God, the Color; Praise, the Canvas预览

Day 2: Praise through Wind and the Waves

When I look in the Bible at the lives of God’s people, it’s hard to ignore their constant struggle in the midst of suffering and tragedy as they walk with the Lord.  For some of us, we fearfully consider what trials are ahead, and wonder what following Jesus will cost us.  For others, you have already experienced suffering (or are now) and perhaps you’ve experienced God’s peace at a level you didn’t know possible.  Today, let’s spend some time reflecting on the trials and suffering that God has intervened in and led us through.  The God of the universe can turn pain into glory, anger into joy, and frustration into trust.

To God

An ocean raft stands beneath my wounded feet.  The thin horizon surrounding me is a desert of saltwater.  My soul thirsts for you.  Where can I drink?  My song is quiet and my words are weak when you seem so very far, but my hope whispers: you are here, Lord?  Surely, you are here.  Is a place too remote to escape your notice?  Is a raft too small in a giant ocean?  Without warning, the calm turned into a heavy storm and I struggled to stay on my raft.  Is a mountain coming toward me?  Is a wall rising from the depths?  No.  A perilous wave tall enough to blot out the sun and the moon.  My raft can't hold.  My strength can't last.  Men cannot even stand in the presence of such a wave.

Do you save the stranded, Lord?  I am only one person, but I am Your one person.  The ocean sunk deeper and deeper as the wave slowly built and towered over me.  The top of the mountainous wave was now too distant to see.  I yell to the wind, "Do you command the wind and the waves, Lord?  You have!  But I don’t see it now."  The water grew darker and darker- it will surely crush me.  "Do you shine in the darkness, Lord?"  God spoke softly, “Do not fear little one.  My wave is great.  I AM the wave.  I will not crush you.  I will hold you in the palm of my hand and carry you to the shore.  If you thirst, you can drink from me.”  “What about the wounds on my feet?”, I asked.  He answered, “Wounds become scars.  Scars will become witness to the power of the wave.”  As the raft was carried to shore- the wave died, and there I was on dry land.

Thank you Lord of righteousness.  You are the rescuer of my soul and Your presence is known to me. You are the voice that thunders from the heavens even in the midst of my suffering.  You are the light that shines in the darkness and Your hope is known to me.  My scars truly testify to it.  The King of the heavens and the earth held me in the palm of His hand.  His kingdom shall have no end!  The light of Your Glory lights my path- ahead and behind.  May Your name be above all names!  My Lord, forever and ever.  Amen.