Dear Ones,
May you have a joyous day! Al will be leaving for Men’s group early and will have a donut waiting for him when he gets home. I have an appointment this morning and then Bible Study this afternoon. So glad for the nice days to walk the trail too.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Isn’t it wonderful that we have a place to go when we feel fearful and anxious or sorrowful and sad and wonder how we are going to get through the challenging days ahead. We don’t have to live with dread if we know the Lord, for He provides all the help we need and promises to be right there with us. The enemy wants to steal our joy and peace and whispers all kinds of scenarios of what could happen but let us not focus our attention there. Instead, we can take our concerns to the Lord and ask for His grace and strength.

Recently while I was waiting in an examining room for my dermatologist to come in, I was thinking of situations of concern and praying. There was a high set window in the room and sitting where I was, I could not see what was happening on the ground level but only the tree tops above. All of sudden it occurred to me that I don’t need to know all the answers to what is happening below, only to keep my attention on what the Lord is doing above the circumstances. As I was looking at the trees gently blowing in the breeze, I was blanketed in peace and felt like the Lord speaking a word to  me.

We have so many examples in the Word of people who didn’t shrink back when in trouble but trusted and had hope. Like David or Moses or Paul or Esther, they committed everything to the Lord. We also have scripture verses to strengthen us, and when we have memorized some key verses, the Holy Spirit brings them to our remembrance when we have need. I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed Psalm 121 and found strength. “I will lift my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep…The Lord will keep you from all evil’ He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this day forth and forevermore.”

Let us not be moved by what is happening in our lives around us but lift our eyes upward to the Lord where true help comes from.
Challenge for today: Don’t fear but experience peace as you focus your trust in the Lord.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy