I was late today. It wasn't for lack of trying! For once, I had the 4 year old in the car, with his school stuff, with my Bible (you don't know how many times I forget it on Tuesdays), backpack and breakfast (Something else I usually forget). We're ready to go, I scraped the Ice off the windshield and....the car wouldn't start. The Battery was dead. The rare time I was on time to go, I was late because the unexpected occurred. So now, in shorts and sandals in 31 degree weather (I was assured by the weather service it would get warmer), my wife and I are working on getting the truck started. 20 minutes after I was supposed to be in the office, my day in the office officially began. So now, in all things, I am 20 minutes late. My plans fell apart, but God always knows what He's doing. Days like today are a stark reminder that I'm not ever truly in control. I have to submit my day, even the bad stuff, to the will of the Father, and trust that He will provide for me. It is lucky that, even though both of our cars are older, we own them both, and are able, through God's grace and some great friends, to keep them running as we do. The Lord provides all we need, even if it isn't in the way we wanted or expected. We just have to depend completely upon Him. How do we do this? When the day doesn't work as we want to, how can we live for Christ, even if we are on the edge of losing our cool? First and foremost, we must go to His word. We must hide it in our hearts, look to the Examples of Christ, and the Saints in the Old and New Testaments, and see what they did. We must hide the words of the Bible in our hearts, and live in them, meditating, not like eastern faiths, but as the ancient Hebrews, muttering them to ourselves, talking with one another and our families, and applying it to every part of our lives. We will see God more clearly as we draw closer to Him, and, even in the times when plans don't work, see His victorious righteous right hand in all circumstances. Psalm 119:89-112 Lamedh Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Mem
Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Nun
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
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