Abba,

“I stand amazed in the presence

of Jesus the Nazarene

And wonder how he could love me

A sinner condemned unclean

How marvelous, how wonderful

And my song shall ever be

How marvelous, how wonderful

Is my Savior’s Love for me”

These words rang out in my head this morning as I considered your faithfulness.  Yes, the world is full of trouble and my heart is often mindful of it.  At times, my heart is even weary and discouraged by it; broken and aching for the hurt and struggle of this life.  But not this morning, No!  This morning, I look and I see your hand of faithfulness in the midst of suffering.

Small things…

My devotions yesterday paired up like the fit of a perfect shoe with the message laid on my heart for Sunday.

Much of my sermon for this week was completed last week, so the time preparation this week was less demanding…falling on a week when other concerns needed more time and attention.  It seems that very often when I am able to work ahead, the week that I am ahead, something else was ordained to take my time.

You provided for the needs of one of your own in a timely and critical juncture in amazing ways.

The heart of service and sacrifice from the body of Christ is beautifully on display.

The beauty of your glory shines through the lives of your people.

The stunning beauty of being married to a woman whose love for you and for people brings a sense of awe to my heart as your grace flows from her life a raging river and blesses those that it sweeps over.

Frankly, very simply, the sun faithfully rises each morning in stalwart dependability. 

Abba, these are just a few of the ways I see your faithfulness on display.  And in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, they are MORE than sufficient to stay the dark clouds of cynicism and discouragement which seems to permeate our world. 

Your glory and grace ever shine.  May the dark of suffering and trial NEVER out shadow and darken that glory and grace.  But may we ever glimpse, behold, and stand in awe of You whose faithfulness is literally eternal.

We love you, Abba.

Amen.