On a Blue Monday, the message below was in my inbox this morning from Devotionals Daily and much needed and taken to heart.
"There is a rhythm the oceans follow. The waves swell and recede; the tide goes in and out. It affects fishing, sea life, climate, and beachgoers alike. It seems silly to fight against the tide because it’s going to continue going in and out even if you try to resist. The best thing you can do is adjust to its coming and going. The tide has a rhythm, and so does your life. There will be seasons of sorrow and loss, times when the tears won’t stop. There will be times when you are filled with joy and hope. You see countless blessings in your life, and they make your heart sing. You may have seasons where you feel alone. You ache for companionship, for someone who understands you. Cry out to God — He hears and He helps.
Just as the trees change in the fall and the sun shines brightly in the summer, you will not stay in the same season forever. If you’re in a barren and desolate winter, take heart because spring is coming. If you feel the warm rays of sun in a season of summer, enjoy it. Don’t look in dismay at the coming seasons. Bask in the sunlight, and give thanks. There are seasons of busyness, and then a reprieve comes.
Don’t be anxious when you feel the seasons changing; they come and they go just as the tide rises and falls. And the One who holds the oceans in His hand and set each star in its place will most certainly be with you through every single season. Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. — Harriet Beecher Stowe * * * Excerpted with permission Life Is Better at the Beach copyright Thomas Nelson.
Nehemiah 8:10 says, “… the joy of the Lord is your strength”. Joy is also a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). Job 8:21 says, “[God] will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” And, we receive the promise of Psalm 30:11, “You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” God’s Word says a lot about joy because that is how He created us to live — in a joyful relationship with Him!"
Daytona Beach 2014
Nonnie, I really like this post. I do try to find joy in my life, everyday. I am grateful that the Lord loves me and lets me smile. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this great devotion with us this morning. God is so good to His children, He is our strength.
ReplyDeleteYou might enjoy a Bible Study "Anything" by Jennie Allen. Our ladies SS class is working through this, and she has some great insights to share.
ReplyDeleteNonnie, I read your post just before doing the email to our SS class of prayer requests. There are so many facing sorrow and uncertainty, and serious health issues. The excerpt was so appropriate. I hope you don't mind that I included it in my email. God's timing is not our timing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this beautiful post today♥
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It's pretty amazing to me the difference a strong faith is God can make in our lives. Always look to Him for strength!
ReplyDeletethe world is so rough to get through it one must know a secret the only one that I know is not really a secret but one that you must be willing to listen and believe. His name is Jesus and as I walk through life he is my friend
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Nonnie ~ such a good word. Not only the season in our age...spring, summer, fall and winter, but so many spiritual seasons. You've share a slice of how to live during the seasons and not dreading the ones ahead. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI'll be at Daytona Beach (or more specifically Ormond Beach) in November. Beautiful thoughts of changes in our lives. When I see the ocean waves coming in and the tides, I am reminded of Proverbs 8:29 where God commanded the sea's boundaries. What an awesome God we serve! Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteAmen to all of this. Wonderful devotion this morning to start my day with! Thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI love the quote at the top about never giving up...If we could only remember that when we are in the midst of the storm or trial...This was beautiful, and so helpful today. Thank you. Never Give Up!!
ReplyDeleteTwo words that were running through my mind in the night were "anxious" and "fearful"....praying God would take away my anxiety about things I have no control over. Thanks for this reminder, although I'm late to visit....it was God's timing, right? ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood morning Nonnie, Thank you for the kind comment on my post. I am sorry this comment is so late. We are visiting our son and his family about a 6 hour drive from our home and he is moving into a new home with our help. There has been no time for my computer.
ReplyDeleteThe message left to you is awesome. I agree, the the seasons come and go and there is a reason for everything. I also never give up. Love the quote so much.
I am so happy to see your link to Blue Monday. Have a great week,
Hugs,
Jeanne