Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-21.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8.

I pray that out of the glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16-17.

We are in the season of violent spring storms and I admit last night my heart was deeply unsettled. I couldn’t sleep. Worry took root within me. One episode of loud thunder right over our house seemed to last longer than normal. For several moments I felt lost – not because of the thunder but because in my fears I couldn’t feel His Presence with me. I couldn’t help but think what if a catastrophe happened…would my faith be stronger then? And then this morning the most beautiful light in water puddles everywhere, a sky so dramatic in blues and grays with light subdued but permeating everything. And His words to me in prayer? Your work is to love Me and grow in faith and trust and hope. Be with Me. Walk faithfully with Me in newness of mind. Look at Me. Don’t look at the waves and storms. Storms will rage that you are powerless to control. Trust Me. I Am and I Am here. Live into your hearts desire and be with Me. How can I put into words the love I know in our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit? I pray God’s love in every heart strengthening us as we trust Him. I realized this morning in my rolling thoughts that never seem to want to slow that I have an opinion on everything…and I know nothing. But…our God knows and He is faithful and true.

And our psalm, Psalm 93, so short…The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. The seas have lifted up, Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty. Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.

Several years ago our son flew to meet us in Portland, Oregon and we immediately headed to the coast for a couple of days. The roar of the Pacific Ocean was almost deafening and was constant. The sound wasn’t limited to the tide coming forward and receding. The ocean lifted up its voice! It’s good to be reminded how small we are. And the amazing thing? God who created all things…The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you…He will never leave you nor forsake you…Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty.

And He loves you and me and wants us to walk in faith with Him. And He is right here with us! I’m not afraid to bring to our God my fears. Where else can I go? Truly? And He establishes me in His mighty love!