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There are moments in life when we feel overwhelmed because of the trials
and challenges in our path. We forget the joy that life brings and
instead of seeing the good that surrounds us, we focus more on the bad is
only temporary in nature. In these moments of discouragement it is
important that we refocus on the Lord and allow His presence to fill us
with the assurance that all will be well. It is easy to come back to the
realization that God is in control and our life is secure in His Hands.
One only needs to see the beauty that surrounds them. Creation alone
should cause us to remember God's omnipotence and His ability to meet the
needs of every thing that He has created. The Bible says that God opens
His Hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing. That verse alone
should cause us to be thankful that God has not forgotten about us. Our
needs are still on His mind. No matter what we go through in life, the
Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. He holds us close to His heart
and wishes for us to trust Him completely and wholeheartedly. I believe
nothing hurts God more than when we doubt His Word. He has established His
covenant for a thousand generations, so if God said it, then we can rest in
the assurance that it will be done. (Psalm 145:15-19) (1 Chronicles 16:15)
Be encouraged to focus on the blessings before you. Take time to
re-strengthen your faith in God's ability. See the beauty that surrounds
you. Look at the trees with their leaves that sway so majestically in the
cool summer breeze. Smell the magnificent fragrances that overtake your
senses when you take a walk on a nice summer day. Listen to the sounds of
birds singing their beautiful songs. Their life is free of worry and with
their singing they proclaim the majesty of their Creator. See the beauty
that the evening and night sky brings with its many changing colors which
looks like a masterpiece painted by the hands The Master. Look at the
stars with their glowing luminescence and try to count their number which
is infinite to us, but not to God for He calls each by name. (Psalm 147:4-5)
When we see with refreshed eyes the beauty of God's creation, we will be
quicker to trust that our simple needs will be met. The vastness of this
world is all being taken care of by the Lord who created it and the Bible
says that we are more precious to Him than all of these. So why do we
worry? Why do we allow the temporary setbacks to discourage our hearts?
It is because we take our eyes off of the Lord who offers perfect peace.
We set our eyes on the problem instead of giving thanks and praise to the
One who brings all the solutions. (Matthew 6:25-34)
I encourage you again to see the blessings that surround you. Focus on
the good things in your life. Let God know that you are thankful. Send
your praises to the Lord and with your whole heart trust God in every area
of your life. When you do, your anxiety will be replaced with peace and
the trials that first brought discouragement will be replaced with a deep
knowing that All Is Well.
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see the many
blessings in your life and make it a point to focus on the good before you
that greatly outweighs any bad that is only temporary in nature.
LOOKING AT THE STARS
I have always loved looking at the stars ever since childhood. It has been
one of the great pleasures of living in the country. It is so delightful
to be able to walk into my backyard in the evening and gaze up at them
all. In recent years, however, I had forgotten just how spectacular the
night sky could be. The dawn lights along the road where I live kept all
but the brightest stars from shining through. At night I could see only
the moon and a few dozen stars from my home.
The other evening, though, while I was picking my daughter up, I found
myself on a small farm far from the dawn lights, car lights, and building
lights. It was then that I felt a gentle urge in my mind to look up at the
clear, night sky.
The sight was so glorious that I could feel my heart swelling with joy.
There was no moon, but the stars were everywhere. The entire sky was
filled with them. Thousands upon thousands of them were glowing and
shining with happiness. It was so bright and beautiful that I could even
see the frosted grass on the ground sparkling in the light.
This was the night sky the way God had created it. This was the night sky
that our ancestors had gazed upon for thousands of years. Under this
wondrous blanket of light, I felt covered with God’s love. I was as
comfortable, safe, and happy as a child tucked in their bed at night, and
even with a cold, wintry wind blowing across my face, my soul still felt
warm. All that I could do was look at those glowing stars, smile, and
thank God for giving me a chance to live in a world of such beauty, such
joy, and such love.
God loves us all so much. He created this glorious world for us to live
in, to grow in, to learn in, and to love in. Take the time to enjoy it,
cherish it, and care for it. Take the time to walk in the woods, swim in
the ocean, and look up at the stars. Take the time to feel God’s love
flowing through it all and through yourself as well.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Hebrews 4:14-16 “Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our
profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with
the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we
are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath
begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be
content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,
and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: THINGS TO FORGET
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem141.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: ANGELS IN THE ROOM
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony84.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
