Greetings to you in the name of the ‘Rock of My Salvation’, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! Another November morning where the sun is hiding behind the clouds…but I know that this day was created for us by ‘the Lord’ and we can rejoice in it and give thanks! Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to surround you with courage to face the day ahead and with a peace within that is beyond understanding and a hope that captivates your attention.
This week God has been reminding me about truths that I know by experience and repeated exposure to. He has also been trying to teach me…I can be a slow-learner at times…some truths that I sort of know but haven’t spent time trying to apprehend.
First, he has reminded me about a lesson someone gave to me some twenty plus years ago. At a moment of sorting out out some difficult things in my life, when it seemed like I was going to ‘give up’, a fellow adventurer gave me this quote to chew on: God’s hold on you is stronger than your hold on God – so trust Him. So, I rather reluctantly .decided to quit worrying and striving…and the outcome – yes! God has a very strong grip. If you don’t believe me…try it for yourself.
Second, I was reminded about a biography that I read concerning Mother Teresa. She suffered a long dark night of the soul. She discovered that faith is not the act of flying above the storm…it’s weathering the storm. Sometimes when we cannot see God’s hand, we need to quietly trust His heart.
Third, in a book that I am reading a verse of scripture was referenced: Lord, You are my Secret Hiding Place, protecting me from all these troubles, surrounding me with songs of gladness! Your joyous shouts of rescue release my breakthrough. Psalm 32:7 TPT. Then the author stated… According to the psalmist, God is singing songs of deliverance all around us all the time. Think of those surround-sound songs as our first line of defense. The intercession of the Holy Spirit is the second line of defense. And there is a third line of defense: Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf. Quit living as if Jesus is till nailed to the cross. The only thing nailed to the cross is our sin. Mark Batterson, ‘Whisper’.
Finally, four little thoughts to ponder: 1 – don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshipping what’s right with God … 2 – the hardest praise is the highest praise … 3 – whatever you don’t turn into praise turns into pain … 4 – sing it like you believe it. Mark Batterson, ‘Whisper’.
I suppose…or rather, I believe that if in fact the Bible is God’s truth to me, then I need to let God’s voice be heard as He sings the songs of gladness all around me!
Be blessed…listen!