"Hear me, O Lord; for thy loving-kindness is good; turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies." Psalm 69:16
We all will walk through dark days, sometime in our lives, as we walk on, by faith, in our Christian journey with the Lord. There is an old saying which says, "Into every life a little rain must fall."
We know God's Word tells us, "It rains upon the just and the unjust,"Êand the Lord makes his sun to rise on both the evil and the good. No matter how dark things may seem, because of problems all around, we still have the light of the Lord, living within, to show us the way and to have a better day.
We look all around us and can see that bad things do happen to good people. God knows all about every problem and woe, and can give peace in the midst of the storms. Sickness, death, financial problems, pain, and suffering cannot stop God's plan for his children. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
There are many times when we will partake of the cup of sorrows, or suffering, and can remember the Lord says there is a sharing of the fellowship of his sufferings. We can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. In our weakness, He will be our strength as we determine to take one day at a time and let Jesus be Lord of each day.
The Apostle Paul said, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death."
Paul had a thorn in the flesh, but found God's grace was sufficient. He wentÊthrough many trials and tribulations, but was able to say (as he neared the end) that he had "fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith." Paul knew a crown of righteousness was laid up for him, in heaven, for being faithful while on earth.
We have the promise of our Lord that he will never allow one to go through more than which they can bear. Through it all, his strength will be there to carryÊhis children when the burdens may seem heavy or they grow weary. His graceÊand tender mercies are sufficient, and his loving-kindness is new every morning.
If things seem to look downward, we must look upwardÊto the One whoÊis able to change circumstances - as He gives peace and joy. When we haveÊJesus, dark days do not last. Behind every cloud there is said to be a silver lining. God is there and his Word is with us, and given to us to help see us through.Ê
"The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth,Êpurified seven times." Psalm 12: 6
Great is His faithfulness and He is greatly to be praised.
If you are walking through a valley, the Lord is walking with you - to lead and guideÊeach step of the way. His Word tells us, "For thou, O God, hast proved us; thou hastÊtried us, as silver is tried." The trying of one's faith worketh patience and we are toldÊto let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, nothing wanting. This speaks to us of spiritual growth and maturity as one goes forward in the Lord.
What the enemy means for harm, God can take and use for His purpose - as He prevents schemes against his children from prospering. His tender mercies will always be there, for tough times, to see one through. He is an "Awesome God" who isÊfaithful and true. His light will be there, in the darkest night, to guide as, in His love, we abide.
May God be glorified today and always!
Jo Ann
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