Unchanging

Malachi 3:6
I the Lord do not change.

No matter the storm,
the fierce winds raging,
He is the guiding light
leading ships to safe harbor.

Though there be shifting sands
and relentless, eroding winds,
He is the unmovable rock,
steady, firm and secure.

Though the tempest may sweep
and your ship starts to sink,
He is the undamaged lifeboat
holding steady, ready to save.

When the whirlwind swirls
and sand spits in your eyes,
He is your peaceful shelter,
safety from the storm.

When all around you feel forsaken,
misunderstood, rejected of men,
He is love, love everlasting,
unchanging and sure.

When trials and afflictions
test your strength and soul,
He is ever faithful,
at your side always abiding.

When you stumble and fall,
pulled down once again,
He is the hand of grace,
outstretched and forgiving.

Sinking lower than low,
your vigor is long gone,
He is great strength,
lifting and carrying you.

When the world around you
looks dark and cold,
He is ever present,
His hand in each move.

When fear and doubts assail,
despair fills your heart,
He is quiet courage whispering,
“Keep your eyes on Me!”

All is well, He never changes.

If Only

Do you have “If Only’s” in your life?
If only I had more money.
If only I had a nicer vehicle.
I only I had a bigger house.
If only I had more time.
If only I could decorate like her.
If only I could play sports like him.

Usually those sentences all end with,
“then I could or would…”
You name it.
We could do just about anything, “If Only!”

I am right there with you.
I was struck recently with how long my list is.
It’s really just excuses.

“I would have company more often if only I had a bigger dining room table.”
That was my line.
He made me one.
Have we used it more often for that purpose?
No. Sadly.

“I get so tired picking up after the kids,
if only they would grow up a little!”
Now that the girls have grown up some
and take care of a lot of their needs,
do I appreciate it?
No, I just move on to my next wish.

I go to town, to church, to someone’s home,
and I wish and I want.
I look at a catalog and think whiny thoughts.
Where is my contentment?

I need to focus on the treasures that are right in front of me
instead of focusing on what I don’t have.

Simple things.
Today.
I have food, shelter, family.
So many people don’t even have that.
Usually I have everything on my wishlist,
I only want something a little bigger,
a little better, a little more.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1Tim6:6
Am I able to say with contentment,
“God, what you have given me is enough!”
Or am I going to keep living in the land of “if only?”

Don’t miss the miracles of TODAY because you are so focused on tomorrow.

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