Devotion for Wednesday, May 27

GOD IN FULL VIEW!
 
As you know, there are many different versions of the Bible out there. For some passages - like the Christmas story - I much prefer the King James Version, but I also really like the Message Bible. One of my favorites is from Psalm 84:
 
And how blessed all those in whom you live,
whose lives become roads you travel;
they wind through lonesome valleys,
come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain,
and at the last turn - Zion!
God in full view!
Psalm 84:5-7
 
Isn't that a loving image - our lives are a road that God travels. And the roads (our lives) have lonely valleys that include His presence, His full knowledge, and His consistent encouragement. We are not in the valleys on our own just counting the days until God comes back. Brothers and Sisters, God never left! During times of pain we so often feel lonely. It's as if God is on "standby." It's then that we may not sense His presence and our circumstances may scream out, "You're on your own, baby!" But that is not the truth! God is walking our life roads with us - and that includes the valleys. But, what a wonderful promise that around the last turn - we see God in full view!
 
Some of you may have known valleys. You, too, may wonder why bad things have happened to you. And you may ask: "Why Lord! Why the pain! What's the point?" The reality is - there is no answer for what appears to be random pain for some and not others.
 
Deuteronomy 29:29 says, There are secrets the Lord your God has not revealed to us. We can fuss and fume about whether God is entitled to keep secrets from us, or we can redirect our thinking to what is not secret about Him - His nature of love. With love He created the world and all its people. With love He provided salvation for all who choose it. With love He walks our lives with us. Plain and simple! God's love knows no boundaries and no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).
 
I choose to accept His sovereign love for me and just sit with some unanswered questions.
 
Let us pray: Father, when our lives round the last curve in the road, let us know the incredible joy of seeing You in full view. Until that day, O Lord, hold us tightly in Your arms. Amen.
 
                                                               Pastor Ruth

 
820 Almshouse Road  Ivyland, PA 18974
215 357-6998   stjumc@aol.com