My Troubles

Psalm 119:71 (MSG)
My troubles turned out all for the best--they forced me to learn from Your textbook.

This is so true, isn't it?  When things are circumstantially difficult, I am driven to His Word for security, guidance, and truth.  When everything is coming up smelling like roses, I am less likely to fall to my knees in desperation for Him. 

Looming storm clouds.

I will never understand why some of us have to carry the weight of the world.  Nor will I ever comprehend the reasons for why there are those who bare so many more burdens than others.  Nope...I'll never figure it out this side of heaven.  But, if I were to get a tiny glimpse into a benefit of our troubles, this verse might just be the key to unlocking the first door.

For today...I take heart that my troubles might actually be assisting me to lean on Him to a greater extent.  Those trials could possibly be allowing Christ to shine out of me instead of "me" shine out of me.  Kyanne Weaver said it beautifully in her post "Camouflage" from her blog:  Cavewoman Speaks (Sending Out Hope Signals For Cave People Everywhere) when she said, "Be encouraged to know that it isn't, never has been and never will be you who shines for Christ. It's Christ Who shines for Christ...in you."  (To read her full post click here .)

Father,
Thank you for Your Word that sustains us and teaches us to learn how to glorify You....instead of ourselves.
In Christ's Name,
Amen

The Skies Of Light

Psalm 136:7(MSG)
The God who filled the skies with light, His love never quits.

I love the way the light is reflecting off of the water in this picture.  If you study it closely, you can even see the clouds in the sky mirrored in the gentle ripples.  In order for our path to be illuminated we must have light's presence.  I can't see anything in the dark!  Light is a gift from the Lord that He knew we would need and a daily reminder of His love for us!

I frequently repeat His word, literally out loud, and often in my mind when I am struggling with any number of things.  The following verse has given me courage (not the absence of fear, but the ability to proceed) in many times of trouble.  In a particularly difficult season of my young daughter's life, she was experiencing a great deal of fear, so we memorized this verse together.  The strength she received was extremely faith building for both of us.  His Word is so powerful!

Psalm 27:1(NIV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? (Italics mine.)

Father,

Thank you for the physical light that You provide for us every day.  Thank you also for the light of Your word to guide my steps and give me a sure foundation of hope to stand on in all circumstances. 

Amen

The Beacon

Proverbs 6:23(MSG)
For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path.

Webster's Dictionary defines the word beacon as:  A light for warning or guiding.  If good teaching is the light, then how extremely important is it that we have sound leadership to follow in this ridiculously dark world?  If that leadership is going to guide and warn us about trouble.....it must surely need to be strongly connected to the power of the Holy Spirit.  Yep....I better be on my toes to make sure that I'm following the right leader!

The second part of this verse is a great reminder....the path I walk on needs to reflect that Christ is my focus.  My behaviors, attitudes, service, and words all need to be morally disciplined.  Phew...sometimes that's hard...but..Philippians 4:13(NIV) says, ~"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

God,
I'm pretty tired tonight...I'm so glad to be worshipping a God who never slumbers, who never gets worn out, who never changes!  You are my peace....good night.