DEAR GOD: Thank You Father For Offering Me Mercy and Love~

Posted on June 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” -Psalm 103:13

Psalm 103:13 paints a tender picture of God’s heart toward His people. It tells us that just as a loving father has deep compassion for his children, God has immense mercy for those who fear Him—those who honor, trust, and lean into His Presence with reverence.

This verse speaks to the softness of God’s love, the kind that doesn’t simply discipline or correct but also embraces, comforts, and understands. His mercy is not distant or clinical; it is intimate, like the compassion of a father who knows the struggles, weaknesses, and burdens of his child. He doesn’t scorn our limitations—He draws near in kindness.

Think about a child who trips while learning to walk. A loving father does not reprimand them for falling—he reaches down, lifts them up, and encourages them to keep trying. He does not love his child less because they are fragile; rather, their vulnerability stirs his deepest affection. This is how God sees us in our weaknesses, in our fears, in our moments of uncertainty. He knows that we are but dust (Psalm 103:14), and yet He cherishes us, holds us, and pours His mercies over us anew each day.

This theme of God’s fatherly compassion is woven throughout scripture. Deuteronomy 1:31 reminds us that God carries His people as a father carries his son, never leaving them alone in their journey. Isaiah 49:15 tells us that even if a mother could forget her child, God will never forget us—His love is unshakable. And in Luke 15:20, Jesus describes the father in the story of the prodigal son running to embrace his wayward child, restoring him with grace instead of judgment.

Meditate on this truth: God’s pity is not merely passive sympathy—it is active love. He does not merely feel sorry for our struggles; He enters into them. He lifts the weary, renews the brokenhearted, and upholds the fearful with His mighty hand. If you’ve ever felt unworthy of God’s affection, remember this verse. You are not merely tolerated by God—you are tenderly cherished.

Let this reflection settle in your heart: There is never a day when God looks at you with indifference. Never a moment when His compassion wavers. Just as a loving father delights in his children, so the LORD delights in you.

“LORD- we come before You, resting in the promise of Your mercy. You see us completely—our strengths, our struggles, our moments of fear—and yet Your love for us does not waver. We thank You for the way You carry us, for the compassion You pour into every season of our lives. Draw our hearts closer to You. Teach us to walk in trust, knowing that Your arms are always open, always welcoming, always full of grace.

Bless every reader today with the assurance of Your unfailing love. May they feel Your nearness in their moments of doubt, Your comfort in their hardships, and Your joy in their victories. Shower them with peace that surpasses understanding, and let them walk in confidence, knowing that they are wholly and forever loved by You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May you walk today knowing that you are held by the arms of a Father who cherishes you beyond measure. His mercy is not earned—it is simply given, because love is His nature.

Be Blessed~

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DEAR GOD: I Love Being Rooted in Your Presence~

Posted on June 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 92:13 (NKJV)

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Rooted in His Presence, Flourishing in His Love

There is something deeply reassuring about the imagery in this verse. To be planted in the house of the Lord is not just about attending church or reading scripture—it is about being firmly rooted in His presence, allowing His truth to nourish us, and growing in the richness of His love.

A tree that is planted in good soil does not struggle to survive. It does not fear the changing seasons or the storms that come. It stands firm, drawing strength from its roots, flourishing because it is connected to the source of life. This is the promise for those who dwell in the presence of God.

When we make our home in Him—when we seek Him daily, trust Him fully, and surrender our hearts—our lives begin to reflect His goodness. We flourish not because life is easy, but because His grace sustains us. We bear fruit in seasons of joy and in seasons of trial, knowing that He is our foundation.

To flourish in His courts means to live in the fullness of His love, to walk in His peace, and to reflect His light to the world. It means that no matter what comes our way, we are secure in Him.

It becomes as natural as our breath, when we commune with Him daily. When we seek Him eagerly, and honor Him in all we do. It becomes seemingly profound when we realize He is behind all we do, say, and are!

Reach out to Him and love Him – because I can say this – HE LOVES YOU!

Prayer “LORD, plant me deeply in Your Presence. Let my roots grow strong in Your truth, and may my life flourish in Your love. Help me to trust You in every season, knowing that You sustain me. May I reflect Your goodness and bear fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Reflective Question What does it mean for you to be planted in God’s Presence, and how can you deepen your connection with Him today?

DEAR GOD: My True Citizenship Is With You My LORD~

Posted on June 14, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” -Philippians 3:20

Our True Citizenship: A Reflection on Philippians 3:20

Philippians 3:20 reminds us of a profound truth: our conversation—our citizenship—is in heaven. This verse is a call to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that while we walk this earth, our true home is with Christ.

Understanding the Verse

Paul, writing to the Philippians, contrasts the mindset of those who are consumed by earthly desires with those who eagerly await the return of Jesus. The word “conversation” in the King James Version refers to citizenship—our belonging to a kingdom not of this world. Just as a traveler in a foreign land does not adopt its customs permanently, we, as believers, must not anchor our hearts in the fleeting concerns of this life.

Applying This Truth Today

In modern terms, this verse speaks to the tension between living in the world and not being of the world. Imagine someone who holds dual citizenship—one in a temporary land and another in their true homeland. They may respect the laws of the place they reside, but their heart, their allegiance, remains with their true country.

Likewise, as followers of Christ, we engage in daily life—working, building relationships, making decisions—but our ultimate loyalty is to the kingdom of God. This means:

We do not chase after material wealth as our highest goal (Matthew 6:19-20).
We do not conform to the world’s standards but seek transformation through Christ (Romans 12:2).
We live with hope, knowing that Jesus will return and restore all things (Titus 2:13).

Scriptural Support

John 18:36 – Jesus declares, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Colossians 3:1-2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Hebrews 13:14 – “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”

Reflective Questions

Do I live as though my true citizenship is in heaven, or am I overly attached to earthly concerns?
How does my daily life reflect my anticipation of Christ’s return?
Am I investing in eternal things—love, faith, and righteousness—rather than temporary pleasures?

A Personal Prayer

“LORD- remind me daily that my true home is with You. Help me to live with an eternal perspective, making choices that reflect my heavenly citizenship. Let my heart be anchored in Your promises, and may I eagerly await Your return with faith and joy. Strengthen me to walk in righteousness, to love deeply, and to serve with purpose. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Meditative Thought for the Day

“I am a citizen of heaven. My hope is not in this world, but in Christ, who will return and make all things new.”

DEAR GOD: We Are Standing Firm in a Crumbling World~

Posted on June 12, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” —
1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV

Standing Firm in a Crumbling World

In an era of moral erosion, where truth is twisted and virtue dismissed, perseverance in Christ is no passive act. It is a deliberate stand against currents designed to sweep souls into complacency, deceit, and indulgence. It is endurance when the world mocks faith, when temptation whispers convenience, and when isolation feels like the price of unwavering conviction.

Christ never promised ease but instead warned that righteousness would invite resistance. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NKJV). This victory does not spare the believer from trial; rather, it fortifies them within it. To persevere in Christ is to reject spiritual stagnation and embrace refinement, walking forward even as opposition intensifies.

Resisting the Spiritual Decay

Moral compromise thrives when conviction weakens. Culture blurs the boundaries of truth, and in doing so, reshapes morality into whatever is socially convenient. Patience is replaced with instant gratification, humility with self-idolatry, and holiness with shallow indulgence. Yet, Paul’s charge to Timothy was not merely to abstain from corruption but to actively pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). The call is not just about rejecting darkness but intentionally stepping into light.

What does perseverance look like today?

It looks like a young believer choosing truth over applause, even when ridicule follows.

It looks like a parent safeguarding the spiritual foundation of their home despite cultural pressures.

It looks like a worker refusing deception for career gain, knowing integrity is worth more than approval. True endurance is not avoiding hardship but pressing into faith when it costs something.

Reflective Questions

What worldly influences subtly threaten your perseverance in Christ?
In moments of trial, do you lean into God’s strength or hesitate in fear?
How can pursuing righteousness actively reshape your daily life?

Supporting Scriptures

Romans 5:3-4 — Perseverance produces character, and character, hope.
James 1:12 — Blessed is the man who endures temptation.
Galatians 6:9 — Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap.
Hebrews 12:1 — Let us run with endurance the race set before us.

Prayer for Strength

“LORD, in a world where darkness masquerades as light, strengthen us to endure. Let us not falter at the weight of resistance or yield to the distractions that pull us from Your truth. Guard our hearts from deception, refine our spirits through trial, and anchor us firmly in faith. Teach us patience in affliction and courage in adversity. May righteousness be our pursuit, godliness our standard, and love our testimony. Let our perseverance be a reflection of Your sustaining grace, a witness to Your unfailing power. In all things, let us run the race with endurance, knowing that victory rests not in ease but in unwavering devotion to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Hands Rule The Tides & My Soul~

Posted on June 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“When I fixed My limit for it, And set bars and doors, And said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!’” — Job 38:10-11

Commentary: The tide is a silent witness to the authority of God. It does not rise by its own will, nor does it retreat by its own decision. It obeys the boundaries set by the Creator, moving in perfect submission to His command. This verse is not merely about the ocean—it is about divine sovereignty.

God’s governance extends beyond the waters. He sets limits on the forces of nature, but He also sets limits on the trials that come into our lives. Just as the waves cannot surpass their appointed boundary, neither can the storms of life exceed what God allows. He is the ruler of all things, the One who holds creation in His hands, and the One who governs the depths of the human soul.

Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 89:9 — “You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them.” Isaiah 40:12 — “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?” Colossians 1:16-17 — “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible… And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Matthew 8:26 — “But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

Meditative Thoughts: The tide reminds us that submission to God is not weakness—it is wisdom. The waves do not resist their Creator, and neither should we. When we surrender to His will, we find peace in the rhythm He has established. The tide does not fear its retreat, because it knows it will rise again. Likewise, when we experience seasons of waiting, we must trust that God is preparing us for renewal.

Moral Inclinations: This passage calls us to humility. The waves may be mighty, but they are not greater than the One who commands them. Pride tells us to resist God’s authority, but wisdom tells us to yield. Just as the ocean submits to its boundaries, we must submit to the moral and spiritual boundaries God has set for us. His commands are not restrictions—they are protections.

Theological Perspective: Christianity is built upon the recognition that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is not a distant force but an intimate ruler, governing the universe with wisdom and love. The tide is a reflection of His order, a reminder that nothing in creation operates outside His will. He is not only the God of nature but the God of our souls, setting boundaries for our good and calling us to trust in His sovereignty.

Prayer: “LORD- You are the ruler of the seas and the keeper of my soul. Teach me to trust in Your boundaries, to rest in Your rhythm, and to submit to Your will. Let my faith be as steady moving as the tide, unwavering in its obedience to You-in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Search My Heart O’ LORD~

Posted on June 8, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT):

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

The Heart’s Deepest Cry: A Life Guided by God’s Searchlight

In Psalm 139, David presents a raw and vulnerable invitation to God—an open request for divine inspection, transformation, and guidance. It is not a passive acknowledgment of God’s omniscience, but an intentional surrender: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” This plea is profound because it recognizes that the human heart can be deceitful, hidden even from oneself (Jeremiah 17:9). David does not ask God to merely glance at his heart but to search it, meaning to thoroughly investigate, to lay bare every hidden motive, every buried fear, every flaw that even David himself may not perceive.

The Weight of Anxious Thoughts

David’s request includes an earnest plea to examine his anxious thoughts. Anxiety—often woven into the fabric of human existence—can distort perception, influence decisions, and weigh down the spirit. By asking God to test his thoughts, David acknowledges that not all fears are grounded in truth; some are born of doubt, insecurity, or human frailty. He does not seek to justify his anxieties but rather invites the refining fire of God’s wisdom to reveal what is rooted in faith and what is born of unbelief. It is a courageous act to lay one’s worries before God with the intent of having them exposed, sifted, and transformed into steadfast trust.

A Call to Holiness

David continues with a plea: “Point out anything in me that offends you.” This speaks to the surrender of self-will and personal perceptions of righteousness. It is easy to overlook the subtleties of sin—the attitudes, motivations, and compromises that quietly take residence within the heart. David does not assume his own perfection; instead, he longs for God’s correction, desiring to remove every offense that might grieve the Lord. This echoes the humility of Psalm 51: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

What makes this request remarkable is its posture: David is not seeking justification for his actions; he is asking for divine revelation of where he needs change. He does not plead for God to overlook his faults but instead asks that they be exposed and corrected. This demonstrates a hunger for holiness, a longing to align his life with God’s will, and a willingness to be transformed, even if the process is painful.

The Path of Everlasting Life

David’s ultimate request is for divine direction—”lead me along the path of everlasting life.” It is not enough for the hidden sins to be revealed; David desires movement forward. The exposure of sin without transformation leads to despair, but exposure paired with God’s leadership brings renewal and hope. The path of everlasting life is not merely a promise of heaven, but a present reality—a life lived in surrender and obedience that reflects the heart of God.

The words of this psalm challenge the believer to mirror David’s courage—to pray with the same vulnerability, inviting God to search, expose, and lead. It is a call to honesty before God, a refusal to hide behind self-justification, and a plea for transformation that leads to true righteousness.

A Prayer for Surrender

Heavenly Father, I come before You with an open heart, just as David did. Search me, Lord, and know my deepest thoughts. Reveal to me anything that does not align with Your truth, any hidden motives or fears that cloud my spirit. Test my anxious thoughts, Lord, and replace uncertainty with unwavering trust in You.

Point out anything in me that grieves Your heart. Do not let me be deceived by my own assumptions of righteousness but refine me in Your truth. Make me humble, willing to be shaped by Your hands, ready to embrace the correction of Your Spirit.

Lead me, O God, in the path of everlasting life. Show me the way that brings honor to You and guide my steps toward a life that reflects Your holiness. May my heart always be soft toward Your direction, my spirit willing to surrender to Your will.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Are Everlasting To Everlasting –

Posted on June 7, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Gods Mercy And Grace

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” -Psalm 90:2-4

The Eternal God: Before Time, Beyond Time

Psalm 90:2:4- speaks to the unfathomable nature of God’s existence—before the mountains rose, before the earth itself took form, He was. He is not bound by time, nor does His power diminish. From everlasting to everlasting, He is God. This truth is a foundation upon which faith finds its strongest footing, reminding us that before our worries began, before our struggles arose, before even our sins existed God was already present, already sovereign, already full of mercy.

The world changes. Mountains erode, seas rise and fall, generations come and go. But God remains, untouched by the passing of years, unwavering in His dominion.

Isaiah 40:8 echoes this truth: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” His Presence is not momentary or shifting—it is eternal, firm, and faithful.

This verse calls us to reflect deeply: If God existed before creation, holding time in His hands, how could any problem we face be beyond His wisdom? How could any burden outweigh His ability to sustain us? It reassures us that no failure, no sorrow, no fleeting trouble can alter the eternal goodness of His love.

Reflective Questions:

Do I live with trust in God’s eternal presence, or do I allow temporary struggles to shake my faith?
How can I honor His timeless nature in my daily walk, recognizing that His plans extend far beyond my own?
Am I grounding my heart in what is eternal, or am I clinging too tightly to what is passing away?

Moral Thoughts & Obedience:

Recognizing God’s eternal nature calls us to an obedient heart—one that worships not in fear of what is fleeting but in faith of what endures. We are called not just to believe, but to rest in the promise that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). That means submitting to Him fully, acknowledging that He sees beyond what we can grasp and trusting His guidance even when the path seems unclear.

“LORD, You are from everlasting to everlasting—unchanging, unshaken, eternally faithful. Before the mountains rose, before the stars were placed in the sky, before time itself unfurled—You were. We bow in awe before Your majesty, Your holiness that spans beyond our understanding. Teach us to trust You as the Author of eternity, surrendering our fleeting worries to Your unchanging love. May our obedience stem not from fear but from deep reverence, knowing Your ways are higher, Your promises secure, and Your mercy infinite. Hold us in Your timeless grace and guide our steps to honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Meditative Question for the Day:

How does knowing that God existed before all things deepen my trust in His plan for my life?

DEAR GOD: I Seek You Desperately – Earnestly- Fully-Completely~

Posted on June 6, 2025 by C D SWANSON

What Does it Mean to Truly Seek God?

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” —Matthew 6:6

Seeking the Father in Secret

There is a sacred beauty in withdrawing from the noise of life to sit alone with the Lord. In the quiet, away from distractions, the heart finds clarity, and the soul is refreshed. Jesus Himself taught the importance of private communion with the Father, reminding us that prayer is not about performance but about intimacy.

When the burdens of life weigh heavy, stepping into that secret place—where only He sees—brings peace beyond understanding. It is there, in the stillness, that His Presence calms the restless heart and fills it with assurance.

It is knowing that He is living inside of me – and His hands guiding me that brings a self-assurance that no matter what is going on -it’s going to be okay, as we take His hand, we will be – Okay!

“Father, I come before You in the quiet, seeking Your Presence. In the secret place, I lay down my worries and open my heart to You. Refresh my spirit, calm my anxious thoughts, and remind me that You are near. May my time with You strengthen my faith and deepen my trust. Thank You for always seeing me, always hearing me, and always loving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Presence & Promises~

Posted on June 5, 2025 by C D SWANSON

[Genesis 09] God's Promises

The Presence and Promises of Christ

Before time began, His word was sure, The Alpha, the Omega, steadfast and pure. By His hands, the heavens spread wide, Through His breath, the stars took stride.

The mountains bow, the oceans roar, Yet He calls my name—forevermore. Not distant nor silent, never untrue, His presence abides, deep and new.

When shadows fall and hope grows dim, He whispers, “Be still, come rest in Him.” The weary find shelter, the lost find light, For He has conquered darkest night.

“Fear not, for I am with you,” He proclaims, “Be not dismayed, I call you by name.” (Isaiah 41:10) No tear unseen, no burden alone, His mercy flows from Heaven’s throne.

His footsteps grace the storm-tossed seas, His voice commands the raging breeze. No wave too wild, no wind too strong, For in His hands, we still belong.

“My peace I leave you, My peace I give,” (John 14:27) A love unshaken, the grace to live. Not as the world—uncertain, afraid, But steadfast, eternal, never swayed.

He promised life, and life anew, A dwelling place beyond the blue. “I go to prepare a place for you,” (John 14:2) A kingdom bright, a promise true.

The cross stood tall, the sky grew black, Yet love poured forth; He held nothing back. Three days of silence, sorrow, grief, Then sunrise declared eternal relief.

Death undone, the grave unsealed, By His wounds, the broken healed. “I am the resurrection, the life,” (John 11:25) His victory reigns, His truth is bright.

Oh, wondrous Savior, mighty Friend, Your love will never fade nor end. Through valley deep and mountain high, You lead me forth, You stand nearby.

“LORD -You are my refuge and my strength, the promise that never fades. Thank You for walking with me through every trial, for being the light that guides my path. May Your presence be my peace, and Your promises my foundation. Help me to trust in You fully, to stand firm in Your truth, and to embrace the love You so freely give. Keep my heart anchored in You, that I may walk in faith until the day I stand before You in glory. In Your Son’s Holy name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Guard My Tongue & Season My Words~

Posted on June 3, 2025 by C D SWANSON

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. — Proverbs 15:1

Words carry weight. They build bridges or burn them, soothe souls or wound hearts. Proverbs 15:1 teaches a simple yet profound truth—how we respond to conflict determines its outcome. A gentle, measured response has the power to defuse anger, redirect hostility, and promote peace, while harsh words escalate disputes, deepening wounds and fueling division.

Speaking with the Wisdom of God

The Word of God consistently reinforces the importance of tempering speech with wisdom and grace.

Proverbs 16:24 — “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
James 1:19 — “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Colossians 4:6 — “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

These verses remind us that gracious speech is not weakness, but strength—a reflection of the wisdom that comes from God.

Examples from Scripture and Daily Life

Consider the example of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. When faced with the reckless wrath of Nabal, she responded with wisdom, humility, and gentleness, preventing unnecessary bloodshed. Her soft answer turned away David’s anger, revealing the power of calm, Spirit-led intervention.

In our own lives, a kind response to a rude cashier, a patient word to a frustrated family member, or a loving approach to someone acting unjustly can shift the entire atmosphere. Though it is not always easy, responding with grace is a choice that honors God.

Living in the Light of His Word

Applying Proverbs 15:1 daily requires intentional surrender to God’s guidance. The tongue is a mighty force, capable of shaping relationships, influencing emotions, and directing our paths. As followers of Christ, we must ask:

Do my words reflect the heart of God?
Am I responding to offense with patience and wisdom?
Is my speech seasoned with grace, even in difficult conversations?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach us to speak with kindness, wisdom, and restraint. May our words bring healing, not harm; peace, not contention. Help us to listen before we speak, and to reflect Your love even in moments of frustration. Let our tongues glorify You and draw others nearer to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Category Archives: Comforter

DEAR GOD: Thank You Father For Offering Me Mercy and Love~

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” -Psalm 103:13