God

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12 KJV).

If you haven’t observed nature this week, you’ve missed a miraculous event. The difference a day makes is amazing as bare trees transform into colorful blossoming beauties.

Dogwood~Gail Johnson

We live in a transient world. Things are constantly changing around us. Through time and change, we quickly learn not to rest our hopes on the world around us as we watch marriages fail, finances fail, peace treaties fail, and dreams fail.

If not careful, we begin judging everything based upon these changes. We lose hope. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” said the wise man.

Yet, in this ever-changing society in which we live, there is a constant—a solid Rock—a veritable Refuge—an unmovable, unshakable foundation—an Anchor. And no matter where we are today, He is there with us. Whether it is a sea of affliction, a financial wilderness, or a valley of suffering the Lord is with us. He knows what is best because He has searched us and known us. He has placed us exactly where we need to be at this moment in time.

Oh, dear friend, if you are struggling, if you’re sad and hurting, let me assure you, God is on your side. He hasn’t forsaken nor forgotten you. You are His treasured possession. You are in His hands. All else may fail but He will never fail you. He has promised to deliver you.

Just as a bare tree will bloom in springtime, hope will spring forth once more bringing new life. “But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Every winter must have a spring. So keep your eyes upon the Lord and remember He sees our needs and hears our prayers.

Reflection

What are you going through at this time? How is God helping you? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here or you can find me on Facebook here. Send me a friend request.

For I am the LORD, I change not (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Wikimedia Commons

Praise, like water cascading over a mountainside, spews forth in times of prosperity and victory. Yet, it is the disciplined mind focused amid conflict, disruption, and affliction that is able to sing the praises of Him Who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. This distinction separates the seasoned from the novice.

It is a lesson not easily learned. But, once learned the benefits are unforgettable.

Paul and Silas knew the secret. They sang at midnight while in prison! Although the enemy had disrupted their lives, he had not stolen their peace!

True Story

In 2004, I had a physical problem that just wouldn’t go away. No one knew exactly what it was. Poison Ivy? Poison Sumac? Poison Oak? Whatever it was nothing worked on it!
It consumed my every thought.
Nothing I tried helped. And believe me, I tried several remedies. I went so far as to try a home remedy. No. Vinegar didn’t work. Yes, I smelled like pickles.

It seemed like the more I prayed the worse it became.

Now, we all know a battle easily won is not always remembered. But a battle of attrition will eventually bring you to the end of yourself. And guess what. That’s where you’ll find God waiting.

In my affliction, God was teaching me something—and giving me something.
While lying on the floor, begging for relief, I heard a still small voice. “Can you praise Me now?”

At that point, I was willing to try anything! I began to praise Him while still on the floor. Then something arose inside of me as memories of His faithfulness rolled through my mind. No longer was I focused on my problems, but on the One Who could change my circumstance.

The itching and the pain eased. It wasn’t too long after that every sign was gone.

From that experience came healing and the song ” He Is Still God.”

Reflection

If you’re in the midst of a struggle and nothing has helped, try giving God praise. Recall what He has done. Then declare:

As His child, God directs my steps.
He orders my life.
I will yield to His hands.
I will claim His Word.
I will cling and declare His promises.
I will stand believing.
He will deliver me!
I will not accept defeat!
I will think on His past faithfulness.
For by His grace, I will finish this race victoriously!

Press On!