God's Grace

Last Friday was my daughter’s birthday. It wasn’t the first one we’d spent apart from each other, but it was the first with her so far away. And while I tried to get a package to her on time, it didn’t. (I’ll have to plan earlier next year. . .maybe. Sigh.)

In one of our several conversations that day, I mentioned that I had especially appreciated and needed the reading in one of my devotionals, Daily Light. I added that it meant even more because it was the reading for her birthday. Knowing that I’ve read daily in this devotional since she was a young child, she laughed and said, “Mom, it’s the same reading every year.”

I know it is. But isn’t it so good of God to bring me to a place where I need this same reading year after year and it still seems fresh and new?

Yesterday my brother said something about this year turning into a “marathon blur.” What a perfect way to describe my year, too! I’m still facing an incredible work load right now, but I’m experiencing more peace than I ever can remember when faced with similar circumstances. The verses I read Friday and the song (below) that kept repeating itself all day and even into this week have kept me focused on my Lord not on my circumstances.

God is indeed so good and so faithful.


“Be strong and courageous.”

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?—He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted, but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.—My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
If God is for us, who can be against us?—The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?—Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.—We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
“Arise and work! The LORD be with you!”

Josh. 1:18, Psalm 27:1, Isa. 40:29–31, Psalm 73:26, Rom. 8:31, Psalm 118:6, Psalm 44:5, Rom. 8:37, 1 Chron. 22:16


“Grace”
Carolyn Hamlyn
Click here to listen to the first verse and chorus


Lord, as I seek your guidance for the day,
I find my thoughts unyielding: confusion clouds my way,
But, then when I bow to you, the challenges you guide me through,
Your promises are ever new: I claim them for today.

Your will cannot lead me where your grace will keep me.
Your hand will protect me: I rest in your care.
Your eyes will watch over me: Your love will forgive me.
And when I am faltering, I still will find you there.

Each new day’s design is guided by your hand,
And graciously revealed as I seek your Master plan.
Keep my footsteps faithful when from you I go.
Return me to the joy that your blessings can bestow.

Your will cannot lead me where your grace will keep me.
Your hand will protect me: I rest in your care.
Your eyes will watch over me: Your love will forgive me.
And when I am faltering, I still will find you there.



Daily Bible reading: Tuesday, April 1—Proverbs 25–26; Hebrews 3
Wednesday, April 2—Proverbs 27–29; Hebrews 4
Thursday, April 3—Proverbs 30–31; Hebrews 5
Friday, April 4—Leviticus 1–3; Hebrews 6
Saturday, April 5—Leviticus 4–5; Hebrews 7
Sunday, April 6—Leviticus 6–7; Hebrews 8
Monday, April 7—Leviticus 8-–10; Hebrews 9