Author: astherainandsnow

“‘Thus says the Lord God [to the house of Israel]: Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone. Therefore… I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’ And when they come there, they will remove from it all its detestable things and all its abominations. And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their deeds upon their own heads, declares the Lord God…

“And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain that is on the east side of the city. And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me in the vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to the exiles. Then the vision that I had seen went up from me. And I told the exiles all the things that the Lord had shown me.” Ezekiel 11:16-21,23-25

The prophet Ezekiel was chosen to see and declare God’s judgment on Israel’s guilt. Repeatedly he absorbed and proclaimed vivid visions and harsh condemnations from the Almighty. Amidst the storm of righteous judgment, he also delivered God’s merciful message of hope, a promise to gather and remake His own. The scattered would be brought home, hearts of stone softened to flesh, rebel passions made obedient, strangers identified as God’s people. The Lord their sanctuary would do mighty things as they returned to land and loyalty.

Since Eden, we have inhabited a strange land stained by varied abominations. As exiles awaiting a heavenly home, we often feel like foreigners in places bereft of sense, beauty, hope. In every place, be it appointed for planting or punishment, the Lord is our sanctuary, offering the secure and hidden place of worship, confidence, and trust. His pledge is to conform us in this time here below to His soft heart to be His righteous child. (Romans 8:29-30)

Whether we feel at home or not, we must face our abominations and acknowledge stony attitudes toward the King. In what areas do we resist His supremacy? Personal disciplines regarding His temple our body? Interactions with others regarding complaint, gossip, disrespect, ingratitude? Have we failed to deal honestly and ruthlessly with known sin? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Colossians 3:5-10)

When we yield to the Spirit’s softening of our hearts, how robustly do we beat for Jesus? Do we worship with humility, serve with zeal, love with abandon? To what new obedience is the Lord calling us? How can we better identify as God’s people in a dark world? (Romans 12:3-11)

Lord, wherever You assign me, may my heart pulse with Your joy, grace, and life that reflects Your glory.

“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,  and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

“Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.’ We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents,  nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.  Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-14

Examples abounded for Israel and others through history: follow the Lord and He will provide, rebel against Him and suffer consequences. Paul knew the Corinthian church needed reminding of the stories, the detailed recollections of how God had dealt with men, and urged them to heed their intended warnings. He lovingly encouraged them to take note from God’s word and help from His promises, to beware cockiness and obey Him always.

How is it that we can know so much about right and wrong and fail to heed? That we observe and criticize folly in others but convince ourselves the rules don’t apply to us? We see examples of fallen individuals and harsh, lasting consequences, yet when we are in the midst, we think our situation is different. We willfully make exceptions for obedience and rashly excuse succumbing to temptation.

Knowing that God supported and protected His people in the wilderness yet many rebelled and thus suffered, what do we learn? Will we therefore test Him, or trust Him? Do these vivid warnings lessen our desire of evil? How do they train confidence and shape resolve?

What particularly troublesome temptations do we face? What preventatives we can put in place to avoid their situations or reoccurring? Whom can we trust for help and accountability? What biblical promises will we memorize and recite for strength and direction? Putting off rebel ways and putting on attention to godliness, we’ll find strength to stand in our faithful God. (Psalm 3:3; 46:1,7; Colossians 3:5-17; Hebrews 4:15-16)

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.

Although this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.” ~Martin Luther (1529)

Lord, help me apply insight from Your word to remain faithful to You.

“If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

“Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?  In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

“But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting… Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:11-23

Paul lays out a clear argument that he has every right to receive material support from others for his work of ministry. But more that holding onto what he rightfully deserved and could request, he takes opportunity to convey all he’s willing to relinquish for the sake of the gospel. He would give anything, even his life, that others might eternally gain. (Philippians 3:8)

There are freedoms and rights we enjoy as God’s children, and how we manage them reveals our priorities toward those in our influence. How willing are we to surrender rights for Christ’s sake, and to win others? Jesus gave everything for our salvation, yet we grip time and trinkets as though they’re ours to control.

How can we practically follow the example of Christ and the apostle? Do we value more our earthly due, or the eternal lives of those around us? What can I give, of time or treasure, to further the gospel today?

Lord, set aflame a passion of love for the lost, that I spend myself wholeheartedly for others’ gain and Your glory.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams,
    so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
    for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
    ‘Where is your God?’
These things I remember,
    as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
    and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
    a multitude keeping festival.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.

My soul is cast down within me;
    therefore I remember you…
Deep calls to deep
    at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
    have gone over me.
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
    and at night his song is with me,
    a prayer to the God of my life.”

“Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
    against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
    deliver me!
For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
    why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
    because of the oppression of the enemy?

Send out your light and your truth;
    let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
    and to your dwelling!
Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
    O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.” Psalm 42:1-6a,7-8; 43:1-5

In deepest distress, David knew where to go. The living God was his salvation in every aspect. Every cause for painful longing for more of Him- poignant remembrance, regret, grief, spiritual oppression, blatant cruelty, unjust ungodly opposition- was an invitation to His altar of joy.

The altar where love and mercy meet sin and pain. The altar from which flows the fount of cleansing and joy. Of reconciliation. Of understanding. The altar where we can lay down our arms, regrets, and pinings. Where we offer our bodies in living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual act of worship. The Lord bids us come to the fount. To the flowing streams. To the once-for-all place of redemption, and find hope. The place where God redeems, restores, and rejoices over us with singing. (Ezekiel 47:1-9; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 12:1–2; Hebrews 10:12-14; 1 Peter 3:18)

Does exceeding joy describe us? Do those in our families or at work hear us as ungrateful complainers or singers of songs in the night? Are we seen as downcast, or full of light? Where we direct our panting souls makes a difference.

When do I take time on my knees, eyes closed to the outside world, ears turned from the barrage of voices, to lay my all on God’s altar? How can I make songs of praise a regular practice? In Christ alone is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11; 36:9)

Worthy Lord, turn my heart and voice to You to find and express songs of exceeding joy.

“He said, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.^‘ The Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me… ‘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… The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say, “Thus says the Lord God.” 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…

“’But… 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 writing on the front and back, and there were written words of lamentation and mourning and woe.

“He said,.. ‘Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.^‘ So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me,.. ‘Fill your stomach with it.’ Then I ate it, and 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 2:1-3:4

The priest and prophet Ezekiel, exile to Babylon, had just seen a remarkable vision of a likeness of the Lord and humbly fallen on his face in worship. Interrupting his awe-filled wonder, the Lord spoke, telling him to stand and issuing a command. He was, by God’s spirit, to speak God’s word to impudent, stubborn, sinning rebels who were His nation of people. He was to obey, relaying God’s messages regardless of their disinterest or willful refusal to listen. The Lord would give words, the Lord would be Ezekiel’s Master. (Ezekiel 1:1-3,26-28)

Every call issued by God is distinct and backed by His omniscience and enabling. Since a calling is to accomplish His work, He orders it be carried out in His strength with His supply. His is the message, management, and accountability. We’re never to be fearful of remonstrance or dissuaded by resistance, rather, should aim to please the Issuer. (Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Purpose is never negated in exile. In fact, it might be more pronounced. The Lord orders circumstances to fulfill His will, and wherever we are, He has kingdom work for us to do. Are we in a place foreign to familiarity and comfort? Suffering difficult health or spiritual drought? Facing a challenging economic or work status? Whatever our particular conditions, we answer to the Lord, and are to carry His life giving word.

Are there people and situations whose reaction or rejection we fear ? To whom do we look for approval? Are we serving the world or the Lord? If we listen to and answer to God, we can be certain that our treasure, security, and full provision is with Him. God’s call may carry rejection and hardship, but it will always carry His sufficiency.

Lord, keep me on my face before Your majesty, and in steady obedience to Your calling and word.

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass…

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.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land…
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.

I have been young, and now am old,
    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
    or his children begging for bread.
He is ever lending generously,
    and his children become a blessing.” Psalm 37:1-9,11,23-26

David knew well the varied emotions of full seasons of life, and the true source and joy of delight. In the punch and swing of intense days, brothers who mocked his youth, anointing bestowed yet awaiting fulfillment, a king who turns from admiration to hatred, his Lord was steady and faithful. As he learned to delight in Him over circumstance, His ways over what the world might dictate, the delights of peace and divine favor flooded his soul.

It takes determination and consistency to delight in the Lord. Many an allure whisper our names, myriads of distractions pull us into the world and its amusements and ideas. When we choose to entertain those temptations that vie for our attention, we may find temporary pleasure, but never lasting delight. However, when we make a commitment to seek the Lord and His ways, to take genuine delight in Him, in His majesty and grace and might, our souls find deep rest and joy. He plants the desire and honors our discipline. (Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 11:24-25)

Do we find ourselves restless, chafing under pressure, in a delight drought? Do we seek immediate achievement, satisfaction, and applause in transient things? Or do we shape our days to include significant attentiveness to the Lord and His word? How willing are we to wait on His timing and direction? What primarily motivates our plans- the desires of our heart, or delight in the Lord who designs and tempers them?

“When we walk with the Lord 
in the light of his word, 
what a glory he sheds on our way! 
While we do his good will, 
he abides with us still, 
and with all who will trust and obey. 

But we never can prove 
the delights of his love 
until all on the altar we lay; 
for the favor he shows, 
and the joy he bestows, 
are for them who will trust and obey.” ~John Sammis (1887)

Lord, may I ever delight in You, to Your glory. (Psalm 149:4; Zephaniah 3:17)

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire…

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. It is required of stewards that they be found faithful… Each one will receive his commendation from God.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 4:1-2,5b

It was Paul’s expectation that those in the church would work for the Lord. It was imperative they understand that He laid any foundation of faith, was in charge of the grace of gifting, and issued ministry calling. From then on, it was up to them to decide how they would employ their gifts. The Lord would supply their needs and ultimately judge the effort, quality, and stewardship of their building. (Romans 12:3-8)

Where has God called us to serve? What gifts and roles as church members has He clarified? With what attitude and vigor do we go about our assignments? Have we grown careless or lazy, choosing convenience over faithfulness, preference over what’s most needed? Have we become insular, retreating to serve alongside only our favorite people? Or are we eager, with grateful abandon, to offer ourselves as joy-filled stewards in the King’s service, wherever He calls? (Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 4:18-22)

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Travelling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgment seat.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice,
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfil.
Living for self or in His will.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, ‘Thy will be done’;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say ‘’twas worth it all’;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.” ~C.T. Studd (1860-1931)

Lord, through my days, may my gifts be utilized and my lamp burn for Your kingdom and glory.

“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:7-10

Paul did not want God’s people to be burdened with debt. There were certain behaviors owed because of civic duty, but those in the church were to incur no outstanding debts that would beholden them to others or hinder their ministry. To show respect and pay obligations were expected, but among their brothers and sisters in Christ no debt was to be ongoing save that to love one another. (Proverbs 22:7)

Any debt is a weight, causing compulsion to pay in a way that never ends. Jesus came to take on our greatest burden and pay it in our stead so we can be free to live and serve and love, under no condemnation. The love we owe others issues from Christ’s ongoing love to us. In the mystery of divine economy, though we owe nothing for salvation, we owe Him everything- obedience, love, joyful submission. As we understand the debt He incurred on our behalf, we will desire to repay Him, in gratitude for His priceless gift, with our all. (Mark 14:3-9; Romans 8:1)

“What gift of love could I offer to a King
What weight or worth could be held within my offering
When He alone is worthy

A glory song is inscribed upon my heart
This treasure held in an alabaster jar I break
To bring Him all the glory

What sacrifice could be equal to His own
The cross of Christ has declared that there is nought I owe
Yet I know I owe Him all.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below.” ~Chris Davenport, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood (2019)

What worldly debts that hinder my ability to serve and love well is the Lord calling me to resolve? How can I increase my love to others by care, tenderness, compassion, generosity? What measure of gratitude to Christ will I pay forward to another, in His love, today?

“I hear the Savior say,
‘Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.’

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim;
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

And when, before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
‘Jesus died my soul to save,’
My lips shall still repeat.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.” ~Elivina Hall (1865)

Lord, may I ever love you, and others, by Your grace and in Your fulness.

“Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
    Praise befits the upright…

For the word of the Lord is upright,
    and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
    and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;
    he puts the deeps in storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the Lord;
    let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be;
    he commanded, and it stood firm.

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
    he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
    the plans of his heart to all generations.”

“The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works…
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.” Psalm 33:1,4-11; 145:13b,17

“The Lord has done what he purposed;
    he has carried out his word,
which he commanded long ago.” Lamentations 2:17

It is great cause for recording praise, in the psalmists’ mind, that the word of God is fulfilled in its speaking. His works are both mysterious result and tangible evidence of what He has said. All He purposes and plans with uprightness and love He accomplishes with faithfulness and power, proving Himself absolutely worthy of trust and exaltation. Kind, absolute, just are His words and works.

Daily we entertain a cacophony of words, written and audible, and confuse activity with meaningful work. How riled we can get, wringing hands over decisions, stressed about unknowns, fretting over many things over which we have no control. These do not befit the child of God!

When we pause to consider God’s order, His magnificent symmetry of design and creation, power under control, majesty in the ordinary, we sense His providence in the way of things. We can trace His hand in the progression of history, observe His constancy through generations, see His power to fulfill His promises. The more we know His word and observe His works, the clearer our insight and focused our faith.

How will we regularly align our thinking with the Lord’s? When do we delve into His word and intently seek His counsel? He alone is worthy of our allegiance, trust, and praise.

“If thou but suffer God to guide thee
and hope in him through all thy ways,
he’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee
and bear thee through the evil days;
who trusts in God’s unchanging love
builds on the Rock that naught can move.

Only be still and wait his leisure
in cheerful hope with heart content.
to take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure
and all-discerning love hath sent;
nor doubt our inmost wants are known
to him who chose us for his own.

Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving,
offer your service faithfully,
and trust his word; though undeserving,
you’ll find his promise true for thee.
God never will forsake in need
the soul that trusts in him indeed.” ~Georg Neumark (1641)

Oh Lord, keep me in synch with Your word, work, and purposes, for Your glory.

“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
    and say, ‘Return, O children of man!’
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...

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.” Psalm 90:1-6,9-10,12

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Grit from a flatbed truck ticked on the windshield like rain. Miles of sky stretch with otherworldly hues, miles of pavement stretch grey behind and before. The infinite God measures perfectly the drops, the distances, the destination, and man in all his planning and desire is beholden to His vast and certain purposes. Who is a God like this who condescends to commune with us and determine our lines? (Psalm 16:5-6; 89:6-8; 113:5-8; Isaiah 40:25-31)

There are days we weary of the routine and crave something different, more. There are seasons that seem an impassable, impossible slog, situations that have no set or happy ending. The human condition causes a constant tension of emotion and achievement, friction between determination and dreams, the impermanent and eternal.

Where are we too entrenched in the world? Where have we evaded wisdom and the long view for superficiality or momentary pleasure? Do we resist God’s hard and trying lessons and tire of His paths? How will we reestablish our course on His good highway, trusting His faithfulness? (Isaiah 35:8)

As the tangible present rolls toward an unseen everlasting, we need wisdom and perspective for the moments along the way. The Spirit is nigh the conflict of now and not yet. The Lord tames restlessness, instills perseverance, and divinely justifies time, place, and desire for the miles here below while fitting us for heaven.

“Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:

Under the shadow of your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood
Or Earth received her frame,
From everlasting you are God,
To endless years the same.

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the op’ning day.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guard while troubles last
And our eternal home.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, keep me steady and persevering on Your highway of holiness, to Your eternal glory.