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Listen while you read: "Go To Dark Gethsemane"1 (Lyrics) |
As I look out my living room window, I see snow falling again. The white stuff is coming down so heavily that I can't see the village across the bay. The large evergreen tree is laden with so much snow that the branches are touching the ground. It is a beautiful sight, but the fact is that we have to shovel those intricate snowflakes in order for us to carry on our normal activities, like taking the garbage out to the end of our driveway and shovelling off our balcony and back deck. Then, the memory of my husband falling from too much shovelling is added to my anxiety.
I remembered that during the summer months, our air conditioner stopped working. The outside temperatures reached over thirty degrees Celsius, which brought the inside temperatures even higher. At that time, I wished for cooler temperatures to bring some sort of relief as I waited for someone to fix our air conditioner. All of a sudden, it hit me: I am not happy with the amount of snow that is falling, and I wasn't happy when it was too hot.
My attitude reminded me of how the Israelites grumbled against Moses as they were marching through the desert to the Promised Land.
Exodus 16:12 – I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, "At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God." (NASB)
I don't understand why we are getting so much snow in the winter months or why we have soaring temperatures in the summer, but what I do know is that God is in control, and it is for us to let go of our anxieties and trust our heavenly Father, who cares for you and me.
Matthew 6:26 – Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? (NASB)
Is there something in your life that you are anxious about?
Prayer: Lord God, You have created the seasons for our benefit. Help us to see the beauty in the seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Help us to trust in Your divine providence, in every season and circumstance, now and always. Amen.
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Thanks for the good word, Rosemary.
Thanks for the reminder that God is always in control. Enjoy your weekend.
Thanks for sharing your struggles with us and the lesson God gave for all of us. Blessings.
Enjoyed your meditation and it was also a good reminder about our personal complaints versus God’s directions.
l always appreciate messages like this as I battle anxiety on a regular basis.
Thank you so much.
So aptly said … a suitable devotion to start each day.
Thank you Rosemary.
Blessings.
Dear Rosie,
Another great devotional! Keep up the good work!
God has truly blessed you with a wonderful gift !
I hear you loud and clear! Thanks so much for your very wise words.
It sounds like you live in an absolutely beautiful location. Enjoy.
God is so good.
My husband puts coins in our church blessing bear most Sundays for all our snow. Our ski hill and skidoo trails need all that snow! We’ve noticed a subtle change in attitude over the winter. Less grumbling as focus is altered. Thank you for a well written article.
Hi Rosemary,
We were fortunate enough to spend two weeks cruising in the Caribbean (along with many Canadians). We returned home and since then it has rained, rained, rained, and then rained some more. Your devotional was a very good one for me to read.
Thank you.
Rosemary
After having spent a few years in Midland, I do recall how much snow you can get in the lee of the bay.
At least with age we have learned to stop grumbling and just move forward.
Do like and appreciate your thoughts and writings in the Presbyterian Daily Devotional.
Blessings.
What you say is oh so true!! My first memory of Penetang was my trip there to board a boat after I had completed my first year teaching then a Summer School course!!
I hope your winter has been good and you experienced no problems with winter. I have enjoyed watching TV coverage of the Olympics.
Solution…move to northern Ireland or new Zealand!
Both coolish temperate climates, on opposite ends of the earth, and each spectacularly beautiful!
My husband and I started life in one, and one of our daughters lived in the other for several years, so I can attest to their charm.
But take an umbrella!
Thanks for the devotionals you submit.
Good morning Rosemary! Yes, we can be a very discontented lot at times, and still our dear Lord loves us and helps us handle these fluctuating emotions.
Thanks for sending this devotion today as I look out the window at a cloudy sky.
(Ontario)
Hi Rosy,
Your sentence about God “knowing” what He’s about describes my everyday attitude to a T. I probably didn’t always believe this 100{8395b6ce96fcf25a14d80edc3b65c36a8995b6c1ba5f8c16ac11d8adaa79f35b}, especially in my younger years, but …They say bodily decrepitude is wisdom, and I believe that, at least if it is God’s wisdom. And I know now, not just think or hope but KNOW from experience that He IS in control and that gives me such a sense of peace and security. Praise His Name for He is always true to His word.
Thanks Rosy.
God is in control and we are to let go and trust! Thank you for the reminder. We need it daily. At least I do!