Scripture for Today:  Romans 5: 3-4  “…but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope:”

While growing up our family had a turtle hanging out in our back yard.   I don’t remember how he came to be there, but I do remember using him like a garbage disposal.  He took care of all the vegetable scraps.  It was fun to watch him eat lettuce, although it seemed he took forever to do it.

We also grew up with cats.  Because our turtle was so slow, our cats would often corner him.  Of course, there was no way he could out run them but he survived these encounters by stopping and withdrawing into his shell.  Sometimes it would take a long time but eventually, the cats would lose interest and leave him alone.

Our verse today is an encouragement in facing the hard times in life.  They corner us and often there is no way to avoid them.  Yet, the Lord promises a positive outcome: perseverance.  That patient endurance forms a godly character in me.  The more difficult my situation, the more likely I am to think about the hope of eternity.

God gave the turtle a wonderful coping mechanism in that shell.  He could easily wait out the cat’s assault.  By His presence God provides me with a similar way to cope.  He is my refuge.  He is my hiding place.  He provides shelter.  Through Him I can endure and wait it out.

It is God who gives perseverance and encouragement (Rom.15:5).  I do not know what tomorrow may bring.  But I do know that He is there and He will give me what I need to persevere.  At the first sign of trouble, may I hide myself in Him.

Scripture for Today:  Lamentations 3:21-23  “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

What on earth does an iron have to do with today’s topic of remembering??  Except maybe the problem of remembering to turn off the iron!  This is one of those times when speaking another language gives some fun insight.  The words “call to mind”or “remember” are translated in French as “repasser.”  This word means to pass over something again and again.  The iron in French is a “fer à repasser.”  Of course in ironing that is what we do, go over a wrinkle over and over until it’s smoothed out.

We are told in our verse to remember His GREAT love, His compassions and His faithfulness.  In doing so we can live with hope.  My problem is that I often forget.  My heart must be made of linen, a material difficult to iron.  I have to go over and over these truths to make them stick.  But if we continue with this image of an iron, we can see how it takes pressure and heat to be effective.

It is because of trials that I can say with confidence that God is loving, compassionate and faithful.  Somehow, the heat and pressure of hard times improves my memory.  I wish it did not take trials to remember, but it does.  When I look back on the difficulties He has brought me through, I am always reminded of His love and faithfulness to me.  Today I want to call these truths to mind without the stimulus of a trial.

Lord, help me to focus on Your great love, Your compassions and Your faithfulness!