Most days, I feel upbeat and find pleasure in so many, many things throughout the day. BUT. . . some mornings, even before coffee and devotions, my thoughts turn to finances, little physical challenges that come with age, frustrations of getting both websites to work right, yada yada yada. . . blah, blah. blah. So go the attacks of the enemy of our souls!
Literally counting my blessings never fails. I set my heart to be grateful, to trust God, and be consciously aware that God:
- is in control of each moment of my life,
- He planned every day of my little life since before time began,
- His love for me, personally, is “as high as the heavens are above the earth”, and
- He has “separated my sins from me as far as east is from west” (see Psalm 103, New International Version)
If I just begin that process,
- I get my attitude of gratitude back,
- I remember that worry shows I am trying to control the future rather than trusting God,
- His peace settles in like a soothing, gentle rain as I focus my thoughts on how powerful and loving and forgiving and kind and patient and gracious and long-suffering He is with all of us.
So often, the melody and words of that cherished hymn “It is Well with My Soul” then float into my heart.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Chorus: It is well. . . with my soul. . . it is well, it is well, with my soul.
(Broadman Hymnal, 1940, page 73)
Even if you, for whatever reason, have never sung the old hymns of the church I urge you to get a copy of the Broadman hymnal (available on Amazon) and just read the verses of this and other hymns.
To hear the unbelievable but true story behind “It is Well with My Soul”, see this link https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=C211US0D20140807&p=story+of+it+is+well+hymn
Dear Father in heaven,
Please help me keep my focus on You and Your love. Help me share Your love with others, that they may know Your marvelous love for them individually. Help me explain Your desire and Your power to comfort and restore broken lives, no matter how deep the tragedy or loss. Amen.