As the rain and snow

“When my soul was embittered,
    when I was pricked in heart,
I was brutish and ignorant;
    I was like a beast toward you.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:21-28

Asaph the psalmist wrestles with ugly angst over the prosperity of the wicked until he enters God’s sanctuary and gets his mindset corrected. They might have temporary success here on earth, but their security is slippery and evasive. He, though embittered, is held by the merciful Lord in the present and forever. He acknowledges that God holds his hand, redirects his emotions, guides with His counsel, strengthens and fulfills, is always and ever near as his soul’s refuge. Here is where he delights and finds the deepest desires satisfied. (Psalm 73:2-20)

If we enter days on the defensive, mired in comparison and status and posturing, or as victims resentfully complaining and blaming others, we make ourselves (and everyone around us) miserable. It may be natural to struggle with resentment against others’ unjust success, or our own lack of reward for earnest efforts, but it is not a spiritually healthy place to reside. Brash bitterness makes for brutishness of spirit and demeanor.

How we handle perceived unfairness rests in how we use our hands. Meddling and poking and pointing with disdain breeds beastliness, while drawing back when He prods to take the hand of the Lord turns both focus and attitude to His wondrous, secure hold. He repositions attention and reorders affections. He fills us with good things with which to be satisfied and to serve. He constantly abides to prove His worthiness to be trusted. He transforms turmoil of heart to strength rooted in Him, our portion forever. Would we set our sights on Him and bless His name? (Psalm 103:1-8; Colossians 3:1-2)

Whom do we envy, and see ourselves as inferior or insufficient? On what do we fixate that breeds anger or resentment? When and what do we fear? Do we spend more time and energy looking askance at others and bewailing our circumstances, or up to heaven from where comes our help and strength? Opening our fists, correcting priorities, and redirecting thought to gratitude for His eternal sufficiency reminds us how good it is to be near God. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Joshua 1:9; Psalm 16:8-11; 18:35; 121:1-2; Isaiah 41:10)

“Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water,
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea,
Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently,
By putting your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee.” ~Gene McLellan (1970)

Lord, steer my thoughts and hold my hand.

“O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God: Thus says the Lord God to the mountains and the hills, the ravines and the valleys, the desolate wastes and the deserted cities, which have become a prey and derision to the rest of the nations all around..: I swear that the nations that are all around you shall themselves suffer reproach.

“But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they will soon come home. For behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown. And I will multiply people on you, the whole house of Israel, all of it. The cities shall be inhabited and the waste places rebuilt. And I will multiply on you man and beast, and they shall multiply and be fruitful. And I will cause you to be inhabited as in your former times, and will do more good to you than ever before. Then you will know that I am the Lord… And I will not let you hear anymore the reproach of the nations, and you shall no longer bear the disgrace of the peoples and no longer cause your nation to stumble, declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 36:4,7-11,15

Ezekiel’s prophecy burst into and bathed desolate Israel with hope. They’d been toppled from the heights, crushed by the enemy, possessed as prey, fodder for derision and contempt, yet the Lord’s eye was on them. He would settle accounts, He would return and restore His beloved own.

When we are in the midst of an onslaught- external pressures or threats, misunderstandings, vitriolic relationships or debilitating circumstances, or internal conflicts or discouragement- relief is distant, hope elusive. It is hard to see beyond roiling turmoil or imagine the other side of imminent doom or failure. Disgrace and shame loom large, and paralyze, and suffocate. How could we ever be restored, or rise again?

Only God. Not only is He in the business of redemption, but He lavishly loves His children, and His way is redemption. He sent His Son to face disgrace head-on, bear it bleeding on the cruel cross, and vanquish it forever.

God’s people defiled and defile their holy calling, and deserve His wrath. In grace, and for the sake of His holiness, Jesus cleanses, delivers, recreates, invigorates, and rebuilds. In removing our disgrace His grace is on glorious display. Purity for filth, hope for despair, fruitfulness for desolation. He works a splendid conversion to make Himself known. (Ezekiel 36:16-36)

Where do we stand? Are we frozen in permanent shame, riddled with guilt, fearful of being known? Are we weary from struggling to improve ourselves or our lot, frustrated at circumstances, spitting blame? Have we experienced God’s kind cleansing, yet still harbor hardness of heart?

When the Lord’s fresh redeeming breath blows, restoring takes hold and spreads. Holy sun rises to lift spiritual fog, disgrace dissolves in freedom and joy. Divine life blooms in rich and fruitful color.

In whatever state we are, the Lord sees and loves us. He never betrays His character or His own. When will we welcome His full and ready redemption? (Romans 8:28-39)

Father, have full sway with me so I flourish for You.

“Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart… You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it… Now keep for David what you promised him, saying, “You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me…^” Let your word be confirmed…

“’Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to [this] prayer, O Lord my God,.. that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, “My name shall be there…” Listen to [thus] plea.., when [we] pray toward this place. Listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.'” 1 Kings 8:22-30

King Solomon had completed building the temple and the priests had set the ark of the covenant in place. Spreading his hands toward heaven before Israel, Solomon prayed, exalting the limitless loving God. Recounting His faithfulness, he boldly asked His continued favor and forgiveness on His weak and needy people as he dedicated them and the temple to God’s honor. (1 Kings 8:31-63)

Man’s work and prayer should always be intertwined. We contain afflictions of the heart, fickle devotion, and wandering affections, but also, by grace, the Spirit of God. When He calls us to specific roles and duties, He intends to flood our efforts with holy energy and purpose, and we have the privilege of calling on His help. If our work is truly for Him, we’ll seek His pleasure and blessing, and dedicate any achievement to His renown. (Ephesians 1:13-14; 6:5-7; Colossians 3:23-24)

In the flesh, we often turn inward, or forward with narrow focus. Driven by self-determined plans, we push to accomplish for our own ends. One deed done, we move to the next, with nary a thought to the Lord’s high intent or eternity.

When we lift aim, efforts, and hands to heaven, a broader vision opens with our outstretched arms. We glimpse higher purposes, we want others to know His majesty and grace. We take on assignments as part of His story, believing He who began the good work before us will complete it long after we’re finished. We do our part as mere vessels containing and displaying the uncontainable Almighty. (1 Corinthians 3:10-13; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

To what ministry has the Lord called us in this season? How do our efforts contain and manifest the uncontainable God? What change of heart or practice can we implement to dedicate our work to Him and make Him known? When we are deliberate in offering ourselves for God’s purposes and pleasure, He is ready to bless. (Psalm 90:17)

Lord, keep me in humbled awe at Your grace and greatness, so my work brings You the honor You deserve.

“Lord, you were favorable to your land;
    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people;
    you covered all their sin. 
You withdrew all your wrath;
    you turned from your hot anger.

Restore us again, O God of our salvation…
Will you not revive us again,
    that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
    and grant us your salvation.”

“Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy…
For you are good and forgiving,
    abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you…

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
    nor are there any works like yours…
You are great and do wondrous things;
    you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    unite my heart to fear your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol…

You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Turn and be gracious to me…
You, Lord, have helped and comforted me.” Psalm 85:1-4,6-7; 86:1,5,8,10-13,15-17

The psalmists’ know that God’s anger is righteous, and that by nature He is merciful and forgiving. All restoration flows from His steadfast love. They also know the brokenness that Christ came to restore, and that His wondrous work begins by uniting the human heart. His lavish redemption must meet the willing sinner to effect its gracious revival.

In daily stresses and conundrums, we turn to many a solution. Tackle quick issues, ignore bothersome ones, solve problems, delegate responsibilities. Failures of completion, fortitude, or morality can eat at us, yet we placate unease with distraction or angst over the only true resolution.

Enter the grace-filled God who woos us to submission. He lifts thought and turns affection to desire His wholeness. He plants the plea for a united heart, then masterfully accomplishes the work. We are the settled and grateful beneficiaries, freed to rejoice.

Where are we yearning for restoration- of vitality in prayer, passion for righteousness, strained relationships, clear direction? What hidden places of the soul- stores of stubbornness, disdain, resentment, blame, personal rights- are resisting the Lord’s intervention? What foreign loves or misguided fears, ugly attitudes or extenuating pressures divide our hearts? What pride holds us back from surrendering our wills to God’s gracious healing?

The great Redeemer longs to restore, to make right and whole. He made us for wondrous things and beckons us come. If we truly want His sway over all of us, we will yield our folly and fractured devotion to His loving management, and be restored. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

“Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind;
in purer lives Thy service find,
in deeper rev’rence, praise.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress,
and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of Thy peace.” ~John Greenleaf Whittier (1872)

Lord, restore my soul and undivided heart so I rightly fear and praise Your name.

“Solomon loved the Lord… God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.^‘ Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father… And you have… given him a son to sit on his throne.., although I am but a child. I do not know how to go out or come in. [I am] in the midst of your people.., too many to be numbered… Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern your great people?’

“God said,.. ‘I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you [nor] shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you.’” 1 Kings 3:3,5-8,11-13

“Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.” Mark 10:51-52

King David had just died, and Solomon had inherited the kingdom. When the Lord appeared and asked what He should give him, Solomon humbly recounted His steadfast love to David and, admitting his inadequacy to serve God’s great people as king, asked for wisdom. Bartimaeus the blind beggar, when asked by Jesus what he wanted Him to do for him, boldly asked for recovered sight. Both royalty and pauper acknowledged his own inability, and confidence in the One they knew was able and willing to do what they asked. And they received beyond their imagining. (1 Kings 4:29-34)

How and what do we ask of God? Provincial thinking and narrow, selfish living can reduce potential prayers to wish lists for ease and smooth sailing. We might live with such limited vision that we cannot imagine possibilities beyond our conventional, manicured scope.

Or, we might be in such desperate longtime straits that we cannot envision anything different. Why ask God when things never change? Certainly there’s no broader purpose or anything deeper I’m to learn about myself or Him when all I can do is survive?

We limit hope before the limitless God! Do we think too much of ourselves and too little of Him? Why settle for spiritual mediocrity? We converse with an all-powerful king! Why do we ask so little?

What if we approached prayer as a mendicant before the benevolent, merciful Sovereign of the universe? In glorious splendor, compassion, and generosity. He inquires what He can do for us. What would we ask if we could have anything possible, knowing His ways are higher than ours, His plans good, eternal, and sanctifying? (Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 4:19)

What particular wisdom, patience, or grace do we lack in home and workplace? What physical or material needs are distracting and burdensome? What angst over loved ones do we carry alone? Would we ask Jesus? Would we trust His love, mercy, desire, and bounty? What do we have not because we have asked not? (Matthew 7:7-8; James 4:2-3)

Ephesians 3:20-21

Lord, may I boldly ask and ever be grateful and amazed at Your abundantly more.

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work… 

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God… They will glorify God because of your submission that comes from… the generosity of your contribution for them and all others, while they long for and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10-14

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.” Luke 12:48

God’s ways and thinking have always been higher than man’s, and one place this is particularly and obviously emphasized is in man’s view of bounty. Man thinks he’s in control of earning and increase, yet all we own is from God. Man invests and amasses for quantity’s sake within a limited perspective of time, while the Lord is concerned with motive and end and eternal value. Man holds onto, God gives away. The scriptures teach how to connect human drive with heavenly mindset, to think rightly here below about handling what the Lord entrusts to His children. The Lord always out-gives what man can produce or offer. (Proverbs 3:9-10; Ecclesiastes 11:1; Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17)

The world has such an inverted view of numbers. We make much of accumulation and excess, and so little of sacrifice. In divine math, God calls us to abound in giving, and in heavenly measure we receive all the more. (Proverbs 11:24-25; Luke 6:38; Romans 12:6-8)

How cheerfully do I give? How loose is my hold on what the Lord has loaned to me? When have I prayed over my resources and released them for His kingdom? What is the Lord leading me to change about my attitude and execution of divine math?

“Lord, you love the cheerful giver,
who with open heart and hand
blesses freely, as a river
that refreshes all the land.
Grant us then the grace of giving
with a spirit large and free,
that our life and all our living
we may consecrate to thee.

Blest by thee with gifts and graces,
may we heed thy church’s call;
gladly in all times and places
give to thee who givest all.
Thou hast bought us, and no longer
can we claim to be our own;
ever free and ever stronger,
we shall serve thee, Lord, alone.

Thine own life thou freely gavest
as an off’ring on the cross
for each sinner whom thou savest
from eternal shame and loss.
Humbly now we bow before thee,
and our all to thee resign;
for the kingdom, pow’r, and glory
are, O Lord, forever thine.” ~Robert Murray (1898)

Lord, open my fists to praise You for Your astounding, ongoing bounty.

“Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men…

“I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him.” 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; 12:18

Paul names many servants of Christ in his letters. Fellow missionaries, church leaders, varied ministers are often described, commended, and greeted. His repeated mention of the mysterious ‘brother’ to the Corinthians highlights the aim of his life: Christ exalted, self abased. A fellow traveler with Paul, an earnest and dynamic preacher of the gospel, a stalwart among missionaries, he remains nameless, ‘the brother’ hidden behind the Lord he portrays.

Oh, how man relishes being famous! Striving to be known for achievements, acquaintances, attainments, endorsements, individuals pose and post, present and pop off to put their names in lights. Pretense and puff, any notoriety for temporal accomplishments and superficial experiences, are spiritually insubstantial in God’s sight. There may be no hiding of opinion or activity, but likely much concealing of an empty soul.

For the Christian, the gospel is primary. Those sold out to Jesus want Him seen, known, and adored. The richer our relationship with Him, the more He increases and we decrease. We live and serve to make Him famous, to glorify His name, increasingly fulfilling our God-created purpose. Is this our desire? (Isaiah 49:3; John 3:30; 1 Corinthians 2:2-5)

We may say we want to honor God, but what do our words and actions betray? Are we more about posturing self, or presenting Christ? Does insecurity or fear hide our faith, or do we gladly, boldly, hide behind Him?

What evidence is there in our demeanor, attitudes, actions, and speech that we’ve been marked by the Word? How does it daily adorn our countenance, shape affections, inform decisions? How can we, as a called brother or sister, serve earnestly, befriend faithfully, and preach honorably, so Jesus Christ- His name and power and graces and salvation- are made famous?

Worthy Lord, cover me in You so my life brings You alone the praise and fame You deserve.

“I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

“For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. Therefore we are comforted.

“And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.” 2 Corinthians 7:4b-13

Paul was a man of many passions, and giftedness to stir and communicate their effectiveness. Addressing the Corinthian church as beloved, he conveys the deep comfort he’s experienced by their grief, mourning, longing, zeal, and ultimate shared peace. Christ’s gospel faithfully preached had held sway to glorious ends. They responded to it in godly grief leading to repentance and salvation, adorned with holy comfort for both conveyer and convicted.

No one likes affliction. We may have been trained and matured by it, and grown in our love for and dependence on the Lord because of it, but on the front side, no one chooses it. The Lord is kind to give perspective from every angle, repeatedly highlighting the hope that accompanies suffering and how the Lord works through it to His ends. His Spirit is always a balm to the soul.

Are we experiencing ‘no rest… fighting without and fear within’? What is the cause of our trouble? How willing are we to explore the possibilities? If we honestly seek Him, the Lord will reveal if and where we have wandered away and entertained other gods, to our detriment. A humble heart will welcome His conviction, and submit to its gracious leading to repentance and freedom. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Whether we have been the iron sharpening iron or the recipient of hard truth, both will likely play on our journey to spiritual maturity. Where have I been instrumental in pointing out error with a broken heart? How have I been stretched and restored by godly sorrow? God lovingly mingles both grief and comfort in the earnest believer. (Proverbs 27:17; Ephesians 4:12-16)

Lord, please use me, and every affliction, to encourage others and magnify You.

“Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

“He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.’ As he spoke, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking. He said to me, ‘Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” And whether they hear or refuse to hear… they will know that a prophet has been among them… Be not afraid of them, nor of their words,.. nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.  You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear…

“’Hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.’ And when I looked, a hand was stretched out to me, and a scroll of a book was in it… It had… words of lamentation and mourning and woe.

“And he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat… this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat… It was in my mouth as sweet as honey.

“And he said, ‘Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them.'” Ezekiel 1:28-3:4

God’s call to Ezekiel set straight for whom the prophet was to speak. Sent to the people of Israel to announce God’s judgment was a task to be taken for God’s sake, not personal satisfaction or hoped-for, grand results. Dare Ezekiel think his power or finesse would convince the people of its verity, or convict them of their impudence, God warned him that they were a stubborn, rebellious house. He should not fear nor be shaken, simply faithful to the command before His glory.

It is natural to want our work to be effective, our efforts to make a difference wherever they are applied. The Lord often gives us assignments meant to accomplish measurable results. We thrive at working and serving in and among people and want to experience the reward.

But sometimes, His call is issued with unseen ends, and His work goes forth under the glorious arc of His authority yet without visible or positive response. It is vital that in everything we serve the Lord Christ alone. When the faithful One calls, He expects faithfulness in return,. We must trust Him with the results. (Ephesians 6:6-7; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

What ministry or workplace has the Lord assigned that challenges our patience or fortitude? Are we easily discouraged at witnessing to those unwilling to listen or cooperate? How can we redirect our obedience for Christ’s sake? As long as we answer to our gracious Lord, we’ll know freedom and joy.

Lord, may I faithfully speak Your sweet word as unto You.

“For you, O Lord, are my hope,
    my trust from my youth.
Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;
    you are he who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.

I have been as a portent to many,
    but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
    and with your glory all the day.
Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
    forsake me not when my strength is spent…

But I will hope continually
    and will praise you yet more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
    of your deeds of salvation all the day,
    for their number is past my knowledge.
With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come…

O God, from my youth you have taught me,
    and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
    O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
    your power to all those to come.
Your righteousness, O God,
    reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
    O God, who is like you?
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
    will revive me again;..
    you will bring me up again.
You will… comfort me again.

I will also praise you
    for your faithfulness, O my God….
My tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long.” Psalm 71:5-9,14-22,24

The psalmist, in very present trouble, cries to the Lord who is from everlasting to everlasting. He folds his need and anguish into the vast faithfulness and abiding strength of God, believing that the One who has kept him thus far will deliver again. His long view serves well both trust and hope, and is ever stretched with praise. (Psalm 46:1; 90:1-2)

The devil delights in fixating us on the immediate, be it pleasure or problem, distracting us from lessons of the past or consideration of future consequence or accountability. He would obliterate the concept of an eternal God and serve us instant gratification or solution. Living with such a mindset voids gratitude and hope.

As God’s children, we have the joy and privilege of tracing His eternally good hand, His personal involvement in our creation, place, and purpose as well as His constant working of His will. As His word spans history from eternity past to glory in His presence, it is our foundation and compass for present living. The Author and perfecter of our faith is intimately involved in all our ways and sanctification. (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 29:11; John 1:1; Acts 17:24-26; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:2-3)

When have we thanked God for His fashioning us in the womb, superintending the circumstances and family of our birth, our years of youth, His deeds through every age, continuation of generations? How does an eternal view of His working for our good lift spirits in present pressures and angst? How can the sure hope of eternal glory strengthen us to endure, the promise of seeing Christ inspire and fortify faith in darkness and uncertainty? The longer view back we have of God’s faithfulness, the clearer will be our sight forward toward promises fulfilled. (Romans 8:28-30; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 11:1; 1 Peter 5:10)

Lord, may all the day long become all life long as I trust in and exalt Your name.