“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved”- Psalm 16:8 (KJV)
There is something about certain African mountains- like the glorious Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro in East Africa. For any who has ventured close they rise out of sweeping valleys and stand elegantly above their surroundings glittering with velvet snow caps. Ever a beautiful sight, on certain occasions there is a mist or fog that blocs the view of those in the surroundings, but once all melts away, there are still up standing and glittering high above. Anyone can be sure of looking up and seeing their peaks protruding still, a magnificent tower of glory.
Because these mountains are high up there are often attacked by savage and forceful winds coming from all directions. In spite of all the wind power they remain unmovable. One might even venture to say there are used to being savaged by winds matching with certain power, which they gently cast off. Mountains are not that easily shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2 says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” This is how our faith in God should be- like that of mountains! The winds of trials may come and attack us but we cast them off, gently. Times may change; but we remain standing tall.
The Kikuyu and Chagga people nestled at the foothills of these gigantic mountains have something in common. After the winds have blown and passed they look up and there they see those elegant mountains still standing, as has been for generations. May such be our faith.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as Psalm 27:3 says, “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident”; today I pray that my faith rises as strong as a mountain rock, because I take refuge in you, and whatever trials or upheavals I stand unmoved, this I pray in Jesus’s name
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
