Consolation In Anxious Moments

My friend, there's a verse in one of the Psalms that comes to mind time and time again and I find great comfort as I think of the psalmist's testimony. The rendering which I first read was from the New International Version (NIV) so this wording has the most meaning to me historically:

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." - Psalm 94:19

Other translations don't seem quite as meaningful to me although a paraphrase of several verses from this psalm from The Message is good:

"Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers? If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling, "your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up." (verses 16-19)

Are you overly concerned about a situation today, dear friend? Are financial woes seeking to bury you? Is there a relationship that is strained and is seemingly beyond repair? Take those anxieties to the Great Consoler, the God of all comfort, the One who is big enough to deal with any and every problem. Find consolation in the everlasting arms of Abba Father today. He understands and He cares. TRUST HIM!

He Giveth More Grace

Note: The following account of God's provision of much-needed grace happened 8 or 9 years ago. Keith Price is now "home" in the presence of the Lord where there is "fulness of joy" and "pleasures for everymore" (Psalm 16:11).

I walked out to our mailbox, despondent, weary, broken and ready to quit! Why did "ministry" have to be so draining, so taxing, so uncertain, so hard? My spirit was wounded, my resolve depleted and the joy of serving Jesus had disolved in tears. What would the mailbox hold for me that day?

Bills, bills and more bills, collection notices, junk mail or maybe, just maybe, a generous donation or a note of encouragement? That mailbox has been the bearer of many, many blessings over the years and a few unwelcome surprises. As I opened it I recognized the beautiful penmanship of Keith Price, a mentor, wonderful friend, gentleman and faithful servant of Jesus. He enclosed the following poem by Annie Johnson Flint. Tears filled my eyes as I read this encouraging word. I'd heard and read this poem/song many times before but this day it was just for me, a divine affirmation and endorsement of God's great faithfulness. My steps quickened as I made the trip back to the house. That piece of mail from a dear friend had been a life saver!

Be encouraged today, dear friend! His grace is sufficient and in that hour when you feel you can't take another hit, another disappointment, another heartbreaking, gut-wrenching problem, He stands with arms open wide!

"Cast all your anxiety on Him...because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

Chorus:

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure,
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

- Annie Johnson Flint

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Finnish Friend

Good morning, dear friends! Thanks for stopping by for a visit! Writing and maintaining "the Barnabas Blog" over the last week and a half has been such a blessing to me. Your comments have been so encouraging. Over the years I've often been asked, "Where does 'the Encourager' receive his encouragement?" Well, like David of old, I trust that I will "encourage myself in the Lord, my God." He is our Ultimate Source of encouragement and blessing. But, like has often been said, "We want a God with skin on". That's what you are, my friends. No, you're NOT God but you are His children, His agents of reconciliation, His ambassadors, His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs to know Him and experience His salvation and redemption.

So, having said all this, I want to share a "post" from across the Atlantic in Finland. My (our) new friend Eija from The Invisible wrote the following on her blog recently. I read it this morning and I was refreshed and encouraged. I trust that you will find a quiet place today where you can hear God's voice, feel His touch and sense His amazing love and grace. Be encouraged today, dear friends!

Eija writes:

"Today I feel dry, tired, exhausted and anxious. I’ve let all kinds of worries take the best out of me lately. And it’s taking its toll. But God is faithful. I just came across a new blog. The author is David Warren Fisher - the same who writes over at Pilgrim Scribblings and a couple of other blogs, too.

His new one - the Barnabas Blog - has a fresh feeling in it. And I find it oozing serenity, peace and God’s love. The exact things I needed just this morning. So maybe it’s just because of where I am today - but go ahead and check it out - it might do the same for you! "

Eija


Friends, we want "the Barnabas Blog" to be an oasis during the wilderness experiences of life. A place of refreshment!

And, before I say "goodbye" let me share a verse of Scripture with you. That's part of the mandate (and requirement) of "the Barnabas Blog". I MUST post a verse from God's Word within each post. His Word brings life, hope and peace.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior". - Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

Seeing Red

Good morning, friends! I pray that you will have a great week!

I found this picture on one of the blogs that I link to
entitled My Place.

It reminded me of winter. It's definitely NOT my favorite time of the year. Yet, in the midst of the snow, there a beautiful red cardinal.

Yes, even in the midst of the situations that we dread and fear, God is present and He gives us grace to help in time of need.

Whatever your trial is today, look up. The Father knows your need and will abundantly supply it...in His time.

Rest in His unchanging love today. "Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7