Do Not Love the World Nor the Things of the World Part 2

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 150:6)

“I will extol You, my God, O King,
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
² Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
³ Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable…” (Psalm 145:1-3)

April 4, 2022:  

In trying to understand the situation I face, after praying, fasting and meditating on The Word of Yahweh (God)
“Perhaps I have gotten too comfortable…
Maybe this time last year, when I heard the Lord’s voice telling me to stay “here” another year – it wasn’t in the area, rather the address I’ve called home for 2 years…

What other explanation could my Father in Heaven have for suddenly uprooting my life, as He recently has?
OH! Could it be that the past two years have been so uneventful (thankfully), other than the many physical challenges, simply to give me a “rest” (Shabbat hmmmm) before sending me back out into the field?

Regarding the oddities of things that have transpired in my life – I have recently played connect-the-dots about the Biblical season we are in. Recognizing there are no coincidences between this and any work He does during this High Holy season including pruning and releasing people from bondage.”

May 14, 2022:

The image at the top of this page is a piece of art I’ve had hanging in my bedroom, directly in front of my bed, since 2018. It is a reminder. It is a mandate for my life and has been since 2009.
Gratitude, like joy, is a choice and a practice. I made certain to keep it with me through this trying season.

Over the past 2 months I’ve had to breathe in and out gratitude for what The Father does in my life, even when I don’t understand it. As I’ve stated many (many) time before – Yahweh/God knows what is best for me. Even through the prospect of homelessness, which brought on waves of great stress. Yes, despite this, I still find peace and joy for he is my fortress, rock and sustenance.

Yes, that is the situation I am still staring at today. I was informed on March 25th that the lease where I lived was not being renewed. There were absolutely no grounds for this either; I have been a responsible, respectful resident. never late with rent. My apartment was clean and cared for. I didn’t cause trouble – quite the opposite. I even asked the apartment manager (and prayed) to have a change of heart. He refused to reconsider. This my friends is a sign of the times we live in. It is part of the new cultural norms that have been adopted; one where the almighty dollar is more important than a good resident. Where, for no reason, the rug can be pulled out from beneath you. Even if I had two months instead of one to look for a new place to live, things may not be different.

While, at the moment, I am not without a place to lay my head thanks to the kind and caring people I work for, I do not have a prospect of a place to live for almost another month. I keep praying and seeking; continue to search listings. Yet another sign of the times, as the real estate market here in East Tennessee (and most places) is volatile. Due to the influx of people who’ve relocated to this area, the housing demand is not able to meet need. The cost of living has absolutely skyrocketed in the last 8 months for both rentals and home for sales. But in the midst of this issue I was given a little more hope in humanity; seeing that kindness is still in the hearts of some people. That God will use whomever will be used, and in this case unbelievers, to help a person with a true need.

Options

The options at this time are limited. For the first time in 12 1/2 years of walking steadfastly with the LORD,  I truly do not “see” the path I am to walk down. I pray daily on this, and many others are interceding on my behalf for clear direction. I love and am so grateful to the people in my life who not only pray but continue to check on me.

I’m committed to my current employment until at least mid-September. But does the Father intend I stay put or go elsewhere after that? My first inkling may not be what He wants for me, therefore, I shall have to weigh any options before me, carefully and prayerfully.

Regardless, I am confident that whatever The Father has for me, is for my good and His glory, amen! As long as I have breath, I will praise the LORD!