“Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.”
(Psalm 126:5 NIV)
Even when sowing is accompanied
by trouble or sorrow, harvest brings joy.
“He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed (God’s Word) to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.”
(Psalm 126:6 NIV)
“All my longings lie open before you, O
Lord;
my sighing is not hidden from you.”
(Psalm 38:9 NIV)
During a time of severe discipline, King David cried out to his heavenly Father to come near and help him. David knew nothing was hidden from God. I cannot keep anything to myself. He knows it all and wants me to remember He knows it all. I will move forward into the unknown confidently, because He is in complete control and loves me perfectly. I will lay out my longings to Him. I hope you will, too!
“For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.”
(Psalm 61:3 NIV)
“It’s always something,” I overheard across the room. I nodded my head slowly and slightly in agreement. My husband and I have discussed many times how our little world is aging and rusting and falling apart. My foe is God’s enemy. Satan wants to distract me from my heavenly Father by tossing monkey wrenches into the works. Jesus is my Refuge. I will run to Him for protection and peace. I hope you will, too!
“For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his
tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.”
(Psalm 27:5 NIV)
Every time I choose to trust God, my faith grows. All I need to do is ask for Him to help me. He promised He will be with me through it all. He will keep me safe. He will hide me. He will set me high upon a plateau. I will see clearly all around me and know I am safe. I hope you will, too!
by Macy Johnson
“Therefore, since we are surrounded
by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that
hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance
the race marked out for us.”
(Hebrews 12:1 NIV)
My
husband, Jeff, enjoyed running road races. When we lived in Pensacola he ran
almost every weekend in a 5K, 10K, or Half-Marathon race. Sometimes I would
race-walk the race with him. Our children often joined in the fun, too.
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us
in our weakness.
We do not know what we ought to pray
for,
but the Spirit himself intercedes for
us
with groans that words cannot express.”
(Romans 8:26 NIV)
The simple beauty of Autumn was laid before my eyes. I did not know how to thank my heavenly Father as He moved me beyond the past and into a new season of Hope with Him. The Holy Spirit prays for me and I trust Him to use the right words. I hope you will, too!
“You have been a refuge for the poor,
a refuge for the needy in his distress,
a shelter from the storm
and a shade from the heat.
For the breath of the ruthless
is like a storm driving against a wall.”
(Isaiah 25:4 NIV)
The Lord is my Refuge, my Shelter, and my Shade. Like an umbrella on the hot, white sands of Pensacola Beach, He protects me from the heat of the sun. I run through the dangerous dunes and fall down in His arms. I can relax and enjoy being with Him. I hope you will, too!
