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Scripture for the day: Psalm 30:11,12 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
Thought for the day: I heard the story of an old widowed lady in a small village who never seemed to have a bad day. Her outlook was always bright and hopeful regardless of the difficulties she might be facing - and she was one of those who seemed to have more than her share. While others complained about everything from the weather to politics, their aches and pains, the children and anything else not going well, this poor woman just smiled and kept on with her life.
Finally one day, some people in the village began to notice the fact that she never seemed to have anything to complain about and never said a bad word about anyone else. So they went to her to inquire as to her secret of happiness. "Grandmother," they said, "we know of the tragic loss of your husband so many years ago. We know of the physical ailments you've suffered with and the way some of your own family has treated you spitefully. We're very aware of your poverty and the fact that you barely have enough to eat each day. Look at the dress you have on. It's tattered and worn. How is it you manage to keep such a bright outlook amidst all these things you face?"
The little old lady looked up at her inquirer and said with a smile, "Every time something comes against me I get out my Bible and begin to read. I generally don't get too far before I come to a place where it says, 'And it came to pass,' and I pause to thank God that whatever I'm called upon to face hasn't come to stay but only to pass."
Now maybe that little old lady wasn't very educated, and perhaps she didn't interpret that phrase exactly the way it was meant in the original languages of the Bible; but just maybe she had a better grasp on one of the major teachings of God's Word than most of us seem to possess. Perhaps the lesson we need to learn from her is that everything is transient on this earth except God Himself. So whatever we might be dealing with today will pass. And what is the real purpose behind it all anyway?
Today's scripture gives us the ultimate purpose behind it all. Whether I am beset by overwhelming difficulties or blessed beyond imagination, the purpose for it all is that the Lord will receive glory and honor. When He's brought me through a particularly difficult trial and "turned my mourning into dancing," it isn't so I'll feel better and be happy (though that's a wonderful byproduct). It isn’t even primarily so I’ll be stronger and better able to handle the next crisis – and there’s always another crisis. It's so He'll get the glory for what He's done for me. If I've stepped out in faith and attempted something great for Him and the results are better than I could have hoped, it's not so I'll be famous and well-respected (Lord, save me from such temptation). The purpose is that His power will be seen in me and He will receive glory for His accomplishments. Today, before you do another thing, take a moment to reflect on one difficulty He's brought you through, or one way in which He's particularly blessed you recently. Got it? Now take another moment to praise Him, out loud if possible.
Now go take on your world. - Bill