As I was traveling here and there, I happened to see a large bird soaring up and realized it was a hawk! His wingspan was very large and I wished that I had not been driving, so I could just watch him glide! Majestic! Then I drove to the park and saw the full canal which is mostly cleaned of all the lilies and, while it was rippling a little, still the trees and egrets were reflected in the mirror-like waters. A dare-devil squirrel raced right across in front of me, as they usually do, and I saw a flock of ibis, ignoring the people walking and hiking. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
He put a new song in my mouth. A song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:3 NRSV
Evangelist and singer N. B. Vandall sat quietly in his living room reading his paper when one of his sons rushed into the house crying, "Paul is hurt! A car hit him and dragged him down the street! He was bleeding all over,and somebody came and took him away!"
Vandall found his son at a nearby hospital with serious head injuries, a concussion, and multiple broken bones. The surgeon did not know if he would live. All the distraught father could do was pray as the doctor cleaned and stitched Paul's head wounds and set his broken bones. The rest was up to God.
After coming home to give his family the report, Vandall returned to the living room and fell on his knees with a heartfelt cry of, "Oh, God!" Almost immediately, Vandall could hear God's voice inside him, telling him that no matter what happened in the here and now, all tears will be dried and sorrows will cease in the hereafter. Vandall went to the piano and in minutes wrote a hymn titled "After."
After the toil and the heat of the day,
After my troubles are past,
After the sorrows are taken away,
I shall see Jesus at last.
He will be waiting for me----
Jesus so kind and true;
On his beautiful throne,
He will welcome me home--
After the day is through.
Paul had a near perfect recovery from his injuries, and his father's faith in God
remained strong and steady, his gratitude boundless.
God wants to be with you in the midst of your tribulations, too, putting a song of praise in your mouth. When you turn your focus from your struggles to Him, His awesome power can overcome whatever you are facing.
FAITH MAKES THE UPLOOK
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
