time we see Jehovah-shammah is in Ezekiel 48:35

"The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; 
and the name of the city from that day shall be, 'The Lord is there.'"

At this time, the children of Israel were living in captivity in Babylon.  Their city, Jerusalem, had fallen and they felt very scattered and destroyed.  And yet... Ezekiel gave them a message of hope!  What an encouragement to the people... in spite of their exile - God assured them He would be there with them!

I write under the label of Daily Life.  I want to make God's Word more than just "words on a page" - I want them to be alive in my every day, regular life - stuff.

So how do I do that here?  How does it change my life to know my God as Jehovah-shammah?  How can it change yours?  Why would I even share this with you today?

Most of us live our every day with some or all of the following:  wiping noses, potty training, changing diapers, sweeping & mopping floors, grocery planning and shopping, stretching a dollar into more ways imaginable, picking up toys, working, monitoring the TV, making Kool-Aide, making sandwiches, trying to find time to exercise, trying to find time to study God's Word, kissing boo-boos, combing hair, picking clothes up off the floor, ironing, folding clothes... Oh my!!!

You know this list could go and on and on....

In all those tasks - it would be easy to think that I'm alone.  However, I'm not!!!  Our precious Lord is saying... "Penny... I'm here with you!  I'm here when you feel me and yes, I'm even here when you don't."  See...  it's not in His nature, His character to leave me!  For His name, Jehovah-shammah means, The Lord is There!

After Malachi, the children of Israel did not hear from the Lord for the next 400 years.  They had the word of God with them during this time and they also had - Jehovah-shammah!

If you haven't felt God near you lately, or if it seems like you haven't heard from Him in a while... just know that He's gently saying to you too - "Sweet Daughter, I'm here!"

This is right where I want to be - where He is!

8 comments:

Larri said...

Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing. Happy Thursday! :o)

www.seamsinspired.com
www.readingwithlarri.blogspot.com

Tony & Elisabeth said...

WOW! Awesome Penny. Really. I know that I, like most moms, do get wrapped up in "mom-stuff" or even our own stuff some times and lose sight that God IS near, and IS here...our little world blossoms. Great post again.
With you for His glory,
Elisabeth

cfoxes33 said...

Great job Penny! I talk to God all day long, but never thought about him as "being there", as a constant companion.

Rev. John Franklin said...

Wow... great word, Pen! I love hearing the ladies from your studies show what they are learning in everyday conversations around the church! You're an amazing, anointed teacher!

Steph said...

Precious, Precious words!!

Angie C. said...

Penny, thank you for this post. I am going to buy the book and read it. Sounds like this was an amazing experience.

Penny Franklin said...

It truly impacted the way I pray! You will TOTALLY love it!!!

Penny Franklin said...

Thanks Steph!!!

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