The Morning Watch

Summer days… “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23) Oh, for the peace of a perfect trust, My loving God, in thee; Unwavering faith that never doubts Thou choosest best for me! Best, though my plans be all upset; Best, though the way be rough; Best, though my earthly store be scant; In Thee I have enough. Best, though my health and strength be gone, Though weary days be mine, Shut out from much that others have; Not my will, Lord, but Thine! And even though disappointments come, They, too, are best for me, To wean me from this changing world, And lead me nearer Thee. Oh, for the peace of a perfect trust That looks away from all; That sees thy hand in everything, In great events or small. That hears Thy voice - A Father's voice -Directing for the best. Oh, for the peace of a perfect trust, A heart with Thee at rest. Author unknown

Speak, Lord, in the stillness While I wait on Thee; Hushed my heart to listen, In expectancy. Speak, O blessèd Master, In this quiet hour, Let me see Thy face, Lord, Feel Thy touch of power. For the words Thou speakest, “They are life” indeed; Living Bread from heaven, Now my spirit feed! All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own; Blissful, glad surrender, I am Thine alone. Fill me with the knowledge Of Thy glorious will; All Thine own good pleasure In my life fulfill. Like “a watered garden” Full of fragrance rare Ling’ring in Thy presence Let my life appear. -E. May Grimes (1864-1927)

Her vision is dim now, her tremors and body pain make it difficult for her to sit and enjoy her Bible like she use to, but as I was assisting her with personal care, I heard her start quoting the following scripture,  “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”  (Matthew 6:33) I asked her what it was that made her quote that scripture verse in particular. She then told me about her poor eye sight and the other health issues that hindered her from reading the Bible like she once did, “But,” she replied, “Matthew 6:33 is posted in big letters on a wall hanging by my bed, and I can always look up to see it. It’s our wedding verse,” she said with a smile. “There’s a picture of Jesus as the Good Shepherd beside it as well,” she told me.