Hope for Each New Day

During the last four weeks I have been dealing with urgent house repairs.  One repair exposed another that needed work, and another, and another.  It ended up being very intense and stressful for me.  I constantly needed to answer questions and make sure things were being done the right way.  I pushed my way through it, and was exhausted by the time it was all done.  

There are many times that I miss Floyd, and this was certainly one of them.  Every day I pressed into the Lord and asked for His help, grace, wisdom, and strength.  He met me!  I'm still thanking Him for getting me through everything.

After those intense, stressful weeks a friend sent me a verse that is familiar to me and such an awesome promise, "As your days, so shall your strength be."  Deuteronomy 33:25  What a wonderful promise to hang onto in difficult times.  God knows what each day holds for us - and He'll give us enough strength for that day.  Thank you Lord!

As I thought about this verse I realised that in the midst of the difficult days, there was a constant under lying peace and even joy.  I think I didn't even realize it so much at the time, but in looking back it's so clear.  At the end of each day I was so tired I could hardly eat dinner and then go right to bed.  But my heart was at peace - and there was joy in the process because of God's presence with me.  I am sure that is a big part of what carried me through.

The best way to find that joy is to thank the Lord all through the day as He helps me.  With each decision - thank Him for giving me wisdom.  With each new problem - thank Him in advance for helping me.

Yesterday morning I woke up to 3 problems.  It was overwhelming and discouraging.  I wasn't sure how to deal with them......so I started talking to the Lord.  I thanked Him for answers in advance.  I spoke out my trust in His faithfulness.  I asked Him to guide me.  And before the end of the day - all 3 problems were solved.  It's not empty words when I say I can't make it on my own.  It's the truth of what I'm facing in my life and God is so good to me.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."  Psalm 143:8

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

"A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure."  Proverbs 16:9

"A man's steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can anyone understand his own way?"  Proverbs 20:24

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

Knowing He goes before me, I can sleep in peace and awaken with hope for each new day.  How good the Lord is.