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Streams in the Desert |
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October 28, 2001 |
| Do you ever
feel you are wandering in a parched desert with an unquenchable thirst?
I have days when my computer doesn't understand me. While I'm arguing
with it, I smell lunch burning. I grab a coat to hurry to the deli
before my husband comes home and then I find a flat tire on the car.
Some days are like that. Spread among the days of our lives are
"streams in the desert." They are God's welcome gifts when
storms rage.
From my window I see scarlet leaves bursting with shades of brilliance as they proudly display their blaze of glory before frost. Tangerine pyracantha berries entice my feathered friends as they twitter from branch to branch. Their harmonious notes to the One who knows their "coming and going" fills my world with joy. The sparrow seems to know whose "Eye" is watching over him. These are "streams" in my desert of dryness and I remember Isaiah 51:3: "The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins, he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing." (NIV) Enjoy today. It is a gift from God. Time well spent today makes tomorrow brighter. God is in the "now" of our lives. "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Today is the day to repent of past mistakes, past sins or regrets and move on with God. Bury those past mistakes in the sea of God's forgiveness. You cannot save, loan or borrow time today. All you can do is live it. Time is a precious commodity. To find streams in your desert: Love your children. They are growing older each day. Memorize your spouse's face and never take his or her love for granted. Give your loved one flowers. "Dead noses do not smell roses." Find happiness in simple pleasures. Appreciate a sunset. Wonder at a rainbow. Smell new mown hay. Not a blade of grass grows without God's permission. Express appreciation to someone you have long admired. Never go to bed mad. (Make it right before night) Realize where there is life, there is hope. Be optimistic and positive. Believe tomorrow is going to be the best day of your life. Be a listener. Be a good example. Help and cheer up others. Look for the good in every situation. Expect the best. Know that God is always with you Open your heart to the Holy Spirit and let God's love flow in.
I am comforted by the fact that evil will never overcome the Light. Jesus is the Light. Allowing the light of Jesus to shine in lives guides and keeps those who turn to Him. Look for the true Light today. In Him we live, move and have our being. Recognize those "streams in the desert" of our lives. We refresh and gather new strength in those streams. It's all because of Jesus. He is the "stream in the desert!" |