Sweet taste

I have been thinking a lot about Jesus lately.  I know it is Lent and Easter is fast approaching.  This year has been different for me for several reasons.  I have never given anything up for Lent.  I have always been kind of a rebel.  Well, I have been a rebel all my life.  My mom can attest to that.  I feel sure I came out of the womb with my fists raised up ready to fight.  So, giving something up is hard for me.  I know I am not alone in this, I am sure;)

I love sweets.  I mean really love sweets.  So, this year after researching Lent, I decided to give up sweets.  I have to admit reading that I could take Sunday off helped with my motivation.  At first, it was pretty hard.  I read this from Ann's blog and it really encouraged me to continue.  Every time I got a craving, which was pretty often, I thought of Jesus.  And what He did for me.  To think of His suffering and thank Him.  Turn away from the sweets.

The first Sunday, I anticipated what the vanilla ice cream with peanut butter was going to taste like that night.  My mouth watered.  Literally.  It was the best bowl of ice cream I have ever tasted.  And as it went down I was forced to reflect on the sweetness of the Lord.  How He had mercy on me, laid down His life, so I could live.  Because of Him, I live.  But, I have to die to myself everyday.  And there is a sweetness about dying because He tastes so good.

I see a little more clearly this path He has taken me on.  He wants me to walk with Him.  To practice walking with Him.  To desire to walk with Him.  To fall at His feet when I fall.  To love Him more than the air I breathe.  To die to myself.  Is to live.  Walk.  Faith.  Walk.  Faith.  Through the desert.  I will praise You.  Through the fire.  I will praise You. Through the battle.  I will praise You.  And in the harvest.  I will praise You.

Walk.

Brooke posted a You Tube video about this song.  It touched me to my soul.  Although I have never lost a child, I know what it feels like to long for a child.  I had to download the song for my road trip and I have played it over and over again.

The Desert Song  by Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am conqueror and co- heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

All of my life in every season
You are still God,
I have a reason to sing,
I have a reason to worship

I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I received I will sow

I have been in the desert many times.  But, He always provides.

I have been in the fire many times.  He refines me each time through the flame.

I have been in the battle many times.  His faithfulness never fails me.  His rock is firm.

I have been in the harvest many times.  But, most of the time, in the harvest I am looking for the desert, fire and battle over my shoulder.

Which robs me of being filled with Him.

So, this last verse has struck me deeply.  When I am in the harvest, and everything is flowing well.  Don't look over my shoulder waiting for the worst to happen.  Walk with Him.  Right here.  Right now.  His seed is good.  It is taking root.  So, Lord please let me soak up this time with praise and thanksgiving, knowing that when I am emptied is when You do your best Work.

Giving up sweets has given me such a sweeter taste of You, Lord.

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me
   and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
   and their faces shall never be ashamed.
 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
   and saved him out of all his troubles.
 The angel of the LORD encamps
   around those who fear him, and delivers them.
 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
   for those who fear him have no lack!
 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
   but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."

Psalm 34:4-10