DEAR GOD: You Are Our Refuge That Never Fails

Posted on July 31, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Say To The Lord “My Refuge”

Psalm 9:9 (NLT) – The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Reflection and Tribute:

There’s a quiet strength pulsing through this verse. It speaks not to the triumphant or self-sufficient, but to the worn, the heavy-hearted, the ones pressed by life’s weight. The Lord isn’t just a distant observer—He is a shelter. A place. A Presence. Not symbolic, but real. Not theoretical, but tangible. In the times when trouble presses in, this verse assures us that God leans closer.

The word “oppressed” here can echo through generations—the exploited, the grieving, the anxious, the weary. It’s the soul caught in affliction without relief. And yet, it is precisely here that God reveals His character. He is not ashamed to be the refuge for the hurting. He doesn’t flinch from our brokenness. He becomes the safe haven where healing begins.

As Christians, we are called to mirror that refuge. To shelter others in love, to be extensions of God’s compassion. But first, we must learn to run to Him ourselves—honestly, humbly, even tearfully. Unconditional love flows freely when we trust that we are first and always loved.

This verse is not just comfort—it’s commission. To lean into Him during our own trials, and from that shelter, offer grace to others still searching for their safe place.

Reflective Questions:

When do I instinctively try to carry burdens alone instead of seeking God’s shelter?
How does God’s refuge reshape the way I respond to others in distress?
In what area of my life do I most need to remember that God is my refuge?

Supporting Verses:

Psalm 46 verse 1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Isaiah 25 verse 4 – You have been a refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm.
Matthew 11 verses 28 to 30 – Come to Me, all who are weary… and I will give you rest.
Proverbs 18 verse 10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it.
Nahum 1 verse 7 – The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.

“LORD, You are the shelter that never crumbles, the refuge that doesn’t require strength to enter. Thank You for welcoming us not when we’re strong, but when we’re overwhelmed and aching. Let us learn to abide with You—not just visit. Shape our hearts with Your protection and peace. And as You shelter us, teach us to be shelter-bearers for others. May our love echo Yours—in quiet strength, enduring hope, and gentle truth. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Teach Us To Have Childlike Faith~

Posted on July 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:14 (KJV)

This verse stands as a gentle yet powerful rebuke to those who would gatekeep access to Jesus. In context, the disciples were trying to shield Jesus from interruptions, thinking the children were unworthy or insignificant. But Jesus turns that thinking on its head. His words “suffer little children” mean “allow” or “permit” them to come—revealing not just His openness, but His insistence that purity, vulnerability, and trust are essential traits of kingdom citizens.

He elevates the humble state of a child as a model for faith: not one of naivety, but of sincerity, dependence, and open-hearted wonder. Children come without pretense, without pride, with unguarded souls. Jesus doesn’t just accept them; He affirms that the kingdom belongs to those like them.

This wasn’t merely a cultural statement—it was a spiritual declaration. In a society that often undervalued children, Jesus honored them, made space for them, and validated their presence in the divine narrative.

What does this say about our Lord? It paints a radiant portrait of His tenderness and inclusivity. Jesus is not a distant figure waiting for perfect people to approach. He is the Shepherd who welcomes the fragile, the small, the overlooked.

He is the Defender of innocence, the Champion of the humble, the Friend who makes room at the table without judgment or expectation.

His kingdom is not reserved for the elite—it’s designed for those who lean into Him with childlike trust. That’s radical compassion. That’s divine grace.

To apply this verse in our lives is to create spiritual environments where the vulnerable are cherished. It’s teaching our children about God, not just through instruction, but through example—by showing them love, patience, and the joy of faith. It’s also a personal call: return to simplicity, shed the layers of cynicism, and come to Him with open hands.

In communities, it means we fight against exclusion and spiritual elitism. In our hearts, it means we continually make space for the child within us—the part that still believes, hopes, and trusts.

If the kingdom of heaven belongs to the childlike, what does it look like for you to embrace simplicity today?
Could faith be less about answers and more about trust?
Do You trust the LORD in all you do and in all your paths?

When you do, it will be health and prosperity in spirit and body – and His love will embrace your soul – a feeling which is truly indescribable! (Proverbs 3:5-8)

“LORD- We truly thank You for valuing the smallest among us. Teach us to welcome Your Presence with the innocence and openness of a child. Soften our hearts where pride has hardened them. Help us nurture love, trust, and mercy in our lives, and to offer others the same grace You’ve shown us. In Jesus name, 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: Simple Grains Of Food Laced With Love~

Posted on June 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“You must present all grain offerings to the Lord. Make these offerings from the finest flour, and pour olive oil on them; sprinkle them with incense.” — Leviticus 2:1

Morning Reflection: This morning, as I stir a pot of warm buckwheat and drizzle it with golden honey and a pat of butter, I’m reminded that even the simplest grains are sacred when offered with love. The Bible speaks of grain offerings not just as food, but as fragrant gifts—symbols of devotion, gratitude, and covenant. And I think: how beautiful that God receives even the humblest things when they’re given from the heart.

I begin my day with Scripture and coffee not out of routine, but reverence. The Word steadies me. It reminds me that I am not alone in the labor of love, in caregiving, in the quiet sacrifices that no one sees but God. Just as the Israelites brought their finest flour, I bring my finest moments—my attention, my praise, my willingness to serve.

Throughout the Day: From sunrise to sunset, I want my life to be a living offering. Whether I’m preparing a meal, comforting a friend, or simply pausing to breathe, I want to season each moment with praise. Not because life is always easy, but because God is always present. His provision is not just in the food on my table, but in the strength to rise, the grace to forgive, and the peace that surpasses understanding.

Evening Reflection: As the day winds down, I return to the Word like a child curling up in a parent’s arms. I reflect on the small victories, the quiet mercies, the unexpected joys. I give thanks for the grains of His goodness scattered throughout my day—each one a reminder that I am held, nourished, and deeply loved.

Supporting Scriptures:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” — Psalm 34:8
“Give us today the food we need.” — Matthew 6:11
“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him.” — Colossians 2:7
“Let everything you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Prayer: LORD, thank You for the grains that nourish my body and the Word that feeds my soul. Thank You for the quiet strength You give me to love, to serve, to keep going. May my day begin and end with You, and may every moment in between be seasoned with praise. Let my life be a fragrant offering, a reflection of Your goodness and grace. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I’m Overjoyed That I’m The Apple Of Your Eye~

Posted on June 18, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” — Psalm 17:8

The phrase “apple of Your eye” is a deeply personal and affectionate metaphor. In ancient Hebrew, it refers to the pupil, the most sensitive and protected part of the eye. To be the apple of God’s eye means to be cherished, guarded, and intimately known by Him.

David, the psalmist, pleads for God’s protection, recognizing that God’s love is not distant but deeply personal. This verse reassures us that we are precious to Him, watched over with unwavering care.

How This Is True

God’s Covenant Love – Throughout scripture, God repeatedly calls His people chosen, beloved, and protected. In Zechariah 2:8, He warns that anyone who harms His people is touching the apple of His eye—a direct statement of His fierce protection.
Christ’s Sacrifice – Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection prove that God values us beyond measure. He did not withhold His Son but gave Him up for our redemption, demonstrating that we are worth everything to Him.
Divine Guidance – Like a parent shielding a child, God guides, corrects, and nurtures us. His Spirit dwells within us, ensuring that we are never abandoned.

How We Can Be More Favorable in His Eyes

Seek Him Daily – A heart that longs for God is a heart He delights in. Spending time in prayer, scripture, and worship deepens our relationship with Him.
Live in Obedience – Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Walking in righteousness, humility, and love aligns us with His will.
Trust His Protection – Instead of fearing the world, we should rest in His promises, knowing that He shields those who trust in Him.
Reflect His Love – We are called to love others as He loves us. Extending grace, kindness, and forgiveness makes us true reflections of His heart.

Prayer

“Father, Thank You for calling us the apple of Your eye—for cherishing us beyond measure. Help us to walk in Your love, to seek You with all our hearts, and to trust in Your unfailing protection. May we reflect Your goodness in our words and actions, living as true children of Your kingdom. Keep us close, shield us from harm, and guide us in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Sing Praises Unto You My LORD~

Posted on June 17, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” -Psalm 68:4-5

The Glory of God and His Grace

The psalmist’s words echo with grandeur, portraying God as sovereign, majestic, and deeply compassionate. He is the One who rides upon the heavens—higher than the earth, unbound by limitations, and enthroned in power. Yet, within His majesty is an undeniable tenderness: He is the Father to the fatherless and the defender of the widows. This juxtaposition of might and mercy reveals the heart of God, one that is both omnipotent and intimate.

From the beginning of scripture, God’s character is revealed through His acts of provision, justice, and care. He led the Israelites through the wilderness, shielding them with a cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21). He sustained Elijah through drought, sending ravens to feed him (1 Kings 17:6). He answered Hannah’s sorrow, granting her a son when her womb had been closed (1 Samuel 1:20). In every instance, God was not distant; He was profoundly present, intervening with grace, justice, and restoration.

God’s Power and Compassion

To extol God is to acknowledge both His supremacy and His goodness. He is the King who governs the heavens, yet He bends down to hear the cry of the lowly. Psalm 68 is a song of triumph—a declaration that God is victorious over His enemies, yet compassionate toward His children.

This tension between divine power and loving grace is at the core of the Christian faith. The same God who spoke the world into existence also stooped to wash the feet of His disciples (John 13:5). Jesus, fully God yet fully man, demonstrated this principle in His ministry, constantly drawing near to those whom society had forsaken—the sick, the sinners, the forgotten.

The moral weight of this truth is profound: If God is the defender of the oppressed, then His followers must also reflect His heart. To worship Him is not only to sing praises but to live in a way that upholds His justice and mercy. James 1:27 reminds us that pure religion is found in caring for widows and orphans, just as Psalm 68 affirms God’s concern for them.

A Call to Worship and Trust

When we sing praises to God, we are declaring our faith in His unfailing power and grace. Worship is not just an act of reverence but of surrender, trusting that He reigns over our circumstances. Whether in seasons of joy or trial, our praise reminds us that He is both enthroned in majesty and near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).

There is no burden too great, no sorrow too deep, that escapes His notice. He is the defender of the defenseless, the provider for the needy, the fortress for those who seek refuge. To know Him is to rest in the assurance that His reign is one of righteousness and mercy.

A Prayer for Divine Presence

Heavenly Father, we lift our voices in praise to Your holy name. You are enthroned above the heavens, yet You dwell among us with tenderness and grace. You are the defender of the fatherless, the protector of the widows, and the refuge for all who seek You.

Teach us to worship You not only with our voices but with our lives. May we reflect Your justice and mercy, standing for those in need and extending compassion as You have shown us. Strengthen our hearts with faith, that in all circumstances we may rejoice in Your unfailing goodness.

May our lives be an offering of praise, glorifying You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Posted on June 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Be Blessed~

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DEAR GOD: I Love Being Rooted in Your Presence~

Posted on June 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 92:13 (NKJV)

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

Rooted in His Presence, Flourishing in His Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEAR GOD: 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: 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 With Love~

C D Swanson

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