Plea for Grace January 20, 2022

Timing

God’s time

my time

Psalm 18:30-31 ESV – 30 This God–his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. 31 For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?–

Why does time “fly when we are having fun” and seem to slog like walking through waist-high quicksand when trials come? I am so thankful, Lord, that Your timing is perfect because my perceptions are so skewed by comfort or impatience. Left to myself, I want what I want when I want it. I would rarely (if ever) truly consider the effect of my timing on anyone else.

In Your sovereignty, You consider everything and everyone. You considered Joseph . . .

Psalm 105:7-8, 16-22 ESV – 7 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, … 16 When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, 17 he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18 His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; 19 until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. 20 The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; 21 he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, 22 to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom.

Often in the midst of the trial it’s hard to remember that You are with me, but it is still true. You are considering Your timing. There is so much more to the story than what I can see at any given moment.

Psalm 119:27, 34, 50 ESV – 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. … 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. … 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

Father, give me patience, give me understanding, give me comfort. I thank You for Your Word, Your truth to teach me, encourage me, comfort me, rebuke me. Your ways are perfect.

amen