Or, to quote in full...
The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him (Nahum 1:7)
A friend recently suggested that I should print out all the blog entries (and comments) made over the past year or so, for the benefit of friends and relations that do not have computers. Doing so, and looking back over the year, it has been a blessing to be reminded of all the goodness and mercy of the Lord. We have been blessed with the support of many praying friends; we have known what it is to be upheld through our season of trial; and the Lord has kept us at peace, and provided our rock-like firm foundation despite all the heartache.
The funeral went well, with an amazing number of relations friends and colleagues attending - somewhere between 170 and 180, with all seats taken and many standing. Although many could only come to the service, it was good to be able to renew fellowship with those who were able to stay for the refreshments and who were still there when the family returned from the burial.
Of course there have been ups and downs since Sue was called home, just over three weeks ago. During that period it has been lovely to have both girls home; we have had laughter and cuddles as well as tears and cuddles. But that time now draws to a close, as Hannah returns to Manchester tomorrow and Jess to Swansea at the week-end. The partings will be difficult.
But tomorrow brings a new day of grace, and a New Year of grace. It was no accident that, at the service we went to last night, one of the verses mentioned was one mentioned at our wedding reception nearly 25 years ago :
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5/6)
We have no idea what the future holds, a day ahead or a year ahead - but He knows, and He has planned it all. It is a blessing, not a problem, to be able to rejoice in the sovereignty of God! As a result, our role is to walk with Him into each new day that He gives us, knowing that He will lead and guide us and strengthen us as He sees our needs:
I know who holds the future
And I know He holds my hand;
With God things don’t just happen
Everything by Him is planned.
So as I face tomorrow with its
problems large and small
I’ll trust the God of miracles,
Give to him my all.
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2 comments:
The very same verse we had as the 'motto' for our wedding, too!
Every time you blog it is a great blessing and an encouragement. Let Hannah and Jess know that they will be followed by prayers as they must go their own ways, and Vera as she spends time at home, and you, in the workplace. You will all be followed by the prayers of God's people wherever you go.
As we reflected last night at church, we are not expected to be great and amazing people - we are just expected to do what we can with what we have -and we have a great promise from Christ Himself for 2008 - 'To everyone who has, more will be given' (Matt 25.29)
More will be given.
I love revisiting events and seeing where God has been at work in them...am so glad that He blessed you through this.
May His face continue to shine on all of you through this coming year.
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