BLESSED ASSURANCE

Staying on the Theme of Hymns, after Sunday’s Feast and Fellowship I could not help but praise the Lord for His goodness towards us.  Our yearly fellowships at Northwest Regional Park have always had this looming chance of rain, which has often times discouraged our hearts. Dark tempestuous clouds are often misconstrued as an ominous sign and instinctively, we rush to the conclusion that the day or the event is ruined, or God’s hand of favor is not in it. Isn’t that just like us leaning on our own understanding and drawing negative conclusions?

Let’s make this personal, we have only to look back at our own lives to see the many scenarios where the outcome looked bleak and our God would say, “But what did I do for you all the other times you faced a trial?” Oh my goodness! Do you have enough fingers and toes to recount the times He delivered you out of many dangers, toils, and snares, and if He did not deliver you, His grace was sufficient to keep you. Hallelujah, Jesus!  Back to the Feast and Fellowship. Our Lord has always shown us favor. Our little church flock fellowships in the park have always been held under His mighty wings of protection and He Himself has on numerous occasions held back the heavenly showers until the conclusion of our earthly processions. Yesterday was no different.

What was our blessed assurance? “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3  How many were drawn on Sunday? Was it because of the food or was it because of the love of God? What seed was planted, watered, or nurtured Sunday? Look at the favor and the lovingkindness of God to hold back, just for a little while, the rain that comes upon the earth, knowing that even though it produces seed for the sower and bread for the eater, He held back what was in His sovereign purview to do, knowing that in the end, He is able to make His Word not return unto Him void and He is able to give the increase.  Oh, Hallelujah again!

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your lovingkindness that is great towards us and Your grace that meets us where we are. How You work out Your plans for us is amazing! Let us not look at the works of Your hands as a small thing, but rather a training ground for us to remember  to trust in You at all times for power belongs to You. When what we see causes us to fear, may we remember Your Word that says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” When we want to change the course or direction You have set us upon, remind us of Your Word, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” When the dark tempestuous days loom ahead, please bring back to my remembrance, “We walk by faith and not by sight.” Jesus, thank You! Thank You! Thank You! It is in Your name I pray, amen!
By Sis. Paula Smith