Thankfully Safe

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Here in Northern Illinois, the tornado warnings keep coming. None touched down but were spotted in the area several times this week. The torrential rain as I drove from my son’s slowed me down considerably, and running from the parking lot to our front door left me dripping wet but thankful to be safe at home.

Bad weather, difficult decisions, money troubles, family dysfunction—all these and more strike fear in our hearts. The first and best thing to do is pray. God always knows what we’re facing, and He promises to give peace that is incomprehensible under the circumstances – see Philippians 4:6-8. The problems may not disappear in a flash, but He says we may trust Him. The Lord will guide us through anything as we turn to Him. We’re instructed to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Peace in my heart and direction for the next steps give me hope as I face obstacles. If Jesus is with us in the storm, we have hope that we will ultimately be safe forever with Him: “. . . we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” Titus 2:13.

Some Things Never Change

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It had been one of those busy weeks, with several deadlines to meet. I took it one day at a time, which is about all we can do, right? One thing after another changed on my to do list, and that morning, I felt ragged. Was I ever thankful that the only place I needed to be besides riding the exercise bike in the workout room was at a craft fair in the building and my desk to catch up on paperwork.

The craft fair offered many appealing items for Christmas gifts. And there were friends to catch up with. While chatting with my neighbor, another friend called and needed to vent about an important appointment she was facing. I headed to the elevator, listening to her share her heart. I hung up after praying with my girlfriend, collapsed at my desk and set to work. As I finished the paperwork, a song melody flooded into my mind, and I hunted through the albums on my thumb drive.  There it was, “Some Things Never Change” by Jonathan Wilburn. As I listened, the song brought me to tears.

Wilburn reminded me that so many things change over time—my first church may no longer be standing, the women and men who served me as a young mom and new believer are long gone now. Still, to this day the awful price Jesus paid with His blood to cleanse and redeem me and you won’t ever let us down. The Gospel is true as is every one of God’s promises in the Bible. He will never leave or forsake us. Jesus’ love remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). My heart felt encouraged and glad that some things never change.

Hope you enjoy listening to “Some Things Never Change” by Jonathan Wilburn.

With My Song I Praise Him

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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!

“Only You” by Lynn Lilja