Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Hope


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Feeling Down

IMG_20151015_130732-1Scripture for Today: Psalm 126:6 “Those who go out weeping carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

In all my years living in Europe, I had never seen a European Weeping Beech tree.  But recently in Rhode Island, on the grounds of the Château sur Mer in Newport I saw this incredible sight!  The drooping branches were so thick, the trunk was not even visible.  The English call it the “upside down tree!”  I am familiar with the Weeping Willow, but apparently there are several species of trees that are called, “Weeping,” if they grow pendulous branches.  That sad weepy look is so strange looking.  I am not sure I would want such a sad looking tree in my yard.

Today’s verse describes a weeping that ends in joy!  What an amazing reversal promised to the Israelites!  The Lord would bring back their captives and restore their fortunes causing all the neighboring nations to sit up and take notice.  The Lord will be known as having done great things for them.  All those tears are replaced with laughter and songs of joy!

This promise has many layers as we too can look forward to a time when our weeping and sorrow will be transformed!  Laughter and joy will echo in the halls of Heaven as I enjoy a hope that is realized forever!  Weeping will be a distant memory.  Everything sad and awful will seem light compared to the weight of glory that I will one day enjoy! (II Cor. 4:17)

So much sadness in this life now, but before long, “One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase!”  Better than anything I can dream, His joy and recompense will exceed every expectation!

Thank you Lord, for the songs of joy yet to be sung!

 


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Giving Up?

Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

I can relate to the frustration this young woman must be feeling.  I can guess at the pressure she is feeling to meet a deadline.  Perhaps she is irritated at a failed communication or the lack of any response at all.  I wonder if she feels that her work will never produce the desired effect.  In any case, this image suggests a discouragement and weariness we all sometimes feel.

Today’s verse lets us know that though we do not see an immediate result to our good works, there will be a future time when we will see the fruit of our labor.  The “proper time” for seeing results may not be the present.  But eventually, God brings about results.  The harvest we reap is in His timing and control.  Our part is to keep on keeping on, regardless of the results.

It is easy for me to feel weary and wonder if God is really using me.  I do not want to give up serving Him, but it can be discouraging to wonder if I am making a difference.  Is He hearing my prayers for my loved ones?  Is He using my story to draw others to Himself?  God’s work of changing hearts is often initially unseen.  But the promise of reaping a harvest is only for those who do not give up!  I have to trust that His Word does not return void but accomplishes what He intends (Isaiah 55:11).  Yes, there are moments of weariness, but in His grace He gives strength and motivation to continue!

Help me Lord, to never give up serving You!


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Lunar Eclipse

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 60:19 “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.”

How strange it was the other night to see the “super moon” slowly being darkened by the shadow of the earth.  It was called a “super moon” because it was at its fullest and because it was at the closest point of its orbit with the earth.  A news agency called it, “a glorious view of the heavens,” and “a glorious heavenly event.”  It was certainly rare as the next time this happens will not be until 2033.

This eclipse was a partial one so we were not left totally in the dark.  As beautiful as an eclipse or sunset can be, they leave us with less light and increasing darkness.  But one day there will no longer be any darkness at all.  The Lord will be our light and it will be everlasting.  His glory will shine as bright as day.  There will no longer be any need of the sun or the moon.

That everlasting light is not just in our future, but He has promised to place some of that light in our hearts today! (II Cor. 4:6)  It shines in our hearts to give us an inkling of His overwhelming glory.  And it is displayed in the face and presence of Christ.  The more I approach Him the brighter that light becomes!  I can “walk in the light” (I John 1:7) and experience sweet fellowship.  I want to bask in the warmth of His loving light and not obscure it with the shadows of my sin.

Lord, may I walk in the light of Your presence today.

 


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Withered Leaves

Scripture for Today: Psalm 1:3 “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

One of my favorite activities as a child was to jump in a big pile of raked leaves!  I can still remember doing so with my neighbor friends, exasperating their Dad for destroying his hard work!  Fall is beautiful when seeing all those brightly colored leaves.  But when they turn brown and dry and fall from the branches, the bare limbs make me a bit sad.  The green is gone.  The colors are finished, and one is left with something forlorn and withered.

Today’s verse describes a seasonal cycle unknown in our experience.  There is no Autumn as leaves do not wither, die and fall from the branches.  This unique season enjoys continual growth and greenery.  There is seasonal fruit and a steady supply of water for this tree planted by streams of water.  What a beautiful image of the one who delights in the law of the Lord! (verse 2)

The wicked are pictured as chaff that dries up and blows away (verse 4).  What a contrast!  Rather than being vibrant and living, the chaff is simply the dry husks of grains and grasses.  It is utterly useless and is carried away with the slightest breeze.  But the Lord does not allow His own to be dried up and useless.  There may be differing seasons of fruitfulness, but the leaves never wither.  His life continues within and He never stops working in me!  Because of being planted in Him, I will stay green and vibrant and beautiful.  Because of Him my shade is inviting and my limbs provide protection.

Thank you Lord, that You can and do use me in spite of myself!

 


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Daffodils

daffodilsScripture for Today:  Psalm 66:12 “You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance.”

I will never forget visiting this beautiful immense expanse of daffodils with my Father.  It was breathtaking!  They just went on and on as far as the eye could see.  Skagit Valley, Washington is not only known for its daffodils but also for its tulips.  Most all bulb flowers do so well here because the soil is rich with volcanic ash.

Today’s verse begins on a negative note.  David understands that God is testing him.  The context of this verse explains that God tests and tries us as silver is tried (verse 10).  The testing includes nets and afflictions, being ridden over, as well as going through fire and water.  Through all of this, David remains faithful to the Lord.  In fact, his response is to go into the house of the Lord to worship Him with sacrifice.  Instead of bitterness for a hard life, he says, “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” (verse 16)

What God did for David’s soul was to bring him into a wide open place, a place of abundance.  Just as those daffodils thrive on volcanic ash in the soil, I too can come to a place of beauty and growth after the fiery trial.  This place of abundance is the same place in Psalm 23 that is full of green pastures and still waters that restore my soul.  If in bitterness I shun His presence than I miss out on that abundant place of refreshment!  It is there that He reassures me of His love and care.

Lord, help me find that place of abundance!