Can You Sing in Dark?

I closed my eyes, praying for sleep to finally overtake me at 2:00 a.m. As I waited, out of the darkness rose the sound of music. Not instrumental, "human" music, but the songs of nature, birds singing rhythmic patterns cutting through the normal silence of the night. I listened until the melodic sound eventually lulled me off to sleep.

I awoke with a "To-Do" list a mile long running through my mind. I had so much to accomplish that I instantly felt a heaviness. I knew I needed to "gear up." I prayed, read my Bible and devotional, and headed out the door feeling lighter. But as the day progressed...I began to feel burdened, anxious and frazzled. Then it hit me, the memory from the night before, the birds singing in the dark. The Lord wants us to learn to sing His praises even when trials, struggles and darkness comes into your life.

The birds can sing even at night. They're secure that when the light comes, the Lord will once again feed and care for them. They do not worry about what's happening tomorrow. They sing even in darkness.

Pray for increased faith and wisdom to be able to sing, thank and praise the Lord no matter what's going on, good or bad. This shows that you have faith in God, the Maker of Heaven and earth. It will renew your strength and ability to trust Him. You are made in God's own image (Genesis 1:27). He holds you in the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16)...you are secure. Thank Him. Praise Him. Lay your problems before Him and free yourself up to sing His praises today. His plans for each of us are perfect, even when they are painful. His ultimate goal is for us to spend time and all eternity with Him. Don't waste today worrying about tomorrow, "His grace is sufficient for you." Cling to Him as He draws you into the comfort of His loving embrace. He will supply ALL your needs according to His good and perfect will for you.

HE LOVES YOU!

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?" Matthew 6:26-20

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

I CHALLENGE YOU!

I sometimes have a problem with drifting. When things get difficult, my mind begins to wander. Thoughts fill my head as I start to search for answers. I begin to look for ways to change my current situation, trying to think outside of the box. In the end, still feeling a heaviness, a burden weighing me down. Suddenly realizing I've spun my wheels but have gone nowhere.

My first mistake is thinking I can handle whatever is going on alone. Don't get me wrong...I know that I can "handle it," but the consequences to doing things my way usually leaves me right back where I started...with overwhelming burdens.

There's a little challenge I started a while ago. Whenever I start 'drifting,' I follow the steps below & I'd like to challenge each of you to do the same in the coming weeks:

1. PROBLEM (figure out what your issue is)
2. PRAYER (before you do ANYTHING-PRAY about the problem)
3. READ BIBLE (Open up your Bible & let God fill you with HIS WORDS of WISDOM)
4. FAITH (Pray asking for Faith to let go and give it to Him)
5. TRUST (Continue Praying and ask for Trust to stop worrying & know God's with you)
6. THANKFULNESS (Thank Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ for their Loving Kindness & Faithfulness)
7. PRAY THROUGH YOUR DAY (Continue to pray quick Prayers throughout your day-establishing Trust)

These steps can be as quick as 5-10 minutes or as long as an hour. In the beginning it will be more difficult, but as you make a daily commitment to follow these steps, you'll cherish this alone time & not want to leave the "quiet place," with God.

REMEMBER, WHATEVER YOU'RE GOING THROUGH IS NOT TOO BIG FOR GOD.
LET GO & LET GOD!

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."
Hebrews 2:1

So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert."
Hebrews 3:7-8

"He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness."
Hebrews 5:2

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Hebrews 4:12-13