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Monday, May 14, 2012

The Desert Place

Have you ever been in that place where you feel so alone, you wonder if God is even hearing your prayers, And your reading of His Word seems dry and distant? I've been there. And I've wondered why. My first thought is always guilt -- that it must be me, that I've done something wrong, missed something that I was supposed to do, learn, be, or whatever, and got off track with my Christian life. But I have learned that the greatest lessons taught to me was in that Desert Place where I thirsted more than ever and walked with sand in my shoes to a place called nowhere. Lately, I've been reviewing the life of Hagar and how she trudged her way through the desert with her baby boy --- only to have a meeting with the Lord Himself and to learn His Name -- El Roi --- The God who Sees. And He provided a well to quench their thirst and gave hope, direction, and a vision of her future. He doesn't leave us there and He always has a purpose!

The Desert Place

To think that He would bring me here was never in my plan.

My dreams were quiet valleys where the deeper waters ran

To feed within Your pastures green and not a fear to trace --

Oh, Father, why the choice of this, the lonely desert place?

Paths that lead me nowhere, and I walk them all alone.

Futile days of desert heat, and nights that chill the bone.

I’m tired, Lord, so tired of the heavy, aching heart!

Tired of defeated days before they even start.

Where can I find my song again? Oh, Father, can it be

That even in this desert place you have forgotten me?

“I never will forsake thee!” Oh, how sweet the promise is!

To know that I am not alone, for I’m a child of His.

Oh, Father, may I learn that you will feed me with thy bread,

That somewhere in this desert place you have a table spread.

Teach me all the lessons which you think that I should know,

And may I pay attention to where e’er thy footsteps go,

So when another pilgrim finds his way into this land,

And cries, “I am so lonely!” I can say, “I understand.”

I will not doubt that through it all, You know what’s best for me.

And may I find within this place my chosen ministry.

And when the evening hours come and sunlight starts to dim,

I’ll know that I was not alone, but walked today with Him.

--Cora Eelman

24 comments:

dsblanchard said...

In reading Dark Night of the Soul, recommended by both you and A, I really learned about the dark nights and the desert places. It is only when we are away from all creature comforts and stretched to our very limits that we KNOW He is all we need, that He is the answer to every desire, that He is our sustainer whatever the situation. In Dark Night it tells us that very few can make it through the silence to get to the heart of God and that, when He senses we can't, He'll come and end our night (desert). Sometimes I am aware that I am so weak and need for Him to hold me, that I'm not ready for the hard eucharisteo, but when I do get through times that are dry and dark, I am better situated for the next time. Each time I learn and get another piece of the armor securely in place.

Cora, this was a magnificent list after an ingenious poem. "Thank you, Jesus for your servant, Cora."

Dawn

tinuviel said...

So beautiful and encouraging! Thank you for this lovely meditation sharing with others the comfort God has given you. I saw your name in the neighborhood of mine on the linky list and thought I'd stop by and catch up with you. I'm glad I did. You are a blessing, Cora!

Kristin Bridgman said...

Another beautiful one! Cora, you MUST write a poetry book. I would be thrilled to see you on the bookshelf and I would be first in line to get your autographed copy! I really think you could do it!!! What a blessing it would be to SO many! :)

Jaja said...

Thank you for the Blessing today, I needed this.

Susie Swanson said...

Oh yes I neede this also today Cora..You are an inspiration to us all..I agree, you should write a poetry book.I would be the first to buy one..They would be magnificent and glorious..I just bought one from Connie Arnold..I don't know if you know her or not..She has a Blog conniearnold.blogspot.com..her new book just came out title "A Symphony Of Seasons", this is her 4th book of inspirational..That is what she writes all the time..you and her poems are so inspiring and fills the soul with such peace and Joy..other samples of her work can be found at www.conniearnold.webs.com Her new book is on Amazon.com Thank you for your beautiful posts and poetry, I really get a blessing from them..Susie

Debra said...

Oh Cora-this was such a beautiful post. Thank you so much for it.
I love you.
Debra

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

That is a lot of learning in your desert. Is your desert season over?

Thanks for commenting on my blog today. I love Elisabeth Elliot, too. She led me to Christ when I was 6. And I have a fun connection to Streams in the Desert,too. My good friend from college told me her grandparents were missionaries in China and housed Mrs. Cowman while she was writing. Fun.

Leaon Mary said...

That "deserted" feeling trudging through the desert has been something I've felt before... and then I think of my Immanuel. Sometimes I wonder about the growing... and the patience being grown... during those times.
I loved your insights Cora and your poetry blesses me so much. Thank you for being real and sharing what you've learned along the way.
xoxo L

Tiffany said...

Thank you for this Cora! Thank you for sharing your heart and journey!

I can honestly relate to the feelings - been there in the desert feeling so alone and when I did finally turn to Him - so much began to happen - and not what my mind ever thought would happen! So much is still happening - God is awesome! He is always there - we just have to seek Him, knock and keep on knocking!

Thank you for your sweet words on my blog yesterday - counting my gifts and blessings has honestly been such a gift back to me! I so enjoy reading other posts too - its wonderful to see how God works in all of us! I love your list - love all that you know Him to be to you!

You Cora are wonderfully made and I am thankful for you!

xoTiffany

Denise said...

Loved this encouraging post.

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Beautiful post. There is so much we can learn no matter what part of our journey we are going through. So glad HE is with us for each and every step!

Cindy in PA said...

Yes. When I lean most heavily on God is when I feel His comfort and I grow in my faith. It's taken me years to understand and to give thanks to Him during the hard times and give thanks to God during the good times. Thank you for sharing your list this week. Blessings!

Marianne C. said...

Cora, I found you on Kathleen's site, Yesteryear's Embroidery. Your poem/prayer is absolutely beautiful! And spoke very poignantly to my heart, which feels once again in a desert place.

Blessings for the day,
Marianne

Norma said...

Cora, I needed this so much today. Your words have touched my soul deeply, and I thank our El Roi that He sees and knows our struggles even when we don't feel like He does. Thank you so much for sharing.

Your Sister in Him -- Norma

Norma said...

Cora, I needed this so much today. Your words have touched my soul deeply, and I thank our El Roi that He sees and knows our struggles even when we don't feel like He does. Thank you so much for sharing.

Your Sister in Him -- Norma

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

So wonderful. I think we all have times where we feel like this......in the desert or in a valley and I think we all cross examine ourselves to see where we might have fallen out of the relationship with our loving Father. But the best of all is to know that we might fall, but He never leaves us! Just loved this post.

Brandee Shafer said...

comforting (thank you)

Dee said...

Cora thank you for telling me about your pastor and his wife. It is confirmation for me. I also am pleased to have you as a new follower. I look forward to getting to know you via your blog. Blessings Dee

Dee said...

Cora thank you for telling me about your pastor and his wife. It is confirmation for me. I also am pleased to have you as a new follower. I look forward to getting to know you via your blog. Blessings Dee

Brian Miller said...

the desert is not a fun place to be but i have found some of my greatest growth has come from those times....when i was utterly dependant on him even when i could hear nothing...

thefisherlady said...

you have left me with a heart fully
grateful for One who always walks with us and prepares the way for us...whether desert or lofty mountain way.
I will recognize your beauty come heaven. His face will be shining upon you Cora...

Linda Moser Winebrenner said...

I needed you today, and your wisdom.
Thank you, Cora.

Welcome To My Blog said...

Hi Cora, Thank you for sharing such a beautiful read, I truly needed it today.

Hugs,
Kimmie

jeangary said...

Oh Cora~I'm so glad that you gave me your blog info. I'm already blessed by what I have read so far. I'm also doubly blessed because we go to the same Church...thank you Father!!! When I see your sweet smile,I think, "there's my sweet Cora"....and so you are....my sweet Cora.
Love and Blessings~Jean (and Gary)