PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Summer has not been particularly fun at the Heidel house.
Since mid-June, my husband and I have had two deaths in our families, my mom has been out of town helping my grandmother settle her brother’s estate, we’ve had her sweet-but-way-more-energetic-than-we’re-used-to dog visiting us, and last night, we had to put our own 16-year old dog to sleep.
Add some other challenges to the mix and it’s been week after week of high emotions.
The good news — my mom and grandmother come home this weekend, and with them, the calm and reassuring presence they both bring to our world.
Please pray they have a safe trip!
With all that said, it’s easy to forget Who is in control.
As we vie to keep things upright when they feel upside down, we realize how very little control we really have.
But what we do have is faith.
I love this verse from Psalm 30:5b, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
It exudes hope.
It reminds us that the difficulties we each face are temporary.
A new morning will come.
And even in the darkest of nights, we know our amazing God is looking over us.
Psalm 121:3-5,8 says, “He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
Do me a favor and re-read that passage, but instead of “Israel,” use your own name.
Isn’t that the most wonderful truth?
Let’s go back over to Psalm 30, and look at verses 11-12.
All of us who have placed our trust in Jesus Christ have this to look forward to, “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!”
Whatever season of life you’re in — be it one of challenges, sorrows, or even celebrations — the real celebration is coming.
And with it, eternal life and eternal praise to our Heavenly King!
Today, as you pray, praise God for being in control even when the world feels upside down.
Thank Him that He’s never sleeping but always watching out for us.
And praise Him for the celebration that’s ahead.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to keep focused on Him when life threatens to overwhelm you.
