From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "Heritage" <gheritage@juno.com>
Subject: Joyous Greetings
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2001 1:27 PM

Have you ever awoke in the night, in those dark hours before dawn, and been
gripped with thoughts of some problem that seems to overwhelm you?  Thoughts
that you can not seem to put aside?  Thoughts that soon turn to anxiety and
fear?  At this point sleep is gone and worry has taken its place!  This is
not a place for one of God's children!  Anxiety and fear draw its strength
from unbelief and lack of trust!  BUT is it not in believing (trusting in,
relying on,
and clinging to) Jesus that we became one of God's own in the first place?
Our God is the one who said, "Be anxious for nothing..." (Philippians 4:6)
and
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all
your
concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionatrely and
cares about you watchfully.  (1 Peter 5:7  Amplified)

What do we do when this happens?  Turn FROM those thoughts do not dwell
on them, but fill them with the things of the Lord.  The Psalms have
something to
say here,
"...Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.  Selah."
 In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
 For Thou alone, O Lord, dosts make me to dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:4 & 8

"Yet the Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the
night His song shall be with me, a prayer to the God of my life."
Psalm 42:8

"Let the godly ones exult in glory;
 Let them sing for joy on their beds."  Psalm 149:5

Then there is that wonderful account of Paul and Silas in prison in
Philippi,
"But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise
to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."  Acts l6:25
 (Read the whole account Vs. 16-35 to see God's mighty hand at work here.)

Among your thoughts in the night, think about God's special promises as you
choose to trust Him.
"How great is Thy goodness,
 Which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee,
 Which thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee,
 Before the sons of men!"  Psalm 31:19

"...He who trusts in the Lord, loving-kindness shall surround him."
Psalm 32:10

"Those who trust in the Lord
 Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever."  Psalm 125:1

"...He who trusts in the Lord will be exalted."  Proverbs 29:25

"The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace,
 Because he trusts in Thee."  Isaiah 26:3

I can't leave out Romans 8:28!  Whatever the problem there is this promise,
"And we know that God causes ALL things to work together for good to those
who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  What
reassurance!!!

I will close with this blessing of God,
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
 For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22-23

Hallelujah!  Let us never cease to give praise to our great and loving Lord
and sing of His loving-kindness and tender mercies.  He is worthy of all
honor and glory!