Quiet Time Thoughts

This year has started out very well for our family. We are seeing some issues resolved, making progress in projects, moving forward in areas that seemed all but stalled, thanked the Lord as a family member finished the last of her chemo and begin to move forward in her life, so many praises! It has been a blessing in many so many ways.

However, the last few years have seen some difficult times for my family. We’ve dealt with many issues seemingly hitting us from all sides. It has seemed at times like standing on the shore line and the waves keep rolling in threatening to knock us over and drag us out. Have you ever had a time in your life like this?

How does one get through it all? Strength from God, grace from God and His never ending mercies come to my mind immediately. He never promises there will not be difficult days (Matthew 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.), the storms in life will come and I’ve learned sometimes all you can do is hang on to the Lord and look to Him for answers and direction and continuing walking forward each day.  

As we walk through these difficult times I remind myself that God has many things He is trying to accomplish in every trial we deal with. We don’t always see them. We don’t always understand why or how, but I’ve learned that He has never left my side. Sometimes what I see would have been a simple solution to an issue never happened and this has left me wondering why? I take faith in knowing that God is accomplishing more than what I can actually see. He has a plan and in my humanness I don’t always understand it.

As we have dealt with various trials we've had to walk by faith, which in turns strengthens our relationship with Him and His perfect will for our life. And not only can these trials in life greatly increase our faith but can have an effect on those around us as they watch us walk through these times and offer prayer and support. We can also be strengthened as we offer love and prayer to others who are hurting and suffering. We see the hand of God working in their lives and it builds our faith at the same time.

Here are some of the Scripture verses I’ve been reading during my quiet times this week. As I’ve been praying for loved ones in my life that are walking through trials I find needed encouragement and spend time praying these Scripture verses for comfort and strength in their walk.

Pro 3:5 & 6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Isa 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

This is my favorite most comforting verse:
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. "Selah"

Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

Deut 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.