Overwhelmed?

YOU must not only be ready to be smitten by God, my child; you must also be that He should smite you precisely He sees good. I look at you with your strong vigorous heart loving and willing earnestly - I am satisfied that it is so - for is little purpose in a stagnant lifeless heart.  But you ought frequently to make a special act of love and submission to God's will before all else, not merely in things tolerable but in whatever seems to you most intolerable.
~ St Francis de Sales to Madame Chantal 

I hope these encourage you as much as they have encouraged me. 

Blessings!

Remembering the faithfulness of God

Praise the Lord!
 
Psalm 111:1-10


I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 
 Great are the works of the Lord,
     studied by all who delight in them. 
  Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever. 
 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful. 
 He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever. 
 He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations. 
 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy; 
 they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 
 He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
     Holy and awesome is his name! 
  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!

It is helpful to remember in these days when everyone is so discouraged about major issues like the state of the nation.  Just because we cannot see where God is taking us doesn't mean that He doesn't have a plan.  Often He is glorified more in the complicated paths than the simple ones.  Praise is not an emotional response, but a glorious duty for all those who belong to Him.