The Sunshine after the rain:

There are days when my soul is flooded

By the downpours of hurt and pain,

When I’m treading water,

And it seems my faith I cannot maintain...

I bring myself to shame,

And I recognize again, I’m drowning in sin;

Desperately seeking your forgiveness

And to be made pure within...

And just like the first time you cleansed me

And restored me by your Grace

I come seeking shelter from the storm

I come seeking your face

So Lord, please shine upon me

Mend the brokeness I hold within

Restore me to the right relationship with you

So I would no longer be captive to sin.

Thank you because your radiant beams light the darkness

Thank you because the warmth of your love covers me

Thank you because the storms don’t last forever;

Thank you for suffering so I could be FREE.

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. Jeremiah 24:7 (NIV)

"Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding."  Jeremiah 3: 22a

Comments:

I've found myself "slipping" lately...To my own shame, I cannot take back missed opportunities to be faithful. I do however, realize God is calling me closer to him once again; And so earnestly, I'm seeking his face.

I am so grateful for my Church family, for those who've come alongside, even when I've been so-o-o-o-o-o difficult. (**UNDERSTATEMENT!**) I'm so grateful that God is a God of second chances ---

When it comes to my "calling"; I've failed him. I've failed to FULLY RELY on God. I've failed to actively practice my faith, at so many opportunities. I've failed to be what I ought to be. I acknowledge my sins before God --- and pray He will restore me, to what "HE" intends for me to be. My prayer is that in the future, I would be obedient; that I would learn and grow...That I would be more faithful.

Christianity is a growth experience. It's not an overnight perfection --- It's a journey. I think the best thing any Christian can ask is that they'd JOURNEY "WITH" God... not ahead of him, not behind...but "WITH."

And just like the Sunshine after the rain, God gives us relief from the storms we encounter. I use this as a similie of God's grace; because lately my storms have been many, and I fear my faith has become "weathered".

God Bless.