In case you haven’t noticed, it feels like the world has gone crazy; at least in my little part of it. Between devastating fires, a pandemic and so many losing their jobs through no fault of their own, it can feel like there is more to complain about than there is to be thankful for. When I find myself struggling to find something positive, I am drawn to my Bible. I am reminded that nothing surprises my God, because He created everything anyway.
I still feel sad for the loss that so many of us are feeling, but I am encouraged by the words I find written by real people that have experienced the same, and sometimes more, pain, frustration and anguish and yet they still had the ability to be thankful and praise God.
So I want to encourage you today, my friend. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, remember God is in control and He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us…NEVER!
I love Psalms 139 and the reminders I find there of His unexplainable love and care. It makes me want to do everything I can to stay close to Him, to snuggle in under His wings of protection! I pray that God will use these words to give you hope and maybe nudge you a little closer to the Father. Love and blessings to you all!
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head, such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night – but even in the darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
– Psalms 139 (NLT)
