Heart to Heart
Somehow, this year’s winter weather seems to have been turned upside down and inside out. We are basking in 50’s and even 60’s here in Montana, while our daughter Becky in North Carolina, is dealing with a 2nd snow & ice storm in two weeks, that is making travel super difficult. All the weather turmoil has been hard on our bodies too, as there is a high uptick in colds, flu bugs and RSV cases amonst the young and the elders. On the plus side, we’ve not had to shovel more than once or twice, so far this winter.
February has always been one of the toughest months for me, especially as I’ve gotten older. My body craves more sunshine than I can find, which in turn can make for a month of winter blues. Maybe you can identify with that feeling. It’s challenging to be upbeat and positive, when your emotions are constantly down in the dumps.
I take encouragement from the psalmist who talked back to his soul - “why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? Put your hope in God, O my soul. For I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God.” (Ps 42-43).
Perhaps the never-ending negative media news and endless tragedies in our fallen, broken world, have you feeling like you’re on the ropes. Lift up your eyes, strip away sin and all that tries to trip you up. Fix your heart on the One who begins and finishes your faith (Heb.12:1-2). Put your hope in God. Run with endurance the race God has set before you. Determine to lift up your voice in praise, celebrating Him who sits on the throne, and giving thanks for His faithful love. He is our victory & song – surely His goodness and mercy shall follow us, all the days of our lives (Ps.23:6). He is mighty to save, and rejoices over us with singing (Zeph.3:17).
Pressing Onward & upward, for His glory (Phil.3:14),
Pastor Adriaan & Diana <><