On your darkest nights of pruningDo not expect to bear fruit
no one bears fruit in pruning
The experience of absence Is not the absence of experience buds will develop in time
and it will be beautiful
Goodness is behind you
One of the most familiar passages of scripture is Psalm 23; especially if you have ever been to a funeral or memorial. The last verse says, "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life."
Have you like me always missed the most important word in that phrase; 'follow'?
One of the unchanging attributes of God is that is he is good. God is always good and he is always in control of our lives and world. But we still face difficult and painful things in life. We still have trouble. We still have hurt and horrible circumstances we go through and come through. Where is the goodness in those moments?
One of the most often quoted passages reveal that goodness in the most painful moments of life. It is just behind you. It follows you all the days of your life. God's goodness is coming. God's lovingkindness is coming. It is always behind you.
We are promised nowhere in Scripture that all things that happen in life are good. We are promised no matter what happens, goodness will follow.
In ALL things, goodness will follow. It is always behind you and it is coming.
When you fall
"When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong
Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand." Psalm 37:24
I love the reminder today of WHEN we fall, because we certainly will and do. For those who follow Christ, we are promised we will fall, but we will not fall too far as God holds our hand.
My two year old has been walking for a little while, but from time to time she attempts running. She can only go so far at a certain speed before she falls. I will hold her hand often while she walks and runs. She does fall, and WHEN she does, it is never too far. I have a hold of her hand.
In verse 39, the Psalmist writes, "[God] is their strength in time of trouble."
In your life, there WILL be trouble. God does not take trouble away. He is strength IN times of trouble. He will be the hand to hold you in times of trouble. He will not let you fall too far, but fall you will. Find strength only God can be and give to you in those times.
Tita
"People are asking 'where is God'
God is asking 'where are my people.'"
-Tita