“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong, because some day in life you will have been all of these.”
George Washington Carver
We are not alone in living. If you’ve ever given back to the world, you know what a blessing it is. If you have ever received care from others, you know the same. Today, find the joy in knowing that Christ offers you a safe place to rest, then give it back to those in need.
“For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”
Psalm 56.13
What is it that we need this day? Each morning we face a choice. We can either face the day with an openness to the good things or we can find ourselves falling into the ugliness of our world. Today, find strength as you endure crazy moments or challenges in the knowledge that God allows us to walk in the “light of life”. Stop to notice the sunrise or sunset. Listen with your heart at the sound of laughter. Receive the smile of a stranger with a sense of brotherly love. Above all know that there is a never-ending light in Christ, that offers you life.
“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Each day presents itself as one with potential needs. We might wake ready, filled with a sense of joy as we enter into the events of the day only to find ourselves facing draining challenges. Jesus promises that even in those moments, if we have placed our trust in him that we will find rest, food for our souls, and restoration.
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
John Muir
When we look at the forest, we should not be consumed by its vastness, but rather treasure that which we will find when we journey through it. We are much the same way as a forest, twisted and tangled. It is when you learn how to move beyond those places that you will find the strength in the lesson. God will always be a presence in these knotted places if you allow him to journey with you. Find courage today as you travel, that beauty can be found in the chaos.
“You know how the Eclipse of the sun shows it? Christ’s strength eclipses your powerlessness in God’s likeness, and there is total darkness on your weakness.”
Israelmore Ayivor
Nature is often a great teacher of life. The eclipse is just one example. A partial eclipse reveals only part, but the whole is still there. A total eclipse often shows a ring of light. The point is not how much shows, but that the whole is never hidden. We may have momentary times when life feels like it overshadows us, but that is when Christ’s power and image covers us. Rejoice my friend you are not alone!
“You show me the path of life, in your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11
Joy and peace are not empty moments in time in which our hearts feel good. It is difficult to express the joy and the peace that come from God because we understand them as emotions. Emotions fade in and out. That which we receive from God is that which fills our soul, it never diminishes regardless of events that shape our days. Search, my friend with all of your heart until you come to this place in which you experience a never ending well of joy, it is there as a gift being offered from an open hand.
“The real tragedy of life is not in being limited to one talent, but in the failure to use the one talent.”
Edgar W. Work
I think there is great value in hearing these above words. Tragedy reflects deep sorrow. It is often physically displayed by tears or withdrawal. This is not a statement made lightly. To each person that read the words is ascribed a talent. Why? Because none of us are without one. We often think in large scale impact. Let me however leave you with the image of a hug. It is felt most among two people, not a crowd. It leaves warmth for both individuals in their physical, psychological, and spiritual beings. It is simple yet sets in motion enough energy to impact great change. Find your talent then share it with the world.
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side – let, Israel now say – if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when our enemies attacked us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, then the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters… Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 124.1-5 & 8
Life never seems to loosen its grip on us. We are often attacked again and again. Like the last few years in which we have seen a wave of bad then a release only to beaten back again by another wave of bad. That is how most of life goes, an ebb and flow of good with the bad. This verse reminds us that it is to God we should look. In doing this we remember what he has done for others and what he can do for us. We remember his desire to see creation succeed. And we recognize that he longs to help us in our current situation just as he has done with previous generations. Be blessed today knowing that power and might are on your side.
“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Today, find time to take a few minutes and do this little exercise. Stop, close your eyes, take a deep breath. With your eyes closed think of what you hear, what you smell, what you feel. Then slowly open your eyes and repeat it starting with what you see. When you return to the busy of your world, take with you that moment. Recall what it was to slow down for a few minutes and then spend the rest of your day being aware of the small stuff – a stranger’s smile, a warm mug, an empty line at the grocery, the night sky.
“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.”
Marie Curie
The belief that you and I are “gifted for something,” has the ability to propel us forward. It is this self-knowledge that allows us to overcome obstacles. It is this belief in the purpose that allows us to reach out for the world with confidence. You are not a number. You are not just one of many humans thrown into the mix. No, you occupy a new space in every moment of your life and because of that you impact the world around you. You are who you are for a reason and a purpose. Go into the world determined to touch the lives you meet.
“In all that comes your way, remember that strength and courage come from a God who became man [and] who had to endure and feel the pain of a wicked world. Be reminded when you are tempted to give up that God as a man was tempted to do the same.”
Monica Swank, True Dependence
The last few years have created for all moments of severe challenge. For some it has created hardships, heartbreak, and loneliness. These struggles that have been felt worldwide have not replaced everyday trials, but rather have heaped more difficulties unto many for whom felt they could not bear the addition of even the slightest problem. Today, remember that you have never been abandoned. That you are loved and encouraged moment by moment by one who knows your pain in the depths of his very soul.
“… a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them …”
Revelation 21.3
In the Garden of Eden, God chose to walk with Adam and Eve. In the wilderness with the Israelites, God chose to be present and established the first tabernacle. During the Roman Empire, God chose to come in human form as a tiny infant. God will choose again to be with us, but for now rest peacefully that you are ALWAYS in the thoughts of God. His love for you will always be available and much closer than you know. You are loved!
“…he has spoken to us by a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.”
Hebrews 1:2-3
Soft silence fell across the earth at the wonder of a baby. In that silence two names were whispered, his and yours. These events were observed from the recesses of a throne room. Yet, the king was not found. Rather the One, the Ancient of all days, the great “I am” stood there with bated breath whispering, “please feel my love, please know your value, oh how I love you,” with hopes that you would feel the words deep within your soul.
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Luke 2.19
Take joy in knowing that this moment in time was not a hurried event, nor one that passed with the labors of the next day. It reflects not only the words that Mary treasured as they were spoken over her precious Christ child, but a manner in which God too looks upon us and holds us in his heart. You are treasured, like jewels of untold wealth, and held dear to the Creator of the world.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.“
Matthew 11. 29 NIV
Jesus offers his way to us so that we may find peace. This is not a stress free life, but rather a way to go through life that has its roots in him. In what way can you give some burden over to him today so that he can carry the weight of it and you can find rest?
“Can you hear Christ calling you? I know that you may be weary and breathing may be hard for you. You may be near collapse, but keep your head up, Christ is cheering you on! Better yet, Christ is straightening you on the path. He is giving you balance. Let him take away the cramping and let him fill your emptiness. Press on to the finish line.”
Monica Swank, True Dependence
If life is a race then the best choice for a coach is Jesus. He is personally familiar with the physical, emotional, and spiritual pains of this life. And he cheers louder than anyone else for you to make it to the finish line.
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
Mother Teresa
You are amazing! And you make a difference in both small ways and large. Without you a piece of actual space and history are altered. Without you the hearts of many have missed a moment of feeling love. Keep being you – the world needs you!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15.13 (NRSV)
There is a place in which we can feel peace even in the midst of turmoil. It is in the hands of God. He alone fills us with a peace that cannot be broken.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11.28
As you are tested and beat up by the world remember that Jesus willingly will carry it all for you. Remember that he will wrap you in his arms of compassion making life feel less overwhelming. Rest in the knowledge that you are the most important person in the sight of God.
“It isn’t where you came from, it’s where you’re going that counts.”
Ella Fitzgerald
Born to unwed parents, raised in difficult living conditions, and orphaned at 15, one of the most important times of a young woman’s life, Ella Fitzgerald slowly began to follow her passion for music. She may have never truly left behind her past, but her words are valuable for all of us. It is not to success we must go, but it is also not in the past that we must linger. Be encouraged that the days to come offer you a gift of not being lived yet and choose the path carefully. https://youtu.be/ASNSS_G62zw
“I will lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.”
Psalm 4.8 (NRSV)
Like a small child rests safely within the arms of a loving parent, so to we are offered this type of rest. From the world we can fall into the arms of a faithful God, into peace. Today, release your troubles, inhale a deep breath, and trust in your heart that you are cared for by a loving and gracious God.
“There is no one who is insignificant in the purpose of God.”
Alistair Begg
Everyday of your life, God has put on his armor and fought for you, even when you do not see it or feel it. He has loved you with a depth that is not comprehendible to the human mind or heart. You are more precious, more beautiful, more valuable than all creation!
“Remember, everyone is either going into, in the midst of, or coming out of something difficult in their lives.”
Unknown Author
This morning I am dedicating this word of encouragement to my friends across the globe who have made, are making, or are going to make difficult decisions that will cost them a great amount. Keep this one thought ahead of you as you go forward in life. If you can remember the thought above then you will be able to feel some sense of comfort in knowing that this is a well-worn path. You can trust that there is hope, for those who have already gone this way, have found a place of rest at the end of the journey. The same is yours to claim!
Monica Swank 