Scripture for Today:  Ephesians 1:13  “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,”

The other day I gave my husband a card on the back of which I wrote, “S.W.A.K.”  I was surprised he did not realize that it meant, “sealed with a kiss!”

Recently, seals have seen a resurgence in popularity, but they have been around for a very long time.  In biblical times they were common and served several purposes.  First, they kept that document rolled and closed.  They also kept a communication private.  The seal revealed the sender as it was imprinted with an identifying mark.  Of course, the importance of a seal was only as important as the sender.

Our verse for today says that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit.  Being sealed by Him means guaranteed security and the reassurance of belonging to Him.  I am His possession.  He cares enough about me to seal me to Himself.

In Song of Solomon 8:6 there is also a seal.  It is a seal that pledges fidelity between the bride and the bridegroom.  This seal was over the heart and on the arm.  It was a sign of love.  I like to think of my seal of the Holy Spirit in the same way.  Because He loves me, He has marked me forever as His own.  And it is through the seal of His Holy Spirit that He speaks love and reassurance to my heart.

He is the Holy Spirit of promise.  He has promised Himself to me.  The imperfect up- and- down relationship I have with Him now is not to be compared to the closeness we will someday enjoy.  His seal has guaranteed it!

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 121:1-2  “I will lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

The French Alps were in our backyard that first year of language school in 1989.  When we revisited there, I had trouble getting this photo of my husband, Randy, without the clouds covering the peaks.  It reminded me of that first year when there were many days the Alps would be completely covered with clouds.  It was amazing how much those clouds affected my mood.  When I could see the mountain tops, I felt like anything was possible!  Even learning French!  But when the mountains were covered in fog and clouds for days and days, it was easy to believe they were no longer there.

It is easy to feel that the Lord is no longer there.  When we are in the middle of troubles and worries, they do the same thing those clouds do, obscure our view of His presence.  David expressed this in Psalm 69:17 when he felt that in the midst of his troubles, God was hiding His face.  Job had these same thoughts when experiencing his trials.  But regardless of our feelings, the reality of His presence does not change.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

There will always be clouds. But rather than seeing those clouds, I need to see that the mountain is still there.  It has not moved.  Like David, I can look up to the Maker of heaven and earth and find help.  Nothing is too hard for Him.  I am so thankful that in His grace He gives me cloudless moments when the view of His presence is magnificent!