March 30th, 2022

​Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord!” ~NLT
 
I remember being very little, second or third grade, and my family went on a trip to Disney.  We went on this one ride, (a ride I don't remember the name of), but I will never forget ‘the ride’.  I was sitting in one of those cars that take you through the ride and things started jumping out at me. Screams were heard along with terrifying laughter. 

I remember yelling and crying because I was so scared. The only thing that kept me together was my grandmother’s voice. Even though everything was loud and in my face, I heard her sweet voice because I knew her voice.   She was calling my name and saying, “Everything is alright! Nothing is going to happen to you.  Grandma’s here!” 

She continued to say that until the ride was over. I remember getting out of that seat, passing my mother, sister, everybody to get to my grandmother.  When she wrapped me in her arms I felt so safe. Everything I experienced on that ride was behind me now because if they wanted me, they had to get through my grandmother. 

​Today, I feel that same way about God. You see we are all still on a journey, and it may feel like that ride I was on long ago. The way this world jumps out on us. We hear the loud screams of negativity, injustice, violence, and division every day, and it makes us want to cry out for relief. 

Another way to look at the text above is that we may not have money for our mortgage this month. We may not be able to keep up with today’s gas prices. We may open our refrigerator and find there is not enough to eat. There may be some ongoing issues with our children or other family. 

But we must not fear. Like my grandmother’s voice did for me when I was little, that relief in her voice that helped me keep my head when all things around me seemed to be going crazy; God’s voice should be the same for us today in all this madness.  Because our Father tells us in Deuteronomy 31:8, “He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” ~NKJV            

Therefore, we should rejoice in the Lord! His arms are always open! His Healing hand is always available to touch!  He loves us so much. The sacrifice of His Son proves that. And also signifies His promise in Jeremiah 29:11 with His plan, “…to give us hope and a future”.

May God continue to heal, guide, and allow you the wisdom needed to live in your purpose, in Jesus’ name,

​Amen

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