I have friends who struggle with what has been labeled "seasonal depression" and overcast days are real downers for them. I will admit, I tend to be a bit more tired and sluggish on rainy days, but should that keep me from giving thanks to the Lord or calling on His name? Do I get a free pass from "making known His deeds among the peoples" because it's rainy and I'm grumpy? No, I don't think so...
So, ladies, jump in here - I'm giving you the opportunity to respond to our memory verse (Psalm 105:1) and make known what God is doing in your midst! To make it easy on you, I'll start...
As I look out at on my deck, through the rain and the fog I can see my purple wavy petunias lifting their little heads towards the sky and drinking up the mist and coolness...they love this weather. My bright yellow mums don't seem to be minding it either. Job marveled at God's provision when he said, "God thunders with His voice wondrously, doing great things which we cannot comprehend. For to the snow He says, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the downpour and the rain, 'Be strong.'"(37:5,6) We cannot look out our window and not see God's hand of provision - thank you, Father, for the rain, the coolness in the air, the ever praising flowers - may I extend my arms to you and accept your provision as your creation naturally does...
Okay, gals...your turn...what can you praise the Lord for today?
I'll jump in...I'm thankful for the Lord's promised continual presence with us..."I am with you, always..." Our love for Him waxes and wanes but His love and presence is ever stable, secure, steady. Like David said, He's our Rock.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a challenge! Not that God isn't working and showing his deeds in my life, but which one do I share. I'm thankful for a God who because he is the creator of all things, is in control of all things. Col. 1:16 states "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him". I love that last part, not only were all things created by him, but for him. Since watching my son head to college over sixteen hours away from home, by the way my first to leave their hometown for any length of time, I have had to remind myself repeatedly, that he was created by God and for him. God is in control of this young mans life, conforming him to the image he desires. While today's technology is wonderful, it also can cause many concern to a mother's heart. A nonchalant statement on facebook can make one desire to be there to fix it all or send off a response of correction that maybe, just maybe isn't necessary, such as "are you really sure you're studying hard enough". I am learning to be anxious for nothing(Phil.4:6) and pray, pray, pray. As Pastor Ken mentioned during the resistance series, worry is nothing more than doubt in God and lack of faith. I am striving to conquer my doubt and put my faith into action. Matthew 10:28-31 states that he knows even when a sparrow falls, and that we are of much more worth than many sparrows. Therefore when my son after trying so hard fails a test or is hurt by some offhanded remark of a fellow student, God is watching out for him. I don't have to fret or worry. So I say with tears and great praise “Thank you, Father, for being the creator and sustainer of all things“.
ReplyDeleteI have to repeat the above comment and say that I am thankful that He promises "to be with us always"... even in the storm...even in the rain...Sometimes we think that the rain is making for a "blah kind of day" when in fact that "rain is what gives the much needed nurishment to the earth. Isn't it a great picture to remind us that often times we need the "storm" to Get what God desires for us??? Hosea says "He has torn you so that He may heal you." I say don't look at the rain as a "downer" but look at it as a time to be refreshed and filled with the love He desires to "rain" down on each one us.
ReplyDeleteI Praise the Lord for His provision! He has promised to give us all that we need. As I've been sorting through clothes for the give-away and trying to get my house back in order after 2 1/2 months of morning sickness I realize how much God has given us! Let us Rejoice that our Father knows what we need before we ask Him. I also was able to enjoy some of the sunset last night. But it was my 5 year old daughter who brought it to my attention! She said "look at all those pretty colors, and it even has my favorite, PINK!" I was comforted to think that God was showing me and my family some of His glory in that moment. Oh, and that Sunset was after that rainy day.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful comments, gals...God is so good...we do have so much to be thankful for, don't we?
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I know I have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes I get my priorities messed up, though, and today I thank him for some not so gentle reminders of his place on the throne of my heart. You know the "fruit" I'm supposed to display - I've not been doing very well at that lately, and have been blessed with several lessons this week. I thank Him for his promise to me in Phil. 1:6. I'm so glad I am not yet the finished product. I'm so blessed knowing that this world is not my home, and yet he blesses me in it. Psalm 116 says (and I amen it), I love the Lord because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. These "rainy days" drive me to my knees before his throne as I surrender to his will (again). Ps. 116:5-7, "Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." Praise God for his rest!
ReplyDeleteAs I read all these comments what I am so thankful for is a church that teaches the truth... and for the wonderful Godly women He has placed in my life to teach me, to encourage me, to stumble and fall along side of me and to model surrender, repentance, and getting back up again. I am grateful that I am not alone! He has placed me in a family of believers..and I am grateful today for each one of you. I have loved, loved, LOVED hearing your hearts and your love for our Father in Heaven in these posts!
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