My dear friends, I want to proclaim the wonderful works of the Lord today! I have been struggling with so many things that have been my responsibility but out of my control – computers, people, expectations, etc. I know that I am not alone in this. I work longer hours, wake earlier, stay up later, cry out in frustration when the computers break down or have viral issues. And in my frustration I am reminded by the sweet and calm and soft words of Our Father in heaven that seeking Him first and His kingdom is what I am called to do each day. Matt. 6:33

Today I read these verses from Psalm 127 and they spoke volumes to my heart.

Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain, in vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep…

I rested on these verses this morning – I went to sleep when all was not well with my work. I make myself lean on these promises and will trust God at His word. And behold, He showers me with mercy and love – I am vain in my attempts to solve my own problems – to think that I can do anything to change situations that are out of my reach or control. I am a fool to think that if I work harder, longer, later, that I can achieve the ends that I desire. It is the Lord who wants to do the work, who wants to revel in the glory – but it is not for just His glory that He does these things I think. I find that I am strengthened, I am reassured of His love, I am changed, my stress is relieved, my life’s purpose is confirmed, it is indeed for my good that He does these things – mine and the good of all who love and depend upon Him. He is delighted when we recognize His love for us. He is pleased when we cry out to Him for His grace and mercy. We, none of us, is good enough, strong enough, able enough, to accomplish the works the Lord desires to do in and through us. What a reassurance and relief it is to trust in God.

I do not sit back and do nothing. I do the work that is placed before me to the best of my ability – or I seek His forgiveness when I am lazy or neglectful – but then I stand back amazed that ‘He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.’ In my sleep, He worked out my computer frustrations and made my path straight. He used others and I give Him the glory. In my sleep, He answered my prayers for the cancer-free scan of my mother’s brain, and He was merciful and gave to His beloved – the scan was clear. In my sleep, I cried out for the daughter of my friend to give birth to an overdue son and I woke to hear of his safe delivery and birth. Oh, magnify the Lord with me.

Today I read from Psalm 130, ‘Out fo the depths I cry to you, O Lord, O Lord, hear my voice. Let Your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy…with You there is forgiveness therefore You are feared…I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope… O Israel ( O friends) put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption.’

I praise the Lord this morning and proclaim the good things He has done. Magnify the Lord with me. For His is not only Good, but He is Holy, and gives to His beloved even in his sleep.