Through His Word

My friend Susan said recently, "It seems like at our age that life has gotten very serious. There is still so much joy--in Jesus, our family, our friends--but life has gotten very, very serious."

You may be thinking the same thing. I'd like to write an upbeat, happy post today. I think I've been blessed with a naturally cheerful disposition, but I've been walking around with a heavy heart during the last month. We've had 2 deaths--Barry's grandmother and a sweet friend our age who died suddenly leaving his wife and 2 kids. I have an aunt and an uncle who have been diagnosed with cancer. Barry's uncle had major sugery this morning. Our finances are stretched tight. My job is being challenged by the economy.

There has been good news along with the bad. We're rejoicing that my friend Christie had a positive outcome to a potentially devastating ultrasound yesterday. A healthy baby girl is on her way to the world! Anson turned 15 last weekend. Even though we're nervous about having a new driver in the house, he's a wonderful, responsible young man who brings us great joy. Nolan is experiencing new victories in life. Barry's company is covering the increases in medical insurance. There are many blessings to count.

Despite these blessings, I've been struggling to keep from sinking into the seriousness of life. I'm in uncharted territory and seeking God for direction. When I woke up yesterday morning, it was with a cold lump in the pit of my stomach instead of joy. God in all His goodness, though, had a lesson written just for me in my BSF notes. Through His Word, He lifted my head and my heart. Here are the verses that I looked up to complete my lesson. They spoke to me and encouraged me throughout the day. If you need encouragement, slow down, take a minute and meditate on these verses for a few minutes. Let God fill you with His peace and hope.

Psalm 16: 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." (The side note in my Bible says "Confidence in God". This verse is true whether I feel secure, pleasant or delightful. I don't mean this in a "name-it-and-claim-it" kind of way but rather that I need to rest in the fact of God's sovereignty and goodness. His spiritual riches are beyond compare.)

Psalm 37: 7, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (Not fretting for me means not watching much news and spending time waiting before the Lord.)

Philippians 4: 11-12, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."