As the rain and snow

“Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when [Josiah] had cleansed the land and the house, he sent Shaphan, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God... And they gave it to the workmen who were working in the house of the Lord. And the workmen who were working in the house of the Lord gave it for repairing and restoring the house. They gave it to the carpenters and the builders to buy quarried stone, and timber for binders and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had let go to ruin. And the men did the work faithfully. Over them were set Jahath and Obadiah, and Zechariah and Meshullam, to have oversight. The Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music, were over the burden-bearers and directed all who did work in every kind of service, and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers. While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord given through Moses. Then Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.’ And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan. Shaphan brought the book to the king, and reported, ‘All that was committed to your servants they are doing.'” 2 Chronicles 34:8,10-16

Maintenance: The work of keeping something in proper condition; upkeep. The house of the Lord in Jerusalem was magnificent, but in constant need of maintaining and repair, as is any manmade structure. Josiah was one of several kings of Judah who took its cleansing and maintenance seriously, taking care to restore it and the word of God as the foundation for its function. (Asa-2 Chronicles 15:8; Hezekiah- 2 Chronicles 29:1-3; Joash- 2 Chronicles 24:4-5,12-13)

We learn that no thing we have lasts forever: our trinkets rust, our homes and houses of worship wear with use. As long as we live on earth we will need to maintain, repair, redo, or replace. As good stewards of all God entrusts to us, we are not to lay up much for ourselves here, but be responsible with what God has given us in order to be generous and focus on heavenly treasure. How are we using it for His honor, and others’ best advantage? Are there areas where we are slacking, wasteful, or selfish that need remedying? (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 13:5)

We learn that our bodies, themselves temple of the Holy Spirit, need proper maintenance to function well and best utilize our gifts. Wholesome eating, regular exercise of mind and body, and healthy rest contribute to the beneficial working of our temples. We learn that our secret spirit place, that inner sanctum where we meet with our Lord, must take precedence. It requires attention by way of consistent worship, divine feeding on His word, and surrender and service to our Lord. Where are we slacking, making excuses, and needing discipline as keepers of His temple? (1 Corinthians 6:13,19-20)

Only Jesus lasts forever. He does not change or wear away. (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8)

Lord, please help me in the practical, physical, and spiritual realms to maintain with excellence all You have entrusted to me. May my every duty by and for Your holy temple bring You glory.

“Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain… And again, she bore his brother Abel… In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?..’

“Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’ And the Lord said, ‘What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.'” Genesis 4:1-6,8-10

God made man for a relationship with Himself, and lovingly pursues intimacy with him by asking questions. He sought Adam and Eve hiding in the garden and asked their whereabouts, who and what had made them ashamed. Here He draws out the motives behind Cain’s actions by giving him opportunity to look inside, discover and acknowledge his sin inclination, and confess. Scripture gives other examples of God’s gracious pursuit of His children in eliciting faith and spurring growth. (Genesis 3:8-13; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Acts 9:1-6)

The questions of our Lord show His love interest in us. He knows us well- He made us- but knows it’s vital we know ourselves in order to communicate freely with Him and bear spiritual fruit. He longs for us to be unmasked, authentic, honest. Living out His call on our lives will be a constant struggle if we don’t regularly come clean before ourselves and our Maker. (Psalm 139:1-4,13-16)

When we take up with the Lord, how goes our conversation, and what does it reveal about our openness to spiritual intimacy? Is it comprised of our asking why He’s caused certain difficulties, or not answered our requests, coupled with a stubborn unwillingness to accept His response or reasons? Are our words more explanation and demand than acknowledgement of His goodness and wisdom? Do our questions and statements expose pride, need for control, smugness in thinking we know and can do better than the Lord? Do we ever listen, and respond to Him?

What if we were to approach the all-wise God on our knees? How would that change our attitude of superiority? What if we opened ourselves up to God’s searching, to probing our intentions? How might that lead us to honest and freeing confession? (Psalm 139:23-24)

What if we were to mix it up by praying the words of Scripture instead of our own prepackaged formulations? How might this obliterate self-will and broaden our vision? What if we asked the Lord to teach us to pray and refresh our devotional time? Where would we like Him to inspire and develop holy desires? What if we took time first to praise Him for His infinite and unchanging attributes? How could that adjust our expectations of what (and how) He’ll respond?

Father, thank You for pursuing me. Please draw me ever closer to You through deep searching of my heart and making it more like Yours.

“Hezekiah did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God.., seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered.

“After these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah… [Hezekiah] set combat commanders over the people and gathered them… ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and the horde that is with him, for… with him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.’

“After this, Sennacherib sent his servants… to all the people of Judah, saying, ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you or mislead you,.. for no god of any nation has been able to deliver his people from my hand.’  And they shouted [against the Lord and Hezekiah] with a loud voice… to frighten and terrify them… Hezekiah prayed and cried to heaven…

“Then Hezekiah became sick, at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and he answered him. But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem… God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.” 2 Chronicles 31:20-32:1,6-9,15,16,18,20,24-25,31b

There were few as wholehearted as Hezekiah, who reigned over half his life doing right before the Lord. His holy priorities, borne of deep devotion to God, compelled him to lead Judah to renewed, robust worship and generosity; his kingdom was identified by gladness and abundance. And then, as God often orchestrates, tests came. Would he remain faithful in plenty and success? (2 Chronicles 30:26-27; 31:3,5-8; 32:27-30)

When Sennacherib attacked, by armies and taunts, he did. He prepared, encouraged his people in the Lord, and prayed. When he was stricken with a fatal illness, he begged for mercy, and God granted it.

Was it this improbable healing that softened his holy resolve? Did a sense of desert admit the pest of pride? His next test was met with diminished devotion. Self had put its foot in the door of his heart, and proved its brawn stubborn and ugly. When Babylonian envoys arrived, suddenly he took credit for his riches and success, giving full display to his tainted nature. By God’s grace, his conscience was quickened and he acknowledged his pride, but not without consequences. The son born to him during this season brought great evil and shame on Judah. (2 Kings 20:12-18; 2 Chronicles 32:26; 33:9; Jeremiah 26:19)

The Lord our Maker wants our whole heart. Always. He made us for Himself, to bear His image. He doles out bounty and brings low; He apportions graces as He sees fit. Throughout our lives, He tests us to reveal what is inside: what drives us, eats at us, enhances or deteriorates our intimacy with Him. How are we testing? (Genesis 1:27-28; Daniel 2:21; Romans 12:3)

When we encounter temptations, roadblocks, or detours, do they set off anger, or greater dependence? Do sorrows and broken dreams deplete our faith, or spur love and gratitude for Jesus, and lead us to deeper lessons? When circumstances change, how do we change? (Hebrews 12:4-11; James 1:3-4)

Father, please guard and bolster my faithfulness in Your every test. May my faith come out as gold, to reflect Your glory. (Job 23:10)

“Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the Lord, the God of Israel... And many people came together in Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month, a very great assembly… And the people of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness, and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with all their might to the Lord. And Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who showed good skill in the service of the Lord. So they ate the food of the festival for seven days, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the Lord, the God of their fathers. Then the whole assembly agreed together to keep the feast for another seven days. So they kept it for another seven days with gladness…

“And the priests consecrated themselves in great numbers. The whole assembly of Judah, and the priests and the Levites, and the whole assembly that came out of Israel, and the sojourners who came out of the land of Israel, and the sojourners who lived in Judah, rejoiced. So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem. Then the priests and the Levites arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard, and their prayer came to his holy habitation in heaven.” 2 Chronicles 30:1,13,21-23,24b-27

God set into the rhythm of Israel’s year regular feasts and celebrations to remember and point to His work on their behalf. When Hezekiah instituted the Passover as part of his restoration of worship, there was great rejoicing on the part of those who’d answered his call to participate. So great, they didn’t want to stop. “So they kept it for another seven days with gladness.”

What would life be like if we drew out our sacrificial offerings of worship another seven days? If we would keep on celebrating the Lord’s goodness in salvation with glad rejoicing another seven days? If we extended another seven days the time we give to those who are lonely, who would be helped by our care or enriched by extravagant love?

How often do we apportion out our giving or surrender to God with fear-imposed limits, ‘this much and nothing more, Lord’? Where do we put strict parameters around the amount of time we’ll sing, or pray, or spend in the Scriptures, because we have other more important things to tend to or do? What would it take to jolt our hearts into keeping the feast another seven days? Another year? Another all my life?

Jesus gave His all for us. Why do we skimp on the return to Him?

“Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord, may I never cease rejoicing in You. May I add another seven days to wholehearted worship and living, to the praise of Your greatness and glory.

“O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens...

 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?..

O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:1,3-4,9

“Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;
    I will not lie to David.
His offspring shall endure forever,
    his throne as long as the sun before me.
Like the moon it shall be established forever,
    a faithful witness in the skies.” Psalm 89:35-37

The toddlers have it right.

Midst banter, activity, busyness, and play,

The toddlers looked up in the heart of the day,

And above all the noise would repeatedly say,

“Moon! Moon!”

Their minds are not full of every to-do,

Their lives are open to gaze at the blue,

They simply embrace what they’re taught is true:

That God made the moon.

We crowd our days and our hours with noise,

We busy with doing and collecting our toys,

And we miss profound lessons from small girls and boys:

To look up and behold the moon.

Suspended in space and bright with its glow,

No light does it own but reflects in its show,

Its glory reveals its Creator to know,

“Look up! The moon!”

Why can’t we stop talking and quiet to still,

Cease with our striving and driving and will,

And take time to wonder and savor the thrill,

Of the “Moon! Moon!”

If we would establish priorities right

We’ll learn to balance our day and our night

So we can savor the heavenly sight

Of the moon.

It is then God reminds us of whose child we are

That whether we remain close or stray far

He holds us who holds every star

And the moon.

Secure in our Father, no matter our status,

In His arms, like a child, nothing can shake us,

We are free and unfettered and able to focus

on the moon.

He who has made it and set it in space

Has also made me and assigned me a place

So that as I work daily His glory I’ll trace

Like the moon.

So teach us, dear Lord, not to be tightly wound,

With all life’s demands and the trinkets we’ve found,

Not to yield to angst and complaining with sound,

But to take time to gaze at the moon.

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts…

“For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. Cursed be the cheat who… sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” Malachi 1:6-8,11-14

“Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations!” Psalm 46:10

“For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared,
    a great king over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2

From God came every nation on earth. He made man who birthed men who populated the earth, spreading out to fill its lands. And whether we see, acknowledge, understand, or desire it, He is Lord over all. No thought traipses unknown, no deception goes undetected, no activity escapes His gaze. He is worthy of our honor and best, and is not pleased when we skimp. His name is great! (Genesis 1:1,26-28; Psalm 139:1-4,13-16)

The Lord sets His affection on His own, calling us by name and granting us the privilege of bearing His. We are His light in our homes, communities, cities, and nations, holding out His word of life for all to hear and draw near, as Jesus came into the world to bear witness to the truth. His name is great! (Isaiah 43:1; Matthew 5:14-16; John 18:37)

The Lord is above any other god, greater and higher and incomparable. His name is above any other name, His power and wisdom unmatched. He is King of kings, and Lord of lords, limitless in perfection and glory. His name is great! (Psalm 135:5; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:15-16)

Almighty God, whose name is great, is, and will be, feared among the nations! How am I contributing to its exaltation? Do my choices fear Him more than man? Do I consider His honor when I recreate, spend, speak? How do my attitudes and countenance enhance, or stain, His reputation? (John 18:17,25-27)

When do I, and will I, regularly ponder the wonders of His name? (Revelation 19:1,6b-7a,11-16

Father, keep me in awe of and esteeming Your name, diligent to take it to heart to give honor to it in all I do and say. (Malachi 2:2,5-7;3:16-17)

“Teach me your way, Lord,
    that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart.” Psalm 86:11

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work…’ ‘I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.'” John 4:34; 17:4

“See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” Colossians 4:17

The wisps of cloud are like fine bangs in the early pale, and I can’t get them out of my eyes. Strewn and soft, they tickle my attention skyward, in distracted wonder. Each day is different, each morn offers a different style. My mind praises, and wanders.

How easy it is to get distracted by trivialities that blow into our days, that pester our senses and itch our concentration. They may seem insignificant, yet each teases our focus and deters us from what is important, what the Lord would have us be about. They bore in to divide our hearts, our affections and loyalties and determination, and lure away wholehearted zeal.

What are those little foxes that target us? And why do we so easily succumb? Acknowledging that the enemy exists to steal our devotion, kill our resolve, and destroy our fellowship with the Lord and His people is key to guarding against his wiles. The Lord has called us to holiness, but that enemy relentlessly deters us from that path. The Lord has called us to fruitfulness, but the enemy will constantly pull us to apathy, lethargy, or waywardness. Would we pay attention to the battle, and stand to withstand the attacks? (Song of Solomon 2:15; Isaiah 35:8; John 10:10; 15:5; Ephesians 6:10-13)

It helps to have others with whom we can walk, confide, and be accountable. Have we slipped from consistent, honest fellowship? Where and how are we prone to cover up inner wrestlings and temptations? Are we allowing busyness, or difficulty, or shame, to spread distance between us and others God has given to be a sharpening iron? What excuses do we make for this neglect, and what will we do about it? It is difficult to remain undivided, undistracted, and undeterred alone. (Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:23-25)

Our biblical admonition is to ask God for an undivided heart, to follow our Savior’s example to focus on God’s work and will for us, and to remain wholehearted. Where do we feel weak and need the Spirit’s strength? Ask! When is or will be our regular time for concentrating on our Lord and soaking in His word? With whom can we commit to regular fellowship, conversation, Scripture memory, prayer together? The Lord has given us the Body for good reasons, and we all need each other. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

As we close a year and begin a new one, would we desire and determine to be wholeheartedly devoted to the worthy King? What will we put in place to make that happen?

Lord, stand sentry as a wall of fire all around me, keeping me focused on Your glory in my midst, and Your agenda. (Zechariah 2:5)

“When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose,.. laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel… He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, do you wash my feet?’  Jesus answered him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.’  Peter said to him, ‘You shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered him, ‘If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.’”

“When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done to you?.. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you… If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.'” John 13:1-10,12,14-15,17

His hour had come. The culmination of His purpose on earth was drawing nigh. In divine knowledge, Jesus understood Judas would soon act on the devil’s prompt to betray Him, and what did He do? Go out and enjoy His final moments of freedom on earth? Seek to be celebrated by His friends? Get alone to pamper Himself in preparation for tough times ahead? No, He abased Himself to wash His beloved disciples’ feet, a final act of intimate selflessness, a final illustration of the forgiveness and cleansing He had come to offer His own. Truly, he loved them to the end.

Life’s clock keeps ticking, and we know we can never undo or repeat our moments and hours. How are we spending them? Arbitrarily or intentionally? For ourselves or Jesus? In temporal or eternal pursuits? On things that won’t last or relationships that will? For personal attention and accolades or the glory and honor of God? (Matthew 6:19-21)

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

The Lord has everlasting blessing for those who faithfully labor for Him, forgive others with abandon, and serve for His sake to the end. Will we be deliberate to emulate His example? Will we take up His towel? On whom will we speak benediction? Where and with whom can we serve and love well today? (Matthew 25:21; Ephesians 4:32; Revelation 14:13)

Father, with each day and year You’ve given me, help me love You to the end through selfless service to others. I want to love others as You have loved me, to the exaltation of Your glory and Name. (John 13:34)

“O Lord, how many are my foes!
    Many are rising against me;
many are saying of my soul,
    ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
    my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the Lord,
    and he answered me from his holy hill. 

I lay down and slept;
    I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
    who have set themselves against me all around.” Psalm 3:1-6

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10

Neighbors’ chimes doled a melodious background to the wind shrushing through trees in the chilly dark before dawn. Where I sit, ours hang still and silent, sheltered from the gusty pushing. Within the tower, behind the shield that is our Lord, we are safe from the blow of trouble.

Isn’t this our position in Christ these world-windswept days? We hear the chatter of voices, the clamor of dissension, the cacophony of angry disagreement; we observe changing industry and noisy instability in institutions great and small. Yet, tightly held in Jesus’s name, we are untouched. It is well with our souls. No threat, no blow, need shake or topple us. We stand secure, and if we tune our hearts, can delight in the heavenly music.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2

We may try to erect other shelters- of knowledge, regulated discipline, financial security, schedules tidily set on order. But at the sovereign breath of God’s mouth, man’s structures topple and his plans come to naught. A sudden death, a lost job, a strike of violence, a change of command, a pandemic- anything we cannot control can unsettle and forever alter a day, an outlook, a future. But when the Lord is the shield round about us, He lifts our heads to see His grace, to trace His goodness, to hear His voice. In Him alone we are stable and safe.

“O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.” ~Helen Howarth Lemmel (1922)

What is unsettling our peace? What unknowns, or imagined hypotheticals, do we fear? Where have we allowed the world’s drone of dread, danger, or despair seep in to take over our perspective? If we would plant ourselves square in God’s shelter, we can look at the storm, face the wind, and remain calm. We can be still in the midst of turning turmoil. Would we cling now to His strong name?

If we dwell in the shadow of the Most High, whom will we invite to share His shelter and salvation? With whom will we share this good news, that no matter what threatens in the world, Jesus guards our lives and all of our ways?(Psalm 91:9-16)

Father, thank You for tucking me into Your holy Name. From that shelter may I ever sing and share Your salvation.

“Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany… So [his] sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

“Jesus told [his disciples] plainly, ‘Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him…”  Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days... Martha… went and met him… [and] said, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died…’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again… I am the resurrection and the life.Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…’

Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ Jesus… was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled… Jesus wept. The Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’” John 11:1,3-6,14-15,17,20-21,23,25,32-33,35-36

“If Jesus loves me, then why…?” “Lord, if only… this wouldn’t have happened.” Our ways and thoughts are so much lower and more limited than our Lord’s! We wallow in earthly difficulties, emote with swinging passions, and tremble at hypotheticals, while the King of kings rules with calm, perfect precision, orchestrating His good and broader plans. Had Lazarus never fallen ill, everyone would have missed… (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The impossibility that only Jesus could solve. The display of His love. The recognition of Jesus as the Resurrection and Life. The experience of sorrow being turned to joy. And, as Jesus Himself foretold, God and His Son glorified in bringing about the miraculous visual aid of Jesus’s purpose on earth.

So, when we are dumbfounded at the bumpy turns in our lives, the impossibilities in hard relationships, the desolation and lack we imagine can never be filled, the conflict we imagine can never be resolved, look for Jesus’s love there. He is deeply and personally in our painful places. He brings us to more profound belief. He is near, and weeps with us. He opens our eyes to deeper truths. And He always brings new life, resurrection of heart and hope.

Jesus raised Lazarus back to life, and they were all able to love and rejoice and linger in person again. He would one day die again, but the glory, the life lessons, would remain. Jesus always does perfectly, righteously, and best. We may not understand or want to accept our circumstances, but in and through them He loves us and shows us facets of Himself we could not be familiar with otherwise. (John 11:38-44)

If He seems to be staying, withholding, not answering, would we look for how He loves us in the waiting? Would we discover His glory there? Would we choose to trust Him and His ways and ask for a richer understanding of the resurrection life?

Father, help me not only to trust Your steadfast love, but be eager and expectant about how You are glorified through that love in the world.