Dear Ones,
Hope you wake up to a day of praise. I plan to make scalloped potatoes and ham today and go to my exercise class and several places to shop as it is Al’s birthday coming up. Emoji
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Evey day is an opportunity to give praise to the Lord, not just if things go well for us, but even when we feel overwhelmed. David says in Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Those words came from someone who went through many harrowing times and yet faithfully blessed the Lord.
Satan likes to attack us and every area of our lives, especially in our relationships, health finances, emotions, work, circumstances etc. and hopes to get us upset and anxious. He is a big peace stealer and we need to catch ourselves right away when we feel attacked and turn to the Lord. Because we have a loving Heavenly Father who cares for us, we can be positive and praising, even when seemingly negative things happen. I think of a shining example of a friend of ours that has peace in the midst of her pain. She is very bent over with rheumatoid arthritis and uses a motorized chair to get around, and her pain is constant. When she comes to our Bible study, others wait to hear her words as she radiates love for the Lord. She always seems to have a scripture and a positive response to even the hard things that may be happening. Our friend also uses her pain to pray for others and witness of Him.

One Sunday while having coffee after the service I sat next to a gal about my age and one who had such an upbeat outlook on her life. She is rather new to the church and so she shared her story with me. It was all very positive, and she gave one instance after another of the Lord’s hand of blessing on her life. It wasn’t because she had a lot growing up, but it was of the Lord’s presence in her home, in her marriage and family etc. He is the one that made all the difference! As she shared about our uncertain future, she was also spoke of having peace knowing the Lord would give her what was needed at the time, even if it meant suffering for His sake.

Let us not let the enemy steal our songs of praise but may we trust the Lord in all things.

Challenge for today: The next time you are tempted to complain, stop and look upwards and give praise.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy