… I will rejoice & be glad in it!

God is GOOD, he is a faithful guide, and he KNOWS us.

“Knowing” someone implies an understanding of another person’s personality—what makes them happy, sad, or angry,  their strengths and weaknesses. For example, I have a very good friend who has known me since High School. Over the years she has learned to understand the many pieces of the puzzle called Stephanie (and visa versa). She pretty much knows exactly how I will react to certain things and what will make me happy or move me to tears.

The fact that God “knows me” means that he also knows all of those things . . . and more. He’s observed me from the beginning—he  has “scrutinized” my path (Psalm 139). He not only knows me he also loves me; and his love works with his knowledge (my personality, life experiences, strengths, weaknesses, desires, and needs) to orchestrate certain seasons/circumstances in my life.

I realize this seems to oversimplify some things—after all, these words bring little comfort to someone who has just lost their daughter in a horrible accident (I received an email yesterday about a 13 year old in England who was recently hit by a train—nothing on earth can ease that ache). But reflecting on the nature of God (he is good), the faithfulness of God (he is our shepherd), and the understanding that he KNOWS us intimately can help us to endure and persevere in our pursuit of him. “He knows our frame. He is mindful that we are but dust.” (Psalm 103:14)

This morning was my first morning out in a while. For those of you who are curious as to what the Target employees at Atlantic Station are up to at 9am . . .

The laughter that resulted from this simple child’s game reminded me to focus on the “little joys” that come in life. So often all we think about is what’s going WRONG instead of remembering how many things are RIGHT and good. No matter how difficult our situation may be, there are always reasons to “rejoice and be glad.”

I came home from Target to observe my cat rejoice in his newest toy, a large, chirping bird.. That was even funnier. After giving it to him I had to run out for a bit and when I came home he had “drowned” it in his water dish and left it on his food plate for later. I guess he wanted to make his own dinner today . . .

Try to think of a few things you are thankful for today. “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 ESV

Remember: God KNOWS you, he is faithful, and he is good.

“. . . even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me . . . ” Psalm 23 reminds us that he goes before us as a shepherd (even into the valley). He leads, provides, and enables us to rest. His” goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our life.”

Peace & joy,

Stephanie

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Last Sunday’s message at Trinity Anglican Mission in Atlanta, Georgia was about the “good shepherd.” It inspired this blog. I recommend it to anyone who might be struggling with the “goodness” of God right now. (Click on links/play signs to listen on your computer.)