When we stop consulting with the
Lord concerning His plans for each moment of our day, our schedule can get out
of hand. Our soul is scattered in too many directions: we have too much on our
mind, our heart is troubled, and our choices are self-defeating (Proverbs
3:5-6).
When this occurs, our first line
of defense is the Word of God. From its verses we obtain comfort, direction,
encouragement and reasons to praise our God. He is our peace and He breaks down
every wall between us and His will (Ephesians 2:14).
We, who are God's treasured creation (Deuteronomy
7:6), find our joy, refuge and hope in the shadow of His wings (Psalm
57:1, 63:7, 91:4). He is impartial, sovereign, and blameless. He daily
supplies our needed provisions when we walk in the light of His presence within
us (Psalm 89:15).
When we get caught up in our own
plans, God patiently waits for us to return to Him. If we linger in this
twilight zone of carnality, God faithfully calls us back into harmony with
Himself. He will even lovingly discipline us, if we continue in our
disobedience (Psalm 23:4).
Trials are not always the result
of God disciplining us. Life in this imperfect world provides traumatic circumstances
to infiltrate our schedule. If our life is on track with God's will, however,
He works out every issue for our benefit (Romans 8:28).
Our belief in Jesus' sacrifice on
Calvary's cross, which paid our debt and set us free from the ravages of a life
full of debauchery, also provides us with the indwelling Holy Spirit, who guides
and comforts us through the trials we experience on this sin-cursed earth.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You that Jesus'
death is enough to bring us into Your family as co-heirs with Him for all of
eternity. Your mercy and grace comfort us through each trial that we face, and
Your love and hope restore our troubled soul during those times that we
experience hardships and tribulation (Psalm 23:3).
When we live in harmony with You,
You give us green pastures and still waters to luxuriously refresh us and to
bountifully provide all of our needs. Even in the valley of the shadow of
death, we have nothing to fear, because You abide within us by Your Holy
Spirit. Our cup of blessings overflow due to Your abundant goodness to Your
Saints. We look forward to dwelling with You in New Jerusalem for eternity
(Psalm 23).
Thought for the Day:
The steadfast love of the Lord
never ceases. His mercies never come to an end; in fact, they are new every
single morning; His faithfulness to His Saints is sure and true, and we hope in
Him because He is our provision, our shield and our peace.
- Lamentations 3:22-24
