Joyful Reunions

New Ways to Trust

When Roy waved to his neighbor, he noticed John’s usual smile was absent. He walked over and learned that John had lost his job. Roy shared that he experienced the same years ago. “We had to learn new ways to trust God. He provided what we needed and the patience to wait.” Roy went on to say, “If God knows the hairs on our head, He knows your need and has a place for you.” Before they parted, the men prayed together. Roy reminded John that God knows our losses, where we are, where He wants us to be, and when He wants us to get there (Psalm 139). Losses may come as financial challenges, relationship changes, or job loss. With God as our stable foundation, we can trust Him to meet us in any circumstance.

Our Caring Father

The woods behind our house give us multiple opportunities to view wildlife. One spring morning a doe walked out of the trees with two spotted fawns. Our dog barked through the window at the trio, but all they did was perk their ears. The youngsters stayed close to the security of mom as she led her children to fresh grass and leaves. The babies were never left alone for even a short amount of time. God is a better parent than any wild creature. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are invited to access His security, abundance, and protection. Like the baby deer, when we remain close to our heavenly Parent’s side, we are led to the green pastures of provision. We can live reassured that our caring Father will never leave us or forsake us.

Christ Is My Anchor

My husband and son enjoy fishing together. They find a place on the lake where they can turn off the motor and drop anchor so they will be safe from drifting off course. Then, they cast their reels knowing they are in a good spot with a solid hope of successfully bringing home a good catch for supper. A life centered solidly on Jesus Christ is our best place to find lasting peace. With our faith anchored in Him, whether we are joyful or troubled, we pray, wait, and know for certain that we can always flee to Him for refuge and comfort. We can always trust the Lord to be our anchor of strength, love, and faithfulness against sorrows and despair. So, we hold fast to the sure hope of eternal life, which calms our souls.

Loving One Another

Relationships sustain us. They connect and support us. http://us.butBut sometimes the strength of the ties with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even our spiritual connection with God, becomes strained, tested, or lost. In the immediacy of our lives, witnessing misunderstanding, disappointment, betrayal, illness, and separation — through death or otherwise — can disconnect us from the perceived confidence upon which we once relied. Yet, planted in the disillusion and fear that rush in to fill the void, lies a seed of hope. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). So, remember to fill adversarial situations with Christ’s love. Seek true beauty and joy along the sometimes rocky but blossoming path of personal connections.

Color Me Hopeful

When I walk early in the morning, and it is not too cloudy, the sunrise is spectacular. The Lord paints the sky with wild abandon, and my heart knows wonder and joy. From my front porch at night, facing west, I witness the Lord visiting from on high at the close of the day with an awesome display of heavenly color. A heart of wonder knows the peace of God. Today’s words from Luke come from the beginning of the Gospel. God begins with the end in mind. Our end. In Jesus, God has changed what seeks to be our end into the ever- beginning of eternal glory. God colors our lives with grace, love, mercy, and hope for eternity.