I Don’t Understand!

“The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

I was speaking with a friend who has gone through a long season of trials. My friend shared that it’s been impossible to understand everything that has happened, but in surrendering it all to the Lord, some clarity is coming. There is the beginning of seeing some of the Lord’s purposes in it.

I could so relate to what my friend shared. We may never understand “everything” that has happened in our trials, but we can rest assured that God is working to bring good from them. I’ve seen that over and over again these past few years.

I frequently hear from family and friends who are still puzzled by what happened to Floyd. I don’t have the answers. But I do have a deep assurance that God’s hand was upon the process. I saw many good things that came from those years—hard though they were! I think only eternity will reveal all that was happening during those years.

One thing that is very hard about trials is wondering how long they will last!! We can’t predict the end of them, and we can’t control the hard things that are happening. I find myself in that situation in the ongoing battle with cancer. I have no idea what is ahead! Some days are hard. My comfort is knowing I can continually call upon the Lord for help! God helps me persevere. I couldn’t keep going without His help.

Someone sent me a song called “The Night Song.” It’s lovely to play before going to bed at night, but I play it through the day too. “All this day your hand has held me – God of heaven by my side – Thank you Father for your goodness – You will hold me through the night.”* He is with us in whatever our “night” may be. He is continually WITH us, by our side. I love the soothing comfort of truth of this song. I share it below.

We recently had another fire on the mountain behind us. It came late in the afternoon and the wind was fiercely blowing. It was too late in the day and the wind was too strong for the fire bombing helicopters to come—but a small multitude of firetrucks came. I was packed in case I had to leave, but by mid-evening the firemen who had spread out over the area had brought things under control. I was so glad to be able to be home and sleep in my own bed that night!

Shortly after this a family member was in a wildfire threat, surrounded on three sides by wildfires with heavy smoke covering the area. Everyone was on standby alert to evacuate. I was grateful for all the modern means of communication so we could keep in constant touch. After four tense days, the emergency was over and the skies began to clear.

In both these “fire situations” I was so grateful that God was with us in the stressful time. He is right by our side in whatever we face! He helps us get through each and every hard situation. I am keenly aware that we will never be without hard times on this earth, but we will always be carried through the hard times by our loving Father. It brings such peace to my heart to know He’ll help me with whatever comes my way.

Lord, You are aware of everything that happens in our lives. You are mindful of what help we need. You are continually by our side extending grace, strength, help, comfort, and every sort of help. Thank You. Amen.

Click here to listen to “The Night Song.”

*Colin Buchanan/Jonathan Robinson/Rich Thompson. 2021 CityAlight Music; Wanaaring Road Music.