Week 5 has passed, and I have just returned from field camp for a short break, before I spend the next three weeks, uninterrupted, back on the island.
There’s been much running through my head in the previous weeks, in part because the limited free time I have never really allows me to completely process a thought/resolve an issue before I need to move on to the next activity on Tekong, but also because (subconsciously) I like the feeling of mental preoccupation, I guess.
People have asked me how my QT is faring. It is an interesting question. For although I almost never have the time to sit down and spend decent durations in quiet communion with the Almighty, in a way I feel closer to Him than I have in a long time. I survive the day with constant communication with Him through flash prayers, and short (soft) hymns that rise in my heart at various points. The friend I have in Jesus has proved faithful and true, and He has sustained me. I do wish however, that I could hear His voice yet more clearly, so I could discern better His will.
I have gone through periods of doubts, inquisition, wonder, hope, despair. I have questioned my past actions, the wisdom of choices past, and the seeming bleakness (at times) of the future. With all the uncertainty and cloudiness, there are indeed difficult moments of the day. The army is trying in a way that one can never quite describe, but all so often I take comfort in the hymn that goes
All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.
All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.
Posted by Polly Vance on 17 June, 2009 at 11:45 pm
So true. I was singing this song after my bible reading today as I was reading psalm 103. I was raised with hymns and remember them pretty well. Today, I found myself forgetting the words of this hymn, so I looked it up on the computer. How precious God’s Spirit is to us as He knew exactly what Hymn he wanted to accompany Psalm 103 today from my mouth.
Your words are a comfort to me today, as we are now in the midst of my son’s 16th week in the Army
National Guard. He has been away from home all this time. He is only 19. He is in MP training right now and is so homesick and tired. We are looking forward to picking him up in just over three weeks. I will send him your words. I think that they will help him. Thanks for your devotion to the Lord in such a trying time as this. Also, thank you for your service to our country. He is truly with you every step of the way friend. His also, Polly
Posted by 'neth on 21 June, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Thanks for your words, Polly, they are very much an encouragement to me too.
May the Lord continue to bless and keep you and your son