As we have sought the Lord this past week in prayer, He has faithfully
directed and guided and we have seen the glory of the Lord in so many
answered prayers.  We have seen successful surgeries; healed hurts; new
birth; traveling mercies; eyes taken off circumstances and turned to the
Lord; renewed desires for a greater knowledge of Christ; just to name a few.
So with grateful hearts we say, "Thank You Lord" and we rejoice in His
goodness and His promises.

Proverbs 3:5-6 gives a promise that we should never neglect, but hold fast
to day by day even moment by moment:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart"
   Trust: commit to, lean on, be confident in the Lord.
   All your heart: your whole heart and soul (mind, will and emotions).
"And do not lean on your own under standing."
   Do not rely on your own insight, perceptions and understanding.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him,"
   Acknowledge: know, recognize, have mind of Him, give ear to Him.
"And He shall direct your paths."
   Direct/path: make straight and plain, make clear the road.

This is a reminder that God is in control and puts our focus where it should
be, on the Lord.  When we turn our circumstances over to Him, He then is in
charge of the consequences.  Though some situations and circumstances are
particularly difficult we can remind ourselves of God's word:
"Do not fear, for I am with you..."  Isaiah 43:5
"...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5
"...In quietness and confidence is your strength..."  Isaiah 30:15
"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."
Romans 8:28
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1
"Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we
may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

No matter what the circumstances, actually in all things, we give thanks to 
the
Lord because He gives nothing but the best to His own.  Because He is good
and His grace is sufficient, not only do we give thanks, but we can rejoice
in all things.  Therefore, we can, in agreement with the Apostle Paul:
"Rejoice in the Lord always...be anxious for nothing..." Philippians 4:4&6
And as he tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

As the song goes,
"And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory
and grace."

All praise and glory to our wonderful Lord who is good and loving beyond all
comprehension!  Amen.