personal retreat {day 2}

I didn’t set an alarm, and I woke up early enough to see the sunrise! I jumped out of bed and bundled up and drove to the top of the frigid mountain. The view was breathtaking.

Get out of bed, Jerusalem!
    Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight.
    God’s bright glory has risen for you.  Isaiah 60:1 (MSG)

I went to visit Mountain View Church in Black Mountain and had an amazing time of worship.  

The worship set was “Empty Me” & “My Desire” by Jeremy Camp, followed by “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus – No Turning Back”.  It was powerful and it led me right to the throne of grace to receive the Word that I so desperately needed to hear – “Back to a Place of Peace”.

The scripture reference was 1 Samuel 7, and the message was about finding His peace in the hard times. When the storms come (and they will!), God will give us peace.  I have personalized some of the main sermon points below:

• Respond to the Holy Spirit.
• Remove the false Gods, and get rid of those things that take my eyes off of Him.
• Resist the attack of the enemy and put the unhealthy away.  When the enemy shows up, stand my ground and be firm.
• Reclaim what God has for me.  God shows up!  Vs. 10 BUT THE LORD thundered from heaven.
• Remember God’s faithfulness.  Remember the “Ebenezer” (Rock of Help). These mark the places where God has helped me.

The word “remember” was so helpful for me.  When I am in a storm or in a season of waiting, if I can just visualize the path and remember all of my Ebenezer’s along the way – the moments where God helped me – then His peace will wash over me because I will know I am in HIS hands.

I’m so thankful that God led me to this wonderful church.  It blessed me immensely, and encouraged me to remember His faithfulness.

After church, I spent my afternoon exploring the trails in all of their beauty.  I wanted to hike to the very top of the mountain, but halfway up I realized that I was all alone, and this sign made me pause.

I stood there a while and reflected much.

Sometimes I just want to blaze the trails, and get to the top. Let’s do this!  Lord, help me to go where you lead, as you lead in your perfect timing and at your perfect pace.
Other times, I just want to give up.  I quit!  Lord, help me to keep going.  Help me to be obedient.
Life for me today is a lot like this trail and this sign.  It was a God moment.  This path is not familiar.  It scares me, but I am not alone when you are with me. Order my steps. Help me to remember your faithfulness.  

I thought I would spend my time here mostly writing, but instead I was very quiet in the pages of Psalms and Isaiah.  Sometimes, it’s when I take that first sip that I realize just how thirsty I am.

 My soul thirsts for God,  for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

Psalm 42:2 

After this beautiful sunset, the sky turned dark and I was taking in the quiet night.  My heart was content and my soul was at peace.  Thank you Jesus for this time away to be with you.  Thank you for meeting me here.  “This is my desire…. to be used by you.”  I fell asleep to “My Desire” by Jeremy Camp playing, on repeat.  
Take a moment to listen and reflect.  Remember.