When our daily lives are filled with pain and misunderstandings, lost dreams and disappointments, it can become hard to see Jesus. Shelly reminds us how to remember His power again.
“These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng” (Psalm 42:4).
During this time, David’s soul was downcast within him. I’m so thankful the Holy Spirit inspired him to share the ugly along with the lovely, aren’t you?
David felt forgotten. He was oppressed. He suffered.
And so he responded by singing, by praying, by worshiping.
By remembering.
No matter what you are facing today, there are ways that we can remember the greatness. There are ways to find the blessings woven in.
* Watch a sunrise, the color of mercies new.
* Experience the wind blowing, invisible but powerful.
* Look for God’s little surprises throughout your day. Whatever speaks to you, is special to you. For me, it’s birds, especially red-winged blackbirds. Take special note of your love notes.
* Smell the freshly cut grass. Who but our God could think of that?
* Contemplate just one small detail that He has blessed you with this day. Then thank Him.
I hope these get you started. I hope you’ll share your own in the comments!
Remember the greatness. Find the blessings woven in.
Prayer: Only You, our Holy King, could design such a beautiful world that helps us to remember. Only You would send love notes to each one of us, tailored and specific to show Your great love and presence. We give You all the praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
About the author:
Shelly Hendricks is a wife and mother of 2 amazing kids. They live the good life in South Louisiana. She was a teacher and a librarian in another life. She also suffers from Intracranial Hypertension and a yet-unnamed neuro degenerative disease, among a myriad of other issues mostly stemming from these two. She had brain surgery in 2012, to install a VP Shunt, and had a revision in January 2014. Though her condition continues to deteriorate, her spirit is constantly focused on eternity. Disability has been hard to deal with, but she depends on God for all strength and hopes to encourage others on this journey, through her blog at http://reneweddaily.com
Shelly wanted to share this special song and video with you. Hope you love it and it reminds you of how we can find Jesus surrounding us when we take the time to really look. It is “I See You” by Love & the Outcome.
Just what I needed to hear during a tough day. Thanks 🙂
I loved this devotional. I listened to some birds singing and felt the sun on my face. It reminded me of God’s love and beautiful creation. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you, Sharon! Those are perfect love notes He crafted just for you, His beloved. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
((((Elisabeth)))) <3 Praying for you. I'm so sorry you are having a tough time right now! So thankful that our God gave you just the right message when you needed it. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
These were great words for me today! I had to laugh though. I live in a state that has a LOT of wind lately. It’s not out of the ordinary to have 30-40 mph winds all day. I don’t find that to be a “good thing” where I live! 🙂 But I loved the rest of it! I really needed to read this today – thanks!
Thank YOU, Karen, for taking the time out to encourage my heart today. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
HELLO SHELLY; I AM A FILIPINA.
I REMEMBER GODS GREATNESS TO ME. GOD; HE HEALS ME. AFTER 5 YEARS. FOR 2 AND A HALF YEARS ; I EXPERIENCED GOD AND HE LEADS ME IN A BAPTIST CHURCH;TO KEEP GOING ; TO ATTEND DISCIPLESHIP. AND SERVING THE LORD. MY HEART FULL OF JOY; PEACE AND LOVE.
BECAUSE I EXPERIENCE GOD’S LOVE AND LEADING TO SERVE HIM AGAIN. IT WAS DIFFERENT TO SERVE GOD; TO EXPERIENCE HIS PRESENCE. AS OF NOW IM PRAYING A COMPLETE HEALING ONLY TO FIND HIM.
SWEETEST SMILE ?…
HELLO LISA. GOD BLESSED YOUR FAMILY… THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Hello, Venus. 🙂 You are from a lovely country. Praising God today that He made us sisters in Christ. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly… the reason fresh cut grass has a scent is because it has been stressed or “injured” in some way. Grass does not usually have a scent unless it has been or is under stress or cut. I love the smell too….but isn’t it interesting the scent that brings us sweet memories of a summers day happened because it is not doing well. 🙂
Thank you Pege, your remark really blessed me!
Held by Him,
Angie
Pege’, WOW. This comment blew me away!
2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing
Sometimes our fragrance is never fully realized, never brings a smile, until we are under stress or broken. You have the soul of a writer, dear one, and I pray that you are sharing your gift with the world!
Thank you for blessing me today!
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Hey Shell, today I had the blessing of driving a dear friend to her Dr appt, and being part of a mini miracle. She had to have a long discussion, about her treatment and be was very open to listening! So thankful for answered prayers!
Be Blessed, dear friend and thank you for this blessing of your devotional.
LOVE Di
Hi, Di!! Praising with you today! Our God is so Good!! Love you! <3 Heart Hugs, Shelly
I loved your devotional Shelly! I love birds too…especially cardinals. Isn’t it wonderful how God knows what will give us a smile? When I’m having a very hard day, I will hear a cardinal singing from outside my bedroom window at just the right time, or see one on the way to a painful procedure. Oh, how Jesus loves you and me <3. He is altogether amazing! His loves notes look different to each one of us. Our eyes just have to be open and ready to see these reminders.
God bless you Shelly,
Angie
Amen, Angie! I join you in praising our Lord!! Praying many cardinals will dot your path. <3 Heart Hugs, Shelly
Excellent message Shelly! Thanks 🙂
I’m coming to your devotional late, but in God’s perfect timing during tough times!
I’m VERY thankful that David was inspired “to share the ugly along with the lovely.” I go to the Psalms daily for God’s messages to lift my weary soul.
I’m thankful & blessed to have my husband snoring behind me!! 😉
After having to live apart for nearly 8 months, while we sell our house, it’s a joy when he visits me twice weekly! I never thought I’d say that I LOVE to hear him snoring behind me, as I type on my laptop at my recliner!!! Gotta laugh at this crazy life & the giggles among the yuk times! 😀 LOTSoluv Kerryn