an outburst of joy

Inexplicable but undeniable—
Quiet and first, but pouring eventually over;
The pieces askew suddenly set right.

Surely you have turned my mourning to dancing,
taken my rags and clothed me in gladness;
surely you've transformed these doubts to singing
and laughter so easily comes bubbling forth!

Psalm 117

Praise the Lord, all nations!

Extol him, all peoples!

For great is his steadfast love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord!

My questions are yet unanswered;
Life's challenges shall remain;
imperfections persist in me.

But of this he has reassured me;
From this he brings me peace:
His steadfast love and sovereignty
and faithfulness never cease!



[Praise the Lord, O my soul,
Praise the Lord!]

Revelations from the Wilderness

Day 5 in the Boundary Waters
I have been in a dry place spiritually for many months, seeking God and sometimes (more often than I'd like), doubting Him.  On Thursday, the fifth day of our canoeing and camping trip, God encouraged me with this reminder of His faithfulness; to bring me peace and keep me seeking Him faithfully, too.


Each morning, whether or not we see it through the clouds, the sun rises.
Each evening, as it fades past the horizon, I never doubt that it will rise again to bring us dawn.

Each year, summer is followed by autumn, autumn by winter, and, sooner or later, winter by spring.
Though winter may seem interminable, I never doubt the eventual return of warmth and green.

Whether obscured or clear, I never doubt the presence of the stars in the heavens or the moon cycling around.

How, then, can I doubt the faithfulness of the God who carefully created and controls all these things?

Surely He is much greater than His majestic creation!