Day 38

This week I talked with a friend who has followed Jesus faithfully for decades. He has been chronically ill for the past several months. The constant physical pain has at times taken a toll on his emotional and spiritual reserves. Any of you who have experienced chronic pain for a long time would identify with him.

He said recently the pain was so intense and the illness so unrelenting that he had periods of time when he wondered if God had forsaken him. When those doubts came he drew upon what he had learned was true about God from the years he had spent cultivating the Lord's daily presence. His years of intentionally walking with God enables him to remember that God continues to love him and be with him even when his painful experiences seem to contradict those truths.

As we continue to practice the Lord's presence every day we are not only able to experience a revolution in our souls now, but we will be preparing our hearts for the day when the pain of life may threaten to blind us from what we know is true about God. The Psalmist tells us that the person who walks closely with God is blessed and that "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." (Psalm 112:7)

Pastor Bill