Awaking to birdsong from amongst the backyard maples. Falling asleep to the chorus of croaking frogs from the nearby pond. The enveloping coziness while walking through my neighborhood on a misty evening. The moon’s glory through silhouetted trees on a clear night. Being surprised (even after more than 10 years in this location) by the splendor of the Olympic Mountains as I venture westward from our home. These are just a few of the delights the Lord allows me daily or seasonally, yet always just when my heart needs a booster shot of His goodness, of His nearness, of His faithfulness, of His sovereignty.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8.18-25
The sufferings of this present time can press in on us, distract our focus from where it must remain … on trusting that God Creator has His hand on every part of our surroundings and circumstances. And we? We are to be about hope and wait for it with patience.
A friend was showing us pictures of newborn lambs last Sunday. Her delight at sharing was equal to her friends’ reactions to her sweet farm additions. Watch for the glimpses of His glory in His creation – and that includes you and me and the frogs and the baby lambs. Each created by a God who is near and working all things for our good and His glory. Amen and amen!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8.28
Trusting the Lord with you, Colleen