ABUNDANTLY BLESSED

ABUNDANTLY BLESSED
(I wrote this because i want my saved and unsaved friends to know that the God Who saves us from sin and judgment is also there when our world caves-in.)

I was thinking about this the past few days. I am a very blessed person, but my children are extremely blessed. This is because, in God's kindness, mercy and grace, He has spared them from some of the hardships that Martha and I experienced, as singles and then as a young married couple. Yes, they have had their problems along the way, but as I look at it from my vantage point, they have been benefited by being raised in a Christian home, and trained in basic Christian living, though it does not exempt them from life's crushing trials.

THE ROAD IS NOT ALWAYS SO EASY
Of course, the journey is not over yet. The road ahead may be more difficult than anything I have ever seen, much less experienced. Therefore they need to hold fast to the message of love, forgiveness, renewal, comfort and provision. In fact, they will need to advance in these truths in order to deal with life's mountains and valleys.

Most of us will face troubled waters that will threaten to destroy us, no matter how blessed we have been. His presence is even more essential in those trying times. He is God in the good times, and He is God in the bad times.

COMFORT IN TIME OF TROUBLE
One of the more important, yet less acknowledged blessings is that of comfort and courage in times of catastrophe. We so seldom face real troubles, and we tend to forget the dark moments of life, when we can. Yet, in those rare moments when it seems our very hearts have been ripped out of us, and we are so broken that our body aches from our violent wailing and crying and emotional trauma, we can turn our tear filled, swollen eyes, and our broken and bereft heart to Jesus. He speaks peace in the midst of the storm; He gives hope where there is only gloom and despair; He sheds light where darkness has overwhelmed.

Even though we may go through life shattering upheaval, and even though we may experience recurring waves of torrential pain and suffering, because of a life altering, and gut wrenching event, God is greater than any problem we will ever face. This is why the Psalmist said,
Psalms 23:1-6
(1) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
(2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
(3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
(4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
(5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
(6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

GOD IS ADEQUATE FOR THE NOW AND FOR THE LATER
Sometimes Jesus is all we have, after one of life's vicious storms. Therefore, I recommend Jesus to everyone. He forgives our sins. He cleanses our past. He renews our life. He calms our storms. He comforts our disturbed souls and minds. He encourages our broken dreams. He strengthens our weakened condition. Jesus is all you need.

His deliverance is adequate for the moment, and more than adequate for eternity. He heals and helps us in the present and He finally wipes away all tears and suffering.

Draw from His infinite love, peace and comfort. Linger long at His well of mercy, and drink deeply.