March 23 ~ Psalm 59:16-17
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble. I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister discovered a book on my grandmother’s bookshelf titled Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy by Barbara Johnson. In the preface, the author says that she “wanted to reach out, one to one, heart to heart, to help that one freshly hurt mother who felt as though no one could possibly understand the depth of her despair.” She adds that, via her own personal experiences, she understands that mother’s hurts and wanted to “model a firm grip on God’s loving promises, and then to gently nudge us back to normalcy… a place we thought we’d never see again.”
For a title to Chapter 1 of this book, Johnson chose: “Pain Is Inevitable… Misery is Optional.” Earlier in the tenth verse of this Psalm, The Message translates the words like this… “God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.” David writes in this Psalm of the enemies showing up “like snarling dogs” to hurt us… but God is always there to serve as our fortress and protection in times of trouble.
Because God “has our back,” we can praise Him night and day – in times both good and bad. We can “stick a geranium in our hat and be happy” no matter what is happening to us. We can count on God to show up on time and fight our battles for us. Does this mean trouble won’t come… that we won’t have worries, fears, heartaches, suffering, and sadness? Absolutely not! Does it mean that we will be given more than we can handle? Never! We will have pain in our life… but we choose whether or not to be miserable.
In recent days, I have observed several families who are dealing with extraordinary challenges… serious health issues that have ravaged the bodies of precious young children and Godly adults. I have marveled at the ability of family members to speak positively, even when watching their babies suffer or be hooked to machines and devices that bring healing and life sustaining nutrients and medication. I’ve watched families be given the news that “the end” of this earthly life is near for a loved one… and young mothers report on Facebook about their little ones’ afflictions… RSV, pneumonia, a brain shunt for one and kidney problems… a serious infection for another.
I have seen others learn that new, seemingly inconvenient or complicated therapies or treatments will be necessary, and they take it in stride… making the necessary arrangements for appointments, equipment, and more. Always, they ask, “Please pray,” but not once have they said, “God has deserted or disappointed us.” They sing of His strength… and when even slight improvements or healings… they quickly thank God for answering and protecting them.”
Surely we can do the same. With God’s help, we can handle whatever “life” hands us. We can sing His praises, stick a flower in our hat and be happy… because we are LOVED and protected by the Most High God! He’s “large and in charge” – and He is all we need! This is GOOD NEWS! This is reason to be happy and confident. We can handle ANYTHING with God… don’t you believe this? What will you choose today – a positive outlook… or misery? Will you live like God is in control? Will others see God’s strength operating in and through you? Just what sort of “hat” are you wearing today… and will it have a flower?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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