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: 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: 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: Your Presence & Love Sustains Us All~

Posted on June 1, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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Revelation 21:2-3 (NKJV)

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’”

The Eternal Dwelling of God Among His People

This passage is a declaration of hope, a vision of completion, and a fulfillment of God’s promise that He would one day dwell among His people fully and eternally. John, witnessing this moment, describes New Jerusalem descending from heaven, radiant as a bride adorned for her husband, a scene of absolute beauty and preparation. This is not just the establishment of a heavenly city, but the arrival of God’s presence in its most complete and unrestricted form.

From the beginning, God has longed to be near His creation. In the Old Testament, His Presence was seen in the tabernacle, a structure built by Israel where He dwelled in a limited way. It was a place of meeting but not of full unity. Later, the temple stood as a physical representation of His dwelling, but still, access was restricted. Even when Jesus walked on earth, He was God in flesh, dwelling among men, yet only temporarily.

This passage shows the fulfillment of God’s desire. No longer separated, no longer distant, He comes to live fully among His redeemed people. The barriers are gone, the longing is satisfied, and His presence is forever.

What This Means for Christians Today

While the full reality of New Jerusalem is yet to come, the truth of God’s dwelling is already alive in the hearts of believers.

God is not waiting for eternity to be with His people. He dwells among them now through His Holy Spirit. The temple, once made of stone, has become the believer’s own body, a place where He resides. Scripture confirms this truth

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

Every prayer, every moment of faith, is an interaction with a God who is near, not distant. He is present in suffering, joy, doubt, and victory.

This passage also reminds believers that no matter how difficult the present world may seem, it is not the final chapter.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. Revelation 21:4

And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25

This promise shapes how a believer faces life’s trials. Knowing that His presence will one day be fully revealed, we can endure with hope.

Lastly, it is a call to live in expectation. If God prepares a dwelling place, then believers must prepare themselves to meet Him. The bride does not wait passively, but she adorns herself with readiness, purity, and devotion.

Be holy, for I am holy 1 Peter 1:16

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Reflective Questions

How does knowing that God dwells within me shape my daily life Am I preparing my heart as a bride prepares for her wedding day Do I live in the certainty of God’s presence, or do I hold onto fear How does this promise change the way I endure suffering

Prayer

“Father, Your Presence is a gift beyond measure. You have always desired to dwell among Your people, and Your promise is unfolding even now. Help me to live in expectation, preparing my heart as a bride adorned for her husband. Let me feel Your nearness, know Your love, and trust in Your eternal plan. Until the day I stand before You in fullness, let me remain faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are With Me All The Seasons Of My Life~

Posted on May 28, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” –Romans 12:15

When I see this verse from Romans 12:15- immediately the LORD comes to mind. He is the One that rejoices with us, and weeps with us as we go through life. He is the consummate Friend and Protector, and our Almighty Abba Father. And the One who is there for every single second of our lives here on earth, and if we are faithful servants and followers – He will be there when we join Him in Eternity.

Life is a series of ups and downs. A virtual collection of gains and losses. We have good times, and good seasons. Ostensibly, we have bad times, and bad seasons.

We can gather great gains. We can suffer great losses. And in all honestly and reality, we wouldn’t be living if these things didn’t occur. Because LIFE happens to be constantly changing, it doesn’t remain stagnant. If it did – then something is amiss. Because as the water flows, so does life. It swirls, it babbles, it creates waves, it can be placid. So, too are our patterns in life. It is ever moving-ever changing-ever flowing!

If we are fortunate, we get to see many different aspects of life. Including major milestones! Our first birthday! Our sweet 16! Entering adulthood – 21st birthday a major one for me! Then, if we are blessed- marriage, children – careers. And each decade after that, we are in celebration of our life- thanks to the One who made it all possible.

When I lost my dad – 26 years ago. I literally had trouble breathing, I felt like I was suffocating. Like I was moving in slow motion. Like a living nightmare I was unable to awaken from. But – with my siblings, and my beautiful beloved mom, family and friends – I got through the tragic and untimely death of my dad. But the ONE that held me up, the entire time? You got it and guessed it correctly – the LORD!

And He, my LORD wept along with me. He reminded me that I would see my dad again, and that my dad was with Him in heaven. And it brough great relief and comfort to my soul. His Words, His promises, and His Presence all provided soothing balm for my aching broken heart. And anyone who suffered the loss of a parent(s) or a loved one in general – can all relate to that feeling of anguish.

When my mom passed away on another one of my “milestone birthdays” – I was unable to breathe once again…and yet again -the LORD gave me breath from His heart and His love – and got me through it. I recognized mom going home to heaven on my birthday as a gift. She had “delivered me” that very day (all those years ago!) and the LORD “delivered her” back home to His arms. So, consequently I’ve come to think of it as a blessing and a gift from the LORD.

So – the verse I started this post with from Romans – is vital to our existence as Christians. Because when you meditate upon it, you will understand and feel the significance of those very words. Throughout our lifetime, there will always be moments we share with family, friends, colleagues, that all together comprise many components of humanity. That is to say -sadness, happiness, gains, losses, and seasons of joy, and seasons of happiness. And at times, season of stillness. The critically important thing in all of these moments is to remember, that our LORD is with us through it all! And that is what matters. Because with HIM we can survive and go on.

When we cling to Him and hold His hand as He guides us throughout our lifetime and aspire to do all according to His will and purpose in our lives, we will be able to LIVE a LIFE worth LIVING!

Yes!

“Father, God -thank You for holding our hand through it all – good times and bad, we love You always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

^“…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)

DEAR GOD: Mercy, Love, & Compassion Is Thy Name~

Posted on May 25, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Anchored in Christ on Behance

“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.” —Psalm 103:17

Anchored in His Love: A Call to Righteousness

Reflection: The world we walk in is filled with deception. It paints illusions of success, pleasure, and power, whispering enticing lies that pull hearts away from truth. Every day, Christians face temptations wrapped in beautiful disguises—sin that presents itself as freedom, selfishness disguised as independence, and worldliness camouflaged as wisdom. But Scripture reminds us that God’s love is everlasting, His righteousness unshaken, and His mercy beyond measure.

Our calling is clear: we must remain steadfast. The enemy is cunning, laying traps in entertainment, conversation, culture, and even in moments of exhaustion when our guard is weak. But we have a defense that no force can penetrate—the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17), protecting our minds from deceit and reminding us of our identity in Christ. This armor shields us from the world’s false promises, reminding us that our hope is not in fleeting rewards but in eternal glory with our Savior.

To stay focused, we must saturate our hearts with God’s word (Joshua 1:8). What we feed our spirits will shape our thoughts, our choices, and our endurance. If we feast on the scriptures daily, if we call upon the Lord earnestly in prayer, if we allow the Holy Spirit to fill the empty places in our hearts, we will stand firm. The world cannot steal what is rooted in God’s truth.

We must also guard our eyes and ears, rejecting the voices that glorify sin. Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” What we expose ourselves to matters—whether it be entertainment, media, conversations, or influences. The enemy plants seeds of distraction through small compromises, slowly dulling our sensitivity to sin. But we are not called to blend in; we are called to stand out, set apart for God’s purpose (Romans 12:2).

Keep your eyes on the prize—eternal life with Jesus Christ. The sufferings of this world are temporary, but the rewards of heaven are everlasting (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Do not grow weary, for the Lord is our strength, our sustainer, our refuge in times of battle. Every morning is a new opportunity to recommit to walking in righteousness. Every challenge is a moment to declare, “I will serve the Lord.” Let nothing shake your faith, let no darkness extinguish your light, and let the love of God anchor you in truth.

Supporting Scriptures:

- Ephesians 6:11 — Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
- Romans 8:38-39 — Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
- Matthew 7:13-14 — The path to righteousness is narrow but leads to life.
- Hebrews 12:2 — Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
- John 17:14-16 — We are in the world, but not of the world.

Reflective Questions:

What distractions in my daily life pull my focus away from God?
How can I reinforce my spiritual armor today?
Where do I need to be more intentional in avoiding worldly influences?
What scriptures can I memorize to strengthen my heart against temptation?
How can I make my life a testimony that glorifies Christ?

Prayer: Lord Almighty, I thank You for Your love that never fades, Your mercy that never ends, and Your righteousness that stands firm. Keep me steadfast in my walk, unwavering in my faith, and vigilant against the temptations of this world. Let my thoughts be pure, my heart be strong, and my spirit be filled with Your presence. Help me to fix my eyes on You, to run my race with endurance, and to stand boldly in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Question for the Day: What step can I take today to deepen my commitment to righteousness?

DEAR GOD: I Hear Your Whispers & Feel Your Love~

Posted on May 21, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” —
Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)

The Whisper of His Presence

The Lord, in His infinite mercy and love, calls out to us—not in thunder or spectacle but in the quiet places, in moments where the heart longs for peace. His Presence is woven into the sunrise that speaks of new beginnings, in the cool breeze that refreshes the weary soul, in the stillness where anxious thoughts are quieted by His embrace. He is near, whispering His love, His guidance, His truth to every heart willing to seek and listen.

His Word is a light unto our feet, (Psalm 119:105) illuminating the path of righteousness. Through scripture, He teaches us to lean not on our own understanding but to trust in Him fully.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

We honor Him by walking in obedience, by seeking Him in both joy and sorrow, by turning to Him in prayer and trusting His promises. Obedience is not simply a duty—it is a response to His unfailing love, a desire to follow where He leads. This can be seen in daily acts of faith:

Choosing kindness when faced with hostility
Seeking forgiveness rather than holding onto bitterness
Turning to scripture when faced with uncertainty
Offering encouragement to those who struggle
Waiting patiently on the Lord rather than rushing ahead

Each step taken in faith is an act of worship, an acknowledgment that His ways are higher, His plans perfect. We are not alone—God is ever near, speaking through His creation, through His Word, through the gentle stirrings in our spirit. His presence is a gift, a constant reminder that we are known, loved, and held in His grace.

Prayer: “LORD-let my heart be tuned to hear Your voice in all things. Give me wisdom to walk in obedience, strength to trust in Your ways, and a spirit that seeks You with all my being. May I never take Your presence for granted. Thank You for always drawing near. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Question for Reflection: What areas of my life do I need to surrender more fully to God so that I may walk in His will?

DEAR GOD: Your Mercy & Love Is My Breath & LIFE~

Posted on May 18, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Lamentations 3:22-23

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.

The Sovereign Love of the Lord

The love of the Lord is a steadfast and enduring force, unshaken by the frailty of mankind. From the beginning of time, He has woven His mercy into the fabric of creation, ensuring that His presence is never absent from those who seek Him. His power stretches beyond comprehension, holding the heavens in their place, commanding the seas, and setting the stars upon their courses.

In His love, there is security, an unshaken assurance that He is always in control. While the world wrestles with uncertainty and fear, His hand remains steady, guiding the affairs of men, turning the hearts of kings, and directing the paths of His people. Nothing moves outside His sovereign will, and even in affliction, His purposes remain steadfast.

His morals and judgments are pure, untainted by the corruption of human frailty. He is righteous in all His ways, a King whose throne is established upon justice and truth. No wickedness dwells in His thoughts, nor does deceit stain His intentions. He commands holiness, calling His people to walk uprightly before Him, to love mercy, to act justly, and to remain steadfast in faith. His thoughts towards His children are those of peace, not of destruction. He desires restoration and redemption, extending His grace that men may turn from their ways and find life in Him.

Reflecting upon His love and power, one cannot help but marvel at the depth of His mercy. How often do we falter, yet He remains patient? How often do we doubt, yet He reassures? His compassions fail not, they are new every morning. Even when the storms rage, His promises remain true, and His faithfulness is unwavering.

Supporting Scriptures:

Psalm 136:26 – O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Isaiah 55:8-9 – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer:

“O Lord, my God, thy love is boundless and thy mercies are new every morning. In thee is all strength, all power, and all wisdom. Thou dost rule in the heavens, and the earth is thy footstool. Thy ways are higher than my ways, and thy thoughts far beyond my understanding. Yet thou hast drawn near unto thy people, calling us to trust in thee, to rest in thy promises, and to walk in thy truth.

Let thy love be my comfort and thy power my refuge. Teach me to fear thee in reverence and to trust thee without wavering. Guide my steps according to thy righteousness, and let my heart remain steadfast in thy truth. When trials arise, remind me of thy sovereignty. When doubts cloud my mind, let thy Word be my foundation.

Thou art faithful, O Lord, and in thy faithfulness, I find my peace. I bless thee for thy lovingkindness, and I lift my voice in thanksgiving, knowing that thou art ever near. Keep me in thy will, and let my life bring glory unto thy name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

May His love and power bring peace to your heart today.

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Category Archives: love of God

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

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