Gracious Provision

My morning Scripture Union Bible Study began with a reminder that God’s gracious provision has seen me through another year. Indeed!

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul... (Psalm 23)

Generous Lord, thank you for the green pastures. Your gracious provision has seen us though another year.

I’m blessed to claim another verse, from Psalm 16: The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places...

And even in the rapids of this life, I find pools of still water - puddles of your presence - that restore my soul. 

On this Thanksgiving Day, I offer grateful praise to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, for a Trinity faith that guides and enriches my life. Amen.

God's bodacious blessing: Our family at my son's August wedding.

"Lord of All Hopefulness"

Celtic or Irish Cross

We sang this favorite hymn a couple of weeks ago in church, and happily, the Irish melody resonated in my head all day. 

The author, Jan Struther, was an agnostic who nonetheless attended church. I doubt that Wiki snippet does justice to the trajectory of her faith. 

Regardless, I’m convinced she was gifted and used by God.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,

Certain hymns are comfort food for the soul – a balm of Irish ballad and poetry.

How can it be that the author struggled with faith and depression? Her words are a blessing to me. She had a keen awareness of your interest in our daily lives.

To be hopeful as the day begins.

To have an eagerness about our work.

To live in a home filled with kindness.

To experience a gentle conclusion to each day.

Understanding the Holy Spirit's power, she takes it up a notch…

Bliss during the day.

Strength for our work.

Love in our homes.

Peace at the day’s end.

Lord Christ, may it be so this week! Amen.