Devotion

Sometimes things get rough. We get sick, get disappointed, lose loved ones. As Christians, we know that as long as we cling to Christ, He will lead us through the rough times. It's these periods of trial that allow us to grow in spirit and character. We learn to lean more on God and less on ourselves. And if we see it through faithfully to the end, we're promised a heavenly reward. One that can't be taken away by time and decay.But what about here on earth? Why does it always seem like bad things happen to good people? Psalms 27:13 disagrees:

"Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living."

God made this world for us, His prized creation. He made the good things for us to enjoy. It brings the Father joy to see His children happy. We don't have to wait until eternity to taste of the goodness of God. The psalmist David was confident he would see God's love and mercy before he died --- and considering he lived in daily peril, that took a lot of faith.

When you're going through a though time, trial, or period of impatience, remember that God promises to reward you not just in Heaven, but here on earth as well. Does that mean you'll be rich, good looking, and popular? Of course not. He may choose to reward you materially, but those gifts won't last.

It's the sun on your face, the rain on your skin, a hug from a friend, a kiss from your spouse, the smell of a rose, the breath of the wind, and so much more--- things that have existed since the earth was formed. These things were made to bring us, God's beloved children, joy. We can look at them and detect His fingerprints. We will be refreshed and we will know that no matter what we're going through, God thought ahead to provide just a little bit of relief in the pain. His goodness is here, right now. It is in the land of the living.

We can be confident in that.


Steph
8/2/2008