Day 75: Draw Near

Today was a good day, despite a few random moments. But, with the help of God Almighty, I made it through each one. Most of the time I do pretty well, but every once in a while, I have a tough time--most likely just residual affects of being sick for so long. I pray so much during those times, and I know that God will guide me through, but it's not exactly easy. But I suppose if such a test was easy, there wouldn't be much of a need for the test.

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
~Psalm 73:1-28 (KJV)

The world is a pretty backward place if you think about it, particularly due to the fact that people who aren't Christian, who don't follow God's commandments, who are apathetic about their jobs/school/families/etc., who aren't kind toward others, who are greedy, etc. tend to be the ones who prosper while honest Christians seem to experience all the strife. This might seem pretty unfair at first glance, but it serves a good purpose. Sometimes when people get things they want (like money), they put that at the top of their priority lists and don't rely on God as they should. Just because you have money doesn't mean that you're set for life--it doesn't matter how much you have, because it could all be gone in an instant. Nothing but God is for certain. And if God knows that if you're going to turn from Him (even if it's only slightly) if He gives you what you desire most, then He will refrain from giving it to you. God teaches us every day, sometimes in obvious ways and sometimes in more subtle ways.We all just need to trust God and remember that He knows best. It's not about what we have here on earth; it's about learning to become as close to God as possible and honoring Him forever.

Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for all of the blessings You have given me, even though I don't deserve them, but I ask that You please continue to bless me as You always have. Please continue to make many, many more blessed days like today. Please watch over my family,friends, and pets; please bless them, and keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. Please watch over and bless the defenders of this country and Your name as well as those who need defending. Lord, I ask that You please continue to work through Your children to spread Your Word, and I am so glad that I am blessed to know such good Christians and that I live in a country where I can openly study and discuss Your Word. I hope that someday I am able to witness to others about Your love and glory, and of Your son, whose sacrifice gives all who believe in him everlasting life. I admit, I'm not perfect (although, no human is), but I ask You, Lord, to please forgive me of my sins, and come into my heart. Please, Lord, continue to walk me and guide me down Your path. I am Your child and I want to obey You forever because You are the Lord God Almighty. You knew me before I was born, and only You can show me where I am supposed to go and and what I am supposed to do. I know that You will get me through all my tough times because You don't abandon Your children. I love You, Lord, with all my heart and soul and I always will no matter what! And I will follow You forever, Lord, because You are my Heavenly Father, and I trust You with everything and I will love You for all time. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.