Nadia Sanon - A Grateful Soul

My True Desire

My true desire is to find oneness with the Lord. I strive each day to walk with God, and I seek to do the Lords bidding. I have discovered that even the small delights of life are better with God. A walk along the beach becomes intensely exhilarating, and a visit from a friend manifests as a time for great celebration. Observing animals can provide periods of profound joy. We often fail to realize how much joy life can contain until we learn to pursue all undertakings under the Lords guidance. Then we behold the richness and goodness of God.

God celebrates with us during happy times and comforts us during periods of struggle. Oftentimes, it helps to remember teachings from the Bible: Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee (Isaiah 26:8 KJV). With God, we always have a place to turn for help, and we have a holy solace that we can return to as our port in the storm. I thirst for many things, but I desire to be with God.

I recall once upon a time breaking my leg and falling into despair. By and by, I turned the matter over to God. Once I did so, I realized the broken leg was a blessing in disguise because it provided time I could use for reading, writing, and assessing my life. I developed a deep sense of my calling in life, and I saw the career path I would travel. God rewards us at the most unexpected times, and my greatest desire is to be with the Lord. I know I will have a wonderful time then.

Inspired by God

I am inspired by God in all I do. As I tend to the daily affairs of life, I find inspiration in unexpected places. I think about my body, which makes life on earth possible. I recall that the human heart can pump blood through the body for eighty, ninety, even one hundred years. The human brain can process information at the speed of light for decades. As I reflect on the work of those two organs, I find myself inspired by the power that has granted us the gift of life.

Inspiration can be found in hundreds of places. The birds of the air and the great beasts of the wilderness command awe. The enormous trees of the forests and the dazzling flowers of the fields set our imaginations on fire. Then there are the people who are imbued with their own special gifts and talents. One simply needs to look around to be inspired by the works of Almighty God.

As I make my way through life, I also remember the teachings of the Good Book. One passage assures that I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13 KJV). As I reflect on the message, I experience great surges of inspiration. Another verse speaks directly of courage and inspiration: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24). Such assurances reward us with the fortitude needed to face any challenge, and they remind us that the Lord will inspire us at every turn.

Victory through the Desert

I welcome the challenge of finding victory as I march through the deserts of life. The desert, dry and foreboding, can test any person. Strange sounds can haunt the spirit, and mirages can deceive the senses. A person may experience hunger, thirst, and a lingering sense of dread. In my respects, the desert prevails as one of lifes greatest challenges.

I view the desert as one of the earths great wildernesses, and I recall how Christ was confronted in the wilderness by Satan: Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward a-hungered (Matthew 4: 12 KJV). With Christ in such a weakened condition, the devil looked to take advantage of Him. The devils ploy, however, was doomed to fail.

In all things, we should seek to emulate Christ. We can claim victory in the deserts of our lives by responding as Christ did in the wilderness. We must remain faithful, courageous, and authoritative when the devil attempts to force us off our courses. We must remind the evil one that God is supreme, and we will forever walk in His footsteps. By drawing upon the strength of God, we can overcome any challenge posed by any desert that we may ever enter. Jesus has already shown us the way.

Ten Thousand Reasons Why I Walk with the Lord

I could easily list thousands of reasons explaining why I walk with God. The journey through life is far more beautiful when one chooses to walk with the Lord. God meets all my needs and leads me along the righteous paths. God puts my mind at ease and lifts my burdens. The reassuring voice of the Lord tells me all is well. I also remember the following precept: Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord you God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess (Deuteronomy 5:33 KJV).

I recall once being struck by a vehicle from behind as I walked around the local mall early one morning. The vehicle hit me on the right side of my body and sent me flying off to my left. I crashed to the pavement with a thud, landing primarily on my left elbow. Even though my left elbow and rib cage sustained some damage, I was largely okay. I picked myself up with some effort, walked to my car, and drove myself home.

I often reflect on the incident and remind myself about how bad things could have been. Remarkably, my head never struck the pavement, and I suffered no fractures. I give all the credit to God for my good fortune. The story provides one of the ten thousand explanations for why I walk with God. If I had not walked with the Lord, I would likely have left this earth some time ago, and yet, here I am.

I Declare Boldness in Jesuss Name

I declare boldness in the name of the Lord. I resolve to think boldly, to act boldly, to live boldly. Did not David do the same? David, a mere farm boy, dared to encounter one of the most formidable opponents who ever lived. Goliath was feared for miles around, but David knew no fear of the Philistine giant. He grew incensed at the Philistine, for he viewed the giants antics as insults to God. At the moment of truth, David boldly raced forth to honor the Lord, and he slew the giant in the process.

As we advance to act boldly in our own lives, we should resolve to put God first. We should also remember assurances like the one that follows: 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 KJV). Such promises ring loudly as we act boldly. We can feel the presence of God in all we do, and we, therefore, advance with confidence and boldness. We know God is with us.

I live with boldness daily, and you should too. You should also remember the following: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7 KJV). As we ponder the foregoing, it quickly becomes clear that God expects us to live with boldness and courage. As we develop such positive habits, we shine brightly as tributes to the grace and power of God. We honor God, and we serve as reminders of his goodness.

Faithfulness in the Dark Moments

One needs faith to live. Faith is more important to life than the five senses. People, for example, often face fears that require great faith to navigate successfully. No matter what fears we face, it is helpful to recall God is with us. As we constantly engage in this rewarding practice, we develop the courage and faith needed to survive the trials of life.

During especially dark moments, it is often uplifting to remember how often God has saved the day in the past. Think about the Israelis and the escape from Egypt. As they traveled toward freedom, they suddenly grew aware that the pharaoh and his army were in hot pursuit. Soon they would find themselves trapped between the Red Sea and pharaohs warriors, and all seemed lost. God would use the sea, however, to both save the Israelis and vanquish the pharaohs forces. The following passage serves as a reminder: And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen (Exodus 14:26, KJV).