Thus says the Lord: Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good fortune that I now promise them. Jeremiah 32:42

Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. 1 John 3:2

Psalm 136:1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. This opening statement is repeated over and over throughout Psalm 136. Our loving God claims each one of us as beloved children. He knows our every weakness and also the times when we stray from his grace. Yet, he always brings good fortune and love. He awaits our return to his loving arms.

There are times when God seems far away, and that the cares of our lives are too great to bear. He does not promise that we will never have troubles and worries in this world, but he does offer promise and hope. This hope is so well said in the words of one of my Grandma’s favorite hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”  I know her story, and I know that these words must have brought her hope when there appeared little hope on her horizon.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
text by Joseph Scriven, 1820-1886

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear—
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness—take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Thank you for claiming us as your beloved children. You welcome us back when we stray. You give us new promise and hope through your gift of grace. Help us to share the message of your love and grace with others. Amen.

Florence Smallfield

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party