Author: astherainandsnow

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
    let the many coastlands be glad!” Psalm 97:1

“The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!” Psalm 99:1

“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.” Isaiah 9:6

“Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.’ And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying,

“’We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
    who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
    and begun to reign.
 The nations raged,
    but your wrath came,
    and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
    and those who fear your name,
    both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.’

“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.” Revelation 11:15-19

Nations rage, factions fight, and God reigns. He has reigned from the beginning, over His plan of salvation from first to last, from the fall to Christ’s birth and death and resurrection to the here and now, and will forevermore. When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we rejoice that He was and is and will be King yesterday, today, and forever. (Genesis 3:14-15; Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 13:8)

Our Savior has reigned from the beginning of time. He knew us before we were conceived, formed our personalities and particular gifting, and has never taken His eye off of us. So what about my past can I not accept? Where do I still chafe with what has happened, or not happened, when I know that the Lord reigns in perfect love and fulfills all His plans for me? (Genesis 1:1; Job 36:7; Psalm 139:1-6,13-15; Jeremiah 29:11; John 1:1-2)

Jesus reigns over the whole earth today, ordering times and authorities, places and nations. So in the daily mess of life, and the wreck of broken relationships and bodies and cities and governments, what is it we think His hand does not rule? We may feel out of control, yet why do we doubt His control? Do we behave as though we believe He is working all together for good for His own? (Exodus 15:18; Acts 17:26; Romans 8:28-34)

And Jesus reigns forever. Hallelujah! What fears, unknowns, and insecurities will we today tuck under the irrefutable, glorious promise that He will one day reconcile and restore all things? (Revelation 21:1-7,22-27; 22:12-13,20-21)

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
let ev’ry heart prepare him room
and heav’n and nature sing…

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
repeat the sounding joy…

He rules the world with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Eternal God, may I rest and rejoice in Your forever reign today and always.

“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
    shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
    O daughter of Jerusalem!
 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
    he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
    you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
‘Fear not, O Zion;
    let not your hands grow weak.
The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,
    so that you will no longer suffer reproach.
Behold, at that time I will deal
    with all your oppressors.
And I will save the lame
    and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
    and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you in,
    at the time when I gather you together;
for I will make you renowned and praised
    among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
    before your eyes,’ says the Lord.” Zephaniah 3:14-20

Cares of this world pull to divide our hearts, but as God’s children, we are to have whole ones. The presence and promises of God are enough to fill them to the brim with gladness and joy, keeping no room for anxiousness or dread. When we rejoice and exult with all our hearts, there is no qualifying ‘but’ or ‘if only’ to pepper our praises or straggle behind.

It takes intent to have a whole heart for God, involving both what we believe and how we behave in response. When we accept that the Lord has forgiven our sin, removed the enemies of shame and fear, and that we bear no condemnation or judgment, we will trust wholly His great salvation. When we believe in Christ’s personal, pursuing love, we will rest in His presence and His delight over us. When we believe His promises are true, and for restoration and redemption, we will wholeheartedly trust He works in our hardships for ultimate good. (Psalm 103:11-13; Romans 8:1,28)

What if we banked on growth, encouragement, and God’s glory coming through hardship? What if, instead of complaint, we wholly believed God’s word and turned it to praise?

“O for a heart to praise my God,
a heart from sin set free;
a heart that’s sprinkled with the blood
so freely shed for me:

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
my great Redeemer’s throne;
where only Christ is heard to speak,
where Jesus reigns alone:

A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
believing, true, and clean,
which neither life nor death can part
from him that dwells within:

A heart in every thought renewed,
and full of love divine;
perfect and right and pure and good —
a copy, Lord, of thine.

Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
come quickly from above;
write thy new name upon my heart,
thy new best name of Love.” ~Charles Wesley (1742)

Father God, please give me an undivided heart to rejoice in You always. In everything may I never abandon You as my first and supreme love. (Psalm 86:11; Revelation 2:4)

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;
    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations…

“Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?
    Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,
a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
    and awesome above all who are around him?
O LORD God of hosts,
    who is mighty as you are, O LORD,
    with your faithfulness all around you?
You rule the raging of the sea;
    when its waves rise, you still them…
The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
The north and the south, you have created them;
    Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
You have a mighty arm;
    strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
    and in your righteousness are exalted.
For you are the glory of their strength;
    by your favor our horn is exalted.
For our shield belongs to the Lord,
    our king to the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 89:1,5-9,11-18

When we consider the great covenant LORD, His faithfulness abounds, and is all around what we observe in His creation and deeds. It is the hallmark and watermark of His world. We see, we marvel, we begin to sing and cannot stop. Where might this song of faithfulness reach?

We see His order, how do we implement such? We are held in His love, will we extend it? Secure in His constant keeping, do we rest peacefully in it? Beholding His power and might, will we fight the enemy with Him, and stand firm? Confident in His rule, do we submit to it? We observe the foundation His word has established, do we remain unshaken by shifting sands of culture? Beholding His light, do we walk in it? (Psalm 119:105)

“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.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

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)

God’s faithfulness is ever with us as our Rock. It extends to the heavens, envelops our hearts and minds, and never fails. By it we have peace, hope, and joy for each day. (Psalm 36:5; 89:24-26,33; Lamentations 3:22-24)

Father, in light of your faithfulness to me, fix firm my faithfulness to You. May I be unshaken in trust and unceasing in praise, for You are worthy of both, forever.

“Lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’  He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,  ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.” John 6:5-13

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live.” Isaiah 55:1-3a

The commands appear to make no sense: how can we buy bread without money? And more startling still, how do we procure what satisfies with no expenditure ourselves? Yet the very dichotomies the Scriptures put forth are purposeful: Come, listen diligently, delight yourselves, incline your ear; to test him. The thoughts and ways of our Lord are drastically different and higher than ours, and we would do well to prescribe to His over our own. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

There is a mysterious currency of faith our Lord uses in trading with His people. Doing business with the Heavenly Regent involves dealing on His terms, and the outcomes are always beneficial to our spiritual growth by affording deeper understanding of Him and ourselves.

When Jesus asks something of us that makes no human sense, musses with our comfort, or tests our patience, how do we react? Do we immediately respond, ‘No way! I could never afford, or do, or say, or be capable of, or comfortable with, that!’? Or would we harken to His deeper meanings between the lines? Would we in faith offer meager loaves and fish to His majestic wonder-working hands, and expect great things?

Think only of ourselves, and limit both our grasp of God’s vastness and our effectiveness in His kingdom work. Tackle His tests of faith with holy urgency and eagerness to be used for significant transactions, and He’ll bring divine return on that investment. He builds faith through personal exercise and others’ examples. Whoever trades in and feeds on His bread lives forever, and abundantly, hungering no more. (John 10:10b; Hebrews 11:1-12:3,10; Revelation 7:15-17)

Father, in all You ask of me, may I spend increasing faith on what lasts and honors You most.

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah
    and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal
    and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,
those who bow down on the roofs
    to the host of the heavens,
those who bow down and swear to the Lord
    and yet swear by Milcom,
those who have turned back from following the Lord,
    who do not seek the Lord or inquire of him.

Be silent before the Lord God!
    For the day of the Lord is near…

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
    and I will punish the men
who are complacent,
    those who say in their hearts,
‘The Lord will not do good,
    nor will he do ill.’

A day of wrath is that day,
    a day of distress and anguish,
a day of ruin and devastation,
    a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness,
    a day of trumpet blast and battle cry
against the fortified cities
    and against the lofty battlements.

I will bring distress on mankind,
    so that they shall walk like the blind,
    because they have sinned against the Lord…
Neither their silver nor their gold
    shall be able to deliver them
    on the day of the wrath of the Lord.
In the fire of his jealousy,
    all the earth shall be consumed.” Zephaniah 1:4-7a,12,15-17a,18a

“I the Lord your God am a jealous God.” Exodus 20:5

It may astound that we are capable of bowing on a roof to heaven’s hosts, and mingling worship of the true God with ‘Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites,’ yet our flesh is so daily prone. Any time we exalt any part of the created world over the Creator, or split our allegiance between God and another, we prove our tendency to idolatry. The steps to start the slide are simple, and insidious. (1 Kings 11:5,33; Romans 1:18-24)

Turning back from following the Lord implies a once-fervor for walking with Him. How does follow become a slow trailing behind, then an about-face? When we stop seeking Him. We stop looking into His word to inquire and listen. Our hearts get distracted and ears start to pick up other sounds, then tune in. When we stop asking, we stop looking and seeing Him in everything. We lose sensitivity to His Spirit’s direction and nudging conviction, because we have strayed after more alluring prompts. We cease to walk in step with Him, then in His steps at all. (Hebrews 11:25)

The sad thing is, it’s so easy to slip and slide, and lesser gods are never worth their enticement. The glad offer is God’s gracious mercy to those who return. Which will it be for us? Today is the day to see clearly what’s really going on in our hearts, and come clean: name our false gods- be they health, safety, ease, or stuff- and confess our sole allegiance to Jesus. His is the path of freedom and soul fulfillment.

What are we most tempted to worship? To whose voice do we give our best attention and time? What allures take precedence when we dole out priorities?

Lord, make me silent before You, so You alone fill my vision, my heart’s affection, and my praise.

“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.” Philemon 3-7

Paul has a way of embracing- with grace and encouragement- those to whom he writes. In penning this greeting to Philemon and the church at his home, Paul affirms, with gratitude, their love and faith. Then he directs them to the purpose of sharing that faith: that it would be effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. What does that mean?

All points to Christ, who saved us to be freed from self and sin and live for Him. By grace He saves us through faith, that we would do the good works He’s planned for us to do. In saving us He deposits His powerful Spirit in us, who inspires us to will and work for His pleasure. He grants every spiritual blessing in Christ, and supplies all we need according to His riches in Christ. These are indeed good things! Ours for the believing, ours for the implementing and sharing, ours for His sake. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:3; 2:8-10; Philippians 2:13; 4:19)

When we’re depleted, or wrestling with identity or direction, would we take stock of every good thing we have in Christ, for His sake? Would we check whether we appropriately value the limitless treasure of Christ, proven by our worship, and gratitude, and loving fear of Him? Are we putting His generous gifts into practice, using them to triumph over temptation, to proclaim His name, and to stoke faith?

How do Paul’s personal words encourage me in understanding and putting to use my spiritual blessings? And how will I similarly build up others to know Christ and to live and speak for His sake? In what ways am I refreshing the saints by gracing them with joy and comfort?

“God rest you merry, gentlemen,
let nothing you dismay;
remember Christ, our Savior
was born on Christmas Day
to save us all from Satan’s pow’r
when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy...

‘Fear not,’ then said the angel,
‘let nothing you affright;
this day is born a Savior,
the true and radiant light,
to free all those who trust in him
from Satan’s pow’r and might.’
O tidings of comfort and joy...

Now to the Lord sing praises,
all you within this place,
and in true love and fellowship
each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
is filled with heav’nly grace.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.” ~ English Carol (1850)

Lord, because of every good thing You give, may I spread glad tidings of comfort and joy everywhere, for Your holy sake.

“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.” 

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-11,16-18

From above, tufted fluffs of cloud were strewn like dirty cotton, mussing the floor of heaven and shadowing the ceiling for those below. Except the light-kissed ones. Dawn’s early light touched the tops of a scattered few, turning them the sweetest rose, spotting that lumpy stretch with bits of beauty. And so does the Lord of heaven and earth tinge our shadows with glimmers of His grace.

We are afflicted in many ways, and perplexed. In the course of our days we get struck down and pushed back- in our efforts, our mental meanderings, our best intentions. But none of this compares with the glory to be revealed! Let us not lose heart at momentary and temporal afflictions, but look for the rose tint on each one! We must keep looking until we sense the divine touch of mercy, comfort, enabling, and hope. There is no shroud of clouds that our Sovereign cannot penetrate and scatter. In the meantime, He kisses sweetness upon the very shapes and turns of moments we would not choose, but He readies to redeem.

And we can be that glint of light to others in our circles of influence, which likely extends beyond what we imagine. Our eternal vision can cast the long view for those entrenched in troubles, and our confidence in God’s promises can lift them above trite to substance. Faith tested and proved is faith another can observe, and want. A cheerful countenance is like good medicine. Even a smile, accompanied by eyes afire with holy joy, warms one whose heart and outlook are cold. Would we turn our heavenly hope into a blessing for another? (Proverbs 17:22)

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

How might we bring a tint of benevolence, and touch of grace, a shade of beauty to another’s gloom? Will we speak the comforting word, lend the helping hand, give the hours to sit and listen and appreciate and bless? Where will we cast a hope light today that leaves someone less burdened? When we are filled with the light of life, we will shine it abroad from our hearts to dispel darkness to those around us. (Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 5:5)

Lord, may I relish Your beauties, and intentionally bless others with Your light.

“Abijah slept with his fathers, and… Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land had rest for ten years. And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He took away the foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherim and commanded Judah to seek the Lord,.. and to keep the law and the commandment. He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. The kingdom had rest under him. He built fortified cities in Judah. He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him peace. And he said to Judah, ‘Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God… and he has given us peace on every side.’ So they built and prospered. And Asa had an army… with large shields and spears, and… bows. All these were mighty men of valor.

“Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots… Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up their lines of battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. And Asa cried to the Lord his God, ‘O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.’ So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. Asa and the people with him pursued them as far as Gerar, and the Ethiopians… were broken before the Lord and his army…

“He took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land,.. and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the vestibule of the house of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 14:1-13; 15:8

The first act of business for King Asa was to rid Judah of strange gods and as many pitfalls that would entice their worship as possible. He knew that God would not share the throne with another, and he chose the true God. Under and by and for Him he would reign. He firmly established his kingdom on His promises and commands, and enjoyed peace as a result. When the enemy did threaten, he was practically, mentally, and spiritually ready. (Isaiah 42:8)

There are some key rules when we rule our hearts. Every aspect of every city must be cleansed, put in order, fortified, and governed with wisdom: family life, personal disciplines, relationships, work, recreation, and dreams. God must be first as Regent, Sentry, Help, and Conqueror. The cross must be anchored and held high, punctuating and standing over all that concerns us.

Over what and whom has God called me to rule? How eagerly do I take my stewardship? Are there places I have left unguarded, or allowed idols to share my allegiance or occupation? Do I align myself with people of spiritual valor to fend off the enemies who seek to undo us? What steps can I take to ensure God’s peace that passes understanding? (John 10:10; Philippians 4:6-7)

Lord of my cities, help me be faithful to manage all according to Your word and wisdom, that You are recognized and exalted as King.

“He made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds, [and] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came,.. the boat was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them [and] the sea became rough. It was now dark. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’

“And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  They were glad to take him into the boat, and when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:17,18,21

They had just taken part in an amazing miracle, feeding over 5000 with only a few loaves and fish, and now Jesus sent them off in their boat. These fishermen were accustomed to the storms that came up quickly on the Sea of Galilee, but now? After such an eventful, exhilarating day? And why had He not come with them? Did He even care how tired they were, and alone? It was into this turbulence of thought and fear and exhaustion that Jesus appeared. When He approached their storm, He revealed Himself, invited heightened faith, then entered the boat and assuaged the storm by His very presence. (John 6:1-17)

We may think we have done everything right, tightened all loose ends, and performed quite well, thank you. It’s time for smooth sailing, and some well-deserved rest. And then everything falls apart. Winds of unease pick up, and hovering clouds pelt down their pain and doubt in stinging, soul-drenching rain. Really, Lord? After all I have done and overcome? After You reminded me of Your power my life loses control?

Our gracious, ever-loving Lord knows every swell of exasperation and fear engulfing our hearts, and comes to bring peace in the midst. He beckons us look up, step out of the boat where we feel trapped, and walk above the dark current to Him, with Him. He is Jehovah Shalom, our Peace, strong and very real and with us, bringing calm and peace to mind and heart beyond human understanding. (Judges 6:24; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; John 14:27; 16:33; Philippians 4:7)

What circumstances have disrupted our expectations and threaten our calm? Where are we mooring our peace to events and dreams rather than to our Sovereign? Would we recognize Him in the very night He has ordained, and trust His voice?

Lord of the storms, may I take heart in the truth that You are indeed Lord, and worship.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel’

“(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus…

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’  And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt  and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.'” Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-15

Imagine Joseph’s shock when his betrothed (fiancée) informed him she was pregnant, and instead of trembling in fear or guilt, exhibited an overweening serenity and joy. ‘How could this be? What should I do? Would it be the best protection for our reputations to quietly put away my beloved?’ And into this night of bewilderment, God almighty appeared. None of this was too hard or beyond Him. In fact, all was occurring according to His predetermined, glorious will.

The Lord who had promised this child, and miraculously overseen His conception by the Holy Spirit, was supreme over His every breath and day. He would order the Messiah’s comings and goings. He would not strand these parents, but guide them with exactness and perfect care, step by unknown step. (Psalm 32:8; 121:8; 139:5).

Where have we been confounded with the unexpected, and known not how to proceed? What is the proper reaction, or should we act at all? When finding ourselves in an emotional quandary, we can expect the Lord to show up and teach us the next best step. At each obedience, we will find Him faithful to reveal the next.

Would we trust that the Lord is supreme over all things, and nothing is too hard or wonderful for Him? We may not see or understand the future He is writing, but we can trust He is, and well. (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27)

Father, help me trust that You are above and beyond all I can comprehend, working everything for Your glory and the good of Your people. (Romans 8:28)