DEAR GOD: We Rest Quietly In You~

Posted on January 8, 2026 by C D SWANSON

Rest In The LORD
by C D SWANSON

“Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” — Psalm 131:2 (KJV)

Resting Quietly in the Father’s Arms

Psalm 131:2 paints one of the most tender pictures in all of Scripture: a soul quieted like a small child resting against its mother. Not striving. Not demanding. Not wrestling. Simply trusting.

This is the heart of holy silence.

When we choose stillness before the Lord, we are not withdrawing from life — we are returning to the One who holds life itself. Silence becomes a sacred posture, a way of laying down our anxieties, our noise, our endless inner motion, and letting God steady us.

In today’s world, quietness is almost countercultural. Everything pushes us to react, respond, explain, and perform. But this verse invites us to do the opposite: to quiet ourselves intentionally, to settle our souls in God’s Presence, and to rest like a child who knows they are safe.

When we offer the Lord a day of silence, we are offering Him trust. We are saying, “Father, I don’t need to fill the air with words. I just need You.” In that stillness, Christ meets us. He softens what has grown tense. He calms what has been stirred. He reminds us that we are held.

Let today’s quiet be a gentle surrender — a way of drawing closer to Christ not through effort, but through rest.

🙏 Prayer

“Lord, quiet my soul before You.
Teach me to rest in Your Presence with the trust of a child.
Let my silence today become worship,
my stillness become surrender,
and my waiting become a doorway into deeper fellowship with You.
Hold my heart steady, calm my thoughts,
and draw me closer to Christ with every quiet breath. In Jesus name,
Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Not Broken: Replenished in the Secret Place~

Posted on October 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

This verse is a call to spiritual compassion, a divine invitation to step into the sacred work of bearing the weight of others. It is not merely a suggestion—it is the fulfillment of Christ’s law, the embodiment of His love. Yet within this holy charge lies a quiet caution: the soul that bears must also be replenished. Even Jesus, the Son of God, withdrew into solitude to pray. “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” — Luke 5:16

To bear another’s burden is to enter into their suffering, to lift what weighs them down, and to walk beside them in spiritual solidarity. It is holy work. But it is also heavy work. And if we are not careful, we may find ourselves depleted, not from lack of love, but from lack of retreat.

Jesus modeled this rhythm perfectly. He healed, taught, and bore the burdens of multitudes—but He also withdrew. He stepped away from the crowds, from the noise, from the needs. Not in abandonment, but in obedience. He knew that to pour out without being poured into is to risk spiritual collapse. His secret place with the Father was not optional—it was essential.

We, too, must learn this rhythm. To bear with others is to walk in Christ’s footsteps. But to retreat into prayer is to drink from the well that never runs dry. Without this replenishment, our compassion becomes strained, our wisdom clouded, and our strength brittle. We begin to carry burdens in our own strength, forgetting that it is the Spirit who sustains us.

The law of Christ is not fulfilled through burnout—it is fulfilled through Spirit-led compassion. And the Spirit speaks most clearly in the quiet. In the wilderness. In the secret place.

So let us bear, yes. Let us lift, support, and walk beside. But let us also withdraw. Let us seek the Father in solitude, as Jesus did. Let us be refreshed, not just for our sake, but for the sake of those we serve. Because we cannot carry what is sacred without the One who sanctifies.

Reflective Question (KJV): When did I last retreat to be alone with the Father?

Prayer: LORD- teach me to carry with compassion but retreat with wisdom. Refresh my soul in Your Presence. Let Your Spirit restore what weariness has drained. I cannot pour without You. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: We Delight In Your Law & Word~

Posted on September 12, 2025 by C D SWANSON

But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. -Psalm 1:2

This verse describes King David’s lament and frustration over the widespread deceit, flatter, arrogance of wicked evil people in society, contrasting their corrupt words with the pure trustworthy words of God.

This verse lets us see and “hear” David crying out to His LORD – for intervention, against those who are in opposition to both him and to God. He seems to be delighting in the fact that “it’s a blessing for those who reflect, meditate and ingest” the Word daily- then reflect and infuse the Word into all aspects of life. And that God promises to bless those who inherently align with Him and His word, irrespective of circumstances or any given scenario.

When we seek the LORD in all we do, He will intervene on our behalf and help us through whatever we are facing. When we trust in His power realizing that He is in control – we are able to fasten our faith and harness power through Him and Him alone. When we don’t seek Him or take any kind of interest in His Word – we are left in a barren cold land that is subject to darkness and vast evil.

God’s love and His umbrella of protection is a shield to those seeking Him, loving Him, and following His commandments. He is the Rock, He is the foundation of our footsteps, and the Master of our lives.

Even in this broken and deceptive world, where cruelty and mocking of Christians seems to be the norm, we have hope and are stable in His love – because God’s promise remains true and everlasting. It doesn’t break, mold, or disappear.

Believe in God, trust the purity and perfection of Him and His Word, especially His promises to the vulnerable. Even when the world is stinking with evil and displays repulsive actions, God is still in control, and His will WILL ultimately prevail.

After all, Jesus Christ swallowed up death – and defeated it – and He reigns victorious – so don’t despair, please have faith. Just know and believe – no matter how it seems, or what is happening all around – God is in CONTROL And Christ has the victory.

Because Greater is He in you than the one in the world! (1 John 4:4)

“LORD thank You for Your unmerited grace and love, for Your protection, for Your arms that are open wide, and for Your promises that never fade, I am Yours, today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Help Us To Live Our Relationships Honoring You~

Posted on August 25, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” —
Colossians 3:23–24

“To Please Him: Living Relationships for Eternal Glory”

In every relationship—whether tender or trying—we are called to reflect Christ. Our thoughts, words, and actions are not merely social exchanges; they are spiritual offerings. When we love sacrificially, forgive freely, and speak truth gently, we are not just serving others—we are pleasing the Lord. Every moment is a chance to glorify Him, especially in the quiet soul-rendering moments of our “room of prayer.”

“Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (KJV)

Charity is not just kindness—it is divine love in motion. It is the heartbeat of Christ pulsing through our interactions. Whether we are misunderstood, mistreated, or cherished, our response must be rooted in Scripture. We are not here to win arguments or seek applause—we are here to serve the Kingdom.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 (KJV)

Our relationships are our witness. The way we treat others—especially those who challenge us—reveals the depth of our discipleship. We must adhere to the teachings of Christ, not just in public, but in private. In our “room of prayer,” we surrender bitterness, pride, and fear. We ask for strength to love well, to forgive deeply, and to walk humbly.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 (KJV)

Obedience is love in action. It is not a burden—it is a blessing. When we live according to the Word, we align ourselves with eternal purpose. Every act of faithfulness, every moment of restraint, every prayer whispered in secret is seen by God. And when we are called home, it will not be our reputation that matters—it will be our reflection of Christ.

“LORD, teach us to love as You love. Help us to honor You in every relationship, to obey Your Word with joy, and to seek Your glory above all. In our thoughts, our actions, and our quiet prayers, let us be faithful. May our lives be pleasing to You, And our hearts ready for eternity. In Jesus Christ, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Peace Always Silences Worry~

Posted on August 12, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT)

Peace That Silences Worry

This passage is a gentle command and a powerful promise. God doesn’t dismiss our concerns—He invites us to hand them over. When we choose prayer over panic and gratitude over grumbling, His peace steps in like a guard at the gate of our hearts. It’s not a peace we earn—it’s a peace we receive. And it’s stronger than anxiety, deeper than fear, and steadier than any storm.

Anxiety often feels like a thief—stealing our sleep, our joy, and our clarity. But God doesn’t ask us to fight it alone. He offers a divine exchange: our worry for His peace. This isn’t a shallow peace that depends on circumstances—it’s a supernatural calm that flows from trust in His presence.

Paul’s words in Philippians are both practical and profound. He doesn’t say “don’t feel anxious”—he says, “don’t stay anxious.” The way out is through prayer. Not just formal prayer, but honest, daily conversation with God. When we tell Him what we need and thank Him for what He’s already done, we shift our focus from fear to faith.

Gratitude is a spiritual weapon. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and opens the door to peace. And that peace isn’t passive—it actively guards our hearts and minds. Like a sentry standing watch, it protects us from spiraling thoughts and emotional overwhelm.

Prayer:

Father, I come to You with everything that weighs on me. I release my worries, my fears, and my unknowns into Your hands. Teach me to pray with trust and to thank You even before the answer comes. Let Your peace flood my heart and mind, calming every anxious thought. Help me live in the freedom of Your presence, knowing You are near and faithful. Amen.

DEAR GOD: Help Us Love Others In Prayer & Law Of Christ~

Posted on June 27, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

“The Ministry of Presence: Loving Others Through Prayer and Pain”

There are moments in life when words fall short—when a friend’s pain is so deep, so raw, that all we can do is sit beside them in silence. Yet even in that silence, love speaks. And in the quiet chambers of our hearts, prayer becomes the language of compassion.

Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens,” not as a suggestion, but as a fulfillment of Christ’s law. This is not merely about sympathy—it is about entering into another’s suffering with the heart of Christ. It is about choosing to stand in the gap, to lift up the weary, and to become a vessel of divine comfort.

Intercessory prayer is one of the most sacred acts of love we can offer. It is the invisible embrace we give when our arms cannot reach. It is the whispered plea on behalf of a friend who has no strength left to pray. When we intercede, we echo the ministry of Jesus Himself, who “ever lives to make intercession for us” (Hebrews 7:25, NKJV).

To care for someone in pain is to reflect the very heart of God. It is to say, “You are not alone. I will carry this with you.” And in doing so, we become living expressions of divine mercy.

Supporting Scriptures (NKJV):

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” — James 5:16
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4

Moral Reflections:

To love someone in their suffering is to walk the narrow road of selflessness. It is to resist the urge to fix, and instead, to be. It is to offer presence over platitudes, prayer over prescriptions. In a world that often rushes past pain, we are called to pause, to kneel, and to lift others up in the quiet power of intercession.

This kind of love is not always convenient. It may cost us time, energy, or emotional comfort. But it is in these moments that we most resemble Christ—who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4).

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of compassion for our friends who are hurting. You are the God who sees, who hears, and who heals. We lift up those who are burdened by pain—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—and we ask that Your peace would surround them like a shield.

Lord, teach us to be faithful intercessors. Help us to carry the burdens of others with grace and humility. Let our prayers rise like incense before You, and may our love be a reflection of Your own.

Strengthen the weary. Comfort the brokenhearted. And use us, Lord, as instruments of Your mercy. May our presence bring peace, and our prayers bring healing.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: When the Midnight Breaks -Your Candle Lit by Christ Blazes Anew~”

Posted on June 22, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” — John 1:5

A Loving Reflection: Where Light Clings to the Soul

There are hours in life that feel like spiritual midnights—moments when hope seems veiled and the weight of grief, exhaustion, or uncertainty presses against our chest. In these sacred shadows, the temptation is to believe the light has left us.

But Christ—oh, radiant Christ—never disappears. Like a lantern in a cave, His presence does not always remove the darkness but reveals the pathway through it. John 1:5 is not just poetic; it is a promise. The darkness will try. It may howl, rage, or linger longer than we expected. But it cannot win. The light—His light—is both flame and fortress.

Brothers and sisters – no matter what you’re going through – when you cradle your loved ones, when you are trying to stay afloat admist financial crisis, when you are physically ill, or when you cuddle your hurting fur baby with prayers woven from love, when you walk through the valley of caregiving, shouldering the needs of another life while tending to your own aching spirit—you are walking through that very midnight. And you are not alone. Not once. He is with you always!

Jesus isn’t waiting on the other side of the struggle; He is in it. He is the tear on your cheek, the gentle whisper in your prayers, the clarity that pierces a confused heart.

His glory does not retreat when things get hard; it reveals itself most vividly when the world turns dim. No – the light burns brighter!

Moral Thoughts: A Christian’s Posture in the Dark

In times of suffering or hardship, Christians are not called to denial or numb stoicism. We are invited to behold—to look into the sorrow and still say: He is here.

Actions for the Midnight-Walking Soul:

Cling to Scripture as a lifeline, even if your hands tremble. One verse held deep is better than a dozen recited without connection.
Keep loving—radically, gently, bravely. Love, in its purest form, is defiance against despair.
Tell the truth in your prayers. Let tears speak when words don’t come. His Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for language.
Serve in small ways. Sometimes bringing someone else a cup of comfort tea or sending a kind note is a way to remind yourself: light still lives here.

A Tribute to the Lord Jesus Christ

Hallelujah to the Light who was not afraid of our shadows. Praise to the Savior who knelt into earth’s dust, tasted death, and emerged dazzling with eternal sunrise. Glory to the One who walked into night, so we’d never have to do it alone. Worthy is the Lamb, whose flame never flickers—even when our candles do.

A Prayer for the Darkest Hour

” LORD-You who walked the lonely road to Calvary, hold us when the nights stretch long and thick with sorrow. Remind us that your Presence is not determined by what we see but by who you are. Kindle courage within our fear, and faith within our fatigue. Be our steady gleam when clarity hides. Thank You for being the Light no darkness can conquer—our Radiance, our Refuge, our Eternal Dawn. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Reflective Questions

When have you felt Christ’s light in an unexpected or painful moment?
What small act of love or trust could you offer today as a candle in someone else’s darkness?
How might you reframe your struggles as sacred spaces—where God meets you with quiet strength?

Let the night come, dear one, for the Light has come, and He stays.

Amen!!!!

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 The Milk Of Righteousness~

Posted on May 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

4,000+ Free Uht Milk & Milk Images - Pixabay

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” —1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)

Milk is the first and most essential nourishment for a newborn. It provides strength, sustenance, and growth, sustaining life as the body develops. In this same manner, God calls His children to desire the “sincere milk of the word”—the pure, uncontaminated truth of Scripture that strengthens the soul. Just as an infant instinctively longs for milk without doubt or hesitation, believers should crave the Word of God with unwavering faith, knowing that it alone can sustain spiritual maturity.

This passage echoes a recurring theme throughout Scripture, showing the necessity of spiritual sustenance for growth in righteousness. Paul, in Hebrews 5:12-14, speaks of believers transitioning from milk to meat—first absorbing foundational truths before advancing to deeper revelations. Just as in physical life, spiritual growth must begin with nourishment in its purest form before maturity in understanding can take place.

“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” —Hebrews 5:13-14

Yet, the sincere milk of the Word remains fundamental. A child does not begin life with solid food, and neither does the believer in faith. The Lord desires that His people continually seek and depend upon His truth with the same eager hunger as newborns craving milk. This posture of humility—knowing that one cannot grow without God’s nourishment—keeps believers rooted in righteousness.

The nature of milk in Scripture speaks of purity, gentleness, and essential provision. In Isaiah 55:1, God calls upon His people: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

Here, milk is a representation of God’s freely given sustenance. It costs nothing to receive His provision—only a willingness to drink of His grace. It is not earned through human effort but granted by His unfailing love.

Morally, this lesson reminds believers to reject worldly corruption and seek only what is sincere and true. There are many voices that attempt to distort God’s Word, offering diluted or false teachings that do not nourish the soul. It is essential to seek the Lord’s wisdom as He has provided it—not as the world interprets it, but as it stands in eternal truth. In doing so, faith is strengthened, discernment is sharpened, and righteousness is maintained.

Questions for Reflection:

Do you desire the sincere milk of the Word with the eagerness of a newborn, or has distraction diluted your hunger for truth?
How can you remove worldly influences and focus more intently on the purity of God’s wisdom?
Are you allowing God’s nourishment to strengthen your faith, or are you relying on human understanding?

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, thank You for the sincere milk of Your Word. Your truth nourishes the soul, strengthens the spirit, and leads us in righteousness. May we hunger for Your wisdom with a deep and unwavering thirst, never turning to the diluted influences of the world. Help us grow in faith, seeking only what is pure and holy. Strengthen our hearts to desire You above all else, and lead us in truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Meditative Thought for the Day: As milk is to the body, so is God’s Word to the soul. Without it, growth ceases, strength fades, and truth is lost. Yet, with His nourishment, faith flourishes, wisdom increases, and life is sustained in righteousness. Seek the sincere milk of His Word daily, for in it is purity, life, and eternal sustenance.

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Our Mom’s~

Posted on May 11, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” — Isaiah 66:13 (KJV)

A mother’s love is one of the most profound illustrations of Christ’s unwavering devotion to His children. Her embrace carries warmth, her voice soothes fears, and her wisdom nurtures both body and soul. In many ways, motherhood mirrors the heart of Jesus, reflecting His tender compassion, His relentless pursuit of our well-being, and His sacrificial love.

The bond between a mother and child is not merely biological—it is spiritual, woven by the Creator into the fabric of life itself. Throughout scripture, we see the presence of mothers who embody faith, strength, and an enduring commitment to raising children in righteousness. From Hannah’s prayers for Samuel to Mary’s obedience in nurturing the Savior of the world, God has consistently used mothers as vessels of His divine purpose.

The nurturing hand of a mother is a living testimony to Christ’s love. Just as He comforts His people, a mother cradles her child through sickness, heartbreak, and moments of uncertainty, offering reassurance when the world feels overwhelming. A mother’s love does not falter with time—it endures, perseveres, and grows ever deeper, echoing the promise of God’s love that never fades.

Through sleepless nights, whispered prayers, and quiet sacrifices, mothers carry an immeasurable burden with joy in their hearts. This willingness to pour themselves out for the well-being of another is a direct reflection of the way Christ gave Himself on the cross—freely, wholly, and with unfathomable love. Just as Jesus intercedes for us, mothers continually lift their children before the Lord, praying for guidance, protection, and the strength to shape their children’s hearts with wisdom.

A godly mother imparts biblical truth, planting seeds of faith that bloom over time. Her gentle teaching echoes the words of Christ, instilling values of kindness, humility, and unwavering devotion to God. Even in moments when her children falter, she remains steadfast pointing them toward redemption, grace, and the mercy of a Father who never turns away.

As we celebrate mothers today, let us honor not only their love but the sacred reflection of Christ within them. Their work is not in vain; their sacrifices do not go unseen. They are the hands of Christ extended, shaping generations, covering their families in prayer, and embodying the essence of divine love.

Prayer:

“LORD -thank You for the gift of mothers who reflect Your love so beautifully. Bless them abundantly, strengthen them in weary moments, and fill their hearts with Your Presence. May they continue to be sources of wisdom, comfort, and faith, pointing their children toward Your truth. Lord, grant them peace and reassurance that their labor is never in vain, and let them find joy in the legacy of love they create. May their homes be filled with grace, their words be led by wisdom, and their hearts rest securely in Your embrace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

This reflection is meant to uplift and honor mothers in their sacred calling, offering encouragement as they embody Christ’s love in their families.

And for all those who are experiencing the “First Mother’s Day without their beloved Mother” my heart and prayers go out to you-(his will be the 10th without my beautiful mom, I miss her always- but know where she is-in eternal bliss)- Remember, that you will one day see her again at which time you will be reunited and never have to say goodbye again!

Wishing all mothers a blessed and joyful day!

mothers love by del parson mother mary with baby jesus holding him in ...

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

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