Light in the Darkness

We’ve probably all heard about the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel”. And for some these last few months have seemed like an endless tunnel with the light snuffed out. This is a path we have never walked before but let me tell you there is Someone who has and He has promised to lead us through!

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6 ERV

We can put our hope, our trust, our faith in Jesus. He knows the way through and He promises to lead, to be our guide in every situation. Years before He came to earth the prophet Isaiah foretold what Jesus would do for us. Even when we feel we are walking blind we can trust Him.

“Then I will lead the blind along a path they never knew to places where they have never been before. I will change darkness into light for them. I will make the rough ground smooth. I will do these things for them; I will not abandon my people.” Isaiah 42:16 ERV

In times when we are frustrated, disappointed, angry and uncertain we can come to the Lord and tell Him exactly how we feel and He will answer us and give us direction.

“I gain understanding from your instructions, so I hate anything that leads people the wrong way. 105 Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:104-105 ERV

The Lord’s instruction to us are written in His word. Fear Not – Trust in the Lord – Let Peace Guard Your Heart – Don’t depend on your own understanding. All of these words give light to our path today.

Many times I have felt like the Lord wants me to be a cheerleader for those who are discouraged. I’ve been through discouragement, disappointment, fear and anxiousness and I know this as sure as I am breathing this morning “God is faithful and He will not abandon us”.

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG

Long before social distancing and streaming church services, Dave and I attended an on-line church. Living rural like we do it’s nice to have worship services come to our home. We can watch services from anywhere in the world, any day of the week and be encouraged by the songs and messages. One song that has been particularly uplifting lately is called Way Maker. I’ll leave you with some of the lyrics. I can’t think of a much better way to start the day. (Click the link and hear it for yourselves)

Way maker
Miracle worker
Promise keeper
Light in the darkness
That is who you are
Way maker
Miracle worker
Promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who you are

Please let me encourage you – if you feel you are walking around blind, that there is no light at the end of this tunnel, there is hope and His name is Jesus! He is our light in the darkness!

Awful or Awe-filled

Just a week or so ago I was reading a post that went into great detail, listing all the things around the world that are awful. That word caught my attention, awful. But, in times like these we need to change our focus from the awful to the awe-filled.

Did you see last night’s sunset? Did you take time to watch a bird building a nest or the ant moving a crumb across the rocky ground? Did you watch your child sleeping peacefully or feel the tender touch of your loved one’s hand?

These things are awe-filled moments!

There is so much in life which inspires and encourages. We just have to look for it. God has positioned the wonders of the universe so that we have a sense of just how awesome He is.

“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.
Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. Yet their message reaches all the earth,  and it travels around the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 CEV

“No one can stare at the sun after a breeze has blown the clouds from the sky. 22 Yet the glorious splendor of God All-Powerful is brighter by far. 23 God cannot be seen— but his power is great, and he is always fair.” Job 37:21-23 CEV

Our loving, heavenly Father wants us to be constantly aware that He is here and always ready to comfort and to guide. He doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own. He replaces what is awful with what is the awe-filled revelation of His presence.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah* you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV *Yah means mighty rock

Some years back I was sitting in a small community church. The song leader said that he would take requests from those in attendance. A sweet, unpretentious man raised his hand to make a request. Donald had been living on the streets; alcohol and drugs had stolen his family, his job and self-esteem. But one day someone introduced him to Jesus and his life changed. He was so aware of the Father’s loving presence. He said, “I hope we can sing ‘Our God is an Awesome God’. I don’t really know the tune very well but I do know that God is really awesome and that He loves me”. His matter-of-fact statement brought tears to my eyes.

We can look at the awful or we can seek our Awesome God and have each day filled with awe!

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.” Daniel 9:4 NLT

Learn What’s Important

I often remember my college days; the friends I made, some hard life lessons and the kindness and wisdom of some of my professors. At the beginning of each semester, one professor in particular would welcome us to class and then explain his expectations of our learning.

He made a statement that we all made note of. He said, “If I say something twice it’s significant and you should retain it to memory, if I repeat something a third time it’s important and will be on the test. Write it down.” He kept his word; when I heard him repeat something I would write it in my syllabus and underline it. This was my indication that it was important.

I don’t know about you but it seems that we have been going through exam week. There have been so many things to test our resolve. The one thing I have been careful not to do is blame God. He’s not at fault – that I know for certain.

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

Our heavenly Father is the giver of life and peace. His character is to give love and comfort. He is always the same. There is a Psalm that reminds me of what my college professor said. Read these verses and see if you can figure out what’s important to the Father.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.

Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights— His faithful love endures His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever.
and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1-9 NLT

This Psalm has twenty-five verses and each verse boldly proclaims that God’s love for us endures forever. There are two important things we should take away from this Psalm. 1) Give praise to the Lord and 2) His love endures forever. Since the second statement is true it becomes the premise for the first statement.

Since we know that God’s love endures forever we can always give praise to the Lord. No matter what we experience – joys and challenges – if we remember that the Lord loves us unconditionally we can praise Him, knowing that He will protect and provide, knowing that He desires to fill our lives with good and perfect gifts.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.

Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:4-7 ERV

Now, what I think Paul is wanting us to see is that even in difficulty we can remain joy-filled. God will not abandon us or have us figure things out on our own. No, to the contrary, He will be there to give us the wisdom we need and we will come through this time stronger, with greater resolve.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

The question on the exam of life may be this: How do we handle the difficult situations of life? The answer, He repeated it several times to make sure we get it: Give thanks because God’s love for us endures forever!

Children Are A Blessing

A few weeks back I received a text request from our oldest granddaughter. She asked if Dave and I would write letters to her daughter, our first great granddaughter; she wants them to go in her baby book. We were honored. It isn’t something that we could quickly scribble down on a sheet of paper. This letter would be special, well-thought, it had to convey the love we feel in our heart.

Yesterday was free of projects and so I was able to pray and write a letter of blessing. I’ve only seen pictures of this sweet little angel but she has captured my heart. I am truly blessed. I feel that way about all of my children, grandchildren and now our great grandchild.

As a parent my greatest desire is for my children to love the Lord and have His Word as the foundation of their lives. My opinions, successes and failures in life, my life experience, have no real value unless they are based on the word of God. That is the only sure foundation!

“How can a young person live a pure life? By obeying your word. 10 I try with all my heart to serve you. Help me obey your commands. 11 I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you. 12 LORD, you are worthy of praise! Teach me your laws. 13 I will repeat the laws we have heard from you. 14 I enjoy following your rules as much as others enjoy great riches. 15 I will study your instructions. I will give thought to your way of life.
16 I enjoy your laws. I will not forget your word.” Psalm 119:9-16 ERV

These are the words of King David. As a young man he grew up trusting the Word of God. He found strength, wisdom and earned favor with those who were his superiors but living what he learned from God’s word. Then he had a few years where he trusted in himself and his station in life. He failed in his personal life and he failed his children. It didn’t take him long to repent, he was restored and his life became an example of godliness again.

His son, Solomon, became king following David’s death. It is said that he was the wisest and wealthiest man to have ever lived. He gave this instruction to his children.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. 6 These sayings will help you understand proverbs, stories with hidden meanings, words of the wise, and other difficult sayings. 7 Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the LORD, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn.8 My son, listen to your father when he corrects you, and don’t ignore what your mother teaches you. 9 What you learn from your parents will bring you honor and respect, like a crown or a gold medal.” Proverbs 1: 1-8 ERV

As parents and grandparents, let’s keep the word of God before our children and grandchildren. Let it be our instruction to them. We don’t need to preach AT them but live the Word of God before them.

Pray with them – Pray for them. Plant God’s word in their lives and watch it grow and bring a harvest of good for them. They are worth it!

Building Trust

I have spent my life learning, growing and developing trust.

I’m not sure I can say that I have complete trust – if that shocks some of you, I apologize but I am being honest. I know in my heart of hearts that God is always faithful and His love is unconditional and His Word never fails but I don’t always let that lead me. Sometimes I get out ahead of God and sometimes I fall behind.

However, I trust the Lord more now than I did ten years ago. I have experienced more and experience builds trust. It works this way with the people in our lives and also in our relationship with the Lord.

“Your teachings are wonderful, and I respect them all. 130 Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. 131 I honestly want to know everything you teach.
132 Think about me and be kind,  just as you are to everyone who loves your name. 133 Keep your promise and don’t let me stumble or let sin control my life. 134 Protect me from abuse, so I can obey your laws. 135Smile on me, your servant,  and teach me your laws. 136 When anyone disobeys you, my eyes overflow with tears. 137 Our Lord, you always do right,  and your decisions are fair. 138 All of your teachings are true and trustworthy.” Psalm 119:129-138 CEV

As I read God’s word it teaches me and gives me amazing insight. I know that God can’t and doesn’t lie – I know His love never fails – I know that He is faithful to a thousand generations! I know that He is my Savior, my healer, my provider, my counselor, my peace, my protection, my all-in-all!

Then why do I let fear or anxiety, frustration or anger, or self will invade my world? It’s because, like Peter, I take my eyes off Jesus and look at the winds and the waves. I neglect to “consider” the one thing that always provides the right answer. “All your teachings are true and trustworthy”.

Joshua and King David both said that we are to meditate on the law of the Lord day and night, then we will prosper and have good success. The Apostle Paul said that we are to renew our minds and not be conformed to this world. Jesus went aside to pray and spent time with His Father on many occasions, renewing His mind and refreshing His spirit.

Complete Trust! It’s something we grow toward and grow in as we spend more time in God’s word and in prayer. We bring our minds into obedience with His word. There is only one thing that has always been right – God and His word!

We can trust Him with our today and all of our tomorrows. I love the words of an old hymn, “Trust and Obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”.

Keep building trust!

A Watchful Father

We are all familiar with baby monitors – what a great invention! Loving parents can keep watch when their children are sleeping and playing. They can hear the coos, the laughter and the cries. They are ready to run to their children’s aide the moment it’s needed.

Can anything be more reassuring?

This morning as I was viewing the baby monitor I was overwhelmed by a wonderful thought. I was watching to see if my assistance was needed; I was waiting and ready to help. I realized our heavenly Father is doing the same.

We aren’t left alone to struggle and fall without someone being there to help us up, give us a hug and wipe away our tears.

“For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].” Hebrews 2:18 AMPC

Our heavenly Father is watching over us.

“God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. So we are not afraid when the earth quakes (or the virus comes)* and the mountains fall into the sea. We are not afraid when the seas become rough and dark  and the mountains tremble. Selah” Psalm 46:1-3 ERV (* added by me for practical application)

There is a song that I grew up hearing on the record player. It conveys our Father’s loving care so adequately, “My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me”. It was written in 1910 but I think it applies so well to what we are going through today.

  1. I trust in God wherever I may be,
    Upon the land, or on the rolling sea,
    For come what may, from day to day,
    My heav’nly Father watches over me.
    • Refrain:
      I trust in God, I know He cares for me;
      On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
      Though billows roll, He keeps my soul;
      My heav’nly Father watches over me.
  2. He makes the rose an object of His care,
    He guides the eagle through the pathless air,
    And surely He remembers me;
    My heav’nly Father watches over me.
  3. I trust in God, for, in the lion’s den,
    On battlefield, or in the prison pen,
    Through praise or blame, through flood or flame,
    My heav’nly Father watches over me.
  4. The valley may be dark, the shadows deep,
    But, oh, the Shepherd guards His lonely sheep;
    And through the gloom He’ll lead me home,
    My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Our Father is ready to run to our cry. He is our help in times of trouble. We can trust Him to watch over us every day, in every place. He will never abandon us!

Hope & Healing

I’d like to build on what I was writing about yesterday, the Good Shepherd. I know I spent several days on Psalm 23 a few weeks back and I hope you were encouraged to know that the Lord, our Shepherd, takes care of us in every circumstance; beside still waters, in green pastures, confronted by our enemies and in the valley of the shadow of death.

Yesterday we were reacquainted with the fact that our Good Shepherd gives His life for us, his sheep.

Jesus taught his disciples about the Father’s love and diligence when he told the story of the Shepherd that had lost a sheep from His flock. He left the whole band and went searching for the one who had strayed. He searched until He found it and then brought it home to safety. That’s what a good shepherd does.

“Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had a hundred sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? 13 I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the ninety-nine that never wandered off. 14 That’s how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn’t want any of these little ones to be lost.” Matthew 18:12-14

Did you know that sheep learn to recognize their Shepherd’s voice? Just like dogs, cats, horses, etc. they can remember and recognize familiar sounds. The voice of the Shepherd is comforting, soothing, reassuring. Other noises can create anxiety and fear but Shepherd brings peace. Jesus said that we, as His sheep, will hear His voice and follow Him.

“But the man who takes care of the sheep enters through the gate. He is the shepherd. The man who guards the gate opens the gate for the shepherd. And the sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd. He calls his own sheep, using their names, and he leads them out. He brings all of his sheep out. Then he goes ahead of them and leads them. The sheep follow him, because they know his voice.” John 10:2-5 ERV

It’s important that we listen for the Shepherd’s voice. He is always speaking to us; giving us direction, leading us to a place of rest and refreshing, guiding us through the rough places. I had just been reading these verses on hearing and following the Shepherd yesterday morning when I “heard” the Shepherd’s voice through the words of these verses in Psalms.

“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them  and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land  and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.” Psalm 41:1-3 NLT

Reading those verses I recognized the Shepherd’s voice. He says he will rescue us, protect us, keep us alive and restore us to health. What wonderful promises and reassurance during this difficult time! Is it any wonder why I love reading the Bible so much? Every page contains expressions of the Father’s love and protection.

“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:4-5 NLT

As we listen to the voice of the Shepherd (read His word), and follow Him. He will lead and protect. In Him we have hope and healing.

World Peace

In light of our world and national situation, I felt it was appropriate to remind us of some of Jesus’ final words to His disciples.

The crucifixion is just hours away. Jesus knows the spiritual, physical and mental state of his disciples – He knows they are hoping that He will overturn the government and set up an earthly kingdom. He knows they are moved by fear. He’s had to address that several times in the past and He knows that one of his disciples will betray him for money and the others will leave Him in His darkness hour.

He not only knows their weaknesses and fears He knows ours as well. He knows our fears – the things we haven’t voiced to anyone. He knows our spiritual condition; He knows where our faith is weak and He is very aware of our physical limitations. He spoke these words to comfort and encourage the disciples.

This is what Jesus is saying to all of us as well.

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me…18 I won’t leave you like orphans. I will come back to you. 19 In a little while the people of this world won’t be able to see me, but you will see me. And because I live, you will live. 20 Then you will know that I am one with the Father. You will know that you are one with me, and I am one with you. 21 If you love me, you will do what I have said, and my Father will love you. I will also love you and show you what I am like…23 Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. 24 But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me. What they have heard me say doesn’t really come from me, but from the Father who sent me. 25 I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. 27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid” John 14 CEV (these verses are only a part of the chapter, I encourage you to read the whole chapter)

“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” verse 27

Jesus starts the chapter with “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me”. There are no truer words to be spoken today. Don’t worry, have faith in God and take my peace. When I read these words they seem to be the words of a last will and testament. It’s as if Jesus is giving us an inheritance of a worry-free, peace-filled life.

What a wonderful inheritance!

We can trust God! He promised if we put our faith in Him we will never be ashamed.

“I come to you, Lord, for protection. Don’t let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me. Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock and the fortress where I am safe. You, Lord God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored.” Psalm 31:1-3 CEV

Let’s take His peace today – don’t be worried or afraid but trust in the One who loved us enough that He died for us! He loves us enough that He lives for us and intercedes for us from His throne in heaven!

Peace!

Start the Day with Purpose

I have to admit that this morning is one of those when I wish I could go back to bed and sleep just a while longer and it’s definitely time for another cup of coffee. The day ahead is God’s slate to write on. I will praise God for His love and goodness and for His provision in my life.

Use me Lord to pen your words!

“Greatness, power, glory, victory, and honor belong to you,  because everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. The kingdom belongs to you, Lord! You are the head, the Ruler over everything. 12 Riches and honor come from you. You rule everything. You have the power and strength in your hand!  And in your hand is the power to make anyone great and powerful! 13 Now, our God, we thank you, and we praise your glorious name!” I Chronicles 29:11-13 ERV

These words were penned by David at the end of his life. He was addressing the nation of Israel and taking up an offering to build the temple. His comments conveyed the deepest feelings of his heart; the Bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart.

David wasn’t a perfect man but he would quickly repent when he knew that his actions went contrary to God’s will. He wasn’t motivated by greed or power or pride. He knew that all he had was given to him by God and so he kept his heart open to give whenever God asked something of him. He gave freely and generously – he gave more than was required.

His motivation wasn’t to protect his reputation or hold on to “his” kingdom. He wanted to see that God was honored and God’s people were protected.

What an amazing life.

“God, I am ready, heart and soul,  to sing songs of praise. Wake up, my soul!Harps and lyres, wake up, and let’s wake the dawn! Lord, I will praise you before all people. I will sing praises about you to every nation.” Psalm 108: 1-3 ERV

David was far from perfect. He had an affair with the wife of one of his soldiers and she became pregnant. To hide what he had done David had her husband killed. God corrected him and David repented. David loved God and wanted to serve Him. God loved David and forgave Him of his sins.

I know everyone of us are guilty of doing things that don’t honor the Lord. God isn’t pleased with what we do but He loves us still. He loves us because God is love and His mercy keeps us from receiving the punishment we desire.

“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:8 ERV

Singing is a great way to express gratitude. We had so much to be thankful for even when we are going through rough times. We’re going to sing when we get to heaven so let’s get started now.

Heaven is a place of continuous praise to God and when we get there we will join that choir. We’ll praise Him for His amazing love but let’s not wait until then. Let’s be like David and wake up the world with our praises. Let’s start the celebration here and now. While on earth, let’s begin to magnify the Lord our God for no other reason than that He is the Lord God Almighty. We can join in with heaven’s chorus as they sing.

“Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. You made all things. Everything existed and was made because you wanted it.”” Revelation 4:11 ERV

Not A Good Waiter

Have you ever been to a restaurant and had a bad waiter? It’s one thing if the place is busy and the staff is overworked, that’s understandable but it’s entirely different when the staff is lazy and nonattentive.

Most of us don’t wait well.

How do you spend your time when you have to wait? An expectant mother will plan and act. There’s a crib that needs to be purchased, the nursery needs paint. Booties and blankets need to be knitted or crocheted…there are so many things to do. School kids wait for summer vacation and they daydream of all the fun things they will experience – ball games, staying up late, fishing trips, swim parties, campouts in the backyard.

Wait!

Today is Friday. Friday used to be the most anticipated day of the work week. It meant the weekend was here. Some would go to work on Monday morning and announce “I can’t wait until Friday, I’ve got so much planned for the weekend”. But here we are and we wait.

“Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. 14 Wait patiently for the Lord.  Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLT

The Bible has good examples of people who waited for the Lord and they were not disappointed. Abraham waited twenty-five years for the son God promised him to be born. Joseph waited thirteen years before the Lord placed him in leadership over his brothers and the Egyptians. Noah waited on the ark for the waters to subside. David waited, with Saul chasing him through the desert, to be crowned king. All of those in the nation of Israel waited for the Messiah to be born.

We can take two attitudes when it comes to waiting. Waiting can be tiring. Waiting can be discouraging. Or waiting can be filled with excitement and celebration. I get excited waiting for friends and family to come for a visit. A bride is filled with joy as she waits for her wedding day.

“The Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 30 Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust (wait on) the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:29-31 CEV

The Lord will give us strength and purpose while we wait. Waiting is not a time for inactivity. Just remember that “bad waiter” in the restaurant – don’t be like her. She wasn’t attentive, she didn’t take care of the needs at hand. She didn’t fill our water glasses or coffee cups, take our order or refilled our appetizers. We were ignored – not good.

Our goal is to be actively waiting! What can we do while waiting?

If waiting is worrisome then apply these verses to your life.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Be a good waiter!