Come Let Us Worship & Bow Down

Wow, what a difference a week can make. Last weekend we had our first connection event of the New Year. 60 degree weather, and beside a little mud, everything was gorgeous. The woodpeckers even showed up for a guest appearance! Now I look out the door to a very different landscape. We have just had over a foot of snow in less than 42 hours. As I leave the house to go walk the trail were we were last weekend everything is covered over with a thick blanket of snow. Hoods, gloves, scarfs, and heavy coats

are needed where last week we only needed tee-shirts. Yet, nature is much the same. The birds are still out, the trees still stand, accepting of all the Father has sent. Reflecting back to Him the glory he is due regardless of situation or circumstance. Can I say the same for me? Am I as accepting of whatever God chooses to send? Do I continue to express my gratitude in all weather, or do I complain, fret, or worry because it isn’t how I would like it to be? If I’m honest with myself and you I know that deep down I still

like my own way. I struggle with unexpected, or unwanted situations and circumstances that come up in my life. I want smooth sailing, and comfort. But life is often not this way. Just as the tree had no choice to accept the snow that was going to fall, so I too must learn how to bow down when situations come. To receive graciously, and humbly. To have a heart that is willing to accept whatever God sees fit to send, recognizing it is a gift. The snow will eventually melt, and the water it will provide for the soil will be a blessing helping to grow much needed spring grass in our pastures. Oh that God would give me eyes to see all situations in my life this way! To have an assurance that all things are working for my good, because He is a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to his children. But just as no good parent would let his child eat nothing but cupcakes and watch cartoons all day, so our Heavenly Father sends things into our lives to help build us up and make us stronger. I don’t know where you are today. Maybe it’s a cupcake and cartoon day at your house. Maybe you find yourself buried under a mountain of snow and don’t see how you can dig your way out. Let me encourage you today. He IS working! He hasn’t abandoned you, overlooked you, or forgotten about you. He knows what has happened in the past, what you’re facing now, and what He’s is sending in your future. Trust Him to work it out. Bow down- not in defeat or shame, but in humility and grace. Offer to Him the glory that is due Him, with gratefulness, and gratitude! See how it can change your perspective.

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” Psalms 95:6