~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

~Dear God With Love~

Tag Archives: Presence

DEAR GOD: Teach Us About Your Loving Heart~

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“Jesus wept.”—John 11:35 (KJV)

The Tears That Teach Us God’s Heart
by C D SWANSON

The shortest verse in Scripture carries one of the deepest revelations of God’s character. “Jesus wept” is not simply a moment of sorrow; it is a window into the compassion of Christ. Standing at the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus knew He was about to raise him from the dead. He knew joy was moments away. Yet He still allowed Himself to feel the weight of human grief, the sting of loss, and the ache of those He loved.

His tears were not a sign of weakness but of divine empathy. They tell us that God is not distant from our pain. He does not rush past our sorrow or silence our emotions. Instead, He steps into them with us. He feels what we feel. He honors our tears with His own.

In this single moment, Jesus shows us that love is not only expressed in miracles but also in shared sorrow. His tears sanctify our tears. His compassion dignifies our grief. His presence assures us that no valley is walked alone.

When we face heartbreak, confusion, or loss, this verse whispers a truth we desperately need: God is moved by what moves us. He is not indifferent. He is not cold. He is not far away. He weeps with us, walks with us, and ultimately brings resurrection into places that feel hopeless.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being a Savior who feels deeply and loves completely. Thank You for entering our sorrow, carrying our burdens, and meeting us with compassion. When my heart aches, remind me that You are near, that You understand, and that Your presence brings comfort and hope. Teach me to trust Your timing, rest in Your love, and believe in Your power to bring life where there has been loss. Amen.

DEAR GOD: Joy Comes From Knowing You & Being Loved By You~

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Joy That Springs From Being Known & loved by God
by C D Swanson~

“I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities.”— Psalm 31:7 (KJV) –(A lesser‑quoted verse of deep contentment and joy in the Lord.)

Reflective Questions

  • What does it mean to you that God knows your soul in adversity?
  • How does His mercy shape your sense of contentment today?
  • Where might you be seeking joy outside of God’s presence?
  • How does being “considered” by God change the way you face uncertainty?
  • What would it look like to rejoice before circumstances change?

Supportive Scriptures

  • Nahum 1:7 — “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble…”
  • Psalm 16:11 — “In thy presence is fulness of joy…”
  • Habakkuk 3:18 — “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD…”
  • Philippians 4:11 — “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
 Psalm 31:7 is a quiet gem tucked inside David’s cries for deliverance. It is not a verse often quoted in sermons or devotionals, yet it carries a profound truth that speaks directly into the heart of the 21st‑century believer: joy and contentment are not rooted in circumstances, but in being fully known by God.

David says, “Thou hast known my soul in adversities.” This is not merely God observing David’s trouble — it is God understanding the deepest layers of his inner life. In a world where people feel increasingly unseen, unheard, and overwhelmed, this truth lands with extraordinary comfort. God does not simply see our situations; He knows our souls within them.

We live in an age of noise, speed, and constant comparison. Contentment feels elusive, joy feels fragile, and peace often seems like something we chase rather than something we carry. Yet David’s words remind us that joy is not something we manufacture — it is something we receive when we rest in the mercy of a God who knows us intimately.

David says, “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy.” Notice the choice: I will be glad. Not because the trouble is gone. Not because the path is clear. But because God’s mercy is present.

This is the kind of joy that transcends the 21st century’s anxieties. It is a joy anchored in relationship, not results. It is contentment that flows from being held, not from having control.

In a culture that tells us to curate our lives, optimize our productivity, and chase constant improvement, this verse invites us to something radically different: resting in the God who already knows us completely and loves us fully.

To be “considered” by God — to have Him take our trouble into account — is to be wrapped in a mercy that steadies the soul. It means we are never navigating life alone. It means our pain is never wasted. It means our joy is not dependent on the world’s shifting sands.

This ancient verse speaks with modern clarity: True contentment is found not in what changes, but in Who remains. True joy is found not in what we achieve, but in the God who knows us.

And in that knowing, we find rest.

🙏 Prayer of Praise

“LORD I praise You for knowing my soul in every season and for filling my heart with joy that circumstances cannot steal. Thank You for Your mercy, Your Presence, and Your unchanging love. You are my contentment and my delight. In Jesus sweet name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Through The Darkness Of Night, I Still See Your Light~

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In The Night I Still See Your Light
C D SWANSON

“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” — Psalm 112:4, KJV

Night has a way of magnifying everything — worries feel heavier, silence feels louder, and the unknown seems closer than the familiar. Yet Scripture insists on a truth that stands firm even when the world grows dim: God brings light into the darkness, not after it, not around it, but in it.

Psalm 112:4 is not a promise for people who have everything figured out. It is a promise for the upright — those who keep turning their hearts toward God even when they feel fragile, weary, or unsure. The verse does not say the upright avoid darkness; it says that light arises within it. That means God’s presence is not delayed until morning. His light is not postponed until circumstances improve. His compassion does not wait for your strength to return.

The darkness may be real — the fears, the uncertainties, the long nights of overthinking — but God’s light is more real. It is not a flicker that can be blown out by anxiety. It is not a fragile candle that depends on your mood or your energy. It is a steady, gracious, compassionate radiance that comes from His character, not your condition.

And notice the words Scripture uses to describe Him: gracious, full of compassion, righteous. These are not distant qualities. They are intimate ones. They tell you that God does not simply shine light at you — He shines light for you, toward you, and within you.

Even in the dark of the night, you see His light because He is the One who brings it. Even when your thoughts feel tangled, His compassion unties the knots. Even when fear whispers, His righteousness stands taller. Even when you feel alone, His Presence fills the room.

The night does not have the final word.

His light and HIS WORD does…

🙏 “LORD, when the night feels long and my heart feels unsteady, let Your light rise within me. Remind me that darkness is never stronger than Your Presence. Shine into the corners of my fear, my worry, and my uncertainty. Please allow Your compassion to quiet my thoughts and Your grace steady my spirit. Thank You for being the light that never fades, the hope that never dims, and the comfort that never leaves. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Provide Peace & Rest – Always~

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 Peace with God - Christ AssemblyYour Peace I Cherish
C D SWANSON

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” — Psalm 16:11, KJV

Psalm 16:11 is one of Scripture’s quiet anchors — a verse that doesn’t shout, but steadies. It speaks directly to the person who feels pulled in every direction, worn thin by responsibilities, fears, and the emotional weight of others. It reminds you that God does not simply offer escape from overwhelm; He offers Presence, and in His Presence, something deeper than relief — joy.

✅ “Thou wilt shew me the path of life”

This is God’s gentle assurance that you are not wandering alone. Even when your thoughts race, when decisions feel impossible, when you’re tired of being strong for everyone else — God is not asking you to figure out the path. He is promising to show it.

Not demand. Not pressure. Not overwhelm. Show.

A God who guides is a God who stays close.

✅ “In thy Presence is fulness of joy”

Notice it doesn’t say “in perfect circumstances” or “when everything calms down.” Joy isn’t found in the absence of problems — it’s found in the Presence of God.

This joy is not loud or forced. It’s the kind that settles the heart, slows the breath, and reminds you that you are held. When life feels like too much, God’s Presence becomes the place where your soul can finally unclench.

✅ “At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”

The right hand is the place of strength, security, and favor. This is God saying:

“You are safe with Me. You are not forgotten. You are not carrying this alone.”

The world may demand from you — family, friends, responsibilities, fears — but God offers something different: rest, steadiness, and a joy that doesn’t depend on how today went. This verse is an invitation to breathe again. To feel confidence that the LORD loves us and never shall leave us. He wants us to prosper, be at peace and to trust Him fully and always.

🙏 A Prayer for Rest and Joy

“LORD when my thoughts race and my heart feels overwhelmed, draw me into Your presence where true joy lives. Show me the path of life when I cannot see it myself. Quiet the noise around me and within me. Hold me steady when I feel stretched thin. Allow Your peace to settle over me like a gentle covering and remind me that I am never walking alone. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are Always Near – I Never Have To Fear~

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God is Always Near

KJV (Psalm 36:7): “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God…”

“The God Who Warms the Cold Places”

  Warmth of God

There is a kind of warmth that no furnace, no blanket, no sunlight can produce — a warmth that begins in the deepest places of the soul and radiates outward until even the coldest morning feels touched by heaven. It is the warmth of God’s lovingkindness, the steady glow of His Presence, the holy heat of His nearness.

The world offers many kinds of comfort, but none of them can compare to the way God wraps His love around His children. His warmth is not seasonal. It is not dependent on circumstances. It does not flicker or fade. It is constant, consuming, and alive — a fire that burns without harming, a flame that purifies without destroying.

When Scripture says, “How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God,” it is describing something beyond human vocabulary. Lovingkindness is not just affection. It is a covenant love. Protective love. Steadfast love. The kind of love that moves toward us when we are shivering in fear, doubt, or exhaustion. The kind of love that fills the room even when the house is cold.

There are moments in life when we feel the contrast sharply — when the physical cold mirrors the emotional or spiritual chill we’re fighting. And then God steps in. Sometimes with a miracle. Sometimes with a whisper. Sometimes with a peace that settles over us like a warm shawl placed gently caressing our shoulders.

His warmth is not symbolic. It is experiential. It is the Holy Spirit within, glowing like a living ember. It is the Scripture in our hands — His love letter — radiating truth, comfort, and reassurance. It is the unmistakable sense that we are held, protected, and seen.

The warmth of God is not merely something He gives. It is something He is. His Presence is warmth. His love is warmth. His promises are warmth. And when we draw near to Him, we are stepping closer to the eternal hearth of His heart.

There is nothing like it. Nothing comparable. Nothing even remotely in the same realm. The warmth of God is the antidote to every cold place in life — fear, loneliness, uncertainty, grief, confusion. His lovingkindness melts what is frozen, softens what is hardened, and revives what is weary.

And when we experience it — truly experience it — we know: There is no substitute. There is no rival. There is no equal…

Only HIM.

  “The Lord is my light and my salvation…” — Psalm 27:1

  LORD, Your light is not cold or distant. It is warm, gentle, and life‑giving. When You shine upon us, fear loses its grip, and the shadows retreat. Your warmth fills the places we didn’t even know were chilled. Your Presence becomes our comfort, our courage, and our peace.

 “LORD, thank You for being the warmth in every cold moment of my life. Thank You for drawing near when I feel weak, for surrounding me with Your lovingkindness, and for filling my heart with the glow of Your Spirit. Teach me to rest in Your Presence, to lean into Your promises, and to trust the steady heat of Your love. Let Your warmth flow through my home, my thoughts, my relationships, and my days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR LORD – I Cast My Burdens Down~

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“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee…” — Psalm 55:22 (KJV)

Letting Go Before the Mind Runs Away

Anxiety often begins with a single thought that snowballs into something heavier than we can carry. Catastrophic thinking tries to convince us that danger is everywhere and that we must brace for the worst. But the Lord invites us to lay every burden — imagined or real — at His feet. When we pause, breathe deeply, and welcome His Presence into the moment, the storm inside begins to quiet. He sustains us not by removing every challenge, but by steadying our hearts so fear no longer leads the way.

LORD- I place every anxious thought, every fear, and every overwhelming feeling into Your hands. Teach me to release what I cannot control and to rest in Your sustaining peace. Calm my mind, steady my breath, and fill me with the assurance that You are near. Let Your Presence anchor me when my thoughts try to run ahead. In Jesus name, Amen.

Reflective Question

What anxious thought are you holding today that you can gently place into the Lord’s hands?

 

DEAR GOD: I Have Courage In Your Presence & Love~

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“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” —
Deuteronomy 31:6

 Living Courageously as Christians Today This verse was spoken to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, facing challenges and enemies greater than themselves. Moses reminded them that their strength was not in numbers or weapons, but in the abiding presence of God.

For Christians today, the call to courage is just as relevant. We live in a world filled with uncertainty—economic instability, health challenges, cultural shifts, and personal struggles. Fear often whispers that we are alone or inadequate. Yet Scripture assures us that God Himself goes with us.

Examples in Modern Life

  • A believer facing a medical diagnosis can cling to this promise, knowing God will not forsake them.
  • A young Christian navigating college pressures can find courage in remembering that God walks beside them.
  • Families enduring financial strain can rest in the assurance that God’s presence is their anchor.

Supporting Scriptures

  • Joshua 1:9 — “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage…”
  • Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed…”
  • Romans 8:31 — “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Reflective Thoughts

  • Courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of faith.
  • God’s promise to never forsake us is the antidote to loneliness.
  • Every challenge becomes an opportunity to experience His strength.

Deuteronomy 31:6 is more than ancient encouragement—it is a timeless truth. Christians today are called to live boldly, not because life is easy, but because God is faithful. Courage flows from His presence, and peace comes from His promises.

‘LORD-thank You for walking with me through every season. When fear rises, remind me of Your unfailing presence. Strengthen my heart to live courageously, trusting that You will never leave me nor forsake me. May my life reflect Your faithfulness and inspire others to walk in boldness. In Jesus name, Amen.’

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Strength For The Heights~

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Habakkuk 3:19 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” — Habakkuk 3:19 (NLT)

Habakkuk lived in a time of turmoil, surrounded by injustice and uncertainty. Yet he closes his prophecy with a declaration of trust: God Himself is his strength. This verse paints a vivid picture—God equips us like a deer, steady and agile, able to climb treacherous heights without stumbling.

It reminds us that faith is not about avoiding difficult terrain, but about being empowered to walk through it. The “heights” symbolize challenges, responsibilities, and spiritual battles that feel overwhelming. Alone, we falter. With God, we are steady.

This obscure verse is a hidden gem—it teaches us that God doesn’t just remove obstacles; He strengthens us to overcome them. Our footing is secure not because the path is easy, but because His presence makes us unshakable.

 Reflective Questions

  • What “heights” in your life feel too steep to climb right now?
  • How has God strengthened you in past seasons when the path was difficult?
  • What would it look like to trust Him fully for surefootedness today?

Supportive Scripture

  • Psalm 18:33 (NLT): “He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.”
  • Isaiah 40:31 (NLT): “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.”
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT): “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

“LORD, You are my strength and my stability. When the path is steep and the heights feel impossible, make me surefooted in Your presence. Teach me to trust Your guidance, to lean on Your power, and to walk with confidence knowing You will not let me stumble. May my life testify that You are the One who carries me through every climb. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: There Will Be Joy in the Grip of Sorrow~

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Joy Of The Lord Images

 

Psalm 119:143 Tenderly declares:

“Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.”

This verse is a quiet triumph—a declaration that even when sorrow grips the soul, the Word of God remains a source of joy, stability, and light. It does not deny the reality of suffering. It acknowledges it plainly: trouble and anguish have taken hold. The psalmist is not untouched by pain. But he is not undone by it either.

This is the paradox of Christian faith: that in the deepest valleys, the Word of God becomes not just a guide, but a delight. Not a distraction, but a refuge. Not a distant doctrine, but a living comfort.

In today’s world, where anxiety, loss, and uncertainty often feel relentless, this verse offers a sacred invitation. It reminds us that Scripture is not merely a book—it is a balm. It is the voice of God echoing through time, whispering truth into our chaos. When the world feels unstable, the commandments of God offer a steady rhythm. They remind us who we are, whose we are, and what is eternally true.

Christianity, at its heart, is not a religion of escape—it is a faith of presence. God does not promise to remove every storm, but He does promise to be with us in it. His Word becomes our anchor. His commandments—His ways, His truths, His promises—become our delight not because they erase pain, but because they redeem it.

To delight in God’s commandments is to say: Even here, even now, I choose to trust. I choose to remember. I choose to rejoice.

Reflective Questions

  • What “trouble and anguish” have taken hold of me lately—and how have I responded?
  • Do I turn to God’s Word as a delight, or only as a last resort?
  • What specific commandment or promise of God has brought me peace in a time of distress?
  • How can I cultivate a deeper joy in Scripture, even when life feels heavy?

  Supportive Scriptures

  • Psalm 94:19 (NLT): “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”
  • Isaiah 26:3 (KJV): “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
  • John 16:33 (NLT): “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
  • Romans 15:4 (KJV): “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
  • Psalm 119:105 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

 “LORD- when trouble and anguish take hold of me, let Your Word take hold of me more deeply. Let Your commandments be my delight—not just in moments of peace, but especially in seasons of sorrow. Teach me to anchor my soul in Your truth, to find joy in Your presence, and to trust that Your promises are stronger than my pain. May Your Word be my refuge, my rhythm, and my rejoicing. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Are Living With Clarity In Your Vision~

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A GOD GIVEN VISION – Palmetto Baptist Church

  “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” — Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

In the quiet rhythm of morning light, when the world is still and our hearts are tender, this verse reminds us: God is not distant. He is deliberate. He watches over each step we take — not just the grand leaps of faith, but the small, sacred motions of daily life. He delights in our routines, our responsibilities, our quiet offerings.

To live honestly and with clarity in the Lord’s vision is to invite Him into the ordinary. It is to fold laundry with reverence, to prepare meals with love, to speak truth even when silence would be easier. It is to let our yes be yes, and our no be no — not out of pride, but out of peace.

🌼 Ways to Walk in His Vision Daily

  • Begin with prayer: Invite the Lord to order your steps before the day begins.
  • Speak truth gently: Honesty is not harshness; it is light wrapped in grace.
  • Honor small tasks: Every duty — from sweeping floors to answering emails — can be a form of worship.
  • Pause for discernment: Ask, “Is this aligned with God’s peace?” before making decisions.
  • Bless your boundaries: Saying no can be holy when it protects your calling.
  • Celebrate integrity: Even unseen acts of honesty echo in heaven.
  • Offer your work: Say, “Lord, I give this to You,” whether it’s caregiving, writing, or selling legacy items.

🙏🏽 A Prayer for Clarity and Honesty

“LORD – In the quiet corners of my day, meet me with Your light. Help me walk with integrity, speak with clarity, and serve with joy. Let my tasks be touched by Your presence, and my choices reflect Your peace. May I honor You not just in worship, but in work, not just in prayer, but in presence. Direct my steps, delight in my details, and dwell in my heart. In Jesus name, Amen.”