One of the daily devotionals I read is Streams in the Desert (Cowman, 1997). One of my very best friends, Sue bought this little devotional for me several years ago. One of the reason's I love this devotional is that we both read it everyday. We don't see each other that often, but we text each other many times a day. Besides our love of the Lord, we are both caregivers. We don't have to explain anything to each other, we just "get it".
Yesterday, Cowman wrote, "Thus far has the Lord helped us,"(I Samuel 7:12, NKJV). What he's talking about is up to now, the Lord has helped. Thus far means up to this point, but the Lord hasn't stopped. So no matter what we are going through we can always look back, and see how the Lord's hand was there, helping, leading, guiding us, and giving us the hope and courage we need until the next "thus far."
Another reason that little devotional yesterday resonated with me is because he wrote that for December 31.....it doesn't matter what year. Thus far the Lord has helped us...there is so much more to come. The last day of the year. Today is the first day of a new year.
I used to be methodical in writing New Years resolutions. I set out to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise on a regular basis, learn to say no, and take time off (to rest). I was always so proud of myself that I was able to stick to that list...for about 10 days. Then I ate whatever I could cram in my mouth during the 5 to 10 minute break between clients (if I had a break between clients). I counted the steps from my car to the office door as my exercise for the day. I had to drag all that "stuff" with me, so that meant I was exercising, right? So by the 11th day, my resolutions were at the very bottom of the pile. Or in my "to do" basket.
My goal, or resolution, is to stay focused on I Samuel 7:12, Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, Thus far the Lord has helped us (NKJV). Which means to me, there is always more. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (NKJV).
Thus far the Lord has helped me...giving me peace and hope for this new year, 2020.
One of the daily devotionals I read is Streams in the Desert (Cowman, 1997). One of my very best friends, Sue bought this little devotional for me several years ago. One of the reason's I love this devotional is that we both read it everyday. We don't see each other that often, but we text each other many times a day. Besides our love of the Lord, we are both caregivers. We don't have to explain anything to each other, we just "get it".
