Author: astherainandsnow

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You return man to dust…
For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers…
You have set our iniquities before you,
    our secret sins in the light of your presence.

For all our days pass away under your wrath;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
The years of our life are seventy,
    or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
    they are soon gone, and we fly away…

So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom…
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    and for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be shown to your servants,
    and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and establish the work of our hands upon us;
    yes, establish the work of our hands!” Psalm 90:1-6,8-10,12,14-17

God who has been from everlasting created man within earthly time, establishing orbits and rhythms of days and years before fashioning man to dwell in their sphere. He has planted eternity in our hearts, yet in the flesh we perceive and handle spans of time as those who see in a mirror dimly. Our internal yearning may reach beyond the here and now, and future we imagine, yet we are bound by time and space in the finite here below. The infinities of our Almighty quicken and inspire, yet by their nature are beyond grasp. (Genesis 1:1-2,14-19,26-28; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 103:11-12; Ecclesiastes 3:11; 1 Corinthians 13:12)

As God’s children we are given the task of steward over and within time. Each is entrusted with a certain number of days known only to God, each determines how to manage them. Like a bridge span stretching from one place to the next, God’s ordained spans of time are to be traveled from now to then, here to there, in one direction with purity, power, and eternal purpose. (Job 14:5; Psalm 139:16; Isaiah 43:7; Acts 17:26-28; 1 John 3:2-3)

The span is not all smooth and hum. Clouds can threaten from above, water may churn underneath. Toil and trouble pock the way, and secret sins cause miserable afflictions, but God’s love is unfailing and His destination sure. His mercies are new every morning, and conviction of evil leads to gladness in His power to redeem. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

How are we handling the time God has entrusted to us? What need we change to move from biding to making the most, from sigh to song? In what ways will we work to minister truth, redemption, comfort, and encouragement along our way?

Lord, may my every moment serve to reflect Your excellencies, present Your life, spread Your light, and bring You glory.

“But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:10

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:8-10

“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'” Revelation 21:2-4

Phrases and ditties too often become rote and meaningless, but there are some that ring so true we would be wise to emblazon them on our hearts and repeat them often as a heavenly mantra. In this life of trials, disappointments, and sufferings, we must remember God’s good promise that this state is not forever, this too shall pass. There is a joy set before us that spurs us on to endure present difficulties, and just knowing that lends strength and hope to endure. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Hebrews 12:2-3)

Our loving Lord knows the way that we take. He is intimately acquainted with all of our ways, and is merciful, compassionate, and purposeful, welcoming us always to His throne of grace. He tries us, measures the suffering we experience and sifts it through His love, all the while supporting and establishing us. His ends are always accomplished. We are called to eternal glory, and have sure hope we will be with Jesus forever, seeing Him face to face and relishing fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11; 103:8; 139:3; Isaiah 46:10; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 3:2)

So why are you downcast, my soul, my friend? Keep your eyes on Jesus who has gone before you, and on eternity, where all will be well! Put and establish forever your hope in God, your Savior! Let the ‘this’ we want to pass be the very vehicle by which we rejoice! (Psalm 42:4-7,11)

How does my vision need refocusing?

“Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.

The men of grace have found
Glory begun below;
Celestial fruits on earthly ground
From faith and hope may grow.

The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets
Before we reach the heav’nly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.

Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground
To fairer worlds on high.

We’re marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord Jesus, keep me marching in triumph in this dark world, with eyes and heart securely fixed in realms on high.

“The path of the righteous is level;
    you make level the way of the righteous.
In the path of your judgments,
    O Lord, we wait for you;
your name and remembrance
    are the desire of our soul.” Isaiah 26:7-8

“Make level the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:26

“Make level paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:13

When the slope to relief is impossibly steep, or the vale of tears too heavy and deep, we long for a level path. When the message catches our breath, or circumstances forebode danger, dread may render us frozen and block that path. The comfort we can know in even the hardest of situations is that the One who bids us make our way level is the Way-maker. He as Almighty Pioneer goes before us to whack away overgrowth of weariness and despair, clear the stones of fear and doubt, and make the way clear.

So how can we respond to mountain steeps of difficulty and valleys of despond? How do we approach challenging narrow paths before us when it seems all the world is going the wide other way? What about natural disadvantages, or lack, that make the way extra rough? It is key that the path itself not be our end, but that the end dictate our path. Is God’s name and remembrance the primary desire of our soul? Can we set out each day passionately to walk in His steps and honor His name? (1 Peter 2:21)

Once our destination is set, it’s important we determine the pace for our long-haul journey. Are we leveling our emotions and thoughts by waiting for the Lord, taking unhurried time in His word, thinking on His judgments and works and grappling with how we can apply His principles? In every hardship, are we seeking His timing and way- perhaps out, perhaps through? Would we allow time for establishing confidence, and for healing, because we go forth better when we are strong and sure? What obvious or hidden impediments have we too long ignored or excused that need removal? The Lord is faithful to come alongside, chart our course, and keep level our path as we trust in Him, acknowledging His supremacy, and walk in His steps. (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-8; Isaiah 30:20-21)

“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
there is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” ~Thomas O. Chisolm (1923)

Lord, no matter my path, please keep me steady and level in You. Keep me steadfast all along the way, trusting You to guide, and guarding Your glory.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul!
    O Lord my God, you are very great!..

You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
    they flow between the hills;
they give drink to every beast of the field;
    the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;
    they sing among the branches…

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great…

These all look to you,
    to give them their food in due season.
When you give it to them, they gather it up;
    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things…
When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
    and you renew the face of the ground…
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
    for I rejoice in the Lord…
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 104:1,11-12,24-25,27-28,33-35

A dark grey fin pencilled in serpentine through the blue water, a young flat sand shark gliding its way toward the bay. An osprey zeroed down to poke the surface, popped up to rise in hungry, graceful flight, a stunned fish dangling from its talons. A cheery cardinal sang and flitted among glossy sea grapes as a school of striped sheepshead darted beneath. A woodpecker chirped attention to its regal profile against a noble palm, and a heron soaked in the sun. Over the course of a few early moments, a menagerie of God’s creatures greeted the morning with what they were made to do, singing in their own way His glory.

“All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

As unique creatures fashioned by Almighty God, we too have a purpose. Particular action, colors, talents, and callings are entrusted to us to be implemented, honed, and exercised in the chorus of His kingdom. The greater, more exuberant our voice, the richer the music in God’s ears and for the world to notice and desire.

Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship Him in humbleness,
alleluia, alleluia!
To God all thanks and praise belong!
Join in the everlasting song:
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!” ~St. Francis of Assisi (1225)

How deliberate am I each day to ask where my Lord would have me sing, then take time to listen for His answer? Am I faithful to His character in executing my calling, and willing to rejoice when others fulfill theirs differently? Do I get stuck in old tired refrains and refuse new ideas, methods, melodies? How clearly does my life song reflect His beauty and purpose, and robustly encourage others to join?

“All people that on earth do dwell,
sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Serve him with joy, his praises tell,
come now before him and rejoice!” ~William Kethe (1500s)

Amen.

“Listen to the statutes… I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the Lord… is giving you. You shall not add to the word.., nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God…  I have taught you statutes and rules… that you should do them in the land you are entering… Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us..?  And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?

“Take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children— how on the day that you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, [he] said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live…’

“Therefore watch yourselves very carefully… Beware lest you act corruptly… Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord… Keep his statutes and commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and your children, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord is giving you.” Deuteronomy 4:1-2,5-10,15a,16a,23a,40

Moses knew God’s people would enter and take the promised land without him, so he made sure they would take his admonition. He knew that they were God’s treasured people, and wanted them to remain set apart by worshiping Him alone. He knew it was the Lord who gave wisdom and understanding, so he commanded they hold fast to His word. He who was at first reluctant grew strong through obedience and ongoing communion, and knew well the power of receiving and keeping (and not keeping) God’s word. He’d experienced supernatural courage and miracles, and witnessed spoken promises fulfilled, so he conveyed to Israel the supreme importance of knowing and keeping God’s word. (Exodus 3:10-14; 12:29-36; 14:21-31; Hebrews 11:24-28)

It is one thing to hear a message, or about someone’s experience with God, and quite another to deal with Him directly. The alphabet that makes up God’s word comes spiritually alive when the inspired words it composes are heard, applied, and conveyed. Then comes the guarding, the insight, the blessing. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:3)

When and how do we partake? When we close our ears, we calcify the rebel heart that lurks within to our detriment. We shut off and out protections and spiritual wisdom. But when we delight in the word, it becomes to us light and life for the dark pressing world. What are we doing with what we learn, and where will we spread it? (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 4:22; Isaiah 30:9-14; Jeremiah 15:16; Jude 18-21)

My Lord, as one called, beloved, and kept for You, may I faithfully love and keep, live and speak Your holy word, to the praise of Your excellence and power. (Jude 1)

“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.  And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure… No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him… No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God…

“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death… By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:2-3,6,9,14,16-18

When we are brought into a love relationship with Christ, we are crucified with Him so His resurrection life pulses through us. Loving Him, there are certain things we give up out of identity and necessity as His children. Just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down all remnants of the old self to live a life of love in Him. (Romans 6:5-11; Galatians 2:20)

We lay down sinful ways, long-standing self-centered habits that erode fellowship with God and wreak havoc in relationships with others. We are new creatures and His Spirit resides in us in limitless power. He doesn’t coexist well with our pet sins and proclivities. What does John’s test reveal? If we continue in ongoing sin, without conviction or desire to put it away forever, do we really love God? (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We lay down our life for our friends, including preferences, time, and insistence on being right. If we genuinely love, we invest in relationships to bless, console, share deepest selves, and upbuild, not to manipulate, use for our advantage, or win. We prove love when we rejoice with their joys, and hurt when they hurt. When we willingly set aside our interests and agendas for theirs, and generously forgive, releasing all grievances. What parts of my life am I selfishly gripping? (Romans 12:9-19; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Philippians 2:3-8)

We lay down our goods for others’ needs. Closed hearts breed stinginess, greed, and judgment, while generous ones seek ways to supply in Jesus’s name. Are my fists clenched, or open?

“Spirit of God, descend upon my heart, 
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. 
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are, 
and make me love you as I ought to love. 

Teach me to love [as all] your angels love, 
one holy passion filling all my frame: 
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove; 
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.” ~George Croly (1854)

Loving Lord, may I wholly lay down my all for You who’ve given Your all for me. Identify everything errant to which I cling, and by Your grace and power, open my hands and heart to release every bit, and so fill me to overflow with Your love.

“I pleaded with the Lord at that time, saying, ‘O Lord God, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours?  Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’ But the Lord was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me. And the Lord said to me, ‘Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again. Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes westward and northward and southward and eastward, and look at it with your eyes, for you shall not go over this Jordan.” Deuteronomy 3:23-27

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me... Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-11

Moses had been called by God to lead Israel out of Egypt to a good land flowing with milk and honey, and after forty long years he longed to enter that land. His desire to take part in the culmination of God’s promise was certainly natural and appropriate. He pleaded, yet the Lord had said, and now repeated, no. Enough from you. (Exodus 3:7-8,17; Numbers 20:6-12)

Paul had been called out of rebellion and violent antagonism toward Christians to belief and powerful ministry. The Lord foretold he would suffer much for His name’s sake. When he begged to be relieved of his physical ailment, the Lord said no. Three times requesting is enough, because I am enough. (Acts 9:1-16)

When we find that our personal longings, however good and right they seem, are not fulfilled, we learn that our Lord stays our requests with ‘enough’ to teach us He is enough. We may want more, and different, but our Sovereign reminds us His grace is sufficient and His plans are good (and better than ours), and ultimately they lead to more of His glory. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

In what areas of our lives do we plead for relief, or favor, or something other than what is, and the Lord says, ‘Enough’? ‘No need to keep asking, look to Me. Adjust your end goal, reconsider your charms, and think differently. I am your sufficiency. My ways are purposeful, and right for you. Trust Me.’ Are we willing to reset our pursuit from tangible to intangible, from temporal to eternal? When will we say, “enough!” to impatience, covetousness, and discontent, and reckon Christ’s ‘enough’ to cover and cleanse them, and change us? Will we choose to be content with circumstances because we’re content in Christ?

Lord Jesus, help me accept Your ‘enoughs’ by trusting Your unmeasured sufficiency for my every desire, weakness, and wayward penchant. May I ever rejoice in You.

“The Lord our God said to us in Horeb, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all their neighbors in the Arabah, in the hill country and in the lowland and in the Negeb and by the seacoast, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates.  See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them.’” Deuteronomy 1:6-8

Israel’s magnificent deliverance from Egypt was a remarkable feat of God. Their behavior following was, in contrast, remarkably terrible. Although they had witnessed the power and tenacious love of God for their nation through the Red Sea, they turned self-ward and lost their high view of Him. They complained, blinded to His good purposes, and by default let their shallow faith atrophy. And they grew comfortable in that soft place. One generation passed away, having failed to impart courage and vision to the next. (Exodus 12:33-41; 13:21-14:31; Deuteronomy 1:19-46)

But not all perished, and not all were weak. Moses, Caleb, and Joshua kept the torch burning, and it was now time to move. (Deuteronomy 2:13-18)

There is danger to becoming too comfortable. We settle on mountains of ease and lovely views, and allow heavenly perspective and boldness to wane. Vision gets tucked in to sleep, sliding into a dream and never progressing to action. Our ears prefer lullabies over fresh calling of God, so the will to obey relaxes, and zeal snoozes. Not only do we miss out on experiencing the wondrous works of God and the blessings of obedience, but we fail to inspire those who come behind us, rendering ineffective another generation. (Psalm 78:4; 84:12; 145:4-7)

On what mountain have we stayed long enough? The mount of financial ease and complacency where we’ve grown callous to the needs of others? Of protected living where we’ve lost all bravery for risk? Perhaps even of a daily habit with the Lord that has become rote and meaningless? What new land of generosity, ministry opportunity, or freshly inspired use of unique gifts has the Lord set before us? What change in our daily schedule would afford more time for deep thought, showing affection, renewal of spirit? When will we set out down the haughty hill of self-centeredness and managed control in pursuit of God’s good plan and place?

Whom has the Lord placed behind us who needs vital encouragement to go on? Whom can we influence and point to God by putting away ingrained apathy, or crassness, or resentment, and taking on new land of godliness? How can we take the best from mountain experience to equip us for conquering spiritual enemies and embracing biblical promises? The Lord who calls always equips, His presence our constant companion and His Word our guide. (Joshua 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Lord, keep me brave, and astute to Your calling, settling and moving on always at Your command and for Your glory’s sake. (Numbers 9:17)

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:14-18

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6

“Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!” Psalm 89:5

“Praise the Lord!..

Praise him, sun and moon,
    praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
    and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord!
    For he commanded and they were created.” Psalm 148:1,3-5

The thin fingernail of a moon glisten white against the black sky, nearly cupping the bright planet suspended above. As ink pales to deep violet, then grey-blue, dawn’s embers glow, then blaze along the horizon, heralding the coming sun with glorious fanfare. Indeed, every infinite layer and object of heaven announces the glory of the Creator and Sustainer! And all the hushed while, a lone mockingbird chirrups and cheeps and twitters and choops in staccato cheer through the heaven-kissed air to welcome the morning. (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15-17)

“You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.” Psalm 65:8b

I declare! God made the heavenly lights to rule time by separating day from night, season from season, and giving direction, and revealing the color of things. It is the nature of these lights to exalt Him through beauty, resplendence, orderly movement, and heat. By simply running their course, by swelling at the horizon and pulling the tide, by waxing and waning, by twinkling sparkles to pepper the night, by burning warmth through chill air, and by making plant life grow, all reflect the splendor of their Creator’s design and imagination.

“Let heaven and earth praise Him.” Psalm 69:34

As these orbs of rock and fire suspended by gravity are made to praise Him, so am I. Do I join their song at the start and end and middle of each day? What in my speech, and the way I run my daily course, glorifies God? (Isaiah 43:21; 49:3)

Glorious Lord, may I consistently lift high Your wonders, Your faithfulness, and Your name in all I do and say.

“There will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations…

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:1,6-7

Israel faced turmoil within and opposition from without, so Isaiah’s promise established stability and hope. They roiled in the dark roughness of rebellion, dissension, doubt, and fear, so his message flooded them with light. A Savior was announced. He would come, and was presently given. He upheld them then, and He would still and always. He upholds kings and kingdoms now, and will without end. He rules now, and forever. (Isaiah 1:2-10; 9:8-21)

These promises are foundational for our stability today. Accomplished by the zeal and power of God Almighty, as spoken, they are completed. This child and Son born is Everlasting Father, and we are His adopted children, members of His family forever. He is Prince of Peace, and because He so rules, we need never be tossed to and fro by circumstances. As His kingdom increases, so does His government, and peace. His throne stands and is upheld in purity, righteousness, justice, and has dominion over heaven and earth’s hosts. (John 14:27; Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:4-6)

O friend, how can we be shaken or afraid? He is our Rock and Fortress. Why do we languish in despair and pessimism? He is our hope and comfort. When our souls are downcast, the outlook seems gloomy, and we’re tempted to fret and anguish over what we cannot control, we can know we are held by the same strong arms that carry the government of people and nations and history. Why be downcast? Hope in the Lord, and yet praise Him! (Psalm 18:1-6; 42:5-11; 2 Corinthians 1:2-4)

“Crown him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless king
through all eternity.

Crown him the Lord of peace,
whose power a scepter sways,
from pole to pole that wars may cease
absorbed in prayer and praise;
his reign shall know no end
and round His pierced feet,
fair flowers of paradise extend
their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.” ~Matthew Bridges (1851)

Father, keep me looking at life from the heights where You dwell and reign, ever trusting and extolling Your almighty, righteous rule and greatness.