Life can be hard with its twists and turns. Yet even in our struggles and brokenness, God is near.
I like going to this scripture when “personal storms” blow my way causing me to feel scared or anxious. It calms me down to think that Jesus is reprimanding whatever it is that’s making me feel worried or frightened. This scripture reminds us that Jesus is Lord over all creation. And whatever unexpected storm may come your way…He can calm.
This picture was taken of our sons many years ago. Their joyful faces captures the moment of being in an upside down world. I have to smile when I look at this picture because it reminds me of the importance of having a child-like faith. No matter what is upside down around us, God is still Good. He always keeps His promises. So, in the ups and downs in life we will shout with joy…Jesus is our Rock who brings us right-side up!
God reveals the evidence of His greatness and power in many ways. One way is by showing us this magnificent sunrise. In this picture we see evidence of His power to create and the power of His Almighty hand. May we be reminded of His ever-present help and His powerful hand that personally cares for each one of us. Yes…we know who is above all…the LORD, Jesus Christ.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
I have a friend who randomly sends me a scripture to brighten my day. The above scripture is one she sent me without knowing I was having a tough week. God’s Word sure encouraged me to stand firm, move on, God’s got it. Do you know someone who is going through a difficult time? Maybe it’s you. If so, remind yourself like I had to… that God understands how you’re feeling. The Prince of Peace is Jesus Christ and His love for you is not shaken nor removed.
The first thing my eyes went to when I looked at this picture was the beam of light in the sky which reminded me of a searchlight. I haven’t seen a searchlight for a long time. Although, they still can be used to rescue or to increase visibility. Do you know “Someone” who seems to be wandering while experiencing life’s difficulties and can’t see how to get back on course? If so, pray and be encouraged. No one is too far from God’s reach. God’s unconditional love is lighting the Way to get back on course. God sees your “Someone.”
When Carl popped the question and asked me to marry him, I immediately said YES. After my YES, I got scared. Marriage is a big promise. It’s forever. So that night I remember kneeling beside my bed and told God I wanted to marry the man He picked for me. God answered my prayer. Over these 56 years I can say without a doubt God picked Carl for me. The lesson I want to remember is when life brings you to a place where God’s will is not clear. Don’t forget to pray!
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jer. 33:3
Sometimes life can be hard with its twists and turns, especially when we’re tired or discouraged. A friend of mine shared about a time she felt weary and overwhelmed. As she was driving along thinking about the twists and turns in her situation she felt impressed to STOP the car and LOOK UP. She pulled over and when she looked up she saw this beautiful eagle known for its strength, speed and power. She quickly took this picture to remind herself to LOOK UP to the Lord. His strength, speed and power never weakens. The Lord stands ready to renew our strength. STOP and LOOK UP is a good reminder for us too.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
“God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her,
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home sweet home.”
song by Irving Berlin
As I was glancing through many pictures I stopped when I came to this picture. This bird is surrounded by many stick-like branches that could easily get him tangled up. That made me think of what’s going on in our world today and how easy it is to get tangled up in worry and fear. As my eyes went back to the picture I noticed that it looked like the bird had a way out. That reminded me of God, our Mighty Fortress who surrounds us and gives us the Way to PEACE not distractions, TRUTH not deceptions, and ENCOURAGEMENT not distress.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20
When I look at these pictures I see God’s indescribable greatness. I can’t help but think of God’s love for beauty and His sense of humor when I look at the intricacy of flowers and the uniqueness of animals. But even in the magnificence of God’s creative work it was not complete until He made us. More than anything else He wants us to trust in Jesus and be with Him forever.