Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86: 11 (NIV)
Train me, God, to walk straight;
then I’ll follow your true path.
Put me together, one heart and mind;
then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear.
Psalm 86:11 (The Message)
Lord, you know these verses – in whatever translation – express one of my deepest desires – an undivided heart, living only for you.
A heart I cannot mend on my own.
I can only offer my tiny, dirty, shattered pieces to you, the great Healer and Restorer.
Teach me your ways, Lord. Guide me along your straight path.
My faith is weak and inadequate; only through your faithfulness can I live.
I am unformed clay in your hands. Shape me.
Assemble my brokenness into your creative design.
And fear? The Message calls it joyful fear. That wonderstruck witness beyond all comprehension of Who you are.
You are God. Yes I should fear – overwhelming awe in your presence. Breathtaking beauty. My chatting silenced in your whisper. My soul complete in your love. My heart’s hole restored to whole. Human fear melts in your hands.
Divided, distracted, and desolate without you.
Only with you, Lord, am I undivided.
“Only with you, Lord, am I undivided.” Amen!! I love these lectio divina posts you write. A lot to ponder.
Your words are always encouraging Colleen. Happy anniversary by the way! sending up special prayer for you and your hubby.
Jean,
Yes…prayed this with you..only God can take our holes and make us whole as you put so well 🙂
Thanks Dolly, Only in his hands do we become whole.
A lovely, poetic post, Jean. Especially appreciated this line: “Assemble my brokenness into your creative design.” When we submit to the Master Designer, he takes the broken pieces of our lives and creates a true masterpiece–like the shards of colored glass in a kaleidoscope. Thank you for the reminder of his desire to make us whole, complete, and undivided.
Just like a kaleidoscope. great image, Nancy!!
Hi Jean! It’s like God is rocking a crying baby, isn’t it? We talk and chat, and he speaks so softly. We have to calm down to hear! I really like the way you bring out that we can’t do any of this alone. Only with him do the good things happen.
Blessings my friend,
Ceil
yes Ceil it is hard to admit we can’t do it on our own – try as we may – when we let go and rest in his arms, good things do happen. Now why can’t I remember that all the time? ( :
Absolutely beautiful reflection! Blessings!
On retreat I was once asked what is your deepest desire and after much listening and prayer an undivided heart fully devoted to God was the answer. One reason why this verse means so much to me. Thanks Martha. Just visited your blog and read about your blog break wot write. will keep you in my prayers.