Author: astherainandsnow

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil…
But the meek shall inherit the land
    and delight themselves in abundant peace...

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:1-8,11,23-24

In order to befriend, we must become familiar and get to know, and actually like. David’s admonition, to himself and to us, is that befriending faithfulness is doable and well worth the investment. In fact, it’s freeing and joyful and the most favorable way to live.

In order to trust in the Lord and do good, there are a few practices we must do without. Sideways glances in comparison, fretting, fear, hatred, and envy will always sully our psyche and behavior. Trusting our own narrow and sin-stained understanding will limit our exercise of faith and progress in spiritual growth. Giving way to impatience, impetuousness, and anger will only impede the slow steady rising of the Lord’s light on our way, and strew rocks on His path. So to befriend faithfulness, we must ‘unfriend’ these penchants, and cleanse ourselves of all foreign devotion. Of which do we need repent? (Proverbs 3:3-7)

Now onto the development of a godly relationship with faith and ongoing habit of faithfulness. These revolves around and are intwined with the Lord- who is faith’s object as well as its source. He is faithful, and develops that quality in His people as we understand His unchanging character and steadfast love.

The commands here are to trust in Him, delight ourselves in Him, commit our way to Him, be still before Him, and wait patiently for Him. Each is tall order, and together- even taller, but all are the right and good way. Each is obeyed decision by decision, courageous step by courageous step, and the farther we go the more clear and bright our path. Faithfulness becomes our sweet companion, the one whose stride we mimic and whose voice directs our choices. Practice becomes joyful habit as the endorphins of spiritual exercise and strength rejuvenate, inspire, and fulfill.

Where are we expending effort and energy in friendships? Is our loyalty to what is transient, superficial, or might get us ahead in this world? Or are we spending time getting to know faithfulness, diligence, and true communion with Christ? How will we improve our familiarity with, and love for, all that delights our Lord?

Father, nurture my friendship with faithfulness. Help me grow in devotion, be worthy of Your confidences, and ever increase in love. (John 15:15-17)

“Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench;
    so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor…
Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,
    and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,
    for calmness will lay great offenses to rest…

A fool multiplies words,
    though no man knows what is to be,
    and who can tell him what will be after him?” Ecclesiastes 10:1,3-4,14

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels.., for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful, self-condemned.” Titus 3:8-11

Foolishness is loud and usually makes much of itself, while wisdom keeps calm and quiet. Why is it we notice the annoying and obvious in others, and are prone to take easy offense and be put off, but are oblivious to the foolishness of our own behavior? Do we not know that it is senseless, and fruitless, to major on minor issues and give way to anger? Rather than stirring up dissension and controversy by escalated emotion and multiplied words, we could make a constructive difference by putting a stop to all that is not good, profitable, or worthwhile.

For the benefit of everyone we encounter, there is much we could stand to put to rest. Perhaps we are touchy, or critical. Maybe we keep a loose hold on our tongue, or find jealousy, selfishness, or resentment poking holes in pure love for others. We may try to cover folly with external polish, but fail to uproot mistaken assumptions and sinful bents. In order to rid, we must name and repent. True calmness sets in, and rest comes, when righteousness reigns, and that only occurs within Christ’s redemption.

Do we desire relationships and atmosphere that promote peace? How careful are we to stir up one another to love and good deeds rather than to division? What am I doing, or intentionally not doing, to be a Spirit-filled agent of calm and healing, of putting offenses to rest… forever? Need I forgive? Need I be silent, and commit to never stoking hurtful, sarcastic, destructive flames? Need I return curses with blessing, and so smother sparks? (Romans 12:16-21: Ephesians 4:29-32; Hebrews 10:24-25)

“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

Ever lift thy face upon me
as I work and wait for thee;
resting ‘neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,
earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
sunshine of my Father’s face,
keep me ever trusting, resting,
fill me with thy grace.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Lord, help me put to rest whatever my flesh would entertain apart from You, so I can know Your true rest, and spread it with joy to those around me.

“The words of the Lord are pure words,
    like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
    purified seven times.

You, O Lord, will keep them;
    you will guard us from this generation forever.
On every side the wicked prowl,
    as vileness is exalted among the children of man.” Psalm 12:6-8

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11

There is nothing like words from God. They are true, they are living, and they are kept. Kept. Held close, honored, and fulfilled by the Almighty who spoke them. They are ours forever to own and cherish, to learn and apply and esteem. They soothe and satisfy, they direct our thoughts and steps, they convict, correct, and instruct. They are balm to weary souls, a grounding in chaos, a guardian against the world, and a sword for every attack. (Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

We are careless with our words, saying what we do not mean and meaning more or differently than we say. We speak impurely, without thinking, and unwittingly let emotion and innuendo affect the truth we intended. We make casual promises and vain statements we do not keep or mean, due to neglect, indifference, or intentional manipulation. No wonder there is so much distrust and lack of honor in keeping our words.

“God is not man, that he should lie,
    or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
    Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19

It is vital we take care with our words. All the Lord promises comes to pass. Is this true with me? What weight do my spoken words hold, and how are they used for good and God’s glory? The better we know His word, the more trustworthy our own words will be, because they are grounded in His unshakable truth. He who keeps His word also keeps us, and guards what we entrust to Him, even the choice of words and keeping of pledges. With whom will I share His words of hope and beauty? (1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Timothy 1:12)

“Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.” ~Philip Bliss (1874)

Lord, as You keep Your wonderful words, so help me speak mine carefully and keep them, for the sake of Your honor. (Proverbs 21:23)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith…

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:6-12a,17-19

The distorted economy of the flesh says: the more I get, the happier I will be. The more I own, the more secure I am. Our greed for gain spreads from material things to accumulating more accolades, more notice, even the craving for one-upmanship. But God’s divine economy works far differently. The great gain in Christ is contentment and peace, and the greatest reward comes through self-denial. After all, the indescribable gift to us was won and came to us through Jesus giving His all. (Matthew 16:24-26; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Galatians 1:3-4; Titus 2:13-14)

The accumulation of food, clothing, riches, and money can lead to idolatry and destruction, and so can the accumulation of a number of senseless and harmful habits: resentment, anger, jealousy, gossip, worry, pride, and self-loathing. The Lord calls us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness, all which guard us against such self-destructive desires and practices.

In what do we desire to be rich? Beware the lure of the world and its idols and licentiousness. We will pursue what we value and learn to love. When tempted to accumulate, put on, and practice what is displeasing to God or opposed to His righteousness, deliberately give it up, let go, put off, and seek instead what is above, and good. What we gain from seeking heavenly riches and holy habits, and giving with abandon, is eternal, and true living. (Colossians 3:1-10,12-17)

What might we gain in getting along and shared ideas if we gave up the urge to take a dig, or have the final say? What might we learn of God’s inspirational insight if we gave up telling Him what to do? What headway in a friction-laden relationship might we gain if we gave up cursing, and blessed instead? How might our faith increase if we relinquished angst, fretting, and manipulative (or manic) control? How might we gain a new outlook- with attending love and compassion- toward a difficult person if we surrendered bitterness, default condemnation, and past hurts? (Proverbs 15:1; Ecclesiastes 5:2,7; Romans 12:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:14,16,23-26)

Lord, help me give what I cannot keep to gain what I cannot lose,* for the sake of Your church, Your honor, and Your praise.

*Jim Elliot

“Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you…

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philemon 1-7,25

Who would not cherish opening and reading such a greeting? Paul’s words to his beloved fellow worker wash over the reader with grace, lovingkindness, appreciation, and affection. He identifies himself as a prisoner, yet moves on quickly to place all attention on those he is holding in his heart. They have taken up special residence in his spirit, his physical discomfort notwithstanding. His opening words are meant for upbuilding and blessing his brothers and sisters in Christ and ministry.

How privileged we are as Christians to have beloved fellow workers in Christ’s kingdom, and it is too often we are at odds, or in a stew of complaint. Things are not exactly as we prefer, and people are not as we think they should be. We grouse and nitpick through sinner-tainted lenses, rather than count the blessings that come from mutual devotion to Christ, from the indescribable unity that is ours in the Spirit, and from the high calling to serve Him together. As fellow members of His body, we can either disrupt and drag down others, or each do his or her part to build up that body with encouragement and love. (1 Corinthians 12:4-27; Ephesians 4:1-7,15-16)

If we are not viewing our fellow kingdom workers with such benevolence, try extending grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ. Think on how the Lord has lavished us with these gifts, and dole out from His Spirit’s deposited storehouse. In the act of giving such to others, grace and peace multiply to bless both giver and recipient. (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2; Luke 6:38)

And are we praying for those with whom we serve? Remembering them with care and gratitude, naming the ways they have grown, helped, made a difference, and effectively produced fruit, evokes gladness of spirit and refreshment of attitude toward them. Are we taking the concentrated time to do so, and persevering in prayer until our hearts overflow?

From whom have we derived comfort and joy as we’ve sat under teaching or served side by side, and have we thanked them for it? And with whom are we fostering the same by loving them well as fellow workers? How do we intentionally lift spirits through spoken words, kind assistance, or tangible encouragement?

Father, this day, may I be bold to love and quick to thank those with whom You have me serving. Please cause us to grow together in faith and goodness, and so bring glory to You.

“The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.
The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
    even the wicked for the day of trouble…
When a man’s ways please the Lord,
    he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him…
The heart of man plans his way,
    but the Lord establishes his steps…
A just balance and scales are the Lord’s;
    all the weights in the bag are his work…
How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver…
Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
    and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:1-4,7,9,11,16,20

We plan, plot, and pursue, and all the while God reigns. He watches over His will to perform it, sovereignly using us as instruments while training us in spiritual and practical maturity unto the work He’s planned for us. We walk a mysterious blend of self-will mingled with God’s will, of faith and divine providence, and learn through life that seeking His wisdom and committing our ways to Him frees us to make our way with His blessing. (Jeremiah 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-10)

We are called and empowered to plan- to plan well and in a way that pleases God. That is the secret. Our intent is important to Him who knows our heart. Are we ambitious for success for its own sake, or to win at the expense of righteousness, or others? Are we motivated by greed, or a drive for independence from authority, or a love of ease? Are we accurate and fair in assessing the cost? Are we willing to carry His cross in order to do His will? As we give thought to the standards in God’s word, and entrust our plans to His shaping and favor, we can be sure they will be accomplished according to His purposes. (Luke 14:27-33)

With many choices before us, the choice to seek God’s best should be paramount. Our plans need not oppose or compete with His. When we yield to His sway, His glory will be reflected in all we do, and His work will bring Him praise.

“Have thine own way, Lord! 
Have thine own way! 
Thou art the potter, 
I am the clay. 
Mold me and make me 
after thy will, 
while I am waiting, 
yielded and still. 

Have thine own way, Lord! 
Have thine own way! 
Hold o’er my being 
absolute sway. 
Fill with thy Spirit 
till all shall see 
Christ only, always, 
living in me!” ~Adelaide A. Pollard (1906)

Father, I long to know Your plans for me, and to accomplish them unto You. Teach me to arrange my days within the glorious boundaries of Your good providence, so You fulfill every resolve for good and every work by Your power, in Your time and way. May I follow Your lead with vigor and faith, that You and Your grace be glorified. (Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

“If the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?.. The ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed,.. what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.  But their minds were hardened. To this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.  To this day… a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed… And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another…

“What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 3:7-16,18; 4:5-6,8-11

After Moses received the Ten Commandments on tablets inscribed by God, he descended the mountain with shining face, unaware of the glory reflected from his encounter with the Almighty. Paul describes how that glory pales in comparison to the glory we now bear as we approach the Lord in the Holy Spirit, and then shine in our surroundings. The great hope for the Christian is that we are continually being changed from glory to glory to ready us to see our Savior face to face. On that day, there will be no need for sun or moon for light! (Exodus 31:18; 32:16; 34:29-35; Isaiah 60:19; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 21:23)

Meeting with God pierces through every attempt at secrecy and hiding, as does exposure to His word. The Lord used Moses to display the light and freedom that come from intimacy with Him, and full surrender. As we grow in Christ, His Spirit and word persist in transforming affections, purifying impulses, and smoothing rough places so we gradually, and more clearly, reflect His character. He cleans the glass of our countenance and makes flowers bloom in our behavior, so His glory is borne for others to see. (Hebrews 4:12)

What habits and personality pets need unveiling before God, so He can refine? How is He using trials to make us more like Him?

Lord, bear out of my communion with You, and all worldly interaction or affliction, a glory that exemplifies You alone.

“Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.  So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep… wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill… scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them.

“Therefore,.. thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths.” Ezekiel 34:2-6,10

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,.. and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

A flock of grey cloud sheep ambles through a pale gray sky, heading nowhere, but together. They soon scatter, like so many aimless herds, pushed along by shifting wind currents, led and turned and then abandoned by fickle group think. Soon the flock has dissipated, leaving the question unanswered whether they had any purpose in their wandering after all.

Herd mentality with no true shepherd may make an immediate impression, but like vapor, is transient and elusive. To follow lost sheep or false shepherds leads us nowhere significant or meaningful, and often somewhere we wish we’d never strayed. Aimless in brambles of confusion, through bare patches of meaningless ground, where good foundations are nonexistent or have been destroyed, the righteous find themselves lost and hungry. The only way back to green pastures is to abandon the flock and heed the true Shepherd’s voice. (Psalm 11:3; 23:1-2; Ephesians 4:14; James 1:6)

We live in a culture of varied flocks that wander and baaa at every changing whim, and self-promoting shepherds driven by greed. We may think it an easy choice: follow lost sheep or the Good Shepherd, but find ourselves swayed by pressures from voices, emotions, and habits we didn’t realize had a stranglehold on our resolve. We grow dizzy with the promises, doubting their sincerity but wishing them true just the same. And so- not necessarily intentionally- we drift along like clouds, disillusioned, without firm convictions, and with vapor-like courage to match.

Are we training ourselves by continuous practice to know the truth inside out and discern between voices? The enemy is a master of deceit, mimicking an angel of light, so understanding God’s word is vital to combat his spiritual onslaught. What are we doing to instill this mental, spiritual, and practical discipline of following the good Shepherd, with attending trust and confidence? (Matthew 4:1-11; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 6:10-12)

Lord, may I forsake lost and unrighteousness rambling of thought and step, and follow You alone.

“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    in your righteousness deliver me!
Incline your ear to me;
    rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
    a strong fortress to save me!

“For you are my rock and my fortress;
    and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;
you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
    for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
    you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God…
I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
    because you have seen my affliction;
    you have known the distress of my soul,
and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
    you have set my feet in a broad place…

“I trust in you, O Lord;
    I say, ‘You are my God.‘
My times are in your hand…

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
    which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
    in the sight of the children of mankind!
In the cover of your presence you hide them
    from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
    from the strife of tongues.

“Blessed be the Lord,
    for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
    when I was in a besieged city.” Psalm 31:1-5,7-8,14-15a,19-21

“You are a hiding place for me;
    you preserve me from trouble;
    you surround me with shouts of deliverance.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you…
Steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.” Psalm 32:7-8,10b

Wars explode and rumors of wars smolder, national hostilities rage, storm predictions taunt, dearth and fear and depression press in and smother. The large world, and our world- however small- shake, and we are prone to tremble. Yet God knows and reigns supreme and sovereign over all, and His throne cannot be shaken.

In the midst, where do I find refuge? Pray as the Psalmist. Take soul shelter in Him, look for His broad place. God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. What am I to do? Be sober-minded, endure suffering, fulfill your ministry. Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord… The Lord will be who He is and do what He does, and I must be who He’s called me to be, and stay my course. A death or setback or startling change confronts? From the shadow of pain and the shelter of my God I can securely move ahead. Standing upon my Rock merely provides a vantage point from where I refine my vision and continue to live and serve. I must not retreat or hide away, but go forth hidden in Him to explore His wide places now made possible. (Psalm 46:1-3,7; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Timothy 4:5)

God holds our times, He secures the future. He is not bewildered at any upheaval that comes our way or the way of the world. What keeps me from skirting His shelter, and claiming all that His gracious redemption secures for me? Would I commit this day to bless His name, and steadily follow His ways?

Lord, may I, with confidence and gratitude, remain covered in Your presence, partake of Your stored goodness, and reflect Your steadfast love.

“There was a day when… there came a messenger to Job and said, ‘The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding.., and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.’ Another said, ‘The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you…’ Another said, ‘The Chaldeans… [raided] the camels and took them and struck down the servants.., and I alone have escaped to tell you…’ Another said, ‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking in their oldest brother’s house, and a great wind came… and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

“Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” Job 1:13-22

“Three things are too wonderful for me;
    four I do not understand:
the way of an eagle in the sky,
    the way of a serpent on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
    and the way of a man with a virgin.” Proverbs 30:18-19

There are things that make little sense to the human mind that only God can do, and He delights to show them off so we marvel at His glory. Some are acts in nature, His heavens or flora or creatures magnificently displaying inexplicable wonders. Who else could design symmetrical painted petals to open in sun’s warmth, or arc a cloudbow before a storm? Some are His handiwork in man, divinely inspired responses and emotions contrary to our fallen nature. How else can we worship in the deepest of pain and loss? How else forgive the unthinkable, and persevere to redeem it? How else can we love the unlovable and the enemy? (Psalm 19:1; Matthew 5:44)

We do not know why He saves the vilest of sinners, or how the Lord works the supernatural within His children. But we do know that He does. It is God’s nature to astound. It is God’s nature to redeem. It is God’s nature to transform, to upend, to convert. He descends to the heavens, He makes rough places smooth, He raises the lowly, He gives families to the barren, He loves the rebel stranger. He upholds and moves and covers the sun at His pleasure. Who is like Him? There is none! (2 Kings 20:8-11; Psalm 113:5-9; Isaiah 40:4-5; Matthew 27:45; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:17,21-22)

We also know His commands are not burdensome, His supply always enough, His grace sufficient, and His strength perfected in our weakness. When He confounds us by His inimitable ways, He still reigns in orderly perfection and goodness. (2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:19; 1 John 5:3)

What confusion or chaos befuddles me today? Am I quick to make judgment, or dismiss as impossible or unsustainable, or will I place it in the Almighty’s hands and care?

Lord, for every conundrum that occurs, may I praise and trust You implicitly. You alone reign.