In this time of distress, when the coronavirus is spreading uncontrollably over the earth, I admit I’ve been struggling with fear. I’ve not wanted to get out of bed in the morning, read more disturbing news reports and hear more predictions of disaster. This morning I felt encouraged.
As I was waking up, I remembered the words to a worship song. I started humming it. Other songs kept surfacing from my subconscious brain. Songs I learned decades, ago. “Yes!” I said. I have over seventy years of songs stored in my memory. With each of these songs, there’s a story. A story of God’s faithfulness to me in difficult times. Can I not trust him in the uncertainty of today?
What will I do? Will I close my computer and stop communicating? No! I will not. As long as I have breath, I will keep talking about God’s goodness. I will share the insights from Scripture, songs, and poems that he gives me. I will share the stories and songs other followers of Jesus have written.
My grandmother loved Jesus. She was not a rich person, according to the standards of this world. Yet, she gave me something of tremendous value. A love of music and an example of faithfulness.
She played the piano and whistled like a bird. She taught me that even if I am no more significant than a sparrow God sees me and watches over me.
The following hymn is one I sang as a college student. In the succeeding years, I’ve experienced joy, sadness, success, failure, pain, loneliness, healing, and distress . . . all of this and more. In everything, God has remained with me. His ways are flawless. His love is indescribable. In this time of uncertainty, I am still praying “Teach me your ways.”
Teach me Thy way, O Lord, teach me Thy way! Thy guiding grace afford, teach me Thy way! Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight; Lead me with heav’nly light, teach me Thy way! When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy way! When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy way! In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress, In failure or success, teach me Thy way! When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way! When storms o’erspread the skies, teach me Thy way! Shine through the cloud and rain, through sorrow, toil, and pain; Make Thou my pathway plain, teach me Thy way! Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way! Where’er my lot be cast, teach me Thy way! Until the race is run, until the journey’s done, Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way! https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Teach_Me_Thy_Way_O_Lord/
Thank you for this beautiful poem Jane. It is so encouraging and soothing to my spirit. Be blessed and stay healthy. We are divinely protected.
Thank you for your encouraging comment, Monika! It is comforting, indeed, to know God is loving and protectng us.
So wonder–ful Jane. Last year my friend gave me two little lilac bushes. The summer sun was so harsh on them I was sure they were dead. I wrapped them for the winter. Two days ago the wind blew the covers off. I went over to peek at my little plant babies and lo and behold! They were covered with hearty little blossoms! I said, “Thank you Lord. I know that because of You life will go on. We will survive!” I love the song you shared even though I don’t know it. Thank you for your words and abiding friendship over the years and across the miles. Be brave and confident in the One Who is able to keep us. Amen
Thank you, Judith,
How wonderful that your lilacs survived and are thriving. Strengthened by the grace of the Lord, may we blossom with the fruit of the Spirit in this challenging time. Thank you for your kind words and ongoing support and friendship. I love you!
Same here (California) Jane ….
I recalled an old favorite during devotions this morning: “Then Jesus came”….
Yes, I remember that one too, Judith. And what a difference when Jesus comes . . .
Thank you Jane for reminding us of how God meets us where we are. His love is constant and His grace enables us to walk one step at a time, one breath at a time, even in uncertain days. May our hope in Him be contagious❤️.
Thank you, Donna. Yes, We come as we are and receive grace one step at a time. May we be unwavering in our faith, as Jesus is unwavering toward us.
Jane, thanks for sharing this. I’ve added it to my scheduled draft for the 27th of June, believing it will enhance the subject of ending the repetitions that are not for our good.
Thank you, Jean. God’s plans for us are always good.
Beautiful thoughts for uncertain times. I love the hymn lyrics! I am thinking of this time as a sabbath rest. It is good to know that God is still in control and He is not surprised or dismayed. He is teaching us how to follow Him even now.
Thank you, Sandy. How greatly we need that sabbath rest!
Hi Jane-
Isn’t it beautiful how God touches us right where we are? He doesn’t wait for us to feel or act a certain way. His love is amazing and His grace allows up to put one foot in front of the other, take a deep breath, and thank Him for another day.
May His peace surround us all in these difficult days and infect others!
Good morning, Donna,
Thanks again, for reading and commenting on my post. I appreciate your encouragement. Grace and Peace be multiplied to you and may you spread it to those around you