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Time Out for God Devotional Ministry By Danna Appleby Never Out of His Care 1 Peter 5:6-8 Lately I’ve been reminiscing about how the Lord has been faithful to care for me over the years. One morning as I marveled upon His goodness and mercy, somewhere from the depths of my memory a melody and phrase from an old song came: “I’ve never been out of His care.” That one phrase rolled over and over in my mind. Actually, I didn’t remember which song it was so when I had a chance I went through some old albums and found it. (See below.) As I reflected on the precious words to that song and what they meant, my mind drifted back to a simpler time with only concerns of passing a grade and a few growing pains. I thought of childhood friends who like me were raised in a home with a strong Christian influence. I thought how some decided early to stray from the very One who promises to sustain us through the toughest of battles. Their lives reminded me of a boat without a paddle because they seemed to drift from the safety of the shore. My childhood friends no doubt felt the familiar nudge of the Spirit, but resisted all the more. In fact, one told me point blank that when she went to church and felt the Holy Spirit drawing her, she chose to ignore it. Her statement pierced my heart and I know must have grieved the very heart of God. As these friends continued to grow, it seemed they had no concern of tomorrow, no impending return of Christ, and no eternity. Slowly they drifted into a cesspool of sin and carnality. Just as my childhood friends, I remember at times drifting into a whirlpool of uncertainty. Being young and foolish, I allowed myself to drift from the safety of my Anchor. Further from the Harbor that would shield me from the strongest of storms. Further from the comforting arms of a Savior whose desire was to keep me safe from all harm. But I was never out of His care. Through my fog of confusion, I began to feel the familiar nudge of the Holy Spirit urging me back to safety. As a parent deals with an unruly child, so the Savior did with me. Time after time I felt His loving arms pulling me toward Him. I never understood what He saw in me. I never understood why He loved me. Surely it was a waste of time. Surely it was a lost cause. But my loving Father God never seemed to think of me like that because He continued to pursue me. He never lost hope in me. He never gave up on me. He never let me go. I was never out of His care. There were times it felt as if I had been on a ship but had fallen overboard. Down into the dark cold waters I went. But I cried out to God for help and He heard my plea. The Master of the sea was there in an instant and took hold of me. He pulled me out from the churning waters that threatened to overtake me and I was safe at last. I was never out of His care. Perhaps you need comforting today. You may need to be assured that there is Someone taking care of you. He has been watching over your life for a very long time and promises to be with you until the end. You’ve never been out of His care.
... lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20 Prayer: Father, I praise you that there was never a time you weren’t watching and caring for us. You love us with an undying love. Your love is a comforting love. It’s a constant love and your eyes are ever upon us. You know what we’re doing. You hear every word we say, whether bad or good. You see us when we hurt and you care. You know what we’re going through. You see our tears and know when we’re in pain. You hear our cries for help. Thank you for bringing us through tough times of confusion and fear. Thank you for drawing us back to you. Thank you for pulling us out of the cold dark waters when we felt we were about to drown in a sea of hopelessness. Our faith and trust is in you. I give you praise! In Jesus’ name. Amen. I've Never Been Out Of His Care By: Dallas Holm ? The eyes of God are upon me, This changing world alarms me, |
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