Sunset behind our home 8/1/10 (unedited)From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same
the Lord's name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3
His name deserves praise!
Even when . . .
"darkness seems to hide His face". . .
storms unleash their fury . . .
questions and confusion threaten our peace . . .
pain of all kinds attack our physical and emotional well-being . . .
tears fall and our hearts break . . .
the world seems to be crumbling all around us.
Even THEN . . .
we can choose to praise Him!
Not for these things . . .
but in these things.
In the midst of these circumstances we can praise Him . . .
because He has good plans for us . . .
because He sees the big picture . . .
because He will never leave us . . .
because His grace is sufficient . . .
because He loves us with an everlasting love . . .
because He IS still in control!
Easy to do?
No! No! No!
It is a choice. And it can't be based on feelings.
The result:
We are encouraged!
Those "watching" us see God at work in us!
He is glorified!
Habukkuk 3:
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
I sing praises to your name, O Lord,
Praises to your name, O Lord,
For your name is great
and greatly to be praised.
~Terry MacAlmon~
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
I sing praises to your name, O Lord,
Praises to your name, O Lord,
For your name is great
and greatly to be praised.
~Terry MacAlmon~
14 comments:
I've been forgetting to tell you how much I love your header! We have many of these fields around here, but I've yet to get the perfect picture like this one. Yes to everything you are saying. But we cannot trust our feelings, they will lead us astray for sure. Feelings like we are not really forgiven, or that we cannot forgive someone else because we don't FEEL it. We just need to say it and act on it, and the rest will follow along.
Loved reading this - and also seeing the beautiful sunset. One thing we've really felt blessed with, moving to Texas, is how big the sky seems - beautiful sunsets many evenings, that take our breath away and remind us how big God is!
That's a gorgeous picture!
I love that passage from Habakkuk. It's a decision to praise, for sure!
I love this post! We praise God in every circumstance, not because every event in our life is pleasant, but because we choose to praise. I have had some health issues lately that have been difficult, but I know that God is with me and he will use them for his purpose. Thanks for always reminding me of that through your posts. Carla
I love all of this...the picture, the Scriptures, and the thoughts! SO true!!
Hi Glenda, Love the header... I meant to say something before--but kept forgetting.
Your sunset is awesome...Doesn't that just feel like God is shining his love down on us?????
Great words also.
Hugs,
Betsy
Those verses from Habakkuk are some of my all time favorites ...
Sounds like you and I are getting much the same messages from God.
I didn't get a chance to comment on your previous post, but I thought it was beautifully said. I love that song! I put your blog on just to listen to your music!
This latest post is so true and I've been working on this area of praising no matter what I see. It's faith that must guide me, not eye sight.
Gorgeous sunset. It came out just perfect!
I needed these words this morning. And the sunset pic is gorgeous. Love you.
The picture is fabulous. Your words are wonderful. Habakkuk's words are timely. The song in the background - I love it!
Great thought and quote and scripture and photo as usual. God is God no matter what. And isn't that good news??
"When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the vale.
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand!
All other ground is sinking sand."
That's how I remember the song that contains the line you quoted and expanded on from Habukuk.
His oath, His Covenant, His blood...His promises, His Presence, His Word!
What assurance!
Beautifully said.
Such encouragement to praise God IN our circumstances. What a comforting thought that others could be drawn to Him through our own pain.
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