Luke 5:16
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
We have a spare bedroom in our home that for months now, since granddaughter, Virginia, and her family moved away, has been empty and unloved. It makes me feel both sad and nostalgic every time I walk by it.
But just a few days ago, God whispers a revelation: Why don't you use this room as a place to commune with Me? I am floored! Why hadn't that dawned on me before? Maybe, the Lord knew I needed time to grieve the room's loss before I could properly re-purpose it.
When I tell Virginia in our latest Face Time how I plan to use her room, she is truly delighted, glad to know it's getting the much-needed attention she always gave it. And she lets me know, on no uncertain terms, that she can't wait to visit with us later in the summer.
Shortly after this inspirational nudge from God, I write the following poem. I hope you enjoy it, and I pray you have a special place where you can retreat and be immersed in the Father's love.
It was a room for son
Who grew and flew the nest
Became a place for mother
Until her final rest
Refuge for the Grand
A room she called her own
Empty now, so lonely
And yet, it's not alone
Seeking solitude
Entering this space
Time well spent with God
Blessed by Love and Grace
Amen!
But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:6).
ReplyDeleteA beautiful thoughtful post once again, Martha. You have this gift of making your readers think. Wishing you and your family the best.
God bless.
Thank you for your kind words here, Victor, and for sharing another Biblical quote that fits perfectly with this post. I'm looking forward to the days I'll retreat to this room just to commune with the Lord.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a perfect place to commune with the Lord. He speaks to us in so many wonderful ways, doesn't He? And who knows? That room may be filled again with giggles and laughter and love before you know it. But until then, enjoy the giggles and laughter and love that Jesus brings to your heart there. He can do that, as I am sure you know! Love the poem. God bless you sweet friend.
ReplyDelete"Giggles and laughter and love . . ."
DeleteYes, Pamela, God will bring those and much more when we stay with Him in His mighty Word and presence. So grateful for His revelation, and glad you liked the poem, my friend.
Love and blessings!
Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome!
DeleteLove and blessings!
This may be my favorite of all your poems, Martha! Many years ago when I was going through a dark place my (former) hubby suggested I do the same thing with an empty guest room. Yes, it provided much solace; I pray yours does the same! And can't wait to 'see' what you do to it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your story about an empty guest room, Myra, and I'm glad the poem spoke to your heart. Don't know that I'm going to change the room around in any way; just sitting there on the bed gives me such peace and comfort.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, this such is a beautiful, inspiring re-purposing of a beloved space! I love when people re-think how their homes are used with each new season. So cool, so Christ-honoring, yet another beautiful lesson you're living out for your sweet granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words, Linda! It's so easy for us to get stuck in a rut in our own homes, failing to see how things could be changed/altered for the better. I'm glad God used this room to call to my heart.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Beautiful poem! No telling the inspiration that will come to you in future days as you spend in there with the Lord. From son to grandaughter and now your sanctuary with God. A new season for you and hoping great revelation will come your way. Soon Virginia will be in route...I know you can’t wait!😀❤️🌹🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteThank you, Valerie! Yes, there's no telling the hours of inspiration that will come from the Lord, and I'm looking forward to every minute of it. I'm looking forward, too, to the day we can have Virginia back here. How I miss her!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love this idea. A quiet retreat for you and God. How refreshing. Say a special blessing on that room, too
ReplyDeleteOh, I definitely will ask God to bless this room, Jean. I'm sure that when Virginia comes to stay with us, the overflow of prayer will absolutely touch her.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh Martha! My heart sings with joy! This room will make a wonderful prayer closet/war room. Wait. Listen. God will commune with you.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Yes, Kim, I finally have a war room! It has already proven to be the best retreat imaginable. Looking forward to many days and hours spent here in communion with God!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, Martha! This is just beautiful! What an amazing place to pray and commune with our Lord! I can just imagine the precious hours you will spend there allowing His presence to fill up what is now holy ground.
ReplyDeleteYes, Cheryl, holy ground, indeed! I love that God prodded me to enter this room with new hope and promise. Going to love this war room!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a wonderful idea! You are truly making lemonade out of lemons. I love the idea of a room of solitude for you to commune with God.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this space, Laurie, and so grateful to God for opening up my eyes and heart to the possibilities.
DeleteLove and blessings!
In summer to autumn I do the same with my spare room, Martha, primarily cos can keep bugs out. Really love using it that way, but have guests there too. In winter it's an extra room to heat also a quiet spot not hard here. I do miss folks when they go away though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Like you, Shaz, I do enjoy sitting outside on our deck to be in prayer with the Lord, but as summer is moving in here, being out of the heat and bugs is a welcome respite. I'm loving this room!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Love it Ms. Martha! Thank you for sharing ma'am. You inspire me sweet lady. I love getting away to the quiet places around the ranch to just sit and be with Abba. Am glad you found your place for "God time."
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you have many, many places around your ranch to simply commune with our Abba, J. D. What a blessing that is! Glad this post inspired you.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Beautiful poem telling a story Martha. And it is fantastic that you are re-purposing the room for Him. I suspect many good times will be there as they once were.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Bill! I'm looking forward to these new times in a new season of life.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your lovely poem says it all, Martha Jane!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Terri!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh Martha, this is so exciting. We all need a special place where we can be with God and hear from Him. I just know He will whisper wonderful things into your heart and inspire you to write it all down!
ReplyDeleteYes, Marja, this place and space has already cleared the boundaries of how I can be in connection with the Lord. I am again trying breathing prayers and simply becoming silent in my soul before praying for others in this place. God has not let me down!
DeleteLove and blessings!