An antidote for fretting

I sometimes get a bit down thinking about the future for myself and my family, and wondering why desired change takes such a long time to happen.

But I read a few things this morning in a wee devotional book that were quite helpful in putting me back in a right frame of mind. This is the kind of thing I'm always telling others -- maybe I should listen to myself once and awhile! ;-)

"If I stoop into a dark tremendous sea of cloud,
It is but for a time;
I press God's lamp close to my breast;
Its splendour, soon or late, will pierce the gloom:
I shall emerge one day." (Robert Browning)

"One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time." (Andre Gide)

"Growth demands a temporary surrender of security." (Gail Sheeby)

"If God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious!... Our times are in His hands... He will make haste for our help, and not delay one hour too long." (Andrew Murray)

An uplifting thought after a hard day

My project today at the office was compiling and writing a bulletin of prayer to be distributed to those who support the work our mission in the world. This is something I do every month. Sometimes it is enjoyable, as I read about all the different ministries that go on it the world, some of them involving people I consider members of my family.

But other times it is hard -- as it was today -- as I read of people's struggles in dark places of the world, where they are in danger and despair.

My little book is coming in handy today, for I read another quote that helped me see things aright:

"The upward look gives no ground to the attempted encroachment of despair... a quick lifting of the heart to God in a moment of real actual faith in Him will completely alter any situation and turn the darkness of midnight into glorious sunrise." (Mrs. Charles E. Cowman)

And that's an encouraging thought! ;-)