Be Encouraged By God's Creation

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 

  

  At a recent visit to a nearby Nature Center I got a close up view of some of God’s creatures. The beauty and the detail worked into birds, mammals, and reptiles is amazing. I have wondered, for those who do not believe God exists, how do they explain the beauty of so many creatures? To merely survive, such symmetry, color, amazing shapes, intelligent design, and beauty would not be necessary in a random creation process. 

  Those of us with chronic health issues need to connect with God’s creation. It is very important. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, pain, and other issues can keep us from spending as much time as we might like in the Bible. Yet perhaps a window bird feeder, a nature series on television, even a short walk around the block can bring us into contact with God, the Creator of everything. 

  I believe I’m not alone in finding that time with God’s creation and creatures is a balm for the soul. For some people, perhaps a dog, or cat, or even a fish aquarium has a positive effect on their life. The pleasure of looking at a flowering tree, a sunset, stars in the night sky, such things are all around us If we take time to “smell the roses” we may find we are better for it. These things can perk up our soul. 

  One morning, several years ago, I was in a very depressed mood. I was sitting at the kitchen table and happened to look out the window. On a branch in my neighbor’s tree was a white dove. My heart nearly stopped when I saw that dove. For that moment in time I felt my spirit lift within me. Perhaps it was a strange coincidence, but I felt that God had sent that dove to me just like he sent the dove to encourage Noah on the ark. 

  There is life out there, there is beauty, there is hope. 

  I encourage you to let God’s creation have a bigger place in your life. Perhaps taking a walk and allowing time to look at the birds and trees will bless you. Maybe you are not very mobile and cannot get outside much, you could invest in a bird feeder, or several of them to bring God’s creation near your window. Allowing a pet into your life could bring a blessing. When flipping through TV channels you might stop long enough to watch a few nature programs and consider how amazing the Creator is and all He has made. 

  God is good, and you can see His goodness in His creation. God’s answer to Job in Job’s suffering was to look around at the creation and be humbled, consider how great our God is, what He has done, and what He can do. Consider what God can do in your life in spite of your affliction and suffering. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, Creator of all things, thank You for the beauty of Your creation. Help us to remember what You have done, and what You can do in our lives. Amen.

When Illness Creates A Habit Of Disappointment

“They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed.” Job 6:20 

  

  After a long period of continued decline with my health the disappointment of my situation seemed to stamp itself upon me. There is something terrible about continually expecting disappointment, always preparing for more problems.  

  I believe disappointment has the power to imprint itself upon us, because even after I saw gradual improvement with my condition, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, the arrival of more difficulties. 

  Sometimes it feels as if the nerve endings of the soul are frayed. Continued friction from additional hardships and trials can leave us in a state of mind where we are constantly on the alert for trouble, always expecting it. Our fright-and-flight response is in overdrive and it needs but a small trigger to set it off again. 

  Chronic illness takes a terrible toll on the mind, emotions, the soul of the afflicted. After long years of wear and tear we can be as beat up on the inside as we are on the outside. The soul grows weary hoping for better days, brighter skies, and storm-free weather in our future. 

  Constant disappointment can also cause wear and tear on our relationships with friends and family. Plans often go awry, hopes go unfulfilled, and like a fish out of water gasping for air we struggle to find and keep hope in the midst of a long list of disappointments. 

  We can encourage ourselves and lessen the sting of disappointment by remembering what we have already overcome and by holding onto the victories that have come our way. We can constantly remind ourselves that our present distress and past hardships are not the final word, that God holds our future in His hand. God still has great things in store for us in this life, and certainly in the life to come. 

  Fellow Christians, you are not alone in your suffering and disappointment. Your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring hardship of one kind or another. Do not lose heart. We are in this together, and we will finish the race together, even as God lifts us up, carries, pushes, pulls, and empowers us to move forward in our personal and collective race in spite of our disappointments. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, life sometimes steals our thunder with continued disappointments, we can get so frayed and worn out, but give us strength for the race, and never let us forget that You are with us all the way. Amen. 

God Knows You And Your Problems

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 

  

  The Lord knows us. He knows us better than anyone ever has, or ever will know us. He knows and understands our infirmities, the daily afflictions that trip us up and restrict us. There is comfort in the fact that no matter what we are going through, the Lord understands and is with us as we suffer. 

  Do you feel that sometimes no one can comprehend the degree of pain, frustration, or depression that your illness is causing you? Do you feel that family and friends are in an alternate reality without the means to fathom your existence with illness? 

  Sometimes it is easier to hide our illnesses than to spend time and energy expressing our pain and suffering that others may not be able to comprehend. We can end up isolating ourselves and missing the comfort and help others could offer to us because we are weary of trying to explain our illnesses. We can also miss true comfort and kindness from those who genuinely care and wish to help. 

  There is a saying, “Every man dies alone.” I have often thought that those who suffer, mostly do so alone as well. Though one may die alone in an ultimate sense, I do not believe or accept that we must suffer alone–without comfort or kindness from those around us. 

  When we celebrate, or experience a unique or exciting event, such things are much more enjoyable with friends or family to share the experience with. Yet when it comes to suffering too often it seems such things are destined to be endured in silence and loneliness. I suspect that suffering people are among the loneliest people, not because they want to be, but because so few people can, or are willing, to try to step into their shoes and reach them within their pain and misery. 

  Even when friends and family fail us, even when it seems we are isolated in our own difficult world of suffering and pain, comfort yourself with the knowledge that you are never truly alone. God’s Spirit abides with His children, speaking and communicating our suffering in ways beyond words, beyond human understanding. There is a God who cares, and He is with us in our suffering and pain. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, when life seems an endless path of pain and suffering, loneliness and isolation, help us to allow those reaching out to us into our lives, and let us never forget You are with us always. Amen. 

Sometimes God Gives Miracles And Sometimes God Works Miracles

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:14 

  

  I had been suffering for months with a skin ulcer that would not heal. I was watching the 700 Club and Pat Robertson had a word of knowledge about a skin ulcer being healed. I was convinced that word was for me. I expected that when I removed my bandage the wound would be gone, but it wasn’t. 

  Sometimes God, in His kindness, gives us miraculous healing that comes immediately. At other times God works out a slower healing that takes time and patience. In both cases those are miracles given by God. 

  My skin ulcer was ultimately healed by having a major operation dealing with the underlying problem. I consider that was a miracle and answer to prayer even though it took more time. 

  God has His own timing and purposes for our lives. He knows when we need immediate help and relief, and I have experienced His intervention and seen how quickly He can turn things around. Indeed, I have often thought we need a Name for God that means: The God who turns things around. I have seen Him do that so often for myself and others. 

  Yet we often need patience and perseverance to receive God’s miracles and blessings.  

  Whether your miracle comes quickly, or takes longer than you want, trust God for your miracle, and be patient for His timing for your healing. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for miracles, for blessings that come quickly, and for those that take time. Blessed be Your Name forever! Amen. 

Women Who Supported Jesus

and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:2-3 

  

  At a time when women were often considered nothing more than belongings and possessions, mere property, it must have come as a surprise to many when they saw that Jesus had a core of female supporters. 

  It does not surprise me that the Lord could count on the dear ladies around Him for help. I come from a family that is largely dominated by females. My grandfathers died young. My dad was an absentee father. The women in my family were very strong women who learned to depend upon themselves. 

  I have always gotten along well with women, having close friendships with them, usually more so than with men. Men are often in competition with each other. We saw it even with Jesus’s disciples as they argued who was the greatest among them (Mark 9:34). 

  In my time of sickness and dire need I was surrounded by my wife, daughter, mother, and sister. My brother was also there for me, but the women in my life have often gone above and beyond to help and bless me. I have had long-term friendships with women via correspondence through mail and e-mail.  

  Women should never let the culture around them determine who and what they should become and accomplish. Instead they should look at the example of the women of faith in the Bible, especially those who supported Jesus. As believers there is neither male nor female, but we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Once we recognize who we are in Jesus, what wonderful fellowship we can enjoy together in Him! 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the women in my life. Thank You for the faithfulness and support of female believers. Amen.