Blinded by the dark_2 Corinthians 4:18

"We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen."

I am afraid of the dark. Even when I sleep, I have to leave on the light on my dresser, so when I open my eyes I can still see what surrounds me. When I’m in a hotel, I keep the door of the bathroom slightly ajar with the light on, “just in case”. This is why I couldn’t bring myself to watch the Netflix movie “Bird Box”. Just thinking about having to move around in a blindfold to evade monsters that can kill me if I see them is terrifying me!

But God’s word tells me that NOT seeing is better!  “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) 

I am told to “walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Our human nature, however, insists on looking for proof or evidence that something is indeed there. Even one of his apostles, who walked intimately with Jesus, heard everything Jesus said, and witnessed all the miracles of Jesus had done, had a hard time believing that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead.   Thomas only believed when He appeared before him to show him his wounds.

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

 But if something cannot be seen, does it mean it’s not there or it’s not happening?

This is what faith in Jesus is all about -- believing that His hand is moving, even when you do not see it…yet.  Though I do not see Him, I believe He sees me. How comforting to know that I don't need to SEE to BELIEVE!

Lord God, I really prefer being able to see what’s happening. But at this time, I know that, in your great wisdom, You are teaching me to trust that Your hand is moving, and to know that You are watching over me, to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to fix my eyes on You, even though I cannot see. Let me find strength in the words in Psalm 121:7, 8, “The Lord will keep you from all harm — he watches over your life;  the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

A different kind of peace_Psalm 16

Watching the news is so disturbing! It seems like everywhere in the globe there is conflict, violence, disasters, displacements and persecutions and discrimination.

Today's reading, Psalm 16, gives me comfort.

The Lord has already planned out my life, and so I'm secure.
Verses 5 & 6, "Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."

I know He guides me and instructs me.
Verse 7, "I will praise the Lord who counsels me , even at night my heart instructs me."

I know He is always with me.
Verse 8, "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Therefore, I can be filled with the "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), knowing that,even as horrible events swirl around me, I am safe in the centre of His grace and mercy.

Lord, my heavenly Father, thank you for keeping your eye on this sparrow. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by anxiety, overwhelm me with Your grace. Whenever I feel burdened by the trials we are going through, lift me up in Your warm embrace. Whenever I am dismayed, distraught and confused, fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me Your peace that surpasses all understanding in Christ Jesus.

Yet I will praise Him_Psalm 94:2, 16-23

In the Bible, there is a one-syllable word that packs a punch -- the word YET. Its synonyms are nevertheless,
nonetheless,
even so,
despite that,
inspite of,
JUST THE SAME,
be that as it may.

The Bible is [peppered with YETs. According to the blog, soulspartan.com, the word appears approximately 395 times, usually between verses of despair, pleas for help, laments and suddenly, YET pops up followed by declarations of hope, prayers with praise and proclamations of His goodness.

YET is like an orange light, signalling me to slow down and reflect on His faithfulness and love. YET always encourages me.  One of my favorite YET passages is this:
"Though the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vine;
though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food;
though there are no sheep in the pen, and no cattle in the stalls,
YET
I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God, my Savior." Habakkuk 3:17-19

Heavenly Father, Faithful God, I sing praises to Your Holy name!

He Waits for Me

Then the music starts. I struggle through the darkness, through briers with claws that wound me. I walk out to a clearing and there on a hill He waits for me. Light envelopes me in His embrace. I slowly sit, rest my head on his lap, and cry: Jesus Lord, I am so tired! Jesus Lord, I am bothered, I am dismayed; I am anxious. I am in pain. I have doubts and I have sinned Please forgive me. I don’t know what to do. Then, I feel His hand on my forehead He strokes my hair, and says: I have taken all that, and its okay; Your sin? I have taken it away; I died for you because I love you. Do not be afraid. In the early morning hour I find my way into His glorious presence -- My King, my Saviour, my Friend; He waits for me as the music starts. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." Psalm 23:2-3 Written 100218// Posted on momofmultitudes.blogspot.com October 2, 2018