DEVOTION / With Bleary Eye & Balky Tongue

"This the day the Lord has made -- rejoice & be glad in it!"

Every day is for rejoicing

How many times has that passage been shared in my life either by me or my pastors?  So easy to repeat. Sometimes harder to put into action.

I learned more about that this week when half of my face was paralyzed by Bell's Palsy.  Things you take for granted become so difficult: blinking, chewing, swallowing, eating, sleeping.

Rejoicing can be crowded out

Oh, things could certainly have been worse, but it still brings doubts and fears racing to the forefront.

Lord, how could this happen?

Watching our church's live stream worship on Sunday, our pastor's message focused on Jesus calming the storm and walking on the water (Matthew 14:22–33).  The hymns matched the message perfectly.  With my bleary and balky tongue, worship was harder than usual.  

So much was getting in my way.  My health situation. My attitude. My doubts and anxieties.  I was with the terrified disciples in the boat who misinterpreted Jesus coming to them. They screamed, It’s a ghost!”

Grace guarantees rejoicing

But, of course, Jesus came not to frighten but to rescue. “Take heart! It is I! Do not be afraid,” Jesus told them. “It is I!”

The reassurance from this and many other beautiful Bible accounts washed over me.  The Lord does care.  He is there for his people.  He is there for our personal storms.  I know because he was there for me on the cross.

What a blessing!

Prayer

Father, there are billions of people around the world who aren't blessed to know the Savior like we are. Use us and many others to share your grace with them.

A personal encouragement

Most people in the world suffer from much more than bleary eyes and balky tongues. They don't know the comfort we do.  They suffer from the same fears and doubts, the emptiness, the anxiety — even the sheer terror of facing life’s challenges alone.

316NOW makes a difference.  We share the sweet gospel of comfort in the face of life's challenges.  We clearly tell people of a Savior who comes to us and rescues us in the middle of fearful circumstances. 

What an important mission! Please, support 316NOW with your prayers and gifts to share God's message of hope to a world wondering if God really cares. Give now.