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: You Live Within My Heart – Now & Forever~

Posted on October 21, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” –Psalm 40:8

To delight in God’s will is not merely to obey—it is to love obedience. Psalm 40:8 reveals a sacred paradox: surrender is not loss, but joy. “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” This is not the cry of a reluctant servant, but the song of a soul enraptured by divine intimacy. The psalmist does not perform God’s will out of duty, but out of desire. His heart is not coerced—it is consecrated.

In a world that often equates freedom with autonomy, this verse invites us into a deeper truth: freedom is found in alignment. When God’s law is written on the heart, obedience becomes the natural rhythm of love. The will of God is no longer a distant command—it is a living Presence, pulsing within the soul. To delight in His will is to find our truest self in His design.

This delight is not naive or shallow. It is forged in the fires of trust, refined through surrender, and sustained by intimacy. The psalmist’s joy is not circumstantial—it is covenantal. He delights not because the path is easy, but because the One who leads is faithful. His heart has become a sanctuary where God’s law dwells—not as a list of rules, but as a melody of grace.

When we delight in God’s will, we become vessels of peace, carriers of light, and stewards of divine purpose. Our lives echo the psalmist’s song, not because we are perfect, but because we are yielded. In this surrender, we find strength. In this alignment, we find clarity. In this delight, we find God.

Supporting Scripture:

John 4:34 — “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
Romans 12:2 — “Be not conformed to this world… that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Hebrews 10:16 — “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.”

Reflective Question:
What would change in your life if obedience to God became your greatest joy rather than your greatest challenge?

“O LORD, write Your law upon my heart, not as burden but as beauty. Let Your will be my delight, my compass, my song. Teach me to trust Your leading, even when the path is hidden. May my surrender be joyful, my obedience be worship, and my life be a living testimony of Your love. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Hear Our Daily Cries For Restoration~

Posted on October 20, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” –Psalm 51:12

The Daily Cry for Restoration and Joy in the Lord

In this tender verse, David’s cry echoes the heart of every believer who has tasted the sweetness of God’s grace and longs to remain in its fullness. It is not merely a request for forgiveness—it is a plea for restoration, for the rekindling of joy that only comes from the assurance of salvation. This joy is not circumstantial; it is rooted in the eternal truth that we are redeemed, loved, and upheld by the Spirit of God.

Christian worship is not confined to a sanctuary or a Sunday morning. It is a daily posture of the heart, a continual offering of ourselves to the Lord in gratitude, reverence, and surrender. Whether in the quiet of dawn or the weariness of midnight, our intentions must remain steadfast: to seek the Lord, to delight in His presence, and to be upheld by His Spirit. The joy of salvation is not a fleeting emotion—it is a spiritual anchor, a wellspring that nourishes us through trials, transitions, and triumphs.

David’s prayer in Psalm 51 was birthed from repentance, but it blossomed into worship. It reminds us that even in our brokenness, we can approach God with confidence, knowing He desires to restore us. This restoration is not passive—it requires our daily participation. We must choose to remember, to rejoice, and to realign our hearts with His truth.

Supporting Scripture (ESV):

Lamentations 3:22–23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — This verse reminds us that restoration is available daily. Each morning is a fresh invitation to receive His mercy and walk in joy.
Romans 12:1: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” — Our daily worship is not just song or prayer—it is the offering of our lives, our choices, and our intentions.
John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” — Jesus desires that His joy be in us. Fullness of joy is found in abiding in Him, moment by moment.

Reflective Question: What daily rhythms or intentions can I cultivate to remain anchored in the joy of God’s salvation, even when circumstances feel heavy or uncertain?

Closing Prayer: “LORD, restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Let Your Spirit uphold us in every hour, every season, and every breath. May our worship be constant, our hearts surrendered, and our lives a reflection of Your mercy and grace. Teach us to abide, to rejoice, and to remember. We love You, we trust You, and we offer today and every day to You. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Sacred Friendship & Your Love~

Posted on October 19, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” — John 15:13 (NKJV)

The Measure of Love: Sacrifice as Sacred Friendship

This verse reveals the sacred weight of love—not as sentiment, but as sacrifice. Jesus spoke these words just before offering His life, not to dramatize His suffering, but to define love by its most profound expression: giving oneself for another.

To “lay down one’s life” isn’t always about physical death. It’s about choosing selflessness in daily moments—advocating for someone’s wellbeing, preparing meals with care, honoring legacy through thoughtful transitions, or simply showing up when it’s inconvenient. It’s the quiet surrender of time, energy, and comfort for the sake of another’s peace.

This kind of love transforms relationships into sanctuaries. It’s the heartbeat of caregiving, the soul of ministry, and the foundation of true friendship. When we live this way, we echo the Divine—becoming vessels of grace in a world that desperately needs it. Oh, how this world needs it…

“LORD-teach me to love with depth and courage. Help me lay down my life in ways that reflect Your heart—in service, in silence, in sacrifice. Let my friendships be marked by grace, my routines by compassion, and my choices by Your wisdom. May every act of love be a testimony of Your Presence. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: May My Words Be Acceptable In Your Sight~

Posted on October 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” -Psalm 19:14

“Sanctified Speech, Consecrated Heart”

Psalm 19:14 is a quiet plea wrapped in reverence—a prayer that our inner and outer expressions would be pleasing to God. David, the psalmist, does not merely ask for his actions to be acceptable; he asks that his words and meditations—those often hidden, often spontaneous—would align with divine holiness.

This verse reminds us that worship is not confined to temples or songs. It is found in the tone of our speech, the honesty of our thoughts, and the posture of our hearts. “Let the words of my mouth…” speaks to our influence, our testimony, our daily interactions. “…and the meditation of my heart…” speaks to our inner world, our quiet reflections, our spiritual anchoring.

To call God “my strength and my redeemer” is to acknowledge both dependence and deliverance. It is the recognition that we cannot purify our words or thoughts alone. We need divine help to speak life, to think truth, and to live in a way that honors the One who sees all.

Psalm 19 is a poetic masterpiece that begins with the grandeur of creation and ends with the intimacy of personal devotion. Verse 14 is its closing prayer—a shift from cosmic awe to personal surrender. It reflects the Hebrew understanding that holiness is not just ritual, but relational. The psalmist moves from observing the heavens to examining his own heart.

This verse is often quoted in liturgies, sermons, and personal devotions because it encapsulates the essence of spiritual integrity. It is a call to live transparently before God, to let our inner life and outer expressions be unified in righteousness. In a world of noise and distraction, Psalm 19:14 invites us to pause and ask: Are my words healing? Are my thoughts holy? Is my heart aligned with heaven?

🪞 Reflective Question & Thoughts:

What words have I spoken today that I wish I could take back?
What thoughts have I entertained that do not reflect God’s truth?
How can I invite God into my inner meditations before they become outward expressions?

Let this verse be a daily mirror—a gentle invitation to consecrate both speech and silence.

📚 Supportive Scripture:

Proverbs 4:23 — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Matthew 12:34 — “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Colossians 3:17 — “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
Philippians 4:8 — “Whatever is true… think about these things.”

🙏 Prayer:

“LORD-, Sanctify my speech and purify my thoughts. Let my words be gentle, truthful, and healing. Let my heart be still, surrendered, and anchored in You. May every meditation be a song of devotion, And every sentence a reflection of Your grace. You are my strength when I falter, My redeemer when I fall. Receive my inner and outer offerings And make them holy in Your sight. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: It Is Your Voice We Hear Through It All~

Posted on October 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” — 1 Samuel 3:10

The Posture of Listening in a Noisy World

This verse is a gentle thunder—a moment where heaven bends low and a child responds with reverence. Samuel’s posture wasn’t one of ambition or noise, but of availability. In a world that often prizes volume, speed, and certainty, this verse invites us into the sacred art of listening. Not passive hearing, but attentive surrender.

The LORD didn’t shout. He called as He had before. And Samuel, trained not by perfection but by proximity to Eli and the tabernacle, finally recognized the voice that had been whispering all along.

Today, we are called to prepare not just our schedules, but our spirits. To clear space for divine interruption. To say, “Speak, LORD,” not with fear, but with readiness. Whether we are in the kitchen, the hospital, the boardroom, or the quiet of our bedroom, God still calls. And He still stands near.

To hear Him, we must cultivate silence—not just around us, but within us. We must unclutter our hearts from the noise of comparison, fear, and distraction. We must become servants again—willing, humble, and expectant.

We must!

🙏 Prayer

“LORD, -speak. Your servant is listening. Quiet the noise within me and around me. Let me hear Your whisper in the ordinary and Your call in the sacred. Train my heart to respond with reverence, not resistance. May I be found ready, not perfect. May I be found available, not busy. I surrender this day to Your voice, Your timing, and Your presence. In Jesus name, Amen.”

🕊️ Meditative Question

What noise must I release today to hear the whisper of God?

DEAR GOD: 🌿You’re Known and Loved: Psalm 139 A Poem~

Posted on October 14, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Here's my Heart Lord | Heres my heart lord, Bible quotes, Jesus love images

Known and Loved: A Psalm 139 Poem

You searched me, Lord, before I knew
The breath You gave, the path I’d choose.
In secret places, You formed my frame,
Each heartbeat etched with holy name.
No shadow hides me from Your sight—
Your gaze is mercy, fierce and bright.

You hem me in, behind, before,
Your Spirit whispers, “I am more.”
When fear would bind me to the night,
Your hand still leads me into light.
I rise, I fall, I speak, I sigh—
Yet still You stay, You never fly.

If I should flee to distant shore
Or hide where stars refuse to soar,
Your presence finds me, wraps me whole,
A sacred keeper of my soul.
No depth too dark, no height too high—
You hold me close, You hear my cry.

You wove me with a tender thread,
Each thought You knew before it spread.
My days were written, sealed with grace,
Before I saw one morning’s face.
How precious are Your thoughts of me—
More vast than sand beside the sea.

So search me, Lord, and make me true,
Remove the ways that grieve You too.
Lead me in paths of life and peace,
Where trust and holy love increase.
I give You all—my heart, my breath—
My soul is Yours in life and death.

“LORD- You know me fully and love me still. You are my refuge, my origin, my destiny. Search my heart and cleanse what does not reflect You. Lead me in everlasting ways, That I may walk in trust, in love, in holy dedication. Let my life be a psalm of surrender, A testimony of Your faithful presence. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Counsel Is My Fortress & Foundation~

Posted on October 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The counsel of Yahweh [the Lord] stands forever, the plans of his ...

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” –Proverbs 19:20-21

Commentary on Proverbs 19:20–21

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

These verses speak to the quiet tension between human planning and divine wisdom. They invite a posture of humility—one that listens, receives, and surrenders.

🕊️ “Hear counsel, and receive instruction…”

This is more than advice—it is an invitation to transformation. To “hear” is to open the ears, but to “receive” is to open the heart. Instruction, especially when it corrects or redirects, can feel uncomfortable. Yet it is the very soil in which wisdom grows.

The phrase “that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end” reminds us that wisdom is not a moment—it is a journey. It is cultivated over time, through surrender, through listening, through the quiet acceptance of God’s shaping hand. This is especially comforting for those in seasons of transition, stewardship, or healing. Wisdom is not rushed—it is revealed.

💡 “There are many devices in a man’s heart…”

The heart is a workshop of plans, dreams, fears, and strategies. We map out futures, rehearse conversations, and weigh options. Some plans are noble, others reactive. But all are subject to the refining fire of divine counsel.

“Nevertheless, the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” This is the anchor. Amid all our planning, it is God’s wisdom that endures. His counsel is not shaken by circumstance, emotion, or uncertainty. It stands.

This verse does not dismiss our plans—it sanctifies them. It invites us to hold our strategies loosely and our trust in God tightly. It reminds us that peace is not found in perfect planning, but in perfect surrender.

🙏 Prayer of Wisdom and Surrender

Holy One, Keeper of wisdom and Giver of peace,

We come with open hands and listening hearts. We acknowledge the many plans within us—the hopes we carry, the fears we face, the paths we’ve tried to map. We thank You for the gift of counsel, for the wisdom that comes not from striving, but from surrender.

Teach us to receive instruction with humility. Let Your Word be our compass, Your Spirit our guide. In every decision, every transition, every sacred routine, let Your counsel stand.

Refine our plans with Your presence. Anchor our hearts in Your truth. And let our latter days be marked by peace, clarity, and holy wisdom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Counsel of The LORD - YouTube

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Call Of Grace This New Day~

Posted on August 26, 2025 by C D SWANSON

What is the first thing you do when you open your eyes after a nights’ sleep? And what is the first thing that comes to mind when you open your eyes after a nights’ sleep? And then – afterwards – what is the first thing you do? I mean besides perhaps visiting the “tinkle” room (LOL). Think long and hard – or quickly to these questions.

Now hopefully, many of you answered that you “praise God” and give a huge hearty thanks for His grace and His protection throughout the night. And praise Him for another day. Another day to love Him, serve Him and invariably “work all things for Him” and Him alone! And of course – read scripture from His Holy Book. Because even “one scripture to meditate upon – is better than none at all. Amen!

You see as Christians, and God’s children- we all need to be prepared for what comes our way. Our Father knows the overall picture. He sees things we cannot see. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His mercy and strength far exceed anything or anyone here or anywhere in this universe. How do we prepare for what comes? What do we do each day while here on earth? Well, you might consider engaging in the following:

1-Read the Word
2- Put on the full armor of God.
3-Trust in the LORD, always.
4-Stay in communication with Him.
5-Pray.
6-Meditate
7-Honor Him in all you do.
8-Show compassion.
9-Be watchful.
10- Love Him with all your mind heart strength and soul.

When we rise, we don’t just awaken to light—we awaken to purpose. The breath in our lungs is not random; it’s a divine invitation to walk in His will. Scripture reminds us:

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” —Psalm 150:6
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22–23

Each new day is a sacred assignment. Whether we face joy or trial, we are called to clothe ourselves in His strength:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” —Ephesians 6:11
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” —Proverbs 3:5

We don’t prepare with fear—we prepare with faith. We don’t walk alone—we walk with the One who sees the end from the beginning. His Word is our compass, His Spirit our comfort, and His mercy our shield.

🙏 A Prayer of Thanks from Heart and Soul

O Lord, my God—thank You for the breath in my body and the light in this day. Thank You for watching over me through the night, for shielding me from harm, and for whispering peace into my soul. I rise not in my own strength, but in Yours. I praise You for Your mercy, Your wisdom, and Your unfailing love.

Today, I choose to walk in Your truth. I put on Your armor. I seek Your face. I surrender my plans and embrace Your purpose. Let my words honor You, my actions reflect You, and my heart remain tethered to Yours. May I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength—and may I serve You with joy, compassion, and courage.

In Jesus’ mighty 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 With Love~

C D Swanson

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