Situated between old neighborhoods and new businesses, a 30-year-old community pool seems oddly out of place. The old pool and its adjacent building sag from forlorn neglect. Left uncovered, the pool fills with rain and debris; its algae-coated, muddied contents belying the cool, crisp water of youthful summers long past. More than an eyesore, it withholds hope. Not far down the road, though, the irony of nature withstands the passing of time. Hidden from view, a natural spring is hardly noticeable as overgrown bushes and vines guard its never-ending flow of fresh water.
Difficult places determine who we become. The psalmists knew times of great intimacy with the Lord, but they also knew hard places of struggle (Psalm 42:3). Their hope rested in the presence of God. Convinced of God’s sovereignty, the author wrote, “A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!” (84:10).
Contrary to what we may believe, we are not victims of our circumstances. We can, however, allow bitterness and offense to drain every bit of hope we have (Hebrews 12:15). Even worse, we can enter into a stale, stagnant acceptance that God has simply called us to travail in our existence (Numbers 21:5).
“Those whose strength comes from the Lord” (Psalm 84:5), however, keep His worship at the forefront, and “they walk through the Valley of Weeping” (v.6). A place of surrender, the valley teaches us that there is no one like our God. This act of submission releases His presence in our lives. Unlike the bitter rainwater in the old pool, the dry places in our hearts fill with life-giving water when we choose to praise Him. Moreover, when we understand that God’s love for us is bigger than our trials, what seems to be nothing more than overgrown chaos reveals hidden springs of life.
More:
• Isaiah 41:18
• Jeremiah 6:16
• Matthew 11:28-30
Next:
What Valley of Weeping are you walking through (or have you walked through)? Why does the enemy want to keep us from worshiping the Lord? How does worship change us and our view of God?
karendallen on November 9, 2009 at 3:07 am
I woke from a bad dream tonight and realized that all my troubles lately have come from my lack of committment to God. I lay in bed and prayed for Him to forgive me and to lead me on a faithful journey. I know the happiness and joy that I am longing for can only come from Him.
Lately, I have been so bitter and angry for no reason at all. My marriage has suffered and I’m sure my mothering has, as well. I use the same excuse of being tired of all the responsibilities that I have and I’m quite sure that they’re no more than any other married working mother of a 19-month-old. I feel resentment all the time for not having any “free time.” I’m so busy waiting for that “free time” that I’m neglecting to be thankful for all the wonderful blessings that God has given me.I have let that angry, bitter, resentful side of me prevail for too long. I am ready to move forward with Him and give my blessings the appreciation they deserve.
I got out of bed and googled daily devotion and this was the first site that came up. The verse from Hebrews really hit home and so did Psalm 84:5. Thank you for posting these. God know I needed to read this tonight.
regina franklin on November 9, 2009 at 8:07 am
Dear Karen,
I wanted to take a moment to share with you what your testimony has meant to me. Because we work on a particular publishing deadline, I wrote this devotional over nine months ago. Having walked through some difficult places, I have seen God do so much.
Today, however, when I pulled up my email, I was asking God for faith to believe. I never know exactly when the devotionals I’ve written will post, but God does. I could weep for His overwhelming faithfulness. I, too, am struggling with some life circumstances, but God has reminded me, I have a choice.
I will stand as a testimony that He is faithful. When I walked into work today, I read the scripture my notecards had been opened to–Romans 4:17b, 20-21–which says, “God who gives life to the dead and calls tose things which do not exist as though they did. He [Abraham] did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but what strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
Standing with you in faith that God is your Deliverer and your Promise-Keeper.
Keneld on November 9, 2009 at 7:13 am
I will pray for you Karendallen…………God has already smiled at you……….
Lightweaver on November 9, 2009 at 10:47 am
I enjoyed the devotion because of the analogy that was used to get points of faith across to the readers. We can look at our own lives at times to see it in disarray clogged and hidden by gunk, junk, debris and more. It is like a well kept house that goes unattended for weeks on end, or like a beautiful garden left unattended. God has given us gifts beyond measure, and all the tools to have life more fully. It is up to each and every one of us whether we choose to keep our faith in God as a beautiful love story, or leave it untended so it looks like the trees that have fallen from the trees.
Lightweaver on November 9, 2009 at 10:56 am
I wanted to correct ….like the trees whose leaves have fallen.
Being a Christian takes work. To me it is like an intricate puzzle with many pieces. The pieces are simplistic and easy to see, but how each of us puts together the puzzle of our life is different. Your Christian life cannot flourish without choosing to read the word of God, exercise your faith by standing on the word of God, being in fellowship with other Christians, sharing the gospel with nonbelievers, allowing your faith to be an example to others by your actions as a Christian so that what they see is the “Light of Christ” shining boldly through you. Thank you Regina for posting.
joyce on November 9, 2009 at 11:39 am
Hi Karendallen,
I have been at that exhausting early child-rearing stage, and I found Emily Barnes’s advice helpful during that time. Take care of yourself, even if it is just a scented soak in the bathtub or sipping a cup of tea. Be still, and know that He is God.
And you are right in that you have many blessings: If you really need to work and you have a job, that is a blessing many pray for these days. You have a child; my sister fears she is beyond child-bearing years. You have a husband; my divorced friend worries that, being alone, she is more likely to suffer harassment from mischievous neighborhood kids. Above all these blessings, you have God who is your vigilant shepherd–your protector and source of comfort. Though you may be walking through a difficult valley, He is with you.
I too have been going through difficulties and have wanted to throw in the towel at times. But God comforted me with His words when I spent time with Him. I pray we both increase in our trust in His guidance so that we could keep moving forward one step at a time with a peace and joy beyond understanding. :o)
JPW on November 9, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I have received my first ODJ and I find the writing and the themes very inspiring. They help me in my daily walk through life.
On Wednesday 11th November it is Remembrance Day for us in the UK, the Commonwealth and many other nations including Belgium where the day is a public holiday.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we remember, with a period of silence, the end of conflict in the First World War and the many people who have died in all the conflicts since the 1914-18 war.
Might I suggest that in next year’s ODJ that perhaps the text mentions this Remembrance Day as we hope and pray for a world where, “He makes wars cease throughout the earth.” Ps 46:9a