Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
I had a decision to make, and I doubted if I would choose wisely. I messaged a friend for advice—no reply. Then I remembered what I read earlier in Psalm 28, where David cried out, “Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.” v 2.
As I prayed, my fears were replaced by strength to trust Him with all my heart (v 7). Not long after, I sensed the direction the Lord wanted me to go. I felt such joy that a song came to mind, and I burst out singing. Do you have something to thank the Lord about? Please listen to “Only You” and join me in praise!
After a morning ride around the forest preserve, I rolled the bike back into its spot in our second bedroom/office. Apartment living has its perks as well as challenges. . . no more yard work, but storage can be tricky. My old Schwinn 10-speed is now parked in front of the closet until Monday when I plan to head out again.
Who knew that all the scheduled appointments, goals, and chores penciled on my planner for the rest of the day would be rearranged? A frantic call from our daughter alerted me that she needed help immediately with a flooding crisis. I sped down the interstate and by day’s end, I returned home with wet socks and an empty stomach. The crisis was helped, not completely averted. We did all we could.
The Lord knows we have obligations, yet there are times He calls us to put aside the ordinary for the urgent. I find peace when I remember what the Bible says in Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow because you do not know what a day may bring forth.” He promises that “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) God is aware of every time we will be called on to change our schedule. Following Him, we find meaning and purpose, and God ensures that His will prevails through it all.
I don’t like getting bad news. No one really does, right? If you’ve been given a diagnosis that finds you in a cocoon on your bed, I can relate. Been there, done that several years ago. The first thing I did was call my family and friends to tell them that I was facing tests for a serious medical problem.
The following weekend, my family gathered around me and did everything they could to cheer me up. My friends called often to remind me that they were praying for me, several of them even prayed over the phone. Church that Sunday found me in a circle with my brothers and sisters in Christ praying for me.
The date of the exploratory surgery came quickly. The day before, I recall feeling God’s presence in a special way. As I lay face down on my bed, the cross of Christ loomed over me in my mind and the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” resonated in my heart. I felt ready to face anything as I clung to the cross knowing Jesus will never leave me. And if I left this life, I knew I would exchange my cross of suffering for a crown.
God’s spiritual comfort carried me through the hours awaiting surgery and going under anesthesia. As I awoke, I saw the surgeon’s smiling face near me saying, “There was nothing!” I slid back into unconsciousness and woke up in the recovery room. Nothing?
The tests prior to surgery had revealed a large growth, but when doctors opened me up, they found no abnormality. God healed me! Talk about joy! I laughed, cried, kissed Steve, and called all my friends and loved ones. The Lord had used the prayers of His people to bring a miracle healing. That’s what the doctor called it. That’s what I believe.
Please let me know what you’re facing, and I promise to pray for you. Does every prayer end in healing? Yes, eventually if not immediately for every follower of Christ. I will pray for you knowing that our God hears, cares, and answers prayers. James chapter 5 is an relevant passage to read during times of suffering. Verse 16 reminds us that “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” How may I pray for you?
A Goldilocks Life 