​ Bev Foster shares with us these words...

Sometimes I get obsessed with things!  One of those things is music.  Once I hear a song I like, I hit like on Spotify and then add it to my playlist and then I listen over and over again. 

I don’t know about you, but the unsettling feeling I have these days sometimes overwhelms me and I feel like crumbling into a ball and crying.  I think that this has happened to many of us during this crisis.  This is an extremely trying time, and if we ever needed a way maker, it is now!

I happened to be in the living room on Friday, when the Fox news station had Michael W. Smith on.  (Because my husband is always watching the news.)  It immediately caught my attention, as he is one of my faith heroes! His music has inspired my faith journey for years.  I even got to see him in concert once. 

I had no choice!  I just had to sit and watch.  He spoke from his home studio, talking about how at this time we all need our God.  And then he sang the song Waymaker and I sang along (because it is in my playlist.)  I just love the words and the message it gives.  Here they are:

You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You, I worship You
You are here, working in this place

I worship You, I worship You
You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You, I worship You
You are here, working in this place
I worship You, I worship You

Waymaker, Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Waymaker, Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are

 The words that have stuck with me these past few days are “Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God, that is who You are.” 

He is our Light in the Darkness, this present darkness! And he is a promise keeper. He will sustain us through this, even though it feels like the darkness is encroaching. 

From His word,  Psalm 145:13:
"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does."

Let’s be obsessed with this from His word!  Be safe, be well, and lean into the everlasting arms! 

Lord, we pray for your light in our lives and for your promise that this will end. And, we will be stronger!

Amen

Bev Foster shares with us this morning:

I woke up this morning, with a thought that I needed to share with anyone who would listen, a message of hope.  As I began my day, the thoughts kept running through my head (literally, as I was running, because I can do that) and I landed on a thought.

Back in the late 90”s, I was working at the West River Montessori School.  I was nearing the completion of my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and was wondering if I was meant to do more, especially since I had put so much effort into obtaining my degree.  

It wasn’t long before I found an ad for a position as the director of a preschool in Springfield.  Yes, it would be a drive, but I was ready to try for it, so I applied.  I was called for an interview.  It was summer and we were vacationing at Lake St. Catherine.  The interview was scheduled during our time away, but I got up early, left the campground, stopped at home, showered and dressed and headed on my way.  I was extremely nervous, to say the least, but I had to rely on Jesus to get me through and to give me direction in my career.  

After it was all over and I was reflecting I wrote this and submitted this to The Secret Place.  They accepted it and I wanted to share it today, because it is relevant even in these circumstances.  

Trusting Jesus
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

My interview was at 10:00 a.m. My mind was racing, my stomach was churning.  The jitters had hit!  Was I doing the right thing? Could I leave my old job for this new one? What would I tell my employers?  All these questions were running through my mind.  I forced myself to focus on Jesus and remember His promise that He would be with me through any situation.  During a few quiet moments, before I left, I sat down and told Jesus that whatever happened, whatever His will for me, I would accept it.  

As I drove down the highway, I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of peace.  My stomach stopped churning, my mind cleared, and I was unbelievably calm. I felt the Lord’s presence and was ready for whatever happened. I knew I could trust Him.

There are times in all our lives when we feel alone and need the presence of the Savior more than ever.  Take the time to ask Jesus to be with you, and He will.  He loves us with a love that knows no boundaries.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, be with me as I go through this stressful time.  Guide me and direct me.  Help me know that whatever happens is your will for me.  Amen

Remember in these times, intense times of need for hope and peace, He is with you! Our God is a God of compassion.  As 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”