The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.
— Psalms 28:7 (NKJV) —
It seems like no matter where I’ve lived, it’s been somewhere near a river–the Connecticut River, the Columbia River, the Tennessee River. I’ve always been amazed at the life that springs up around these rivers, from the wildlife to the cities and towns themselves. It seems like where water is, there is life.
Today’s verse in Jeremiah also talks about how life flourishes by water. Just like a tree is supplied by the streams where it plants its roots, so we will be nourished by putting our trust and hope in God. Roots driven deeply into the ground, soaked by the waters of the river, will never cease quenching the thirst of the tree, even when harsh conditions come its way, like heat or drought.
I want to be like that tree, planted so firmly in Christ that I will not be shaken when adversity and trials come my way. I want to be so near Christ that I will never be lacking for a source of hope and encouragement. I want to never stop bearing fruit for Him. I want to be nourished by that life-giving water Jesus offered to the woman at the well–the water that will never run dry.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes. But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.
— Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV) —
God’s timing is perfect! We can trust that He will give us what’s best for us, when it’s best for us. Sometimes it’s really hard to be patient, isn’t it? You may be wondering why you haven’t gotten married yet. Or if you’re married and wanting children, you might be asking God why you haven’t been able to have a baby. Maybe your prayer requests are about finding the right college major, or finding the “perfect” apartment or house. Maybe you have a physical injury that you’re asking Jesus to heal. Have you been asking God to fulfill a particular prayer request? You can be certain that He always hears our prayers, and that He will answer them according to His will, in His own good time. Have faith today in Christ and His always-perfect timing! He loves us with an everlasting love and we can trust Him fully.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
— Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NKJV) —
Photography by Karl, of Karl Lindsay Photography, who has generously contributed to Peace for the Storm.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— John 1:1 (NKJV) —
Photography by Lindsey, of Gallerie Q.
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
At the heart’s portal He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
We can always depend on Jesus to protect and care for us! He is our defender and we can rely on Him in all situations! Photography of the Scottish highlands by Amanda and Lindsey’s father.
Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’
— 2 Chronicles 20:15b (NKJV) —