“Everything
that happens in this life is a gift. Even as you struggle through this
difficult time, you are gaining strength and wisdom that will help you further
down the road.”
This is what was staring me in the
face this morning. It is the encouraging words on the front of a card that a
complete stranger sent me. It smells nice too. I sure needed to hear that on
the day I received the card. On the inside it says, “Remember no matter what
happens you will always have people who care for you.” I do not know the person
who sent this card but it made me feel good. I thought that someone might like
to hear that themselves this morning. I’ve been running circles with the wrong
people in my life for a while now. It’s cards like these that have been sent
that let me know “God’s Family” is where I want to invest my time. My family
members and complete strangers have shown me support in this time of need. They
have sent pictures, cards, money, and letters and once more my dope fiend
friends have remained silent. I owe my family, friends, and the people in God’s
family an apology for letting Satan get into my head and jeopardize my good
relationships with people for ones that will not be there for you when you need
them most. So to all the people who really care “Please forgive me.” – I really
didn’t intend for my post to go this way, but it did, I’m sorry – maybe
somebody out there needs to evaluate the company you keep and make room for the
people who will be there for you when the going gets tough. “God’s chosen
people.”
James 1:2-4 “Count it all
joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the
testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And
let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.” Sometimes this is hard to do. We are simply not taught to
be happy when we struggle. I understand the idea here but find it tough
sometimes to actually smile when I stub my toe! J But listen to this, Psalm 103:1-4 – “Bless
the Lord O my Soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the
Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all my
iniquities, who heals my diseases. Who redeems my life from the pit and
corruption (this is my favorite), who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns me with
loving kindness and tender mercy.” In 1 Corinthians 1:9 – it says
something like, God is faithful. That means He is reliable, trustworthy, and
true to His promises. That tells me I can rely on Him to be there for me when I
need Him. Isn’t that really what we all want? To be cared for, to have people
who remind us that “no matter what happens in this life, no matter what
struggles we face, we can hold our heads high because in God’s kingdom all is
good.” Genesis 1:31 – “and God saw everything that He made, and behold,
it was very good.” In closing, let’s think on this “I will praise the Lord no
matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace. I will
boast of all His kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us
praise the Lord together, and exalt His name. For I cried to Him and He
answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Others too were radiant at what He
did for them. There was no downcast look of rejection. I cried to the Lord –
and the Lord heard me and saved me out of my troubles. For the angel of the
Lord guards and rescues all who reverence Him. I have put God to the test and
have seen how kind He is! I have seen for myself the way His mercies shower
down on all who trust in Him.” (Psalm 34:1-8).
Prayer
Father God, thank you in Jesus name for all
these things and thank you for putting people in our lives who love us the way
they are instructed to. Amen
Thoughts:
The Bible is “God’s
word”. There is a lot of good stuff in it. Some of the best feel good recipes I’ve
ever experienced are right under the cover. But you have to read it to receive
it!
No comments:
Post a Comment