Lately, I have been troubled. Troubled with worries, inadequacies, looming fears and a burdened heart for my precious friend in the fight of her life. Focused on the awful things I cannot control, the fretting became consuming.
Last night, our worship team at Journey Church rehearsed for this Sunday’s services. My mind continued to wander as we ran through songs, dwelling on pain Tricia is walking through each day without knowing what the Lord’s intended outcome may be for her life. I want so badly to take this awful struggle from her, to ease every pain afflicting her weary body, to make all things right. Unfocused and heavy-hearted, it was honestly difficult to engage in rehearsal.
The Lord’s timing is so perfect. In the midst of my struggle, we began to practice a simple song that shook me in the best possible way. You Are Good written by Kari Jobe. Simple lyrics containing profound truth.
Your kindness leads me to repentance. Your goodness draws me to Your side. Your mercy calls me to be like You. Your favor is my delight. Every day I’ll awaken my praise and pour out a song from my heart. You are good, You are good, You are good. Your mercy is forever. Your kindness is forever, Your goodness is forever, Your mercy is forever, Lord.I had been so focused on the broken, changing elements of surrounding circumstances that I had forgotten the constant, steadfast, ever-present goodness of God. In the midst of failing health and daunting fears, the Lord is good! In the face of the frightening unknown, the Lord is good! He is always good! It is who He is! As the Psalmist sang over and again in Psalm 136, the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever.
The facts of any circumstance will never negate the enduring goodness of the Lord nor His love towards us. Though I am still immensely concerned for my friend and desperately praying for a divine miracle worked on her behalf, my perspective has shifted back to remembering that no matter what, she is loved by Almighty God and treasured in His heart. (Deuteronomy 31.8; Isaiah 43.1-4) Though the cause of some worries have not changed, I am different facing them by having the proper perspective that God reigns sovereignly above them all. (Isaiah 55.8-9)
Never underestimate the importance of proper perspective. It can mean the difference between hope and despair. In Jesus Christ, we ALWAYS have hope.
A Life Of Patience 