It is very dreary outside my window this morning. I've lost track of how many days it's rained. I'm ready for some sunshine.
Apparently I'm not the only one. A friend posted on Facebook this morning that she wasn't coping well without the sunshine. But I loved her mother's response that despite the dreary gloom, she could see daffodils blooming in her yard.
It reminded me of a scripture I read this morning…
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
Life isn't always easy. And unfortunately there are times when the problems don't seem to stop. The bills are overwhelming. Problems crowd on everyside. It seems like it has rained for days without a break of sunshine.
These times can leave us hopeless.
Where are you God?
Don't you care about what happens to me?
Why is everything in my life going wrong?
It's easy to let those times rule our emotions. But the truth is we all have a choice. We can't control the circumstances, but we can control our attitudes.
We can choose to focus on the rain.
Or we can choose to focus on the daffodils.
I love the response of the Psalmist…that even though his soul is downcast and disturbed, he is going to put his trust in God. He is even going to take it a step further. Not only is he going to put his trust in God, he is also going to praise Him.
We can make the same choice.
Yes, it has rained for days here. But I am thankful that my family was able to stay inside and rest this weekend. Yes, problems can be overwhelming. But I know God's goodness and I have seen Him provide for us time and time again.
God's goodness is all around.
We just have to take the time to see the daffodils.
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day…despite the rain. I thank You for the warm, dry home over my head. And I thank You for always watching over us and taking care of the problems. You, alone, are God and I will forever praise You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Yes! God's blessings are all around- even on these dreary days. It's raining and sleeting here. Thank you for sharing the verse. I really like your prayer at the end, too.
Jane Anne, the sleet sounds way worse than the rain! You have my complete sympathy. Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you had a great day!
New favorite quote ever… "We can choose to focus on the rain. Or we can choose to focus on the daffodils."! You are so right. Don't be discouraged friend (and I'll try not to be either!).
Thanks, Christine! Why is it so easy to get discouraged when we have so much to be thankful for?!?! Yet it always amazes me how God works everything out for our good. What a mighty God we serve!
I love this….the response of the psalmist reminds me of the Casting Crowns song, "Praise You In This Storm"….I will praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for You are who You are, no where I am!!
So true…to be able to see the daffodils even in the rain…to choose joy even in sadness…to find peace amongst chaos…by His strength alone.
Bless you friend
I love that song, Kerri! It’s so hard to praise Him in the midst of the bad times. But it really is a test of faith. Do we think God is good only during the good times or do we really and truly think He is good all the time? Such a hard lesson to learn!
Twitter: beckysgraphicd
says:
Ahhh…just what I needed this morning…we had a long weekend too, but this morning the sun is out and I can see the tops of tulips in my garden. Thanks for helping me focus on the SON, not the rain…Hope to see you soon!