perplexed, but not despairing

Thought of the day:


We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed. - 2 Cor 4:8-9


We are perplexed, often uncertain, and in doubt of what will become of us, and not always without anxiety in our minds on this account; yet not in despair even in our greatest perplexities, knowing that God is able to support us, and to deliver us, and in Him we always place our trust and hope" - Matthew Henry's Commentary. 


On a different note...my last few journals (excluding the one I am actually using right now) have displayed my small about of creative juices - cut out magazine pictures mod pogded onto the front and back of a plain spiral journal (or sometimes only the front, depending on how long my desire to be crafty lasted). Well, I am getting near the end of my current (non crafty) journal and will soon need a new one. 


It's a bad picture, but we had someone make copies of a collection of hymns that have meant something to us over the years. These hymns were placed in a basket at the viewing so people could choose one to take home. We have TONS left over... and that's when I got my idea... 

That after a quick Hobby Lobby trip, turned into this...

I was pretty pleased with the way they turned out (They look much better in real life). No more craftiness until another journal is needed...

Clinging

With everything going on these days there are so many songs, quotes, or entire devotionals I have been reading that describe what I am learning and feeling. Facebook just doesn’t always cut it (too public) and most of the time it’s more than I can write in my journal. I know there are very few people who actually look on here, and the few that do I love very much. :) So this can still be a record of my travels through life, even if I'm not physically traveling!

There are many things that I have grown to understand more in the last few months. Sickness, pain, suffering, and death are a result of the fall and sin in the world. God uses even these things to bring glory to Himself. You have to believe that God is sovereign AND good, loving, and merciful. I also know that in the middle of deep pain and uncertainties, my finite mind can’t see how “all things work together for the good of those that love God” (Rom 8:28). Faith is required, and trusting that “what I do thou knowest not now, but shall know hereafter.” I find I have no choice but cling to, and worship, my Heavenly Father.

“O dear friend, when thy grief presses thee to the very dust, worship there!” - Charles Spurgeon

“My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me” – Psalm 63:8

Cling to the Crucified

anonymous text (from Bonar's “Lyra Consolationis”) with music and text arrangement by Kevin Twit of Indelible Grace

Cling to the Mighty One, Cling in thy grief

Cling to the Holy One, He gives relief

Cling to the Gracious One, Cling in thy pain

Cling to the Faithful One, He will sustain

Cling to the crucified, Jesus the Lamb who died

Cling to the crucified, Jesus the King

Cling to the crucified, Jesus the Lamb who died

Cling to the crucified, Jesus the King

Cling to the Living One, Cling in thy woe

Cling to the Loving One, Through all below

Cling to the Pardoning One, He speaketh peace

Cling to the Healing One, Anguish will cease

Cling to the Bleeding One, Cling to His side

Cling to the Rising One, In Him abide

Cling to the Coming One, Hope shall arise

Cling to the Reigning One, Joy lights thine eyes