As the rain and snow

“In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it shall be said to them, ‘Children of the living God.'”

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
    and bring her into the wilderness,
    and speak tenderly to her.
And there I will give her her vineyards
    and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope….

“In that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’  For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more…  And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.  I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.

“And I will have mercy on No Mercy,
    and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’;
    and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’”

“Come, let us return to the Lord…
Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord…”

“Sow for yourselves righteousness;
    reap steadfast love;
    break up your fallow ground,
for it is the time to seek the Lord,
    that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 1:10; 2:14-17,19-20,23; 6:1,3; 10:12

Born into insidious sin and all its stain of selfishness, rebellion, and pride, natural man is helpless apart from God’s mercy. When once by the grace of belief we are new creatures, and we who were Not His People become forever His People, the true name change is effected, yet old identities can be slow to die. How patient and steadfast is God’s love in sanctifying His people! (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 3:5-17)

Eden’s imprint says surely God means for my control and pleasure. Grace gifts new recognition of Satan’s lies and exposes and convicts shortcomings on holiness. The newly inaugurated Regent sets about changing the names of all previous and nagging dark identities. Some are immediately transformed, others longer in the letting loose and replacing. Often these come to light in times of testing, which God intends and carefully works for refinement. (Job 23:10)

Can we trace differences His Spirit has made in our thinking, motivations, actions? How measures consistent growth in areas of character and behavior? If we can’t see effects of His reign, what have we been withholding? Where have we neglected to go after and press on to know our God? (Hosea 4:6; 10:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2-3)

What fruit of the Spirit is woefully lacking in the rub and wreck of our days? There is not one the Lord withholds or dismisses as optional. Do we make excuses for falling short? Are we named Merciless, or Stubborn, or Unkind that begs for the new name of Merciful, Submissive, or Loving? Would we invite God to make unwise wise, impatient patient, brusque gentle, weak strong? (Galatians 5:22-23)

“To this end we pray, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Lord, have Your way with every part of me so I accurately and honorably bear Your holy, glorious name.

“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it… Then the king commanded Ashpenaz to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king…

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs…

“God gave learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams… In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired, he found [him] ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.” Daniel 1:1,3-5,8-9,17,20

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” John 17:15-18

Young, privileged, and capable, Daniel was removed from all that was familiar and placed into a heathen environment. Determined to remain true to his faith even in a strange land, Daniel boldly requested exceptions to the non-essentials while applying himself in the vital. As God graciously undertook for him with allowance, protection, and favor, Daniel honored Him in every way. (Daniel 2:12-23,47-48; 6:10-13)

Daily temptations and rabid cultures can pressure us into defiling ourselves in many ways. Even if the choices are not personally alluring, they might tease at self-worth, fear of acceptance, or want for approval or promotion. Where are we weak and prone to give in?

What gets us to the point of a strong, unshakable stance? What leads us to an unwavering commitment to follow Jesus at any cost? It’s the acknowledgment of who is truly King, and the determination to honor Him above all. Will I today stake my claim in His faultless, faithful favor?

“Other refuge have I none; 
hangs my helpless soul on thee; 
leave, ah! leave me not alone, 
still support and comfort me. 
All my trust on thee is stayed, 
all my help from thee I bring; 
cover my defenseless head 
with the shadow of thy wing. 

Plenteous grace with thee is found, 
grace to cover all my sin; 
let the healing streams abound; 
make and keep me pure within. 
Thou of life the fountain art; 
freely let me take of thee; 
spring thou up within my heart, 
rise to all eternity.” ~Charles Wesley (1740)

Lord, for Your sake and honor, fortify my faith so I boldly decide and make it known that I will not defile myself.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye…

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” Matthew 7:1-5,12

Jesus the holy Judge had stinging words for those who put themselves in His place. Both the act of judging and the standard used would come back to bite all who in pomp, pride, and spiritual blindness made a practice of casting judgment. His call was to humble self-examination and a willingness to identify and confess personal sin without excuse or comparison. Matthew 25:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 19:11; 20:11-13

This should make us shudder. Isn’t it true that the flaws we nitpick in others, and the irritations and foibles with which we’re impatient, are detectable because we’re prone to the same? It takes one to know one rings true. Why else is it so easy to recognize deception, jealousy, and selfishness? That and how and what we judge reveals our own transgressions.

It is prudent to beware our tendency to judge at all, and check it immediately. It is not our responsibility to determine or denounce another’s folly. When we suppose someone’s motives, we’re treading where only God can knowingly and rightfully go. When we chastise others’ actions and attempt to dole out punishment ourselves, or maliciously wish ill on them, we take into our own hands what is the Lord’s right and duty. He alone ably applies justice to the intentions of the heart. (Romans 12:19; Revelation 3:15-17)

Often the eye that constantly looks for and fixates on others’ faults is self-stained and pride-irritated, unable to see clearly our ugly, obvious culpability. In what situations do our fingers twitch to fix and our tongues agitate to criticize and correct? Stop! Hold the hand slap and wagging tongue! Exercise self control by the power of the Spirit, employ His discernment to expose and confess personal sins, and haul out the plank once for all.

The boomerang of judgment beckons forgiveness. When we look on others with grace-bathed eyes as Jesus looks on us, we’re able and generous to forgive. When we see ourselves declared righteous by Jesus’s blood, that same sight, clear of planks and splinters, bestows beautiful garments on offenders. God mysteriously and marvelously unites us at the foot of the cross, and frees us to love and accept each other with the love we’ve received. He enables us to desire and actually do for and treat others the way we wish they would us. (Ephesians 4:32)

What habit of judgment is God identifying today? What will I do with His conviction? How can I practice humility, thankfulness, and lavish grace?

Lord, help me see others with Your eyes of love, grant them mercy, and entrust all judgment to You.

“The word of the Lord came to [Elijah]: ‘Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith…’ And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and… evening, and he drank from the brook…

“Then he was afraid, and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, and left his servant there. He himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life.’ He lay down and slept. And an angel touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat.’ He looked, and there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and nights to Horeb, the mount of God.

“There he came to a cave and lodged in it. The word of the Lord came to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He said, ‘I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away…’  The Lord said, ‘Go,.. and when you arrive, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria…  I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’” 1 Kings 17:2-3,6; 19:3-10,15,18

The greater Ahab’s wickedness and longer his reign, the smaller God’s faithful prophet felt. Lonely obedience flirted with despondency as Elijah stood up for God’s condemning truth. Into this vale on the soul the Lord tenderly appeared. With nourishment. Rest. Ongoing purpose. Reminders that he was not alone. There were others so faithful and part of God’s beloved number. (1 Kings 18:17-19:2)

In the morass of moral wickedness and cultures fractured with dissension, individuals can feel quite alone. Standing up for Jesus sets us apart, and sometimes we’re misunderstood and ostracized. Add in competition at work, strained relationships, or a caustic home life and isolation enshrouds the soul. We feel no one understands, no one knows our angst or yearning or sorrow.

But the Lord does! He’s intimately acquainted with all our ways and comprehends the wilderness, every thought and hankering! He stands ready to commune, lift, and supply! In these shadowed places He reveals His all-encompassing light that we wouldn’t need or seek otherwise. He is all-sufficient, His the true balm. (Psalm 68:19; 139:1-3; Jeremiah 8:22; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:12)

Where do I feel most alone? In a physical or emotional trauma no one understands? A lonely marriage? A grief with a situation or loved one I cannot share? A bereft season of mourning loss? A new community where I’m not known and no one cares? A strong stance for righteousness where all me around are compromising? The fall brought separation, yet Jesus redeems. Will I embrace His encouragement and fellowship? (Genesis 3:1-13,23-24)

Lord, help me maintain spiritual communion and meaningful connection with Your people so Your goodness is magnified.

“When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.^‘ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.'” Matthew 8:1-4

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14

“I know that you can do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

The leper’s was in an impossible situation, humanly speaking. He was riddled with an incurable disease that brought ridicule and fear, and ostracized him from society. But he knew this Jesus was different. He had a compassion that crossed human boundaries, and an authority over sicknesses and demons that was other-worldly, and irresistibly inviting. The leper approached with reverence and startling, bold confidence, and found his Healer absolutely willing. (Matthew 4:23-24; 7:28-29)

If You Will, You Can. What a potent combination of belief. This helpless man knew Jesus could help. Absolutely He was able. But knowing himself to have nothing to contribute, and no right to claim, he could appeal only to Jesus’s merciful will.

Isn’t this true for us? We are born helpless, thoroughly diseased by sin and without hope. But God, who looks on us in undeserved but unabashed love, sets out to save us and heal our souls. He who was rejected by men accepts sinners by grace who approach in humble faith. (Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-9)

When we pray, would we first acknowledge what God can do? His attributes are limitless and His power infinite. By praising Him we are reminded that He can do all things and does all things well. This heightens our worship and enlarges our asking. Then we seek His will, surrender ourselves wholly in order to know it, and submit to it for full realization of His purposes. When our desire is the combination of His ‘can’ and ‘will,’ He is most glorified. (Matthew 6:10; Mark 7:37; Romans 12:1-2)

Have we gotten into a habit of dictating to God how we want Him to behave? Of telling Him what we need and when and how, and of brusque entitlement to all we want? Would we change our mindset by focusing on Him instead of us? How might we learn to approach Him humbly, acknowledge and fully confess our helplessness and need? What needs to change in our penchant to control for us to seek only to magnify God’s ability and grace? By His transforming power, we can begin to approach Him differently, but we must be willing.

Are there areas we will not let the Lord expose and touch and heal? What fear or pride or hard stubbornness holds us back? When will we bring these to the cross for His cleansing, freeing, healing? Jesus lovingly died for our sins and our resistance. When will we kneel to be made clean?

Father, align my cannots with Your cans, and teach me Your will so I seek Your best and glory in all my desire.

“The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate  and said, ‘Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise.”  Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, “He has risen from the dead,” and the last fraud will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard…

“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.  And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it… The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.’

“While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.  And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers  and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” (Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-2,5-6,11-15)

Enmity and fear kept the religious leaders on edge around the crucifixion of the enemy they’d hoped to extinguish forever. Too many strange things had happened they needed to suppress, so conniving ruled mindset and behavior. If they could just cover up their motives and Jesus’s unusual death, they could squelch rumors, but nothing they instituted could hold down His promises and power. His resurrection would uncover what they hoped never to disclose. (Matthew 27:50-54)

Self-focus, jealousy, and fear yield a warped sense of truth. But as sure as Jesus rose from the dead, He will in His time uncover deceit and lay all things bare. Man’s best laid plans come to naught when determined against the Lord. The Way and Truth is inconsistent with our scheming, and will surely find us out.

What secret habits or corners of our minds do we attempt to keep closed and dark? Do we protect hiding places for disdain, bitterness, or revenge, thinking them undetected? Where are we trying to camouflage sin with excuses or justification? What we attempt to conceal reveals whether we value reputation, approval, or money more that truth that liberates. (John 8:32)

Truth will burst forth one day. The longer we cover it up the more misery we invite. Would we respond to God’s Spirit and confess now to enjoy the blessing of forgiveness, or face shame and judgment? (Psalm 32:1-8; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

Lord, keep me honest with You daily, welcoming Your light, mercy, and freedom.

“Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:6

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” Proverbs 15:16

“Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’” Isaiah 30:15

“Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Solomon, having carried God-given wisdom through years of political rule, inquisitive discovery, alliances and toil, understood the value of being still and quiet. His restless runaway heart had indeed brought sin and trouble, yet perspective taught how good was the antidote. He understood the wisdom of slowing down, turning off, being still, guarding margin, and keeping quiet. (1 Kings 3:10-13; 4:21,29-34; 8:22-23,27; 11:1-2

Every day parades a myriad of choices and voices. Notifications click and call, responsibilities tug and nag, belongings pester for maintenance, messages vie for concentration, priority, and input. The clamor of life makes for anything but quiet hours. But what if we put off the noise and instead determined times to keep quiet? To meditate on the Lord, get away alone, walk and pray, or listen to cheery bird chatter or the wind fingering leaves?

Is it my habit to get riled up in spirit and never silence my soul? What social frenzy, busyness, or incessant sense of urgency need I surrender to the Lord? Where have I jumped into a predicament or conversation and made mayhem by interjecting words better held back? Am I given to bragging, asserting rights, complaining, or gossiping? In what areas would it benefit others, God’s honor, and me to silence my lips? Is it my practice to do all the talking when I approach the Lord on His throne? What awe, wonder, humility, and new insight into His majesty am I missing by not hushing? (Psalms 23:2; 131:1-2; 141:3; Ecclesiastes 5:1; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Luke 9:28-35; 1 Peter 3:4)

How much better private worship, relationships, and personal well-being would be if we learned to keep quiet. If we ask, the Lord will identify devices, responsibilities, habits, and worries to be silenced with His help. If we are willing, He will effect change.

“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

O how great thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,
know what wealth of grace is thine,
know thy certainty of promise
and have made it mine.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
and thy love, so pure, so changeless,
satisfies my heart;
satisfies its deepest longings,
meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
compasseth me round with blessings:
thine is love indeed.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Father, develop in me a quiet spirit that adores You, reflects Your peace to all around, and lifts You high.

“And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

“On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.  And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,  let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’”

^“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:1-13

His words were different, igniting faith, changing people, and stoking rising opposition. This same Peter who had waffled between bold pronouncement and skittish denial was transformed and permanently empowered by Christ’s indwelling Spirit. Not only were his witness and actions bold, but they portrayed and pronounced the name and power of Jesus Himself. (Matthew 16:15-16; 26:69-75)

When the Lord implants His name and power we have responsibility to put them on show and to work for His sake. If we proclaim His name, our actions should bear the imprint of His grace, our attitudes reflect His character, and speech bring Him honor. Any who observe or are affected by our bold witness should be astonished at Jesus.

Have we grown smug and accustomed to selfishness with God-given gifts? Where are we tempted to take credit ourselves for what Christ is working in and through us? He will not share His glory, and expects that we accept and exercise His gifts humbly and generously for His glory and others’ benefit. (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11; Romans 12:3-8)

When do we take time daily with Jesus? What evidence of compassion, gratitude, wisdom, purposeful speech, or courageous ministry makes it obvious to others? What difference could there be if we became less and acted solely in His name and power and watched Him work? What greater glory could He receive? (John 3:30; Galatians 2:20)

Lord, fill me with Your Spirit to live, breathe, and speak your word with all boldness, and move Your hand in response so Your power is magnified and Your name exalted. (Acts 4:29-31)

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

“You say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.  Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:17-20

The disciples thought they hadn’t enough, and the Laodiceans thought their wealth was ample- for themselves. Jesus upended both insufficiency and self-sufficiency to turn His people to Him as the all-sufficient Source for the spread of His goodness. His message is consistent: He is the giver of all, and supplies and multiplies His measure for His kingdom purposes. (James 1:17)

Our Lord’s thoughts, ways, and sights are far different from ours. Often what we view with limited vision is narrow and provincial. My troubles are the biggest, my challenges the worst, my responsibilities the weightiest, my needs the most urgent, and my self-determined boundaries better not be crossed. In other words, life is all about me. But when Spirit works and the Lord of multiplication and wide living enters, He opens the door to new possibilities. He pesters with the inner heart to transform our motivation and broaden desire. He grants new filters for new spiritual perspective that takes in new horizons for the spread of His truth, light, and sustenance. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Are we living timidly, doubting God’s promises, pessimistic about His goodness, afraid to step out in faith? Are we living narrowly, avoiding risk, hoarding resources, guarding against lavish giving? What fears and selfishness is He calling us to confess? What new vistas for contribution and service might He open if we answered His call to deeper trust and intimacy?

Lord, daily fit me with Your eternal perspective so I see with Your possibilities, live generously, and serve zealously for Your sake and glory.

“Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord,
    and whom you teach out of your law,
to give him rest from days of trouble,
    until a pit is dug for the wicked.
For the Lord will not forsake his people;
    he will not abandon his heritage;
for justice will return to the righteous,
    and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Who rises up for me against the wicked?
    Who stands up for me against evildoers?
If the Lord had not been my help,
    my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, “My foot slips,”
    your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
    your consolations cheer my soul…
But the Lord has become my stronghold,
    and my God the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94:12-19,22

Discipline chafes, troubles pelt and assail, and rest can be elusive. The psalmist flirts with feeling abandoned, forsaken, overwhelmed by these situations and the pressures and ubiquitousness of evil. But with every hint of pain or turmoil, the Lord’s constancy meets him. With every ouch, there’s the balm of blessing. With every near slip, his God grabs hold. It is his very struggles that magnify the goodness and steadfastness of His God. (Hebrews 12:11)

The Lord never abandons His people! He is our present help in trouble, no matter what shakes or is at stake! He is on our side to defend, advocate, redeem, and love without fail! When our cares are many and weighty and seemingly unending, His consolations are more, and cheer us! Will we look up from our circumstances to welcome their benediction? (Psalm 46:1-3; Romans 8:31-39)

What cares, what bitter angst, personality rubs, longstanding shame, weakness, ceaseless opposition or pressure or ungodly desires, can we bring to our Lord for His handling? Where do we need, and will we choose to take, the comfort He offers? Would we exercise faith this day to rest in the stronghold that is Christ and take relief in His calvary-won consolations?

“Trust Him when thy wants are many;
  Trust Him when thy friends are few;
And the time of swift temptation
  Is the time to trust Him too.

Trust Him when thy soul is burdened
  With the sense of all its sin;
He will speak the word of pardon,
  He will make thee clean within.

Trust Him for the grace sufficient,
  Ever equal to thy need;
Trust Him always for the answer,
  When in His dear name you plead.

Trust Him for the grace to conquer,
  He is able to subdue;
Trust Him for the power for service;
  Trust Him for the blessing too.

Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee,
  Trust Him when thy strength is small,
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
  Seems the hardest thing of all.

Trust Him; He is ever faithful;
  Trust Him, for His will is best;
Trust Him, for the heart of Jesus
  Is the only place of rest.

Trust Him, then, through cloud or sunshine,
  All thy cares upon Him cast,
Till the storm of life is over,
  And the trusting days are past.” ~Lucy Bennett (1850-1927)

Father, help me secure every care under Your grace-bought consolation and within Your love, so You are exalted and blessed.