This morning as I read my favorite devotional entitled Streams in the Desert it spoke of the trials of Job. It reminded me of how the Lord uses the hard things in our lives to help us grow stronger in our faith and in our total dependence on Him. There is a song that comes to mind as I reflect on the current trials in my life. The song is by recording artist Laura Story and is entitled Blessings. It speaks to the truth that the trials and the unanswered prayers in our lives just may be “His mercies in disguise.” We can’t always know or see these mercies for what they are as we walk the path of trials, but He tells us that He will shepherd us through them. His Word tells us that He will work everything for His good. We are to trust our Faithful Savior. This morning as I opened this devotional, neatly tucked in between the pages for today and tomorrow was this prayer that I wrote years ago.
A Prayer for Comfort 12-18-09
Oh Precious Savior, what is it that I dread?
I look at the road before me on which I continue to tread.
What is it in my heart, Dear Lord that pulls your joy from me?
Why have I lost my focus on the plans you’d have me see?
Plans to prosper, plans for good, plans filled with your constant care,
Why Oh Father, do my eyes wander far from there?
I see around me burdens, stacked so high and deep.
These are Satan’s visions that only make me weep.
Please Dear Father and my God, help my eyes to see
I can carry all these things, as hard as they may be.
I will draw my strength from You, enough for each new day.
Keep my eyes upon you Lord as we go our way.
You have the strength for me to stand and grow steadfast in heart.
I place today in Your strong hands as I take my start.
Let me fix my eyes on You, and know that it’s all good.
And step by step I’ll walk in faith as I know I should.
Let Satan not distract my gaze. Please keep me hedged in tight.
I am in your loving arms Dear Lord, hold me with Thy might.
Thank you Father for this road that reminds me You are there,
Standing here beside me, my Rock of Power, Strength and Care.
I remember the trial, and Yes… He did answer this prayer. He walked me along a path that I would not have chosen and at the end, placed my feet back on solid ground. In looking back on that path there were so many blessing that I would have missed if He had let me bypass that particular road. What are you facing this day, this week, this month, or this year? Are you comforted as I am that Our Shepherd is walking right beside you? He knows the way…He has already walked it…Trust Him!
Written by: guest blogger Jeanne East
Christian School Educator
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God whose words I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4