A long night
of darkness
and cold
a foot of snow
blankets the ground
winter
The driveway
covered
the streets
plowed
but snow topped
slippery travel
ahead
I sit
drop foot and braces
both feet
unstable
walking outside
off limits
cooped up
in my house
waiting
Sun
will warm
clouds
will go
snow
will melt
birds
will sing
spring
Oh God, how excellent are your ways
You have been God since before the foundation of the world
You spoke and the earth was formed
The waters and the earth gathered together at your word
At the sound of your voice the earth brought forth trees and greenery
The sun and the moon appeared at your command, and you placed the stars in space
Then you created all the animals, on the ground, in the sea, and the birds and insects
Then you made man out of the dust of the ground
You gave him dominion over all that you have made
And you said it was all good
And you rested
Oh God, my God, how excellent are your ways
Still today you watch over your creation
You bring the rain in due season
The thunder blasts and the lightning crashes at your command
The sky clears and the rainbow appears to remind us of your promise
You bring the crops to maturity and the farmers bring in the harvest
The harvest you have provided
You turn the trees to brilliant colors in the cool fall air
We marvel at the beauty of your creation
Oh God, my God how excellent are your ways in all the earth
You still love man despite the way he has failed you
You still see him as the crowning jewel of your creation
You cry out to him to turn back to your word
Because you know what is best for your creation
Help us Lord, to turn to you
Help us to follow your word
Help us to pray for our nation
You have been so good to us while we have turned our backs on you
Forgive our nation, Lord, for our transgressions
Hear our plea for healing and restoration
Renew us in your word, and clothe us with your Holy Spirit
Let your love arise in our hearts as we worship you
Let the church rise and carry out your word
That we should humble ourselves,
And pray,
And seek your face,
And turn from our wicked ways
Because then, and only then
Will you hear from heaven
And forgive our sins
And heal our Land.
Oh God, my God, How excellent are your ways in all the earth.
I sit and watch
As sunset approaches
Scattered clouds above the western horizon
A ribbon of gold touches the bottom clouds
He spreads upward
Around the dark clouds
Bright and shimmering
Outlining and silhouetting
Suddenly a blaze of brilliant gold
Rays peek through
To touch a higher cloud with gold
Sun sinks deeper
Red starts to color he lower clouds
As Gold starts to relinquish its power
Red, orange, pink, yellow
An incessant palate
Changing minute to minute
Reaching across the sky
Until it reaches above me
Behind me
Then slowly the colors fade
From west to east
Into gray
As the last rays
Leave the clouds
Oh. What a thrill
To watch the Master painter
At work
As I wake up in the morning
And the sun is breaking through
I sit in awesome wonder
At the good things that you do
You fill the air with sunshine
You bring the evening rain
You light the stars at night
And then you bring the sun again
You start the birds a chirping
In the early morning light
And as sunset rolls along
You give them sleep into the night
The animals all trust you
To provide their daily care
They go about their daily tasks
And know you’re always there
The trees uplift their branches
In praises unto you
They know their source of life
And they give praise where it’s due
All of His creation
Is a song of simple praise
I think I’ll try to be the same
When I proclaim His name
No more murmuring or whining
No more wishing there was more
No more wondering if He hears me
No more doubting His dear word
No more thinking it is my time
No more sulking in my woes
No more worries in my trials
No more angry at my foes
If nature can just praise Him
For the good things that He gives
Why should I be any different
In the praise that I uplift
Storm clouds gather in the west
Lightning claps the sky
Wind is rising, sudden gust
Lifts a tree branch high
Thunder rumbles, drawing near
Majestic dark clouds roll
Smell the fragrance of the rain
Before it starts to fall.
Then the drops come slowly downward
Hear their pitter-pat
Picking up the pace they echo
Through the rolling grass
Now a torrent water fountain
Opens up the sky
Streams of raindrops rushing downwards
Onto you and I
Suddenly the rain is over
Clouds start to depart
Evening sun peeks through below
And brings a brand new start
As the sun reflects the raindrops
Rainbow does appear
Reminds me of God’s great promise
He is always near
When you face the next storm in your life
Remember this
God allowed the storm too come
It may be just test
So guard your way and lean on Him
Throughout the stormy blast
On the other side you’ll see
A rainbow come at last
Ministry, Vision and Dreams from God
He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
By Dan Ledwith
Faithfully Authentic
Jesus follower, peacemaker, unfinished human
short stories and diverse articles
