Newsletter - October 2019
I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the many benefits of the Lord. Recently, the Lord has been revealing some truths about walking through difficult times and the trials of life. I wanted to share my thoughts with you and I pray that blesses you.
“Blessed, (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Passing through the valley of Baca (weeping), they make it a place of springs, the early rain also fills (the pools) with blessings.” (Ps. 84:5-6) I don’t know about you, child of God, but I have been through the Valley of Baca in the last several months and through it all, God has remained faithful. He never told us that our life here on earth would be without some difficulties. No, in fact, He told us that in this life we would have trials and tribulations (difficult times), but He said be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) In other words, don’t lose heart or allow the enemy to bring a spirit of depression on you, but rather remember that the Father knows what you are going through and He is there to help. It doesn’t matter how hard the trial or battle is, He cares deeply and has already made a way of escape for you. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) I realized that during my recent valley of Baca (hard place), if I kept my eyes and focus on Jesus and His precious promises, my burden would be lighter and bearable. He is a faithful Father and loves us so much and cares about every little detail of our lives. Even in the middle of our struggles, our Baca (weeping), He will bring us blessings. (V. 6)
James puts it this way, “…count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance so that we can be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2) Praise the Lord! Isn’t that what we all want, to be mature and complete, not lacking anything? BUT, count it all joy! You may ask, “How do I do that when I’m hurting, in pain and the weight of grief is so heavy?” I’m not minimizing this, but the one thing that helps me so much is praise. I will begin to praise the Lord and before long, I feel the presence of the Lord come. He brings His sweet peace and comfort and it brings such a refreshing to my soul. In the nights when it was difficult to sleep, I would listen to soft worship music. The peace of God would come and I would drift off feeling cradled in the Father’s arms.
Praise reroutes the enemy that is always trying to bring and keep us down. We have to make a quality decision, no matter how we feel, we will praise the Lord in all situations. It is not always easy because the flesh doesn’t want to do it. But, if we will praise Him, it will bring encouragement and refreshing to our spirits.
The Lord says, I am your ever present help in time of trouble and I will never leave you or forsake you. You can cast all your cares, burdens and heartaches on Me because I care deeply for you. I will make a way where there is no way. Only believe and trust Me. When you go through the rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fires of oppression, you will not be burned for I am with you. I will deliver you! There is nothing that can separate you from My love.
I pray that God will pour out His richest blessings on you and that you will proser in all that you you put your hand to.
I love you,
Charlotte
