Day 80: Souls

Times are tough. Yes, I know I've said it before. Sometimes I feel like I wear out that expression, but it's true. At present, some of my friends are facing large obstacles or going through big transitions in their lives. Two friends of mine are in the process of moving (one temporarily, one permanently). One of my friends is enlisting in the army (as I mentioned in an earlier post). Another friend is going through tough financial times due to the fact that he can't find a job in his area of expertise, and was forced to take a retail position to stay afloat. When the going gets tough, the tough sometimes lose a bit of their "get going." I know I've been guilty of that on countless occasions. What we all need to remember above all else is that we are not alone.

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
~Isaiah 58:10-12 (KJV)

Above all, God is with us. He will never abandon us, nor will He ever lead us down the wrong path. God is the ultimate choreographer for life. If you have a problem, if you're going through a tough time, if you're in need of strength, just talk to God. I know for a fact that He will always show His children where to go, what to do, and/or who to talk to in due time. God also works through His children. He knows that we tend to do better in the company of family members and friends, and it's okay to get moral support from them. Whenever one of my family members or friends is feeling blue or stressed, I try to think of appropriate Bible verses for his/her situation, or I'll just remind him/her of how much God loves him/her, that God has a plan, that there is something better out there waiting, and that he/she will come out a better person in the end having been through their tribulations. Sometimes our souls just need a reminder to help get back on track. And it's not a one-sided situation either--when we remind others of God's love and do God's work, we benefit too. Don't you feel better when you spread God's word and/or help someone? With God working in each of us, we each have the ability to be an endless spring of spiritual water that others may come and drink from when their own springs have faltered. This can shift the focus back on who it's supposed to be on: God.

Lord, thank You for this day. It was very beautiful and productive and pleasant. Thank You for my family, friends, and pets; and I ask that You please watch over them, bless them, and keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. Please watch over the defenders of Your name and this country; please bless them with strength and courage, and please bring them home safe. Please watch over their families and bless them with serenity and peace in times of separation and/or loss. Please bless those who are less fortunate particularly with good Christian family members and friends; and please guide them down Your path. Lord, please forgive me of my sins and continue to guide me down Your path of righteousness. I only wish to honor You and to do Your will, Lord. You are my one and only Lord and Savior. You are my beacon of hope, Lord, and I will follow You and honor You and praise You forever and ever no matter what. I love You with all of my heart and soul and I always will. Thank You for all I am, all I have, and all I'll be through Jesus Christ. Thank You forever, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.