So many I know are going through rough places. It seems that load upon load comes and we wonder why it happens to the people who are trying their best and who give the Lord praise even while they bear up under the strain. There are just times when troubles don’t just rain, they become a downpour!
The skies were grey again today matching the mood of need and that puzzling question. I know not to ask for answers, but it is just the general cry of the human heart nonetheless. It was a good day for walking in the woods to pray; to let God speak in the natural environs of Creation; to walk along a path and see what might happen–because things do happen when we just begin walking forward…
“These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer…” Acts 1:14
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20-21
“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.” Romans 6:8
“And he said to [me], ‘Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and receive my rest.”
Mark 6:31 (paraphrase)
“…and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2
Psalm 104:1, 12-13 BSB
Yes, Father, teach my soul!
“…[A]ll creatures look to You, to give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they gather it up; When you open your hand they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they panic; When you take away their breath they die and return to the dust. When you send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.” –Psalm 104:27-30 BSB
Give attention to the frailty of my dear friends, as you do these precious works of your creation. Hear their prayers and lift them from their pain and difficulties and troubles. Bear them up in Your strength, and keep them from discouragement in the faith. Bring them to a time of rest from their distress so that they can praise you in the house of joy. We know that all matters are in Your hands and You know where you have hidden your rests along the way. So we praise you ahead of time, Lord, and I give you thanks for your gracious mercy and power to save. In Your Name, Jesus, Amen.
“I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD….Bless the Lord, O my soul! Hallelujah!” — Psalm 104:33-34,35b.
Further Resources for Worship
How Great Thou Art! beautifully and simply performed by Chris Rice (vocals and piano). Uploaded by DrCheezyToe, Feb 15, 2009. [YouTube; 4:55 min.] Every minute of this music video is worth it lyrically and musically. (Lyrics are on the screen.)
All Things Bright and Beautiful, written by Cecil Alexander. Uploaded by AnimatedFaith, June 18, 2015. [YouTube; 3:34 min]. Performed by Julie Gaulkie (www.JulieGaulkeMusic.com). Beautiful cheerful music video of God’s wonderful Creation set to an old hymn from my childhood; lyrics provided on screen.
