Scripture for Today 

Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I like the words of the witty humorist, Judith Viorst. She wrote, “They say traveling makes you broad. Suffering makes you deep. Given the choice, I’d rather travel.” Travel broadens horizons. Suffering burrows deep into our core. I’d rather travel as well.

God charts a path to glory for us through suffering. Though not a pleasant experience it is the road traveled by Jesus. 

God has given us His promise which should stir great hope within our souls. He is at work for good! However, many people settle for a shortsighted understanding of Romans 8:28. Too often, they settle for a brief feeling of warmth rather than being comforted by the eternal truth.

How many times have you heard “God causes all things to work together for good” repeated as a mindless mantra? Unfortunately, many people use it as a spiritual way of saying, “everything happens for a reason” without taking stock of the full meaning. Similar nuance, but God’s Word is filled with power.

God’s Word offers hope because God is at work for us: God works for the good. 

Hope springs eternal because of the deep realization that God IS at work. Your current situation did not sneak into your life behind God’s back. In His providence, God weaves the tapestry of your life. Our Lord is fully aware and creating beauty out of ashes for you.

We are primarily beholders of the back of the tapestry where all is a jumble of threads and tangles. God is creating a finished front of your life’s tapestry which is intricate, has depth, and is filled with beautiful hues. Rejoice! Anticipate His goodness in the finished product. God. Is. At. Work. For. You.

Rejoicing He is at work, 

Dave

Prayer for Today

Dear Jesus,

You are free with no restraints. You are powerful to do as You wish. You are loving to do what is for our best. You are wise to do it in a way that accomplishes Your will. You are Lord. 

We confess that we feel boxed in by circumstances and assign the same limitations to You. We acknowledge that we have not anticipated Your goodness at all times. We repent of not trusting You moment by moment.

Thank you for working for us. Thank You for working when we do not know what to do. Thank You for seeking our best. Thank You for exercising all of Your attributes on our behalf.

We ask You to help us see Your work as our hope. We seek humility to accept the path You have charted for us. Give us the grace to live in anticipation of Your goodness.

We love you. Thank You for loving us.

In the joyful name of Jesus,

Amen.

Song for Today

Blessed Be Your Name
YouTube Link
Author: Matt & Beth Redman
2002 Thankyou Music
CCLI: #3798438

Blessed be Your name, in the land that is plentiful
When Your streams of abundance flow, blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name, when I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name, when the sun’s shining down on me
When the world’s all as it should be, blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be Your name

You give and take away, You give and take away
My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name