Monday, 26 June 2006

A New Day is Dawning

I've heard from two of my friends from recently. While it's always good to hear from them and know what they have been up to, their e-mails haven't been easy to read at the same time.

I have friends who are hurting. Satan has attacked them. They face struggles, grief, and frustration. I read the e-mails and it stabbed like knives. They're my friends, people I care about who matter to me. There are few worse feelings than seeing Brothers in Christ who are hurting and knowing that you're powerless to do anything.

But then I realized that's life. We CAN'T do anything. Philippians 4:13 puts it pretty clear-"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." It is only through Christ's power that we can do anything.

I then remembered the power in prayer. Talking to God about fears and concerns makes a difference. These aren't new lessons, but it seems we need constant reminders. After praying for these hurting Brothers, I went to sleep, more at rest but still feeling bewildered and hurting for them.

I woke up this morning a little early and it seems that it offered an answer to me and some peace of mind. Admittedly, I am not a morning person. I sleeping in my bed until I feel like it, but this morning, I was awake. I stepped outside for a moment and saw what I see as a symbol of God's faithfulness. The sun was shining brightly, the air had a beautifully fresh smell, and the dew was still in the grass. God's magnificence shone through it all and showed to me that He's still in control and that He hasn't let go. It was like an answer to what I was praying last night. I might not be able to see these friends, but I know the Holy Spirit hasn't abandoned them, even if they're hurting.

Well, the time has come. More work at the resort awaits. I end this post with a song.

My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the real though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that Rock I'm clinging
Since Love is Lord of Heaven and Earth,
How can I keep from singing?

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that Rock I'm clinging
Since Love is Lord of Heaven and Earth,
How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that Rock I'm clinging
Since Love is Lord of Heaven and Earth,
How can I keep from singing?