What a wondrous week this past week has been! It was very hard on many fronts and from the natural view it was not such a good week at all. BUT we do not look at things from the natural view. We who are the Lord's must view things from a heavenly vantage point. How can we not? We belong to the Lord and it is the indwelling Holy Spirit who leads and guides as we yield to Him. The question then is: Are we yielding to the Holy Spirit?

Scripture tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6,
"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 understanding."
    (Do not rely on your own insight, perceptions and understanding). Vs. 5

"In all your ways acknowledge Him,
    (Acknowledge: know, recognize, have mind of Him, give ear to Him.) And He shall direct your paths."
    (Direct your path: make straight and plain, clear the road.) Vs. 6

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 answered prayer. There are so many Scriptures to lay hold of and turn to when you are in a hard spot,. These are reminders that our God is in control and they move our focus to where it should be; on the Lord and not on the circumstances.

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

I am certain that each of you have certain verses of Scripture that you turn to when the circumstances are hard. Let me share a few of mine.
"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  (My emphasis)
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

As we see God's hand of love, grace and mercy in our comforting verses, "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 4:15

In each of these hard things, actually in all things, we thank the Lord because His plan for each of us is perfect. Therefore, we not only give thanks, but we rejoice.

"Rejoice in the Lord always...be anxious for nothing..."
Philippians 4:4 & 6
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Glory to you Lord, for the things that You are taking us through are for our good, as James 1:2-4 tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

Thank you Lord for Your love that is beyond comprehension. How grateful to know that You are in control and we can rest in You.  All praise to You Most Holy God. Amen