True Testimony

So, this is not really a new lesson that God revealed to me today. Sometimes He tells me the same things, over and over and over. But in spite of already "knowing" the concept that I'm writing, it was still very important for me to  hear it today. Hindsight is 20/20, for the most part, and it's easy to look back after the fact and see how God was working all things for good, but I've really been striving to see the good in all things during the process. It's a simple concept, but one that requires an amazing amount of emotional maturity that I'm not afraid to say that I just haven't achieved yet. But I'm in process. So I'm going to sing praise that He hasn't given up on me, and thank Him for refocusing my perspective.

Usually, when I post about my daily reading I will reformat and expand upon ideas that I've written in my journal, but today I've pretty much copied my writings word for word. I'm not sure if this is something that you need to hear today, but it was in perfect timing for me...

"I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me up out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and the mire;
he set my fee on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear 
and put their trust in the Lord."
Psalm 40:1-3

Here David is giving some of his testimony, talking about the things that God has delivered him from. Telling us how God heard his prayer in His perfect timing, after patience and faithfulness in prayer. He was delivered and his sorrow was turned to joy. But it's most important to see that the reason for this testimony is so that others may see how God has worked in his life and in turn put their trust in the Lord.

God is good and He is faithful. But he doesn't always rescue us from our trials immediately. I need to be patient, and continue to pray, waiting on God's timing. He will bring me through all things, and as a result I will grow stronger in faith and character and have an incredible testimony (or evidence in my life) of God's amazing work, so that maybe through my mess, other might more clearly see the hand of God and put their faith in Him.

God, you are so good. In all things. Not just in the deliverance, but through the process as well. Thank you for reminding me that I need to rejoice and be grateful in the journey as much (or more) as the destination because that is where the richness of life is found. I pray that you would take my burdens and use them for your glory, that someone might catch a glimpse of you in my life, seek you, and be changed.