Thursday, August 7, 2008

Confidence

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Seems like I start out with good intentions of doing everything early, but then life interferes and I am later. Oh, well, God is in control and He is good!

I had every intention of walking early, but when I stepped outside the heat hit me, and I decided that would not be wise. I couldn't see stars earlier, so it must have been hazy. Yesterday, I saw a lady peahen for the first time in several weeks, as I was driving into the park. Some people moved into the house where they liked to hang out, and now , I guess, they don't feel welcome.

I walked a short ways onto the sidewalk beside the canal yesterday. There is a memorial bench which says "Beside the still waters."

And the waters were serenely still. No breeze was blowing...just ibis flocks pecking in their never-ending quest for grubs.

I think a young gator was in the lake close to our home, but couldn't get close enough to tell. Occasionally, they come swimming into the lake from the series of canals, even though the water is brackish, which they don't like. God is Great!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where do we find confidence for every day?

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? the Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?

Psalm 121:3 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Many of the greatest athletes say that their real contest is a mental, not a physical one. It's the same way in our spiritual life. Our confidence comes not from looking around at our physical circumstances, but from looking to God.

How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?

Proverbs 3:5-6 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 direct your paths.

When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding is no match for his limitless love and grace.

I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis