DEAR GOD: The Wonder Of You~

Posted on February 3, 2026 by C D SWANSON

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Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” — Psalm 145:3

The Wonder of the LORD
by C D SWANSON~

There are moments when the soul simply stops and stares — not with the eyes, but with the heart — at the sheer wonder of the LORD. His greatness is not something we measure; it is something we behold. Scripture tells us His greatness is unsearchable, not because He hides it, but because it is too vast, too radiant, too eternal for the human mind to contain.

Every sunrise is a brushstroke of His imagination. Every breath we take is a quiet reminder that He sustains us. Every creature, from the smallest sparrow to the mighty whale, moves according to a design older than time. And woven into all of this is His love — a love that shapes galaxies yet bends low enough to comfort a single heart.

When we look at the world through this lens, even the simplest things become sacred. The way light dances on water. The hush of morning air. The rhythm of our own heartbeat. These are not accidents; they are invitations. Invitations to remember that the LORD is not distant. He is present, active, intentional, and endlessly creative.

His wonder is not only in what He made — it is in who He is. A God who forms stars with His word yet forms our hearts with His hands. A God whose power is limitless, yet whose gentleness is personal. A God who governs the universe yet listens when we whisper His name.

To live aware of His wonder is to live awake. Awake to beauty. Awake to purpose. Awake to the truth that we are part of His masterpiece, crafted with the same care as the heavens above. And when we recognize this, praise becomes natural — not forced, not formal, but flowing from a heart overwhelmed by His goodness.

LORD, open my eyes to Your wonder today. Let me see Your greatness in the world around me and in the quiet places of my own life. Teach me to pause, to notice, to worship. Fill my heart with awe, and let my life reflect the beauty of Your presence. Thank You for being both mighty and near, both Creator and Father. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Help Us To Live By Your Wisdom From Above~

Posted on September 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7

🌿 Loving God and Living by Wisdom from Above

In a world that often feels loud, fast, and uncertain, the quiet strength of wisdom from above becomes our compass. It is not merely cleverness or worldly strategy—it is the divine insight that flows from reverence, humility, and love for God. To love God is to seek His heart, and in seeking His heart, we receive His wisdom: pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.

This wisdom helps us navigate everyday choices with grace. It teaches us when to speak and when to be still. It shows us how to care for others without losing ourselves. It anchors us when grief swells and guides us when decisions feel heavy. Wisdom from above is not just for mountaintop moments—it is for the kitchen, the town hall, the quiet drive, the grocery aisle, and the sacred corridors of our homes.

Loving God means doing our best not to impress, but to align. It means asking, “Lord, what would You have me do?” and trusting that even in our smallest efforts—feeding a loved one, writing a letter, choosing peace over pride—He is present. His wisdom sanctifies the ordinary.

When we love God, we begin to see that doing our best is not about perfection. It’s about surrender. It’s about letting His wisdom shape our thoughts, our routines, our advocacy, and our care. It’s about trusting that He sees the whole map, even when we only see the next step.

📖 Supporting Scripture

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” — James 3:17

🙏 Prayer for Wisdom and Love

“LORD- You are the source of all true wisdom. In a world that often confuses noise for knowledge, help us to seek Your voice above all. Teach us to love You not just in word, but in action—in the way we care, speak, and choose. Let Your wisdom guide our steps, soften our hearts, and strengthen our resolve. May we be gentle stewards of the homes You entrust to us, faithful in our routines, and courageous in our advocacy. Let Your peace reign in our decisions, and Your mercy flow through our hands. We do not ask for ease, but for clarity. We do not ask for perfection, but for Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: May We Gain Patience Through Your Mercy~

Posted on September 9, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” -Titus 2:2

Anchored Elders: A Call to Steadfast Grace”

Titus 2:2 offers a timeless blueprint for elderhood—not just in age, but in spiritual maturity. In today’s world, where youth is often idolized and aging can feel invisible, this verse reclaims the dignity of seasoned individuals as pillars of wisdom, restraint, and enduring faith. It calls older individuals to be sober—not just free from intoxication, but clear-minded and discerning. Grave—not joyless but deeply rooted in reverence. Temperate—not rigid, but balanced. And above all, sound in faith, love, and patience.

In our modern communities—whether church, family, or neighborhood—this verse reminds us that elderhood is not retirement from spiritual responsibility. It’s a sacred charge to model integrity, compassion, and endurance. These individuals become living testimonies of grace under pressure, love without condition, and faith that has weathered storms.

🙏 Prayer

“LORD– We thank You for the elders among us—those whose lives echo Your faithfulness. Strengthen them to walk in sobriety, dignity, and self-control. Let their faith be unwavering, their love expansive, and their patience enduring. May they be anchors in our communities, guiding us with wisdom and grace. Help us honor their legacy and learn from their quiet strength. And for those stepping into elderhood, may they embrace this calling with joy, humility, and holy purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Lavish Love & Mercy Are Our Gifts – Thank You LORD~

Posted on August 22, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” -Romans 8:32

Lavish Love, Unfailing Provision: The Measureless Gift of God

Commentary & Intelligent Perspective

Romans 8:32 is a breathtaking declaration of divine generosity. Paul anchors this verse in the ultimate act of sacrificial love: God did not spare His own Son. The language is deliberate—“spared not”—echoing Genesis 22, where Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, yet God intervened. In contrast, the Father did not intervene when Jesus was delivered up. He gave His Son fully, willingly, and painfully—for us all.

This verse dismantles any notion that God is stingy or distant. If He gave the greatest gift—His Son—how could He withhold anything lesser? The logic is divine: the cross is proof of God’s commitment to our good. Not only salvation, but “all things” are freely given in Christ—peace, wisdom, strength, comfort, provision, and eternal inheritance.

Supporting scriptures reinforce this truth:

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”
2 Corinthians 9:8 – “God is able to bless you abundantly…”
James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”

This is not prosperity theology—it’s provision theology. God gives what is best, not always what is easiest. The “all things” are those that align with His will and our sanctification. The cross is the down payment; the resurrection is the guarantee.

Tribute & Glory to the Lord

O Lord Most High, how measureless is Your mercy! You did not spare Your beloved Son, the radiance of Your glory, the Lamb without blemish. You delivered Him up—not for angels, not for the righteous, but for us: the weary, the wandering, the wounded. You gave Heaven’s treasure to redeem earth’s dust.

You are not a God of half-measures. You are lavish in love, fierce in faithfulness, and tender in timing. You do not ration grace. You pour it out. You do not delay compassion. You rush to rescue. You do not forget Your children. You engrave us on Your hands.

I glorify You, Father of Lights, for the gift of Jesus—my Savior, Shepherd, and Sustainer. I exalt You for every provision wrapped in His name. You are my portion, my peace, my promise. You are worthy of endless praise.

O Giver of Glory, O Fountain of Grace, You spared not the Son, but took our place. From Heaven’s throne to Calvary’s tree, You gave all so we could be free.

With nail-scarred hands, You lift our face, And crown our days with mercy’s embrace. Let every breath, each step I take, Be thanks for love no pain could break.

You gave Your best—how could You not Give all we need, though we forgot? So let my heart, in awe, remain, Forever singing Your refrain.

Amen.

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Mercy & Grace~

Posted on July 30, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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Poem of Mercy and Thanks

The morning breaks with gentle light,
A gift anew, the dawn’s delight.
Though shadows came and trials stayed,
His mercy stood and never swayed.
Grace untouched by time’s decay.

He held me close through every storm,
His love, my shelter—safe and warm.
Where guilt once tried to stake its claim,
The cross cried out and broke my shame.
In Him, I’m washed and born again.

No merit earned, no price I paid,
Yet still my path in peace He laid.
The risen Son, my guiding flame,
In whispered winds, I praise His name.
Each breath I take, His grace displayed.

So let this day be steeped in praise,
For all He’s done and all His ways.
No greater love, no kinder hand,
No firmer rock on which to stand.
Eternal hope, in Him I stay.

Supporting Scripture (KJV): “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

🙏 Prayer of Thanks:

O Lord my God, Thank You for waking me to another day wrapped in Your mercy. Thank You for the breath in my lungs, the peace in my soul, And the grace that greets me like the morning sun. Let my life today be an offering of gratitude, Reflecting Your love to all I meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: The Stillness That Speaks Is Your LOVE

Posted on July 28, 2025 by C D SWANSON

When Heaven Waits to Whisper

Waiting on God, especially when we receive no clear signs or direction, is one of the deepest tests of faith and patience. This verse speaks to the stillness—the quiet stretches of time where prayers seem to echo into nothing, where circumstances feel unjustified and reason obscured. Yet it declares a core truth: silence is not absence.

The Bible is rich with moments where God’s timing defied human expectation:

Abraham waited decades for the promise of Isaac.
Joseph suffered years of injustice before his vision was fulfilled.
David was anointed king but endured much before the throne was his.

The King James Version reminds us in Isaiah 40:31:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…”

This verse doesn’t imply passive delay—it suggests active expectancy, like a watchman straining his eyes through the night for dawn. Waiting on God is not resignation; it is confidence dressed in stillness. It is spiritual discipline, a declaration that God’s sovereignty is worth trusting even when His presence feels imperceptible.

Silence, after all, has never diminished the power of God’s promises. The cross stood quiet on that Friday, but heaven roared on Sunday.

t’s not passive—it’s intentional. It’s the spiritual discipline of unclenching our fists and trusting the One who holds the universe.

Waiting on God is not merely enduring time—it’s engaging faith. It’s choosing to believe that even when we don’t hear Him, He hears us. Even when we don’t see the reason, He sees the outcome.

Consider:

Job, who sat in silence for days, misunderstood by friends, yet declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15).
Habakkuk, who cried out in confusion, yet ended his lament with praise: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…” (Habakkuk 3:18).
Jesus, who waited in Gethsemane, sweating blood, yet surrendered: “Not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

The silence of God is not the absence of God. It is often the space where He deepens our roots, refines our faith, and prepares us for what’s next. The stillness is not empty—it’s holy.

“Lord, teach me to wait with faith rather than frustration. Let not Your silence shake my confidence in Your plan. Strengthen me to trust Your heart when Your hand seems hidden. Let the stillness draw me closer, not push me away. You are working in the unseen—help me to believe that today. Amen.”

Reflective Question for the Day- What can I learn from this season of quiet that I couldn’t hear in the noise?

“Though the sky stay silent and the wind bears no reply, Still shall I kneel upon the dust and lift my cry. For silence is not absence, nor delay denial— The Lord moves sovereign, His love never idle…” -by C D Swanson

DEAR GOD: We Are Anchored In Your Light Of Hope & Love~

Posted on July 11, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” — Luke 1:37 (KJV)

“Radiant in the Impossible: Anchored in the Light of His Triumph”

In the sacred stillness of our hearts, when the world’s weight presses heavy, and our strength seems spent, there comes a whisper from heaven’s throne: “I am with you.” Faith isn’t born of perfect circumstances, but of sacred trust—a candle lit in the cavern of uncertainty, burning with a hope that refuses to die.

To pray is to breathe in eternity while standing on shifting earth. Through prayer, we cry out not as strangers to God, but as beloved children welcomed into divine communion. We do not have to scale walls alone or weather storms in silence. Through Christ, our prayers are not empty echoes—they are fragrant offerings rising to the One who parted seas and resurrected dreams. Every tear becomes rain nourishing seeds of joy, every groan a melody in God’s symphony of grace.

Hope in the LORD is not passive—it’s the bold declaration that even if the night lingers, dawn is coming. The Light of the world walks ahead of us, illuminating every shadow with truth, driving out fear with love. His Presence is not flickering—it is fierce, radiant, eternal.

And love—it is our greatest inheritance. A love that hung on a cross, stretched arms wide to call the weary home. In that love, we find victory. Not as the world defines it, but as Heaven declares it: resurrection, redemption, restoration. Because greater is He who dwells within us than the chaos, deception, and despair that tries to shake our foundation.

Victory isn’t just a destination. It is the journey, carved by grace, walked in obedience, and sealed by Christ’s triumph over death. We are not victims of circumstance—we are vessels of glory, torchbearers of truth, and heirs of peace.

Moral Thoughts- Let us live as those convinced of divine purpose, refusing the lies of fear. Let our speech reflect grace, our actions declare hope, and our hearts remain aligned with God’s eternal vision. Choose compassion over convenience, light over compromise, courage over conformity.

Supporting Scriptures

Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
1 John 4:4 — “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear thou not; for I am with thee…”
Romans 8:37 — “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Psalm 27:1 — “The LORD is my light and my salvation…”

“ O Sovereign LORD, Mighty Redeemer of our souls, we come before You as your children—loved, redeemed, and chosen. Fill us with faith that rises above fear, prayer that pierces the veil, and hope that cannot be silenced. Let Your light drive out darkness within and around us. Infuse us with holy strength and divine courage. Remind each heart that in You, victory is not just possible—it is promised. We bind ourselves to Your love, walk forward in Your name, and declare nothing is impossible with You, O God! In Jesus’ matchless and beautiful name we pray, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I Love Living In The Assurance Of Your Love~

Posted on July 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” –Philippians 1:6

Moral Reflections and Meditative Behavior The verse from Philippians 1:6— “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”—is a quiet anthem of trust, perseverance, and divine purpose. It reminds us that each soul walking in faith is in progress, not perfection, a work lovingly crafted by the Author of Life Himself.

This truth reshapes how we see ourselves and others. Rather than holding people to a snapshot of who they are today, we begin to view them through the lens of what God is growing them into. It softens judgment, encourages grace, and lifts our spirits in seasons of waiting or failure. If God is still working, then hope is still alive.

Meditatively, this verse invites us into a rhythm of spiritual breathing. It nudges us to pause during the day—not just for prayer, but for perspective. In traffic, in conversations, while washing dishes or managing finances, we can whisper: “You’re still working in me, Lord.” Such thoughts cultivate resilience and reduce the anxiety of needing to “arrive.” The daily walk becomes sacred when we trust the Presence of the One who walks beside us.

Christian Belief and Practical Application- Christianity calls us not merely to believe in God’s promises, but to integrate them into our living. Applying Philippians 1:6 means…

Being patient with personal growth. You may struggle with old wounds or behaviors, but trust that transformation is underway.
Offering grace to others. Their story isn’t finished either; give space for God’s work in them.
Pursuing your calling persistently. The path might shift, but the Lord will complete what He started—your purpose is secure in Him.
Reframing setbacks. What feels like failure might be part of the refining process God uses to deepen wisdom and strength.
Speaking encouragement. Remind yourself and others: “God hasn’t stopped. You’re in His hands.”

When you internalize this verse, it changes your posture. You walk with spiritual confidence—not arrogance, but assurance. You speak with a calm rooted not in circumstances, but in eternal commitment. God is more faithful than our emotions, more steadfast than our doubts.

Supporting Scriptures

Isaiah 64:8 (KJV): “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” → We are lovingly molded each day.
Romans 8:28 (KJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” → Even messiness and trials are raw material for divine good.
Hebrews 12:2 (KJV): “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” → He doesn’t just begin our story—He completes it.

” Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the promise that You are always working in us. When we stumble, when we feel unsure, remind us that we are held by Your hands and guided by Your intentions. Teach us to walk in trust, to grow in grace, and to rest in Your timing. Help us encourage others with the same mercy You extend to us. Make our hearts soft, our minds focused, and our souls aware of Your constant Presence. Let our lives be living testimonies of Your unfinished but unfailing work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Rebuilding The Altar Of Our Hearts~~

Posted on July 1, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Then Elijah said to the people, ‘Come near to me.’ And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down.” — 1 Kings 18:30 (ESV)

The stage at Mount Carmel wasn’t merely a showdown of prophets—it was a divine demonstration. Elijah, standing alone against hundreds of false prophets, called upon the strength of God not just for spectacle, but for restoration. The verse above, though often overlooked among the dramatic fire-from-heaven moment, holds profound weight: “He repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down.” Before God’s power could fall, the altar—His meeting place with His people—had to be made right.

God’s Power Begins with Restoration

What do the altars of our hearts look like? Are they broken down by disappointment, overgrown with self-reliance, or buried under busyness? Before we ask for fire—provision, victory, breakthrough—God invites us to rebuild what’s been neglected. Not because He’s distant, but because His power is most beautifully displayed in hearts postured toward Him.

Strength Through Obedience

Elijah’s courage wasn’t bravado—it was rooted in obedience. God’s strength is not reserved for the elite, but for those who obey in humility and faith. Elijah wasn’t perfect, but he trusted the Lord enough to act while others doubted.

“The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Questions for the Soul:

Is there a place in your life where God’s altar needs repair?
Are you waiting on God’s fire while ignoring His call to obedience?
Have you allowed fear or fatigue to keep you from trusting God’s strength?

Supporting Scriptures:

Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
Psalm 18:1-2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress… in whom I take refuge.”
Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Each of these verses echoes a central truth: God’s power is not only infinite—it’s personal. It’s for you, when you are weak, weary, or wondering. He invites us to trust not just in what He can do, but in who He is: utterly faithful and wholly good.

“Lord God Almighty, you are the One who answers with fire and speaks in a whisper. You are strength in our weariness, and the repairer of all things broken. Today, we come with humbled hearts and trembling hands. Some of our altars—of hope, of joy, of trust—have been weathered by time, disappointment, and distraction. Yet even so, You call us near. You invite us to repair what was thrown down—not with stones alone, but with surrender. Breathe upon us, O God. Ignite what has gone cold. Remind us that Your strength is not reserved for giants but given to servants who believe that Your Word still stands, that Your promises endure. Help us rebuild with reverence. Let obedience be our offering. Let love be the mortar that holds every part of our surrender together. And when the world watches, may they see not our resolve, but Your glory falling afresh. We wait—not for spectacle—but for presence. In the holy name of Jesus, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Preserve Me O LORD – I Put My Trust In You~

Posted on June 29, 2025 by C D SWANSON

📖 Psalm 16 Summary –

Psalm 16 is a Michtam of David—a golden psalm, a meditative confession of joyful trust. David begins with a heartfelt plea: “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.” He declares that he has no good apart from the Lord, delights in the saints, and refuses to follow after false gods. He rejoices in the inheritance given to him, both spiritually and physically, calling it “beautiful.” He praises God for counsel, guidance, and confidence—even in the face of death. The psalm famously ends with: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

💌 Commentary: A Loving Tribute to the LORD and His Mercy

Psalm 16 overflows with quiet confidence and devoted love. It is not a cry of distress—it is a declaration of belonging. David doesn’t merely believe in God; he belongs to God. This is a psalm that shimmers with holy intimacy.

When he says, “O my soul, you have said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You,’” he invites us into a sacred confession: that every beautiful, noble, and enduring thing in us is not self-made—it’s God-breathed.

David’s heart is magnetic in this psalm. He delights in the company of the faithful, turns away from worldly idols, and celebrates the Lord as his chosen portion and cup. Even the language of inheritance—“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places”—suggests that David sees God’s mercy in both his present and his future.

This psalm also plants an early seed of resurrection hope. David rejoices with this promise: “You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” Though spoken of himself in context, this was fulfilled in Jesus, whose body did not decay in the tomb. Resurrection whispers from every line.

But more than anything, Psalm 16 is an affectionate gaze. David doesn’t run to God only in pain or panic—he lives beside Him, walks with Him, rests in His counsel at night, and rejoices in His presence. The LORD is not merely his help—He is his heritage. His joy. His reason.

🌟 Moral Thoughts, Reflections, and Deeper Meaning

Trust Is an Ongoing Posture, Not a Crisis Reaction: David opens with trust not because he’s afraid, but because it is his habit. Our relationship with God is healthiest when it’s rooted in quiet, daily intimacy—not just emergency appeal.
God Is Our Goodness: In a world that rewards self-glory, David reminds us, “My goodness is nothing apart from You.” This truth humbles and sanctifies us. Every kind word, wise act, or healing touch that flows from us began in Him.
Delight in the Saints: David finds joy in the faithful. Whom we choose to cherish shapes our walk. His rejection of idolaters and embrace of God-fearers is a blueprint for living wisely and purely.
Your Inheritance Is Secure: If God holds your “lot,” there is no loss that can take it from you. The lines of our life—even in sorrow—are drawn by a loving Hand. When we say, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance,” we are acknowledging that no earthly gain can rival eternal security.
God’s Presence Is Our Joy, Now and Forever: This psalm doesn’t promise we won’t taste death. But it promises we will not be abandoned to it. Joy is not just a fleeting feeling—it is the fruit of God’s eternal embrace.

🙏 Prayer

“O’ Faithful and Merciful God, Our hearts rest in You, for You alone are our safe place, our portion, and our praise. Teach us to desire Your Presence above all riches and to see Your mercy written into the lines of our lives. Help us, like David, to draw near in daily delight, and not only in distress. Thank You for being our inheritance, both now and forever. May our souls rejoice in the resurrection hope made perfect in Christ. Keep us from idols, align our hearts with the saints, and fix our gaze on eternal joy at Your right hand. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson