2007-01-09 - Praise God

Psalms 30:11-12 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; ¹² To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.

A few weeks ago, I shared how a lot was going wrong in my life. I knew God was in control but I still felt somewhat abandoned. Many things were going wrong and I was at my wit's end but I am glad to say God was not at his. He strengthened me through those times and continues to do so.

I have grown more in my faith over the past year I believe than any other time in my adult life. The hardships caused the growth. Even though God hasn't delivered me out of any of them, he has seen me through them this far providing an ear when I wanted to moan and groan, a shoulder when I wanted to cry, and a hand when I just needed an anchor to hold me tight.

God sent things to me just when I needed it. There have been a "good job" here and there from a devotional reader or two, a concerned "No - really! How are things?" from a friend, a motivational challenge from the scriptures. God knew when I needed encouragement, space to vent, a good gut check, or whatever it might have been and there he was shining through the lives of His children all around me.

A week ago, I heard a catchy little statement that kind of said it all to me. "Let Go and Let God!" This past year I have been learning to let go of controlling everything in my life and just letting God take care of them. Now I just want to praise him for what he has done and is still doing. I'm not out of the woods with many of the issues concerning me but I've come far enough along the way to trust that God knows where we're going so I just want to give him all the credit for the trip as we travel together. As one of the psalmists wrote, "In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah" (Psalm 44:8)

God - thank you for seeing me through the rough spots in my life and walking by my side rather than carrying me around the tough times. Thank you for the wisdom to know that a little rough and tumble here and there builds character and transforms me into what you want me to be. Thank you for being God and not me. Amen.

To God be the glory - great things he hath done!

IHFHBOH
Adam

adam@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references from KJV unless otherwise noted