A Season of Promise

“God never closes one door without opening another.”
A quote that I find tossed about like a panacea to all things not understood by people that really don’t know what the dickens you are going through.

I know it is true – for most people. But for some in the Mire and Muck of their life situation – it is a platitude that rubs the wrong way. “Sure you can say that easily – but you don’t live where I live and who I live with!” is a quick answer.

If you have thought that out loud or have felt that deep inside – I can relate.

The Life that I live is not that easy. There are some times that the door has shut and the other four that exit this little box are not unlocked...or the door knobs are not easily accessible. Ever been there – in that little room of nothingness?

When I described my plight to an older man he told me that it was a good place to be and that there was nothing wrong with testing the door knobs as long as I didn’t try to pry open a door that was firmly shut.

Good advice for me at the time.

There is a special Psalm that rings true in so many ways. In the Mire and the Muck – it sounds like a sweet bird singing outside my bedroom door in the morning. It says simply…"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10).

But it is important to see the verse just before number 10 and then just after it…here is the whole quote…
Psalm 46:9-11
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Did you get the part about ‘making wars cease’?

In the middle of Mire and Muck thinking there is a war going on inside me at times. It would be so nice to escape the battlefield of my own mind.

The Psalmist asks me to consider that a stillness will accomplish the absolute impossibility of my situation.

This morning the sun is spilling into our living room as I write. This is the most peaceful moment in my day. With the sun comes the gentle but powerful knowledge that God is here. WOW!

After most storms there is this wonderful peace when the clouds move away and the sun breaks through. It is the same in our lives. His peace spills and splashes all over the area that I sit in.

After most storms there is a rainbow. It only comes when there is sunshine…and that happens when the clouds roll away.

My wish for you today is a place that you can find the peace you so desperately desire. I asked my Heavenly Dad today that he would roll your clouds away… starting now.

Have a great big peaceful day with the Father!

BTW - have you guessed what kind of flower the top photo is? It is a tulip just after an angry rain storm. Look closely at the tear drop....

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~