Dear Ones,
Hope you had a good weekend. Al and I both enjoyed his birthday and time at the Art Fair and lake and pie at Ann’s. Today I have my exercise class and this afternoon we have a party and afterwards also instructions on how to use the defibrillators on each floor.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
 Would we say that we are correctable, or do we rationalize areas that need change and blame others for our reactions that are less than kind? The Lord wants truth in our inner being and as we meditate on His word, listen to podcasts, read devotionals etc., do we tend to excuse ourselves or dare we ask the Lord to search our hearts?
 I was reading from Psalm 40 today, David was sliding down into the pit of depression, the place where the enemy loves to get us. But what happens when we admit our dilemma and ask the Lord for help, which is what David did? He asks for God’s mercy and love and faithfulness to keep him safe and waits on the Lord for deliverance. He knows he is poor and needy and recognizes his plight but also knows that the Lord hears Him and will answer. It didn’t happen all at once but as he was waiting on Him, He was lifted out of the muddy darkness and set on a solid rock and his steps steadied; he felt hopeful and began to sing a praise song to the Lord. Quite a change.
  When we are real with the Lord and share our situation, maybe we are just blah spiritually, we can be assured He has an open ear and hears us and responds. David even tells the Lord to hurry up and help him, which is much like us, I’m sure. We would like to say, “Do it quick Lord!” but He answers in His time, not our time. The Lord gives David a new song to sing, not one of gloom but of love and truth and praise.                                                                                                                  When God answers our prayers, we also need to respond like David and boldly tell others. He told the good news to the whole congregation. He knew God answered His need when he was desperate, and he closes the Psalm saying the Lord takes thought for him and has plans for him.   Let us not hold back from being honest with the Lord and calling on Him. Then when He answers may we also share with others and give praise to Him.
Challenge for today: When encountering problems, run first to the Lord and honestly share, then wait in hope for His answer.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy