Bear with me this one last week as I share the way the Lord has provided in this time of weariness and distress. (See  the last two blogs.)

Exhausted as I have been, somehow there has been just enough strength for the next day. One encourager  reminded me of this verse:

[God] gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who [wait or] hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

I drew from this verse years ago when we were having trouble with one of our children.” We had to hope in the Lord or as one translation says, wait on the Lord to renew our strength. Waiting is a hard thing.  It was a long time before we could “soar on wings like eagles.

My husband and I were at Music Week in Ridgecrest, NC. during that period. An outstanding pianist played for the evening concert. He played beautiful pieces in many styles with dramatic flourish, great precision, and flamboyant passion.

At the end, he asked us to listen reverently to the last piece and walk out quietly. He proceeded to play a simple, subdued arrangement of “‘Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” I sang the words in my mind as I listened to the lovely, gentle melody. Tears came to my eyes as I thought about the dilemma with our son. “Trust, wait, hope in me” I heard Him say. Oh how that hymn ministered to me that night.

It was still a few years before we could “soar,” but in His miraculous way, the Lord turned things around.

You will understand then, how I felt this past Sunday morning  when our church pianist and organist played a beautiful arrangement, coupling “Claire de la Lune” with “‘Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus” for the closing offertory. I closed my eyes soaking in once more those meaningful words.

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. Just to take Him at His word;

Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

One reader received last week’s blog after coming out of ICU to a regular room. Another reader said she was sitting in an oncology office when the blog popped up on her iPhone and ministered to her. Others expressed gratitude as well. You see, God uses our stories to help one another with their stories. His timing is always perfect beyond our knowing.

I couldn’t let these works of the Lord go by without sharing them with you. Praise His holy Name! My mother is beginning to settle in at the assisted living place. Thank you for your prayers for us.

Next week, David marches into his own kind of battle.

~ Joyce ~