As the rain and snow

“Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ houses.., in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David. And all the men of Israel assembled before the king at the feast… And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark. And they brought up the ark, the tent of meeting… King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary,.. the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim… And when the priests came out of the Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves, without regard to their divisions, and all the Levitical singers.., their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord,

“’For he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever,’

“the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.” 2 Chronicles 5:2-5a,6-7,11-14

The description of the ark of God’s presence being set in the Most Holy Place rouses readers to joyful tiptoe. The event was the primary message, yet the backdrop vital to grasping the full glory manifested. As within (grammatical) parentheses the consecrated leaders assembled to tune instruments and raise their voices of praise in unison, so the Lord enveloped His glad people in the cloud of His shekinah glory. He is worthy of and delighted by both preparation and praise!

To add a parenthesis is to set apart vital information that supports or explains the rest of a sentence. In our daily routine, a checklist may outline necessary steps to take, but there are always important things that must occur in order for the items to be accomplished. Tending to the big while neglecting the small leads to frustration, lack of cohesiveness, disharmony. We must make certain of our behind- the-scenes.

In all our doings and preparations for this and that, are we aware of needed parentheses? Are we in the practice of tucking away to tune ourselves to praise? To get right with others? When do we set our attention on an undivided heart for the Lord, seeking His help to bridle mind and affection for wholehearted devotion, so that all is done unto Him? (Psalm 86:11; Colossians 3:23-24)

“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.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Amen!

“At that time I will change the speech of the peoples
    to a pure speech,
that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord
    and serve him with one accord.
From beyond the rivers of Cush
    my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones,
    shall bring my offering.

“On that day you shall not be put to shame
    because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me;
for then I will remove from your midst
    your proudly exultant ones,
and you shall no longer be haughty
    in my holy mountain.
But I will leave in your midst
    a people humble and lowly.
They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord…

“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 3:9-12,14-20

At that time and on that day promises were full of I wills that held unshakable hope. Each statement from the prophet was a pledge from the Almighty who would perform it, and could be savored. Every reality presently true would carry God’s people forward with rejoicing and song to all that would be.

We may currently feel judged against, nursing shame. We may be weak in spirit or aching with unfulfilled longing. We may be suffering separation or regret. Yet now, the Lord announces judgment removed. Jesus penetrates loneliness with His presence, and sorrow with song. He promises purity within and around, and rejoices in all He will save, quiet, gather, restore. Will we trade our dirge for a song? Will we choose to delight in this coming King?

“Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven 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.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

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)

Lord, may I ever exult on You and Your mercies, and so bring you the honor and song You deserve.

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.”  But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.'” Luke 18:9-14

Jesus’s comparison of the two praying men was meant to uncover their presumptions, then convict and commend. While the first man in self-focused prayer presumed the motives of others and that God needed his informing, it was Christ who knew the hidden heart. The man pridefully presumed God’s pleasure with his litany of good works, but the parable revealed and denounced his false righteousness. The humble man presumed only on the Lord’s worthiness and grace, and in raw confession pled for His mercy. He it is whom God justified.

Approaching the Almighty is an expression of assumptions, and He intends we get them right. In prayer that delights Him we come not on our own merit but His, presuming solely on His love and mercy, not our comparative deeds. It is helpful to bow humbly, expressing gratitude for access to His throne, where brazen confidence due to self-achieved standing turns the worship on us. It is right to focus on Him and acknowledge that He knows all rather than cozy up to Him with excuses and criticisms as if He needs our help and wisdom. (Psalm 94:11; John 2:24; Hebrews 4:12,16)

The key to proper presumption is knowing God through His word. The world and its varied experts give many an opinion and warped view of how God feels, but the holy scriptures are the only true plumb. The enemy wants us to live in the horizontal craze of comparison and boasting, and does all he can to keep our eyes from Jesus. The better we know our Lord and His attributes and ways, the more clearly we see how short we fall. Only when we grasp His just and loving welcome through the blood of Christ will we commune with honesty and effectiveness.

What defines our approach to God? Is it cocky, fearful, or driven by faith? Is it sporadic or consistent, self-confident or God-dependent, focused inward or upward? On what and whose terms do we come? Are we prone to explaining, informing, and bragging, or worshipping, thanking, confessing, and pleading? What needs to be corrected in our presumptions of who God is and how He works through prayer, of our spiritual fitness and standing, and how will we effect that change?

“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.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

My Lord, keep me humble, honest, and persevering in prayer that presumes Your mercy and praises Your majesty.

“In the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’

“And [the shepherds] went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:8-14,16-20

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:1-3

The night of joy was a night of many contrasts. Into thick darkness the glory of the Lord broke and shone. Silent calm became loud fear. Trepidation was met with good news, and confusion was assuaged with promise. Mildly keeping watch turned to running with haste, and then the shepherds saw the Shepherd. God in the highest become babe in a manger. Wonder of wonders! Internal reflection burst forth in rejoicing and praise. These contrasts announce and picture our Savior with us, the infinite perfect God-man who broke through time and space to change the world and upend our destiny.

Our day to days are peppered with darkness and gloom of circumstance and heart. We busy ourselves with productive work, watching over our fields of duty, family, and ministry. We immerse ourselves in the temporal, and flirt with stress and fear of the unexplained and unknown.

Christmas is the celebration of the Eternal’s entrance into that existence, bringing great and inexplicable joy and meaning to our flock of cares. As we watch over responsibilities, do we look up to see His glory? How attuned are we to the reminders of His presence, His ministry in our lives, the hope He offers? How willing are we to lay aside our entanglements and tasks to run to behold Him? To adore Him, and then go tell He is here? What difference is our Lord Jesus making in our manner and work and outlook today?

Lord, may great joy identify me and my service, so You are seen and exalted.

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions… The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops? I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.

“Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on… And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you…

“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” Luke 12:15-22,29-31,33

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

The glitch with getting rich is an eye problem. Wealth can allure by its twinkle and promised power, and suffocate our ability to see its wider purpose. What the world says should be used for us, God entrusts to us to be put to use for Him.

Riches misused lead to hurt, greed, and ruin, while those offered to God bear fruit and result in gratitude and praise. How do we view them? As something we earn and own, or a trust for heavenly use? What motivates our money-making and collecting? Covering necessary expenses, hoarding for security, spending for personal pleasure, giving to others? God owns all things and has given us everything to enjoy. He meets needs, gives delight, and uses His people to build His kingdom and bless His world. What and how are we investing to bless others, and to increase gratitude, praise, and glory to God? (Matthew 6:24; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; 9:6-15; 1 Timothy 6:17)

“Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.” ~Charles Wesley (1744)

Lord, have full sway with all I have, for all You’ve given to me.

“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.  And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.  So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’  So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.  And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’  And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Luke 19:1-10

Zaccheus was a man of action with money and manner. He wasted no time in taking advantage of opportunities before him, and had success to show for it. When the Spirit prompted him to seek Jesus, he hastened to get the best vantage point of the traveling teacher. The Lord Jesus then compelled him to redirect his hurry with holy motivation, and he promptly changed the course of his life.

There is much zip and zing for many in the flurry of living today. Pressures of responsibility and needs push us to hurry toward and through the next thing, often stripping us of presence and joy in the midst. Media bombards us with notifications of the urgent that incessantly distract us from concentration. Even if we are determined to spend some quiet with the Lord, we can hurry through without focus on His majesty or nourishing truth. An unchecked harried pace quickly becomes horrid hurry and causes us to miss the sweetness God intends for us to savor and learn from in each moment.

When we are all rush and run, we miss out on compassion, meaningful conversation, delighting in God’s creation and character. But when under the Holy Spirit’s compulsion, holy hurry is a gift. It moves us from self-absorption to Christ-seeking and servant-mindedness, from meaninglessness to significance. It jostles complacency and inaction into gear to learn about the Christ and what He should mean in our everyday. (Luke 2:15-16)

What self-imposed pressures and schedules mandate our pace of life? Where does hurry define us? What is the end stop of our to and fro? What will it take for us to be thoughtful, to ask at the start of each day, how can I best see Jesus?

Then, how quickly will we obey when He speaks? What need we set aside to hasten to do His will? Whom will we introduce to our Savior without delay?

Lord and Potentate of time, please set my life pace as You see best, and cause me to learn and move and love at Your bidding, that You be known and praised.

“Jude,..

“To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

“Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed.., ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ…

“These people, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones…  Woe to them!.. These are… shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees..; wild waves… casting up the foam of their own shame…

 “These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

“But you must remember, beloved,.. ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.  But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.  And have mercy on those who doubt;  save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy.” Jude 1-4,8,11-13,16-23

While a calm and joy-filled message about their common salvation had been his desire and intent, the half-brother of Jesus was compelled to make an appeal for discernment and purity in the church. Defiling blemishes and malcontents had infiltrated the nascent fellowships with their poison and threatened to pollute and divide them with ungodliness and false teaching. It was vital for those in Christ to pursue their most holy faith to maintain its integrity and vitality.

Living among the world, we are surrounded by those who know not God and care nothing for holy things or thought. We are bombarded with negativity, sensuality, rebel ideas, divisiveness. Every day, first things first. Remember that we are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept eternally and inextricably for Jesus Christ.

Rather than get swept up in the world’s destructive momentum and down into its wicked perversion, would we liberally ingest God’s mercy, peace, and love? Will we commit to tenacious vigilance to live not as slaves to sin but as His adopted children? We are to behave distinctly from the world, preparing to appear blameless before the Lord in glory with great joy. Regular spiritual assessment and focus rightly aligns priorities. (Romans 6:17-23; 8:5,15-17)

If I treasure a common salvation, how does it spur me on to steadfastness, love, graciousness, good deeds? Where do I tolerate the world’s ideas about morality or money? How do I encourage the unbelieving and weak? First thing, of what ungodliness need I repent, then trust the One who can keep me from falling? What am I doing to remain in Christ’s love, to rescue others from spiritual death, and to fortify my brothers and sisters? (Hebrews 10:23-25; Jude 24-25; Revelation 2:19-21)

Lord, help me faithfully tend to first things first, and to trust and please You as supreme, magnifying Your glory, majesty, and dominion forever.

“Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets
    who lead my people astray,
who cry ‘Peace’
    when they have something to eat,
but declare war against him
    who puts nothing into their mouths.
Therefore it shall be night to you, without vision,
    and darkness to you, without divination.
The sun shall go down on the prophets,
    and the day shall be black over them;
the seers shall be disgraced,
    and the diviners put to shame;
they shall all cover their lips,
    for there is no answer from God.
But as for me, I am filled with power,
    with the Spirit of the Lord,
    and with justice and might,
to declare to Jacob his transgression
    and to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:5-8

“Everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God…  And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:8-9,11-12

“[Take up] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication.., that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,.. that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:17-20

For false prophets who lead people astray the Lord withholds no condemnation. The sun shall go down on them, the day be as black, their vision darkened, God’s voice silent. A night of disgrace and shame will be their end. But for the one who speaks for God, in His Spirit with boldness and truth, his message will be as daybreak. Bright, fiery, life-giving, awe-inspiring, beautiful will be his words.

For God’s people, we take part in both the gleaning and the giving out, and one determines the other. We must discern what to take in and how we’ll be informed so we have truth to speak at the Spirit’s instruction and prompting. In a world rife with polished false teaching and alluring, subtle lies, we must know God’s truth as foundation and filter. He is no God of confusion or changing shadows. His Spirit makes sense of His words to all who sincerely inquire, and empowers us to speak for Him. (Psalm 119:89; 1 Corinthians 14:33a; James 1:17)

How bold are we to speak for God? Are we familiar enough with His word to enlighten, instruct, and persuade? How will I proclaim spiritual daybreak into the lives of others?

“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.

To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever given
by saints below and saints above,
the Church in earth and heaven.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, quicken and inspire me to speak always for others’ good and Your glory.

“Then King David rose to his feet and said: ‘Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. But God said to me, “You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood…” Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.

“’And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.’

“Then David gave Solomon his son the plan of the vestibule of the temple, and of its houses, its treasuries, its upper rooms, and its inner chambers, and of the room for the mercy seat; and the plan of all that he had in mind… ‘All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan.

“‘Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished…’

“’Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the Lord God. So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able.'” 1 Chronicles 28:2-3,8-12a,19-20; 29:1b-2a

David’s life had been rich, full, and productive with his God, igniting a message he would leave with his people and his successor son Solomon. He passed along, in word and example, admonition from on high that would illuminate their way forward and serve them well. Passionate devotion to the Lord yields significant, meaningful inspiration to others.

Our words lived out and commitments exercised inspire the actions of those around us, for good or ill. Whether we choose or not, others watch what we say, how we handle resources and opportunities, where we spend attention and affection. The decisions we make reflect the content of our hearts, and those who know us perceive our motivation. (1 Chronicles 29:3-9,20-22; Matthew 6:21)

How is my love for Christ influencing and charging my daily behavior? Are my actions consistent with my words? What kind of example am I within my home, workplace, church, neighborhood? What about my demeanor, interactions, work ethic, kindness, generosity inspires others to know God? To serve Him with a whole heart? To willingly give for His kingdom’s sake and joyfully praise Him?

Lord, so fill my heart with Thee that all I say and do exalts You and prompts others to do the same.

“The oracle [of] Habakkuk the prophet.

‘O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
    and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
    and you will not save?
Why do you make me see iniquity,
    and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
    strife and contention arise.
So the law is paralyzed,
    and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
    so justice goes forth perverted.‘

The Lord’s Answer

‘Look among the nations, and see;
    wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
    that you would not believe if told…’

Habakkuk’s Second Complaint

‘You who are of purer eyes than to see evil…
why do you idly look at traitors
    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up
    the man more righteous than he?..

‘I will take my stand at my watchpost
    and station myself on the tower,
and look out to see what he will say to me…’

And the Lord answered me:

‘Still the vision awaits its appointed time…
If it seems slow, wait for it;
    it will surely come; it will not delay…’

‘Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;..
    he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 1:1-5,13; 2:1-3,20; 3:2-3,17-19

For Habakkuk, the cruel violence from Assyria against His people seemed inconsistent with the merciful, righteous God he knew. How could the Lord use such wicked nations to punish? It took climbing the ramparts above present turmoil to remind him of God’s promises of full justice and future restoration to repair his perspective. The Lord’s eternal words and ways were a balm to his troubled soul.

When we’re anxious over people or problems, we’re not actively trusting the God’s word. Worry is the antithesis of faith. We close-focus with fretting over children, health, or finances, and fail to look the distance and see with eternal perspective. God loves our children and has plans for them. He intricately knows our bodies and numbers our days. He has promised never to leave or forsake His own; rather, He’s constantly working all things for good for them and their sanctification. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 50:10; 139:13-16; Isaiah 43:5; Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 4:19)

The next time we’re unsettled by news, or threatened by opposition, hurt, or difficulty, how will we react? Can we learn to respond by looking for Jesus and delving into His word for promises to hold, to claim? Will we take on His lenses that allow us to see the ruin of relationships, deteriorating physical or mental fitness, famine of passion or morality, through hope in His ultimate triumph? How different would be our everyday outlook! And how uplifting and bright our presence in dark places where people know Him not!

What changes do we need to make to eliminate worry and fear and complaining and replace them with substantial hope, confidence, and praise?

Good, eternal Father, help me see all travail through the light of Your promises, and in an attitude of hope and praise.