Friday, February 1, 2008

God has placed us in each other's lives for mutual edification and encouragement. I experienced that this morning when my special friend and I each had weeks that culminated in difficulty. We each had very pivotal weeks at stake (for different reasons) and were praying hard for specific, "best-case scenario" outcomes. Those outcomes did not happen. While we don't see this as unanswered prayer, that does not mean that fear did not enter our hearts. Fear -- and possibly a little despair -- came and pitched a big old tent in each of our hearts this morning. What fear did not count on was that we have each other to act as support and encouragement. And in encouraging each other, we are encouraging ourselves in the process. Our encouragement is simple... we are reminding each other of the truth that God is in control, of the truth that He promises to provide for our needs, of the truth that He has a plan that, while different than ours, must be better.

Truth is simple. And sometimes we just need the simplicity of God's Words, not our own. So that is what I leave you with today: God's Words.

-Becky

Psalm 27

(NLT)

The Lord is my light and my salvation—

so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,

so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to devour me,

when my enemies and foes attack me,

they will stumble and fall.

Though a mighty army surrounds me,

my heart will not be afraid.

Even if I am attacked,

I will remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the Lord—

the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord’s perfections

and meditating in his Temple.

For he will conceal me there when troubles come;

he will hide me in his sanctuary.

He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

Then I will hold my head high

above my enemies who surround me.

At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,

singing and praising the Lord with music.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord.

Be merciful and answer me!

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”

And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Do not turn your back on me.

Do not reject your servant in anger.

You have always been my helper.

Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,

O God of my salvation!

Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the Lord will hold me close.

Teach me how to live, O Lord.

Lead me along the right path,

for my enemies are waiting for me.

Do not let me fall into their hands.

For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;

with every breath they threaten me with violence.

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness

while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.