June used to be my favorite month. But in recent years, June is when all the bad things seem to happen in our family. So now it kind of keeps me on edge. Five years ago my husband had mayor surgery. It was a physical strain on him and an emotional strain on me and our children. Then, four years ago my parents were in a head on collision. My dads truck was totaled and my mom broke a few fingers. Finally, three years ago my grandfather passed away and my husband lost his job the very next day. We spent the rest of the summer daily trusting that another job was on its way.
I can look back at all of these June’s with bitterness or I can choose to realize that God was faithful through them all. I can look back and be grateful for the trials as they made me grow and lean on Him more. Today’s readings provide passages that reflect my sentiments.
- “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.” (Ecclesiastes 7:3 ESV)
- “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.” (Psalms 18;6 ESV)
- “This God- His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.” (Psalms 18:30 ESV)
- “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25 ESV)
Lord, we cry to You in our distress. You are always right there. Trials give us the closeness that we would never have if everything was perfect. We give up our lives to follow You because its then that we truly DO have life. Help us to always remember your faithfulness.
Amen,
Kellie
Sixty-six books in a year 