All My Praise

"My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.  Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes." (Psalm 17:5-7 NIV)

The picture that I picked for today's journal entry fits so perfectly with how I feel.  When I look at the picture, I see Jesus leading the way and leaving His footprints for me in the sand.  Yes, much like the famous story of "Footprints" where there is one set of prints in the sand and the man asked, "Where were you, Lord?" and the Lord replied, "There was only one set of footprints because it was then that I carried you." 

Today, the Lord carries me.  Well, everyday the Lord carries me, but specifically today, I rely on Him to carry me.  Jay had a doctor appointment this morning and he looks good, he has gained a couple more pounds, and all the blood levels look really good...except one.  His liver enzyme levels are elevated, not too high, but enough for the doctor to tell us that he's 'not taking a chance' and he increased Jay's dosage of chemo drugs. 

It is now that I rely on the Lord to carry me through to the next appointment and pray the enzyme level does not continue to increase.  I can hear the enemy whispering in my ear, but I am choosing to allow the Lord to deal with that loser. 

My Lord can do amazing and wonderful things and I know that if it is His will, my husband will be cured of this disease.  I trust that He knows what He's doing and it is in HIS footsteps that I will follow.  Praise the Lord that He is strong enough to carry all of those who believe on His glorious shoulders.

Just as the enemy is trying to distract my focus, I am reminded that all I need to do is worship and praise the Lord and He will protect me from the enemy's evil ways.  Listening to worship music is one of the ways that I have found works best for blocking out the lies of Satan.  I envision my heart being filled to overflowing with the Lord's love, so much so that the enemy is drowned completely out.  Oh I love that! 

There is a song by Selah that is simple in it's message, but very powerful.  I have attached the words to this song.  If you have a chance, go to www.selahonline.com and listen to the song and let the words just resonate in your heart. 

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All My Praise
Word and music by Audrey Hatcher

I will follow You through green pastures
And sing hallelujah to Your Name
I will follow You through dark disaster
And sing hallelujah through the pain

And even in the shadow of death
I will praise You
And even in the valley I will say

Holy, my God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, my God
You are worthy of all my praise

You are seated on Your throne in heaven
And You see all of us down here
And You have promised You will not abandon
So I shall not fear

And even in the shadow of death
I will praise You
And even in the valley I will say

Holy, my God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, my God
You are worthy of all my praise

You made every star
And You taught it how to shine
You knew my name before there was time
And all this was just part of Your glorious design
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

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Heavenly Father, I praise You in all circumstances, good and bad.  I will follow as You lead.  Make Your ways mine. May Your will be done.  Amen