Friday, September 18, 2020

Singing Mountains

 

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 NIV

As the word of the Lord takes root in us, even our natural surroundings take on a brighter appearance. Just like joyful music, the beauty of the mountains and hills will put a happy song in our hearts. As the trees’ leaves blow in the wind, it will seem like they are clapping their applause to the Lord. All around us, we will feel that nature is rejoicing at the goodness and love of the Lord. The many miracles of growth, metamorphosis, and flowering will remind us of the amazing creator. The blessings of tasty, nutritious food will remind us of the Lord’s provision for us.  Animals in their wonderful diversity, that fill our landscapes and homes, will inspire smiles with their playful antics or awe at their strength and beauty.  Joy in and with the Lord’s creation, peace in the knowledge of God’s enduring care, these are  fruits of God’s Holy Spirit living in us.

Thank you, Lord for your gift of creation. We marvel as your incredible works.  I pray that the work of conviction by your Holy Spirit will root out the weeds of selfishness, pride and greed in my heart so that I may, day by day, see you more clearly.                                  

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Flourishing in Love

 

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 NIV

We flourish when we are loved. The strongest, most basic need of any human is to be loved and to be assured that the love will never stop. Because human love is often precarious, it can be hard to believe that God’s love is steady and eternal. We can read the Bible and its declarations of God’s love for us.  We can read about Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for our salvation, and yet the truth of what is said can get stuck in our heads and never make it to our hearts. We assent to the knowledge of God’s love with our intellect but doubts still trouble us. It is a truly wonderful gift when the default setting of our life is a warm and deep conviction of God’s intimate love for us. When we receive that gift, nothing else  troubles us to any great extent.

Lord, I pray that your people will not grow discouraged by doubts of your love. I pray that they will keep searching and asking for a deep, deep relationship with you. I thank you, Lord, that you have given me a taste of the glorious love that awaits me in heaven.

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

A Bad Tooth

 

“Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.” Proverbs 25:19 NIV

The book of Proverbs is full of wonderful similes and metaphors that we can relate to. It is impossible to ignore the pain of a toothache or a sore foot, and, in the same way, the disappointment of being let down by someone in our time of need is a hurt that hits us hard. We may believe that a friend or relative would be ready to help us when we need support but that is not always the case.  As well, those, who are not only unfaithful to us, but unfaithful to God will not be a lighthouse in a storm to guide and protect us as they lack the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.  Search out friends who live close to the Lord and they will more likely be reliable in times of trouble.

I pray that I will not be the bad tooth or the lame foot. I pray that I will be a support to friends and family during their difficult times. It isn’t always easy to share others’ burdens but God can strengthen me to carry the load.