In His Arms

We have entered a new month and while I wish I could now give everyone good news regarding the situation I am in...it is not to be. No decision has been made and so I find myself facing yet another month in which I must take it day by day and continue to seek the only comfort that we can ever truly have; the knowledge that He is with us and that He is in control of all things.

It has been fascinating for me to observe through my circumstances how such a simple statement as "God is in control" can be so powerful and bring such peace of mind. When I have been tempted to despair I have been able to gain immediate consolation from that truth. Amazing isn't it? The fact is that I am surprised that I have never completely appreciated how much our faith truly comforts us...maybe because until now I had never experienced true tragedy as an adult. I don't know if this will make any sense to anyone other than my wife, but a part of me gives thanks to God for what has happened. You see, the Lord has permitted to truly and completely experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life! For this I must praise His name and I must give thanks.

Some time ago (two weeks?) I wrote a review of "A Shephed Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller and much of what he wrote continues to resonate with me. For one, my current struggle has shown me how important His Word is. It is such an extreme comfort to open up the Bible and read the words contained in it. A mind and a heart of sorrow are pacified and made glad, the threat of despair is banished, and a soul longing for His presence is filled! It is all too easy to smile and praise the Lord during those times when everything is going good...it is all too easy to ask Him to work in our lives and shape us into His image. Now, at this time, I am feeling that work of molding in my life; I confess that it does not feel good! But what does feel good is to know that He would not be doing this work in my life if I were not His. I have hungered and thirsted for His righteousness for a very long time...now I am finding out the joy that comes from being filled. I can honestly and without hesitation say that it is so sweet to be where I am right now! Yeah, you may think I refer to my troubles...but I refer to being in His arms!

:)