Author: astherainandsnow

“Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops;
    siege is laid against us;
with a rod they strike the judge of Israel
    on the cheek.
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
    to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
    to the ends of the earth.
And he shall be their peace.” Micah 5:1-5

In a small book of prophecy, from a small town in Israel, to a big weary world of troubled sheep, was promised a Shepherd who would be their peace. Their existence was wrought with injustice, conflict, and uncertain leadership. But the Ruler would come! Under His care His people would regather, know HIs strength, and rest secure. Inconsequential Bethlehem would birth great consequence for God’s universe.

“O little town of Bethlehem, 
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep 
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth 
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years 
are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary; 
and, gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep 
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to men on earth.

What gifts Bethlehem brings to us! This Christ child from ancient days, born and died and raised and ascended as Ruler of all, is our Shepherd today! In Him we gather secure, in Him we find abiding peace. Under His strength we rest, and in His majesty we rejoice. Have we partaken? What is keeping us from dwelling secure? What doubts, shame, pride keep us at bay? What insecurities, stubbornness, selfishness cause resistance to His benevolent rule? Will we receive Him and all He offers today, without hesitation or holding back?

How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him still,
the dear Christ enters in.

How will we develop this shepherd’s heart for the lost sheep in our midst? The Lord Jesus in us should be making a difference in our measure of the Spirit’s fruit and grace. With whom are we exhibiting them in evident ways? If not, what will we do about it? (Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:2-7; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Lord, help me bear Your generous gifts to others!

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels,
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!” ~Phillips Brooks (1868)

Amen.

“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.” Matthew 1:18-25

The conception and birth of Jesus had been foretold his betrothed by the angel Gabriel. The news that she was carrying the Son of the Most High who would reign forever was startling to Joseph as it certainly had been to Mary, yet her faith inspired him. How could he best protect her reputation? His own? What was the most loving way to proceed? It was as he considered these things that Joseph heard from the Lord and was reminded of His word. A hasty decision or impulsive reaction would have prevented the sacred message from getting through, where his patient thoughtfulness opened the door. (Luke 1:26-38,45-55)

In the flesh, we can react to surprises, interruptions, and shocking news without thinking. Default is easily programmed to jump, or do, shelter, or solve. We rely on experience and instinct in making decisions, and can forget to consider what God might be doing and how He would have us go forward. Once we move, it is hard to retract or redirect, and we never know how the Lord might have made a different way

When was the last time our world was jolted? How did we respond? With hindsight, could the outcome have been different had we paused to contemplate Who was at the helm?

How might we prepare for unknown turns of event by quieting our souls and praying for God’s insights and wisdom no matter what comes? By focusing on Him and determining ahead of time to obey whatever transpires, we will not fear what He might bring. With steady mind and trusting heart, we will open the way for Him to speak and direct our steps. (Psalm 112:6-7; 131:1-2)

What is it we currently fear? What conundrum do we face- relationally, work-related, financially, spiritually? When will we take time to consider how God can show up in the situation, and what He is saying to us? What steps can we take, confident of His lead and desired outcome, and to further His glory?

Lord, help me consider and courageously follow Your ways so Your will is done and Christ’s name is exalted.

“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

“I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.  But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” 1 John 2:24-28

“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:3-5

Abiding does not just happen, and the scriptures advocate deliberation and care when choosing how to go about daily living. In Christ, we own divine anointing and limitless resources. While secure in the promise of eternal life, we are embattled with the world by constant deception and temptation. The degree to which we actively abide in Christ, and stay connected to His life-giving word and filled with His Spirit, bears greatly on daily outlook, and spiritual health and productivity.

Knowing to Whom we are connected is vital to confidence. The more we take hold of the truth His Spirit imparts, the more real His promises and practical His teaching. Abiding in Christ includes taking Him at His word and applying it to everyday situations and decisions. As the world peppers us with falsehoods and doubts, we can look to Him to remember what we know to be true. (John 14:26)

How connected are we to the Lord and His word? What tempts our tenacity to slide? Is our abiding sporadic, emergency-only, or constant? What fruit of kindness, boldness, steadfastness, unselfishness, generosity results from my clinging to Him?

“In heavenly love abiding,
no change my heart shall fear;
and safe is such confiding,
for nothing changes here:
the storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid;
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?

Wherever he may guide me,
I’ll serve him to the end;
he is within, beside me,
my power and my friend.
His wisdom he bestoweth,
my sight and joy undimmed,
as I abide in his truth
and bear rich fruit for him.

Green pastures are before me,
which yet I have not seen;
bright skies of opportunity,
where darkest clouds have been;
my hope I cannot measure,
my zeal is full and free;
my Savior fills my spirit,
and he will walk with me.” ~Anna Leticia Waring (1850) (and PEB)

Lord, keep me faithfully abiding, growing in my love for You and lifting high Your name in all I do.

“Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus,
    whose right hand I have grasped,
to subdue nations before him
    and to loose the belts of kings,
to open doors before him
    that gates may not be closed:
‘I will go before you
    and level the exalted places,
I will break in pieces the doors of bronze
    and cut through the bars of iron,
I will give you the treasures of darkness
    and the hoards in secret places,
that you may know that it is I, the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who call you by your name.
For the sake of my servant Jacob,
    and Israel my chosen,
I call you by your name,
    I name you, though you do not know me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other,
    besides me there is no God;
    I equip you, though you do not know me,
that people may know, from the rising of the sun
    and from the west, that there is none besides me;
    I am the Lord, and there is no other.
I form light and create darkness;
    I make well-being and create calamity;
    I am the Lord, who does all these things…’

“Thus says the Lord,
    the Holy One.., and the one who formed him:
‘Ask me of things to come;
    will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands?
I made the earth
    and created man on it;
it was my hands that stretched out the heavens,
    and I commanded all their host.
I have stirred him up in righteousness,
    and I will make all his ways level.'” Isaiah 45:1-7,11–13a

God’s prophetic announcement to the godless king Cyrus unveiled His providential perfection and creative working in human history. What the world would perceive as regent against regent, swaggering power in motion, the Lord manipulated to achieve divine purposes and reveal majestic supremacy to all who would believe. He would uncover treasures now dark to reveal His unique power and faithfulness to fulfill His word, making Himself known and knowable.

How often we shrink from places of darkness, and from all we do not understand or fear uncovering. The way before us is a bronze door, unyielding. But there are treasures to be revealed in the hidden place; mysterious appointments are vaults of greatest worth. God, almighty and sovereign, is at work. He’s active in the heathen heart and deepest confusion, orchestrating in quiet His symphony of color and sound to crescendo, playing His unfolding grand piece in history and in our lives.

We must believe He is the Lord, and there is no other. We must accept by faith He has made and controls all things. Bowing before the God who knows us by name makes the way to know the light He creates. Do we seek it? Are we open to receiving everything that comes from His hand, seen and unseen, as He unfolds His perfect plans?

Are we currently struggling with limited vision, limited hope? In what situations is the devil threatening to undo us? Where do we need the Lord to adjust our eyes to the dark of circumstances so we’re able to behold His hoards held there? What facets of His mercy, kindness, generosity, and love become clear? He has our hand- will we let Him have His way?

Lord, help me seek and treasure knowing You better in secret places.

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.  Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.  Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.  If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” Luke 8:16; 11:33-36

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus was careful to instruct His disciples on lamp tending, the importance and whats and hows of owning and emanating His indwelling light. They were no longer living in darkness and had a charge from their Sovereign to shine distinctively in the dark world. He who was the Light of the world would not always be with them, and they needed to understand their obligation. New life meant new purpose and power. (Micah 7:8-9; John 8:12; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 1:5)

The purpose of burning a light is to reveal, to expose, to show the way. Practically, to cover that light would be to nullify its very purpose. So as Christians, we need to be good and careful lamp-tenders. We need to monitor our intake. Ingesting and applying God’s promises and hope will make for output matched in vibrancy and purity. What do we allow into our eyes and minds? What we watch, listen to, converse about, and read have an effect on the light within. What do we foster and welcome in to stoke a bright burning flame? (Luke 12:35-36)

As for illuminating the world around us, how are we reflecting, in countenance, conversation, action, the Lord’s brilliant love, mercy, peace, and joy to others? What are we doing to expose our workplaces and neighborhoods to the light of the gospel through intentional involvement and interaction, by earnest prayer? Can others recognize divine glory?

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!’
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, keep me singing of and shining with Your light and life wherever I am, that You be known and adored.

“On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. At evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning.  So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.  Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped.  At the command of the Lord the people set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.  Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out.  Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they set out.  And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out.  Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out.  At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord.”

“And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, ‘Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.’  And when it rested, he said, ‘Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.'” Numbers 9:15-23; 10:35-36

Day in, week out, it would seem the Israelites were content to move or stay as the Lord commanded. Many words are used to describe a rhythm known only to God and an obedience, it seems, strictly adhered to. But we also know that trust for direction and protection was riddled with discontent in absolutes and rife with grumbling and harsh discipline. Over forty years the Lord weeded out the many who rebelled against His word and ways. Submission never comes easily, but always brings blessing. (Numbers 13:25-14:7,28-31; 16:41-42)

It can be a life-long journey to slough off the rough edges of impatience and the need to control our time and space. Waiting often brings out the worst in us, exposing willful pride and stubbornness- at least it brings up and out some snarls we need to confront. Measured against God’s consistency, care, and faithfulness, our fretful fussing is quite sorry.

Consider a day, or month, or longer, of being sequestered under God’s cloud, unable to see in the distance, knowing His presence, wondering at His unfolding invisible purposes. What might He do deep within us? How can we use the pause to learn from His word of His character, His ways with men? When His clock strikes, how ready are we to set aside our agenda and follow His lead? What will it take in surrender and trust to live on God’s timing?

Father, keep me vigilant in waiting and watching for, and following Your every move, that Your will be done.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?  You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.  You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us’?  But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 1:5; 3:13-18; 4:1-8

In James’ admonition to seek and apply God’s wisdom, he clearly distinguishes the outflow from heavenly versus earthly. Wisdom from above looks nothing like wisdom from below. Meekness breeds works very different from ambition, mercy and sincerity from jealousy. Gratitude and graciousness are opposite of grumbling greed. The Lord yearns over our spirits to make them holy and to lift them from groveling and grousing here below to His wisdom.

In determining where and from whom we seek wisdom, consider the works emanating from each source. Is there confusion, dependence on an imperfect person, or ongoing anxiety or consternation? Is there the goad of greed, or self-fulfillment, or pampering and ease? Is there the instigation to jealousy, or personal rights, ambition, or pride? Does the application of advice lead to a sense of superiority, chilling of compassion, dissension with loved ones, distancing from known truths? Any of these would signal the intention of the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy, and must be carefully avoided. (John 10:10)

Inquiring of the Lord and absorbing wisdom from His word yields starkly different fruit. When purity is desired and honed, and righteous character increases alongside peace, reason, and joy, we can know these gifts are from above. Divine wisdom envelops soul and spirit, and teaches mercy, sincerity, and godliness.

Do we genuinely desire wisdom? How carefully do we search for it? When will we set aside selfish ambition or pet passions to seek and receive the wisdom that is supreme?

Father, give me righteous desire and discernment to know and practice godly wisdom that sows peace and glorifies You.

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High… Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-36

Jesus’s teachings introduced unexpected dichotomies and upended natural thinking. The One from heaven infused earthly reason with new possibilities. As astounding as His commands was His ability to change human nature to make them doable. The only way to love others, even enemies, with no strings was to stay attached to the Almighty and act in His Spirit.

Demonstrating affection and care to loved ones can come easily, an impulse borne of comfort and desire. To love and give with no expectation for return can rise from generosity of heart and compassion. But to spend ourselves with the likeliness of loss, hurt, rejection, even abuse, never comes naturally. Only in and with Christ is it possible.

Jesus left His place of glory to come to earth. Day by day during His public ministry He spent Himself, surrendering privacy, comfort, and personal preferences for the sake of His Father and the good of His people. His love exercised was unconditional, His tie to His Father imperishable. In Gethsemane and on the cross, He sacrificed the ultimate- His will and very life, to finish what the Father had sent Him to accomplish. For all He’s done for us, how can we not do the same? (Luke 22:42; 23:46)

How can we give with no strings? Use the measure of Christ! How can we return reviling with blessing? Speak from a heart filled with His Spirit! How can we forgive offenses and unjust wrongs done to us? Keep tied to Calvary! (Luke 6:38,45; Romans 12:14-21; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32; 5:18; 1 Peter 3:9)

With whom do we find life among and love toward particularly difficult? What rights is God calling us to surrender? In what greedy hollows do we need His supernatural filling? Cling to Jesus!

“I hear the Savior say,
‘Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.’
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe.” ~Elvina M. Hall (1865)

Lord, keep me inextricably tied to You, my only hope and strength for ongoing, selfless, lavish Christ-like love to others.

“Satan incited David to number Israel. So David said to Joab.., ‘Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.’ But Joab said, ‘May the Lord add to his people a hundred times as many as they are! Are they not… all my lord’s servants? Why require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?’ But the king’s word prevailed…

“But God was displeased, and he struck Israel. And David said to God, ‘I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. Now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly… I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.’

“So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men fell. God sent the angel to destroy, but… relented from the calamity. He said.., ‘It is enough; now stay your hand.’ The angel was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. David said to God, ‘Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil…’

“The angel of the Lord had commanded… that David go up and raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan… King David said to Ornan, ‘I will buy for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’  So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site. And David built there an altar to the Lord and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the Lord, and the Lord answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar. Then the Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.

“Then David said, ‘Here shall be the house of the Lord God and here the altar of burnt offering for Israel.'” 1 Chronicles 21:1-4a,7-8,13-18a,24-27; 22:1

Godly David was vulnerable to sin as any other. His folly of the census, spawned from a poison drop of pride late in his reign, brought hellish justice from God and a beautiful picture of sanctification. The very place of sin and judgment became the place of sacrifice and staying the hand of death, redeeming brokenness with the Lord into His temple of ongoing communion. How graciously the Lord works good from man’s uncontrolled depravity.

And oh, how Satan incites! We are never here on earth free from his wily plots, yet we have the sacred altar, the throne of grace, to which we can fly in time of need. Do we understand the calamity, the cost, the completion of the vindication? The moment of our sin is met with Christ’s mercy and power, the place of transgression is covered with His blood. (Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 Peter 5:8)

How sensitive are we to conviction from the Holy Spirit? Do we immediately humble ourselves and confess? What will we offer, of possession and praise, in gratitude for God’s grace?

Lord, help me remember and rejoice in Your perfect sacrifice, for Your glory.

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God… 

“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:15-16,19-23

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

Countering the natural reaction to sorrow, suffering, and persecution, these writers soften their blow with the truth that it is a gracious thing to endure these hardships with Christ. Mindful of Him, God’s children understand better what He went took on their sake. Undergoing adversity for doing good, they taste His sufferings. Not only can they practically learn from His example, but are blessed in doing so. (Philippians 3:10)

A gracious thing? How can these weighty trials and anguish be a gracious thing? When considered in the light of Christ Jesus’s unjust condemnation and horrific crucifixion, enduring the cruelest death to serve our sentence and win our salvation, we are humbled. We see the trusting submission, the higher purpose, the agony endured for the joy ahead, and can begin to follow. The way is not easy, but it is strewn with grace and love and strength we would not otherwise know. (Hebrews 12:2-3)

What currently distresses us at work or home? Is there a trauma or tribulation that presses us down, and sad? Where are we struggling for breath to take the next step, or face the onslaught, or hope in the darkness? What if we claimed our freedom in Christ to walk with Him through the vale, and began to apply His example of trust, and submission, and enduring for the joy ahead? How might we begin to share His glory, and shine it to those who watch?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~R. Keen (1787)

Father, help me welcome every hardship as a gracious thing leading me to holiness.