Encourgement

The orchestra played on, and all who heard were carried off in rapture sweet—
But none as sweet as mine! For in my hand the finest instrument I held!
As perfect as it was, I knew full well it made no sound apart from me!
And so, with every note, my heart and soul poured out and joined the symphony.

The song was fine, indeed! And yet the thrill I felt within my deepest soul
Was not the lifeless thrill of splendid notes inscripted there upon the page.
Oh, no! The thrill was this: to gaze upon the great conductor’s earnest face
And feel the passion there—for he, himself, the wondrous music had composed!

But, wait! With sinking heart, I saw the master’s wand had bid me cease to play!
And it was true enough, for there upon my page of notes appeared a rest!
So useless now I felt, and settled sadly back into my player’s chair
While all the rest played on—a song complete, without me or the notes I played!

And there I might have stayed, had not the great conductor’s eyes sought out my own.
Within his eyes I read a sense of peace, of purpose, and of perfect calm,
And yet an urgent look, as though to stir me from my doleful lethargy.
Instinctively, I roused and lifted up my instrument in readiness.

Then, suddenly, his wand reached forth and, for a moment, pointed straight at me!
And from his eyes I knew that on this beat my note must needs be clearly played!
‘Twas then my heart perceived: The exit and the entry both were wisely planned!
For, by the rest I took, one tender phrase was from another made unique!

How narrow I had been, to miss the whole and focus on my meager part!
The rest upon my page was crucial in the building of the glorious song!
And when I ceased to play, the absence of my notes, within the grander scheme,
Became the making of a song enhanced in beauty by diversity!

And thus I understood that, void of music as a rest may seem to be,
It serves a purpose clear: the making of the music as the master plans.
Oh, Lord, may I not fail to call to mind this simple lesson I have learned
And wait in patient faith when, on my page of life, Your hand has placed a rest!

May you find rest in the assurance of God’s good purpose in your life.

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. –Psalm 27:13-14
And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee. –Psalm 9:10
I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. –Psalm 16:8-9, 11
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. --Romans 8:28

My little ship sailed calmly on the sea, engulfed in stillness ‘neath a clear, blue sky.
My soul was lifted up in grateful praise for life, and love, and blessings from on high.
What wonder this, to sail beneath His flag, to launch my boat in service to the King!
Commissioned to my voyage by His Own hand, my heart with cheerful confidence could sing.

But suddenly the sun was hid from view, and dark, foreboding storm clouds filled the air.
Within an instant, warmth and light were gone, and icy winds replaced the breezes fair.
E’er long a fierce and raging storm arose, unleashing all its fury on my boat.
My tiny craft was tossed by crashing waves—I feared I could no longer stay afloat!

My heart with bitter, angry questions swelled; my prayer became a desperate demand:
Should one who serves the Lord of wind and waves receive such frightful treatment from His hand?
Should not His love ensure a voyage safe? Would He so careless be toward His own?
Was this my end, to perish in the sea, while sailing in the service of His throne?

Then one thin ray of light shot from above and gleamed upon an object lying near.
Why, ‘twas an anchor I’d forgot was there! Its very presence broke the grip of fear!
With all my strength I threw it overboard. I felt it holding fast and gripping sure—
In spite of raging winds and tossing waves, my little boat was steady and secure!

The anchor? It was just a simple word that Christ had spoken e’er I left the shore:
“My child,” He’d said, “Let’s get aboard the ship, for to the other side we must pass o’er.”
Before my journey’s done, more storms will come—no matter, for my journey’s end is clear!
Nor does my peace require a placid sea--His presence in my boat dispels my fear!

In the midst of this storm of life, may your soul remain steadfast in God.

. . . God made promise to Abraham, . . . saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee . . . . Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast . . . . --Hebrews 6:13-14, 17-19

There was a day I knelt before my Saviour and felt the cleansing of His precious blood--
My burdened heart leaped up in rapturous freedom, for Christ had borne away sin's heavy load!
As day by day my heart rushed forth to meet Him, I felt His love, and fellowship was sweet.
There was no spot on earth I loved so dearly as the place of rest and peace at Jesus' feet.

Too soon I felt the vengeance of the tempter; the wretched man within me raised his head.
I felt again the weight of sin upon me; my once-free spirit lay in dust as dead.
I struggled hard against the dark temptation and longed to feel the freedom from its power.
The sin I thought was conquered seemed to bind me; my strength grew weaker with each passing hour.

'Twas in this darkest hour I heard Him calling. My one-time eager heart drew back in fear;
But softly He pursued until He found me and, with a look of sadness, drew me near.
I heard Him say, "My child, do you love me?" My guilty spirit shrank in deep dismay.
My sins paraded hauntingly before me; in shame I turned my tearful eyes away.

What heart could claim to love amid such failure? And yet I felt a burning deep within--
"You know all things, my Lord," I whispered sadly. "You know I love You even though I sin.
But I have lost all hope to feel your presence, or ever in Your service useful be,
For I am weak and sinful, quick to falter, and I do not deserve Your love for me."

And then I felt His loving arms enfold me; with such a look of tenderness He cried,
"Think not my love could wane because you faltered--'twas when you were My enemy I died!
Although, 'tis true, you are an earthen vessel, I've placed My treasured Spirit in your soul
And pledged that, though your flaws and cracks are many, My own unfailing power will make you whole.

My grace will be sufficient for your weakness; My blood will cleanse and cover all your sin;
I'll work in you to will and do My pleasure; I'll give you faith the victory to win.
My purpose will be done both in and through you, and I will give you strength to run the race.
Look not upon your own imperfect vessel--remember that within is perfect grace!"

May the faithfulness and grace of God be your hope.

He [Jesus] saith unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto Him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17

Christ, the Lamb of God, is seated there beside His Father's throne;
All His work on earth is finished; all His sacrifice is done.
Yet in Heaven His work continues as He daily intercedes,
Laying out before the Father His requests for all my needs.

In my times of greatest trial, I could hear my Saviour say,
"May this child now lost in weakness know My perfect strength today."
Then my heart, by grace uplifted, rose up as on eagle's wing.
Filled with peace past understanding, songs of joy my heart could sing!

When the vengeance of the tempter would upon my heart assail,
I could hear my Saviour praying, "May this child's faith not fail."
Then His righteousness engulfed me, and His truth became my sword,
And the power of temptation fell away before His Word!

Now my earthly frame grows feeble as the end of life draws near.
I can feel Him bending nearer, and His tender words I hear,
"Father, grant that this, my loved one, may be with Me where I am."
When this prayer of His is answered . . . I'll be seated by the Lamb!

May you look forward with joy to eternity in Heaven!

Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given Me be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory. John 17:24

God regards our faith, though feeble, like a bowl of precious gold,
Let us watch Him purify it, as His plans for us unfold . . .
He’s the Master Metallurgist; we’re the gold within the pot;
There’s a fire underneath to heat the metal till it’s hot.
As the metal turns to liquid, the impurities arise,
And He scrapes them from the surface and surveys it with His eyes.
He is searching so intently—there is something He must see
In the precious heated metal, as He works on you and me.
As the surface grows unclouded, see His gentle smile appear;
In His eyes there is a twinkle; an approving sigh we hear.
He has seen what He is seeking! It is there! But it is dim,
So the Master Metallurgist turns the fire up again.
And the process is continued, tempered well by love and grace,
Till He sees upon the metal the reflection of His face!

May your trust in His wise purposes give you grace to endure your present difficulty.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

My life was like a lump of clay upon the Potter’s wheel—
No skill had I to shape myself, nor power to fight His will.

I knew His plan was for my good; I knew His hands were skilled;
I knew He promised joy and peace, so I resolved to yield.

But when the Potter’s hands began to poke, and rub, and press,
To twist my form and change my shape, I cried out in distress,

“Why must Your hands inflict such pain? Would love deal thus with me?
I thought the hands I yielded to would kind and gentle be!

If thus I must continue on, my fainting heart must know:
What proof is there that I should trust the hands that hurt me so?”

Without a word the Potter rose and stretched to me His hands;
It only took one look at them to silence my demands!

I still don’t know just why He chose this ugly lump of clay,
Nor what He forms, as on His wheel I spin from day to day.

Nor can I fully reconcile the goodness of His plan
With all the pain and loss I’ve felt since He His work began.

Yet in my heart is perfect peace, for there this memory stands:
The hands with which the Potter works are love-scarred, nail-pierced hands!

May thoughts of His love for you carry you through this difficult time.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:28, 38-39

Because they heard Him calling, they left everything behind
And followed after Jesus, giving heart, and soul, and mind.
They watched Him heal the blind man, and they ate the loaves He broke;
They knew God's Spirit touched their hearts whenever Jesus spoke.
It seemed that all was perfect, for He met their every need.
Then suddenly it all was changed--a tragic day, indeed!
The soldiers came to take Him, and He calmly went away,
And e'er the thing was ended, within a tomb He lay!
Had not this very Man declared that God alone is strong?
Were all His teachings empty words? Could they have been so wrong?
If death could conquer Him, how could He free them from their sin?
Their faith was dashed in pieces, and confusion reigned within.
Then came the joyful news which caused their spirits to revive--
The dreadful tomb was empty! Their friend Jesus was alive!
And yet, as they beheld Him, faith was dimmed by doubt and fear,
For the memory of agony and loss was hovering near.
Then Jesus, knowing faith was small and hearts were still afraid,
Sweet reassurance gave them, as triumphantly He said,
"All power in the earth and Heaven is given unto Me;
From this day on, till time is done, I'll always with you be."
Reflect upon these words of Christ whene'er your faith is small--
And know that He who conquered death is ruler over all!

May the living Christ be your life, and the power of the resurrection your strength!

And [that ye may know] what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:19-20

Today I have received such dreadful news; my mind between despair and fear is tossed.
With nothing but uncertainty ahead, I feel so helpless, so completely lost.
The earth beneath my feet is giving way; the portals of my life are crumbling fast.
My hopes, my dreams, my goals are growing dim, and all I love is slipping from my grasp.
What purpose can I find in life today, when all tomorrow’s hopes and dreams are gone?
How will I face the dawning of each morn? Where will I find the strength to carry on?

As if in answer, deep within my heart, a gentle, reassuring voice I hear:
“Have you forgotten, tender child of Mine, that I have promised always to be near?
The things of earth cannot your spirit feed, nor can earth’s surest blessings be secure.
The things you think you’ve lost were never yours, for only things eternal can be sure.
The superficial ground beneath your feet has never been the ground on which you stand.
Today your feet will feel the Solid Rock and know the strength of My upholding hand.

“Today your troubled heart will feel the peace that passes understanding here below;
Today the joy that fills your emptiness will be a joy untouched by earthly woe.
Today the comfort deep within your soul will spring from My unfailing love alone;
Today your strength will grow from simple trust in what My mighty, all-wise hand has done.
Today you’ll learn a secret known to those who’ve faced the loss of every earthly thing—
For in this day, you’ll find I’m all you need; and from this day, a sweeter song you’ll sing.”

May your emptiness be filled with the fullness of God

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. --Psalm 61:1-2

. . . the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee. --Deuteronomy 23:5

The body that we live in sometimes needs some special care,
So we consult a surgeon who can handle the repair.
His voice is calm and gentle, and we’re filled with hope anew,
As he explains to us what modern medicine can do.

“The risk . . .,” he says, “but chances are . . .,” (intending to console)—
And suddenly the truth is clear: that he cannot control
The outcome of the surgery, in spite of all his skill!
So when the consultation’s done, our hearts are anxious still.

Then friends and loved ones send us words of comfort and of cheer,
And we take time to think about the ones we hold so dear.
But, though our hearts are thankful, and we feel extremely blessed,
Kind words from those we love still give our anxious hearts no rest.

And then, above their voices, comes the Great Physician’s own,
Inviting us to bring our anxious hearts before His throne:
“No voice but Mine can e’er suffice your worries to appease,
And nothing but My power and love can put your heart at ease!

“For it is I alone, Who, by the counsel of My will,
Can work all things together, My good pleasure to fulfill.
Are you afraid to trust Me with your very life and breath?
Remember that My pleasure was to love you unto death!

“Could any ill befall you that My wisdom has not planned?
Is any sickness past the healing power of My hand?
For any reason less than good, would I your pain prolong?
Could there be any trial in which My grace can’t make you strong?

"Then trust and rest! Your fears will fade, and you will surely see
That perfect peace belongs to those whose mind is stayed on Me!
You’ll leave My throne prepared to face the things you’re fearful of,
Secure within My all-wise power, and safe within My love!"

May your heart and mind be filled with God’s perfect peace.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. --Isaiah 26:3

Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7