Hearts Unfold

I guess I can say that today, God really reminded me that my heart matters to Him. That He longs to delight our heart. That every prayer, every whisper does not fall into deaf ears. That He loves me. That He knows exactly what will make me glad and what will bring me peace, because He knows me so intimately. That He is a personal God, and speaks to me in a way that no-one else does.

When I woke up this morning to the bluest of blue skies, (I'd gone to sleep to the sound of rain) I remembered my faint prayer for it to be a sunny day today, for it to be a glorious day to walk to campus to, to sit my second exam.

I was honestly so grateful that He had heard that whisper, that He had picked up on the desire of my heart. I felt really privileged. Maybe some farmer in Thong (no kidding, there's actually a place called that on this side of the country) prayed for sunny weather too, so his cattle could glow in the sunshine, but I felt God say this morning: "Here's a radiant morning for you. The rest of your day in My care too."

I'd only prepared two topics in view of my exam this morning, and when I was awoken by the songs of the birds and to a glorious morning, a peace invaded me, "the rest of your day is in My care too." The two topics I'd revised were on the exam paper; I was able to answer the two essay questions that were asked of me.

He is faithful even in the tiniest things.

I can't even start to explain the experience of His stilling presence that cascaded down upon me when I drew the curtains open. I'm just ... at a loss for words really. I guess that's what happens when your heart overflows with delight and is overwhelmed by His touch. I'm so glad that God is such a personal God, who knows exactly how to communicate with me.

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,

Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,

Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee,

Center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

Flowery meadow, flashing sea,

Singing bird and flowing fountain

Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,

Ever blessing, ever blest,

Wellspring of the joy of living,

Ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,

All who live in love are Thine;

Teach us how to love each other,

Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,

Which the morning stars began;

Father love is reigning over us,

Brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward,

Victors in the midst of strife,

Joyful music leads us Sunward

In the triumph song of life.

- lyrics by H. van Dyke -

My ears are currently seduced by: Master And Commander Soundtrack