Posted on February 7, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
With the intensity of the circumstances down a few notches, I find myself staring out the window again. This time though, my mind is racing through the many thoughts that presented themselves over the past year… such things as Jeremiah’s promise that God’s plans are for good and not harm; or Jesus’ invitation to find rest in Him, and Paul’s words to the Philippians Believers that ‘God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus’ (Phil 4:7). There are others, but the one that seems to push to the front this morning is this… “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalms 119:105). There have been many dark moments where fears, doubts, and anxiety crept in with the intent of blinding us to reality of God’s love. Were it not for the intensity of the light of God’s Word and His promise that Joy comes in the morning, like the rising of the ‘Day Star’, I don’t know where we would be. By His lamp glowing brightly in the darkness of our circumstances, I have learned anew the power of prayer and its capacity to crush doubt under it’s heal.
If prayer was just about changing God’s mind and getting him to take away our pain, what would we really get? Wouldn’t it just be more of the same since we are self interested and limited in our perspectives? But if in prayer we pursue His perfect will and ask for what is consistent with His name and perfect nature, wouldn’t we receive what is best and exalting to His name..? Isn’t it cool though, that God is patient with us, intently listening to the cries and fears of our hearts. In His lovingkindness, God waits as we work though what is of fear and doubt, allowing our eyes to adjust from the darkness to the light… as the Lamp of His Word shines into our lives. And as the warmth of its truth envelopes our souls, hope takes hold of our thoughts and confidence in His faithfulness consumes our minds. Then as others join in, as we have experienced these past weeks, a choir is formed and we find ourselves worshiping together; worshiping our Heavenly Father who is worthy of praise! Prayer is so much more than a shopping list of wants; it is an opportunity to participate in God’s perfect and unchanging will to redeem all men unto Himself. As the lamp of His Word shines on our circumstances, we begin to see them as ways He can reveal His love and power. As we trust His light to guide our steps, we will find ourselves moving into His presence and away from the confusion and chaos of this world. We may not understand what’s happening in the darkness that surrounds us, but we will find rest in the light that we walk in, assured that what God has promised, He will do.
I am sure there will be many more ‘chairs by the window’ in life, but what I have gained from this time is invaluable for dealing with what yet lays ahead. From this chair, I am certain that ‘prayer wins the day!’
Choose wisely…
“I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.” (Psalm 119:107-112)
Praying 4 U!
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.
Think About This: “To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.”– George Mueller
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 346 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.
Sandra Salama
22:08 14 Jan 23
Amazing experience for people of all ages
Amerin Meric
19:17 14 Jan 23
Awesome place to gather with friends. Also has an excellent record for helping people out of alcoholism.
David Garzetta
01:46 11 Jan 23
Beautiful facility, caring individuals, good food
Alvin Abraham
22:22 08 Jan 23
This is a really nice Retreat center. The facilities are very nice, with beautiful scenery. Staff and all are really sweet and nice.Only negative I would say was the Food isn't very good.
Camilo Pereira
20:18 02 Jan 23
Great for gathering and worship The Lord
soyun chong
22:40 30 Dec 22
Very nice place for a church retreat. Kind employees, nice rooms and area
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 346 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.
Sandra Salama
22:08 14 Jan 23
Amazing experience for people of all ages
Amerin Meric
19:17 14 Jan 23
Awesome place to gather with friends. Also has an excellent record for helping people out of alcoholism.
David Garzetta
01:46 11 Jan 23
Beautiful facility, caring individuals, good food
Alvin Abraham
22:22 08 Jan 23
This is a really nice Retreat center. The facilities are very nice, with beautiful scenery. Staff and all are really sweet and nice.Only negative I would say was the Food isn't very good.
Camilo Pereira
20:18 02 Jan 23
Great for gathering and worship The Lord
soyun chong
22:40 30 Dec 22
Very nice place for a church retreat. Kind employees, nice rooms and area