Feel tired? Upset and bothered? Indifferent or just plain mad? Maybe the circumstances around us are overwhelming, or they're not that overwhelming.... Only many little hinderances that are so unnoticably burdensome.

None of us are free from the world as it is now, with death, deadlines, disturbing news, dreaded work to do, detestable people we meet. Yet none of us are without the presence of a God that is almighty yet gentle.

No matter the obstacles or little rocks littering our path in life, God is there pushing us on, paving the way, if only we let Him. So "throw off everything that hinders" and look forward and upward, to the ONLY One who can lead us out of a fiery and dry desert. Cos it is by faith we are saved, and it will still be by faith that we continue living our saved lives.

I'm reminded of one thing today, that Praise is a powerful weapon against all the negativity and battles we face everyday. When we praise God freely, not only does our faith arise and our souls brightens, but something in the spiritual realm lights up. God's glory is reflected in our mundane, everyday lives. That daily routine of sitting at the desk, turning on the computer to check email, or going for yet another meeting, or walking to the cookhouse to scan our 11B, or preparing for more training exercises... become something more than routine. It becomes routine filled with God's presence.

Concentrate not on the storm but the greatness and tenderness of the One who told us to "be of good cheer, for Jesus has overcame the world".

Hope this song lyrics speak to you guys, as much as it has spoken to me. No desert in my life will tear me down.

Desert Song (Brooke Fraser)

Verse 1:

This is my prayer in the desert

And all that's within me feels dry

This is my prayer in the hunger in me

My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:

And this is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved

Of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:

And I will bring praise

I will bring praise

No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:

And this is my prayer in the battle

And triumph is still on it's way

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:

All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:

This is my prayer in the harvest

When favor and providence flow

I know I'm filled to be emptied again

The seed I've recieved I will sow

..........................sang by somebody who lost her baby just before doing the recording of this song