The porch swing rocked in peaceful rhythm. My spirit stirred as I looked up from my Bible, raising it to my breast and grasping the wonder of God that its pages contained. I had just read these words, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5). Job had found God amid adversity. Job had found courage.
My thoughts turned to the Lord
I looked toward the ridge where the sun began its evening descent. Magenta began rising above the trees. Lavender and apricot clouds tossed their petals across the wide expanse as the North Star made its appearance. Soon a multitude of stars — glistening diamonds — would make their presence known against an indigo sky.
I rocked back and forth thinking about the Lord.
Through adversity and great affliction, through crushing pain and the flames of the Refiner’s Fire, I lost everything to gain Christ and the great knowledge that He truly is with me. Always. Even when my world falls apart — especially when my world falls apart. I learned that I had no reason to fear — the courage I need comes from Him.
And that goes for you too.
These are uncertain days. Political upheaval. A racial and political divide that is breaking my heart. The loss of decency. Earthquakes, fires, and floods. Wars and rumors of wars. Many are frightened of the days ahead that seem to swirl in darkness, fueled by evil, deception, and corruption. But … we have an option.
We can grasp the wonder of God! Consider the majesty of who He is — His magnificence, His sovereignty, the tender watchcare He affords His children. Or, we can face these difficulties on our own while our hearts and souls fill up with fear.
He is too great to comprehend, and yet He loves us and desires rich fellowship with us. God is fully aware of the state of our nation and world. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing is too difficult for Him.
This alone gives me courage.
How Should we face our fear?
Remember … the Lord hears the cries of His children pleading for mercy over our crumbling America.
How should we face our fear? With our eyes focused on the One who holds the world in His hands, who tells the ocean how far it can come, who counts the hairs on our heads and knows our name.
We face our fears with Him.
I encourage you to sit on your porch, lounge on your deck, or lie on a quilt beneath a summer sky and consider the works of His hands. Fix your eyes on Him, your thoughts resting in the sure place of His love.
Like Job, creation speaks to me. I’ve learned to hear His voice in the rolling thunder, to recognize His power in the electric current of a lightning strike. I’m awakened to His presence in the gentle breeze as He walks on the wings of the wind. I recognize the glory of His heavenly places reflected in the luminous prisms of sunrise and sunset.
And I find His holiness there. I believe you will too.
My courage comes from God
Won’t you let Him into your hurting heart? Will you trust Him with a frightening future, knowing that we can rest in His sovereignty? Will you spend time grasping the wonder of God to better understand Him?
Healing, peace, and courage are in His hand.
Selah
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down, and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
Thank you for this, Nan. My life has fallen apart over the past few years but God has been with me constantly, even though it is a struggle. I feel much closer to God than I have ever felt. I am in my seventies and have been a Christian for decades.
I am praying for you and I solicit your prayers, especially that I can persevere in Christ.
Very best wishes,
Cliff Marsh (UK).
Hi Cliff, Life in this fallen world IS hard, isn’t it? But our God is good! I’m so thankful that His faithfulness isn’t contingent on if we are faithful or not. He remains steadfast through it all. I’m so thankful for His abiding presence and His longsuffering with me. And I’m so very thankful to know that He sees me and knows all about what I’m facing and how I respond, and He loves me still. He loves you still, too. When we walk closely with Him I believe our failures draw Him closer because He wants to help us understand and realize just who He is to us. He is a good Father whose love will never fail. I’m asking the Lord to open your eyes to see tangible evidence of His presence with you and I’m asking Him to show you just how pleased He is with you, His son. How amazing is it that we are children of the Living God! I stand amazed at His goodness. I will continue to pray for you as the Lord brings remembrance. Sweet blessings to you, Nan