Friday, February 6, 2009

My Heart & My Eyes

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

After this ('Show Me') posting Saturday, I really began to think I had done it in vain. I began to question what value it could be to another person except to feel sorry for this poor soul. I even thought "oh well, I guess it's a learning lesson...it was just for me to feel like I shared my heavy and broken heart and feel others listened." I reduced it to just one of those experiences where "releasing" one's feelings is therapeutic. Yet, even in this, He too has corrected me once again. From the comments, it seems I have encouraged another soul, maybe two or three, or many. Thank you sweet, Jesus, for reminding me I am your vessel and a vessel You ARE using for the good of others. Thank You, for reminding me to again not doubt myself and what You speak to my heart.

This is my heart. My heart...
in the palm of His hands
in the providential care of His love
in the sovereign plan of His desires

What a better and more majestic way to come out of a week of hibernation in the snow storm and the depressing solitude, than to lift my eyes and praise the wonderful name of Jesus. Will you join me? Will you lift your eyes?

When I lift my eyes, this is what my heart says so deeply, even to the core of my being...

God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in


I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing
Her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
Is all of me
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

'Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
'Cause you fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
So hold me now
God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs YOU now.

I sang praises to God this past Sunday morning. I wanted this song and worship in that moment to last forever. I love to hear Bebo Norman sing this also.

This song is so very personal to me as it so explicitly reveals my heart. Oh what praise I sang and even more what praise of which He is so worthy because for me...

There are...
Mountains I can't climb.
Raging oceans I can't tame.
Hurt I can't heal.
Saving I can't provide.

But I have...
A Maker who climbs for me.
A Calmer who calms me.
A Healer who heals me.
A Lover who saves me.

Please Lord...
Hear me cry out.
Have mercy on me.
Be near me.
Calm me.
Hold me.
Take my doubt.
Pull me with Your kindness.
Draw me with Your love.

Your beloved needs YOU now, Lord. Now, Your beloved needs you.
Right here, right now, I cry out and I bring what I have...me...all of me.
I am Yours Lord and You are mine.


I've read this several times and my heart is so full of this...the pain, the praise, the love, the security, the longing, the need, the help, ALL beautifully packed into one all at the same time. Thank You sweet, sweet Jesus. If You do nothing but love me, I praise You. If You do more, I don't know how I'd ever repay You in praise and worship. I'm believing You right now for what You see in my heart...indeed in my bleeding heart also. Keep my eyes always, always looking up to You, lifting my all to You, precious Lord.

Crying, Needing, Praising, Loving...

The picture is of a "bleeding heart" flower. Look closely and you will see the heart and what is to be the 'drip' from the point.

20 comments:

Beth in NC said...

Hello Dear Heart. Those words ARE beautiful and there is nothing like a song that totally describes how you feel! I pray that you will feel the arms of your Beloved holding you close!

Bless you today!
Beth

Abba's Girl said...

Beautiful!

Tonja said...

May God hold you especially close today!

mama's smitten said...

I am so blessed to have found your blog. What a beautiful song!

Laura said...

Your faith always encourages me, sweet friend. You inspire me to always praise Him, no matter. This does not come natural for me, so you truly bless me by who you are.

I love that Bebo Norman song too! And somewhere on my blog I have a post about it...an old one, but it's there. Those words I need on my doorframe and to wear on my head: Lift your eyes!

He is the Only One who can give me victory.

love you,
laura

pam said...

I just posted about this song today. I have heard it every day as I get in my car to take out for errands...it's been crazy...but it is such a comforting song that draws me to His feet...no matter what the circumstances. Wonderful post...He knows, He hears, He sees...so much more than we can know. Be still and gaze upward.

Abraham Israel I said...

Your blog looks so wonderful. Gorgeous! Kudos!!! I landed in your blog searching for 'Does God change?'. May the Lord really bless you more and more and fill you with His overwhelming joy!!! Keep on the good work!!!

God Bless You,

Abraham Israel

www.apostolicrevelation.blogspot.com

Paula said...

Dear sweet Paula, thank you for this post, and the hook-up via your page, and Pam at Grey Like Sniffue's page too, of the Bebo Norman song "I Will Lift My Eyes". These words touched me -

"I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside..."

I'm not climbing my mountains today and the oceans inside are raging, so I will lift my eyes to Him.

Thank you my friend, Paula xo

pam said...

I love when I see things on other blogs at the same time that God is stirring in me...it somehow does make it magnify the move in my spirit.

Pastor Terry said...

You have a wonderful hear for God and you write beautifully.

The Lord bless you,
Terry Michaels
www.terrymichaels.org

Carol said...

Paula my precious friend. Such beautiful words. You are God's vessel, and whenever your share your heart in joy or sadness,it touches the heart of who God leads to your post.

You are His beloved, and He will hold you close.

Love you my friend.

much love,
Carol

Pam said...

this is so good paula! keep pouring it out!

Aunt Angie said...

Paula---I just had to thank you again...for your encouragement. I came here last week and was so blessed by your words...and I used a phrase in my last post for the week on Wanda's journey home.

Only 3 more to go. They will wait until my vacation is over. She is home now, after all. No hurries in heaven.

Love you dear friend!

Tammy said...

This was beautiful.

Sometime we just need to speak from the heart.God is listening.

kellybollman said...

just read your comment on my blog! can't wait to get in touch. headed to bed now, but will be checking in and praying!!!

Sharon said...

Another warm and heart felt post. This is a beautiful song, I have heard this, and it brings the tears a-flowing when I sing it and worship as well.
I pray that the Lord here's your crys when you sing this out to him. I pray that he wraps his love all around you.
This must of posted late friday and I missed it. I thought about you all weekend and wondered what I was missing, I am so glad that I had a moment this morning to get my Paula fix.
Love ya
have a blessed week
Sharon

Aimee said...

Thank you so much, Paula, for your sweet congrats!!

Nicole said...

Beautiful post. I love to hear your heart pour out to God. It is so encouraging. I think there is nothing more beautiful than a broken contrite heart laid bare before our Father. Love you friend and praying for you this night!

Love,
Nicole

Sharon said...

Just wanted to say heyyyyy, sending you a huggggggg a bigggg huggggg, and I pray that you have peace today!
God Blesss youuuu! :)
Sharon

IJ said...

My Heart & My Eyes...

God has a gentle way of convicting us sometimes and reminding us that His will, not ours, be done. Thank you for speaking to my heart through this post. My prayer has been for Him to make me a vessel of honor.

Stay blessed,
Lilly