Dear Precious Friends,
On this beautiful new day and God has certainly given us an amazing gift with the weather, springing ahead tonight for more hours of sunshine to enjoy...the hope of moving away from darkness into light... I want to remind us all of God's truth. If you haven't heard this song... Please take a moment to listen:
This, of course, aligns with the theology of James who wrote to, “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
We can see from the scripture it was written in the midst of David’s personal struggle, when things seemed darkest and most uncertain, he wrote, “for His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
As someone who had experienced a lifetime of heartache and Godly favor, David wrote from experience, knowing that any pain, anxiety, and struggle he would face in life were only temporary. In his darkest and most desperate hours, David had called out to the Lord, and God had answered. Every time!
No night lasts forever. The sun will always rise, and with the dawn comes the blessing and favor of the Father, who is hard at work to bless, strengthen, and deliver His children. David had seen this time and time again.
Life may not be perfect, comfortable, or free of pain and struggle, not even for the most faithful servant of God. But in the midst of our pain, uncertainty, and fear, God is always with us and working for us.
We may feel hopeless, discouraged, and afflicted in the moment, unable to see the light, but as Jeremiah, the prophet, wrote, “blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
David would continue, “you have turned my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.” (Psalms 30:11)
NO matter what we face we can be assured:
Though we have troubles, we will triumph because Jesus says so. Keep walking. There's power in our steps. Keep praying. There's power in our prayers. Keep asking and believing because Jesus invites us to pray with persistence. We're not alone. We're not under our circumstances. WE are under the shelter of His wing and, He will always keep us close to His heart. His promises are yes and Amen!!!
Let's keep our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith and yes there is always reason to praise the Lord.
AMEN!
