Time alone

So much inspiration, so few words with which to express it!
Some mornings bring strong themes to mind, some offer small bites of many delicious themes.  On these "buffet" mornings I try to find a common thread in what I read and today I'm sensing that my encouragement is to look for more opportunities to spend time alone with God and to listen carefully to what He is saying to me.
"Left alone!  What different sensations these words conjure up in each of us.  To some they spell loneliness and desolation and to others rest and quiet.  To be left alone without God would be too awful for words, but to be left alone with Him is a foretaste of Heaven!"-Streams in the Desert (Author Unknown).
My alone times can occur in the middle of the day or in the middle of the night and I find myself looking forward to them.  It's at those times that I most clearly experience the comfort and confidence in truths such as those expressed by Asaph of the Old Testament as he ponders why so often it seems like the people who are walking in their own strength, satisfying only their own needs, serving their own agendas, seemingly without a care in the world are the ones who seem to be free from the burdens of the world.  But it's not long before his thoughts return to the blessings he receives as he walks with his God:  "Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind.  I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.  Nevertheless I am continually with You; You will hold me by my right hand.  You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory."-Psalm 73:21-24 (NKJV)
Thanks, Lord, that You continue to refocus my attention onto Yourself as I experience these lovingly enforced times alone with You.

On the health front:
The cumulative effects of radiation and oral chemo are becoming more pronounced.  I've been well counseled to expect this.  My energy level continues to decrease and I have ongoing discomfort in the target area of my digestive system.  However, I am on the home stretch of this phase of treatment so I'm claiming the words of Philippians 4:13 which give me fresh confidence:  "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."