“Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
Bless our God, O peoples;
let the sound of his praise be heard,
who has kept our soul among the living
and has not let our feet slip.
For you, O God, have tested us;
you have tried us as silver is tried.
You brought us into the net;
you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
you let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance…
Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
I cried to him with my mouth,
and high praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But truly God has listened;
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God,
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me!” Psalm 66:5-12,16-20
There is much that shakes our world: governments and kingdoms vie against each other and divide within; tempests threaten and destroy; diseases wrack bodies and minds and families. But with God Almighty at the helm, it can be well with our souls. In His Name, we are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
Come and see what He has done! Remember when circumstances were overwhelming, and He made a way? When you did not know how you would endure the pain, the waiting, the loss, and He held back the onslaught and brought you through to the other side, marveling at His grace? Remember when you felt lost, alone, and wondered if He even knew what you suffered, and you realized all the time His eye was on you and He was present to calm and comfort and provide? (Genesis 16:6-13; 1 Kings 17:1-9)
Remember when you almost slipped into bitterness, revenge, despondence, or despair, and He lifted your head and held you firm? Remember when tested with the heat of temptation, an entanglement of a difficult relationship, or burden of concern how He broke open the tight squeeze into a broad place of freedom and grace? Remember how the fire of conviction and flood of guilt and shame led to confession, abundance of mercy, and praise?
Though body and mind be punched and jostled, the soul rests well in God’s strong keeping. When we come, and return, to see all He has done, we can rejoice in His ongoing rule and steadfast love.
In what situations do I need to remind myself that God listens, delivers, and does great things for my soul?
“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul!’” ~Horatio Gates Spafford (1828-1888)
Blessed be You, my gracious God, for Your keeping of my soul. May it ever praise Your high and holy name.
As the rain and snow 