Habakkuk 3:17-19 

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 

DAILY READING – 1 Peter 4; Jeremiah 37-38; Psalm 137

Bill and Glory Gaither are well known Gospel artistes. They have written over six hundred songs and produced sixty recordings and several musicals. And both have authored or coauthored several books. Many of us are familiar with one of their  best-known songs “Because He Lives.”

The idea for this song came to Bill and Gloria in the time of great difficulties. In the late 1960’s, Gloria was expecting their third child, and they went through a rather traumatic time as a family. At that time also there was social unrest in the US; drug abuse and racial tension were increasing. and there was also conflict in Southeast Asia.   Bill felt that it was a poor time to bring a child into the world. For Gloria, it was a time of fear and torment, the thought of bringing another child into the world scared her.

In her book, ‘Fully Alive’, she recalled sitting in their living room in agony and fear on New Year’s Eve. Then, suddenly and quite unexpectedly, God’s Presence surrounded her and she was filled with a sweet, calming peace. Her panic gave way to an assurance that the future would be just fine, because God is in control. And when their son was eventually born, Bill thought of the living Savior and the words of the song came to his mind: “This child can face uncertain days because Christ lives’

And that is indeed very true, because Christ lives, we can face tomorrow. God is able to handle whatever comes our way. He holds our lives and our future in His hands. He is able to do exceedingly above all we could ever ask or imagine. This is why in all things we praise Him.

In Acts 16, after Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown into prison, the situation looked bleak and hopeless. But how did they respond? At midnight, they arose and praised God. And God responded by delivering them from the dungeon of despair.

Indeed when we praise God in the midnight hours of life, He delivers us from any prison or pit. Many people worry about tomorrow, about their finances, medical reports and many other issues. But God is greater than whatever confronts you.  Therefore stop looking at your problems and start looking at your God. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He knows the beginning from the end. And even right now, He is working all things together for your good. Therefore, rather than despair. maintain your praise.

Nehemiah 8:10 says ” ‘Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength’ “.

The believer who retains his joy is destined to triumph in the end. If you refuse to be depressed, the enemy cannot oppress you. Therefore remain joyful. In every situation. Keep judging God faithful, keep praising Him. And as you do, God shall turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones, He shall turn your mourning into dancing. He shall put off your sack cloth and gird you with gladness.

PRAYER: Lord  I know that  because You live, I can always face tomorrow. Thank You for the grace to keep praising You in every situation, because I know that indeed all things are working together for my good  in Jesus Name.

quote

The tests you are going through in life today is not for your destruction, it is for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222