Rejoicing In God’s Miracles

Lord give me the eyes of a child;

To see your hand in every gift and trial,

To marvel at your works, to wonder at your grace,

To stand in awe and glorify your name.

I wrote the song God's Miracles many years ago.

The words above are from that song, inspired by a post written by a friend.

This is an excerpt from her post:

We were driving to church when our son yelled out excitedly from the back seat, "Momma, I just saw one of God's miracles!" I can't even remember exactly what he saw. Regardless, I just haven't been able to shake that statement.

Everyday, God does wonderful, amazing things all around us and we just keep on going like it was nothing. Young children see things differently. I suppose that's one of the reasons we've been admonished to have faith like a child. Our son often marvels over things that seem so everyday to me. I was reading in the Psalms to the kids a few nights ago when he just couldn't get over the fact that God, the Almighty God, wants to be his God too. I remember last Easter when he found a little purple flower growing in the middle of a huge field. He wondered that the Creator of the Universe put that little flower right there for him to enjoy. This morning, he said he was  so thankful that God helped him to sleep all night long. Every day brings some new revelation to strengthen his faith in the I AM. 

Everyday God puts miracles -- not chance circumstances, not coincidences -- but MIRACLES in our lives. How often do we recognize them? Big things like miraculous healings, well, those are the ones we can't wait until testimony time to share. For some reason, we often convince ourselves that "big" miracles are a sign of God's approval on our lives. Yet, we diminish the importance of what we consider "little blessings" as inconsequential. Even when we do value them, we are embarrassed to share them because it seems childish to think of such things as miracles. Consider this -- ALL of God's miracles are for the simple reason of bringing glory to GOD. Don't be afraid to share them.

Let me ask you this, "What is a miracle?" This may seem over simplified, but -- miracles are something only God can do. It took no more of God's power to heal my dad than it did to put a little blue flower in a field in just the right spot for a little boy to learn that God cares about him. It takes the same power to save a sinful soul from Hell that it does to keep you breathing.

"Momma, I just saw one of God's miracles!" Have you seen a miracle lately?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lord give me the eyes of a child...

As adults our lives can become so cluttered with our every day duties and commitments that we can become oblivious to God working and we often don’t recognize those little miracles. Sure we notice the big things; someone getting saved, a health issue resolved, big news from a mission field…but a flower in the middle of the field? And yet, it’s those little things we need to be paying attention to. Those are the things a life of faith are made up of, the things that show that our God is concerned about even the smallest details of our lives. I remember as a new Christian having an experience during a baseball game of all things that made me marvel at the fact that God was truly interested in every aspect of my life. I still had the eyes of a child!

To see your hand in every gift and trial...

Perhaps we do recognize God's hand in something as simple as a little blue flower in the middle of a field...but what about the weeds in our garden? Do we see God in the difficulties of life? I was listening to a devotion the other day about looking for lessons in the valley, asking God, "What do you want me to learn from this trial?" When we look at difficult situations from this perspective we start to see God's hand even in the hard times. 

I recently went through such a time. I was terribly hurt by someone close to me and it was hard to see past the disappointment, but when I heard that message, God opened my heart to see that he was wanting to show me some things. Yes, I still felt the sting but I was able to take my focus off myself and learn from the situation.

To marvel at your works…

On Sunday I heard a message preached about how when things become common we tend to take them for granted. He used the Israelites as an example. They probably marvelled the first few weeks of God providing manna, but what about after a month, a year, 20 years? It was definitely a miracle but eventually it became common place and they just took for granted it would be there. I wonder how many even gave much thought to who was providing it. But aren’t we the same? We may even acknowledge these blessings and miracles are from God but we no longer marvel at his works.

To wonder at your grace…

Do I really wonder at God's grace or do I just take it for granted? I'm ashamed to admit how many times I've strayed and yet God is always there offering grace and forgiveness. No matter how many times I lose my way, he’s always there when I finally get my focus back on him. His long suffering toward me is truly a wonder!

To stand in awe and glorify your name…

Yes, give me the eyes of a child, Lord! Let me see your hand in every gift and trial. As I write this I’ve been marvelling at how God has used the preaching of his word as well as this song, chosen many months ago, for just the time I would need it to help me through a difficult time. Lord, I just saw one of your miracles! I stand in awe and glorify your name!

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

God's Miracles

(©2009 Deborah Bolack)

(stop at end of song)

Play bar may not work on mobile devices
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Momma, I just saw one of God's miracles!

And I know he did it just for me.

He planted that blue flower in the middle of the field,

Just to tell me how much he cares for me.

~

Lord give me the eyes of a child;

To see your hand in every gift and trial,

To marvel at your works, to wonder at your grace,

To stand in awe and glorify your name.

~

Every day we experience God's miracles,

but we're quick to simply brush them aside.

We count them little blessings, and we say a prayer of thanks,

as we go on about our busy lives.

~

Lord give me the eyes of a child;

To see your hand in every gift and trial,

To marvel at your works, to wonder at your grace,

To stand in awe and glorify your name.

~

Everyone wants to tell of God's miracles;

of great healings, and of reaching lost souls.

But greater is the message of a simple childlike faith,

crying, "I just saw one of our God's miracles!"

~

Lord give me the eyes of a child;

To see your hand in every gift and trial,

To marvel at your works, to wonder at your grace,

To stand in awe and glorify your name.

~

Lord, I just saw one of your miracles!

I stand in awe and glorify your name!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

God’s Miracles /Lyric Devotions

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say rejoice!

Rejoicing In Song: I Will Sing

Last month, when I wrote about my song for the month, I also went through my calendar and added a post title to each song, each one starting with Rejoicing In... When I sat down to write this post and read the title, "Rejoicing In Song" a verse came to mind...

Psalm 137:4 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?

For the past week, I've been living in a strange land indeed; completely unfamiliar territory. I woke up Monday morning, excited to see one of my sons off to start a new job. I went to bed that night with my mind spinning with the word Leukemia. Two days later we had a diagnosis...our 5 year old granddaughter has B-ALL Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, with chemo treatments expected to last 2 1/2 years.

How shall we sing? By remembering the Lord; His mercy and grace, His comfort, His love, joy and peace, His glory, His victory, His power, His wondrous works.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I had no idea at the beginning of the year why God led me to choose a verse about rejoicing in Him, or why I chose a song of praise for each month, or why I chose a word or phrase to focus that praise, but I can see now that this is what I will need to carry me through...a reminder to always be looking to my Lord and Saviour, trusting in Him and holding tight to His hand; telling of His wondrous works and glorying in His name. 

My song for this month:

I Will Sing

Jesus sought me and redeemed me with His precious blood.

Forever I will sing His praise.
I’ll rejoice, for Jesus loves me and abides in me.
I will sing of His mercy and grace.

Yes, I’ll sing of the mercy and grace of God;
of His comfort, His love, joy and peace.
I will sing of His glory, His victory, His power.
I will sing till He comes back for me.

When I’m walking through a valley, Jesus takes my hand,
and guides me to the pastures green.
Then He leads me by still waters, and restores my soul.
Of His comfort and love I will sing.

Yes, I’ll sing of the mercy and grace of God;
of his comfort, his love, joy and peace.
I will sing of his glory, his victory, his power.
I will sing till he comes back for me.

I commit my way to Jesus, and I trust in him,
for He will always meet my needs.
God’s peace keeps my heart and mind through Jesus Christ, my Lord.
I will sing of His joy and His peace.

Yes, I’ll sing of the mercy and grace of God;
of His comfort, His love, joy and peace.
I will sing of His glory, His victory, His power.
I will sing till He comes back for me.

The creator, precious Saviour, Jesus Christ, my Lord,
the Lamb of God, the King of kings.
I will tell His wondrous works, and glory in His name.
Of His victory and power I will sing.

Yes, I’ll sing of the mercy and grace of God;
of His comfort, His love, joy and peace.
I will sing of His glory, His victory, His power.
I will sing till He comes back for me.

I will sing.

~~~

Psalm 23:2-4 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

To listen visit Lyric Devotions

Rejoicing In Isolation: I Will call On You

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

At the beginning of January, I chose my verse and word for the year. 

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say rejoice. 

Of course, my word is Rejoice!

Unfortunately, just a week later, an 'unnamed' illness got into our home. With five people in our house, in spite of doing our best to stay away from each other, we all eventually contracted the virus and I ended up isolating for about a month. I generally spend most of the winter indoors anyway, so staying in our house really hasn't been that bad. Thankfully, we had fairly mild symptoms. It was everything that came with it that made it difficult...my husband having to miss work, my son having the start date for his new job delayed, the way people responded...these were just some of the stresses.

I'm not sure why I decided to do this, but when I chose the word 'Rejoice' for the year, I went through my songs and found any that related to praising God or rejoicing. I took my calendar and wrote the title of one of these songs at the top of each month. 

For the month of February, I chose "I Will Call On You."

In joy I will praise you; in peace I will worship you.
In all I will call on you, my Saviour, my Lord.
In sadness I will cling to you; in turmoil I will rest in you.
In all I will call on you, my Saviour, my Lord.

When things go awry in this world of sin,
I’ll look to you for your wisdom and strength.
When all is well, and I have peace within,
I’ll look to you with love and devotion.

In truth I will seek you; in faith I will follow you.
In all I will call on you, my Saviour, my Lord.
In doubting I will turn to you; distressed I will trust in you.
In all I will call on you, my Saviour, my Lord.

When lives all around are filled with such pain,
I’ll look to you for compassion and grace.
When prayers are answered; loved ones born again,
I’ll look to you with thanks and with praise.

In love I will serve you; in hope I will wait for you.
In all I will call on you, my Saviour, my Lord.
In gladness I will give to you; obeying I will live in you.
In all I will call on you, my Saviour, my Lord.

I'll call on you.

     ~~~

I guess I knew I would need reminders to rejoice throughout the year!

In the past, I've found that God tends to use my own song lyrics to speak to me and of course, this time is no different. One week into February and the weather outside is frigid, so even though I'll be free to venture out, I think a drive around town will have to suffice for now! But I'm reminded by these lyrics and by God's word that I'm to rejoice in the Lord at all times, no matter what circumstances I find myself in.

Philippians 4:11,13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

You can listen to the song and read the story behind the lyrics at Lyric Devotions.

My Verse For 2021~~~Philippians 4:4

I was listening to a devotion from Philippians a few weeks ago when I found my verse for the year. 

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 

There was no big revelation or deep thought process, just the knowledge that when I praise God and rejoice in Him everything else falls into place. Philippians has always been one of my favourite books of the Bible and I've been spending more time there lately, often listening to an audio version while doing things around the house. 

I always enjoy reading Spurgeon's messages. Today, I thought I'd see what he had to say about this verse. I think he expresses far better than I could what we can learn from Philippians 4:4.

I've taken these excerpts from one of his sermons, Joy, a Duty.

"Further, brethren, notice that the apostle, after he had said, "Rejoice in the Lord alway," commanded the Philippians to be careful for nothing, thus implying that joy in the Lord is one of the best preparations for the trials of this life. The cure for care is joy in the Lord. No, my brother, you will not be able to keep on with your fretfulness; no, my sister, you will not be able to weary yourself any longer with your anxieties, if the Lord will but fill you with his joy. Then, being satisfied with your God, yea, more than satisfied, overflowing with delight in him, you will say to yourself, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." What is there on earth that is worth fretting for even for five minutes? If one could gain an imperial crown by a day of care, it would be too great an expense for a thing which would bring more care with it. Therefore, let us be thankful, let us be joyful in the Lord. I count it one of the wisest things that, by rejoicing in the Lord, we commence our heaven here below. It is possible so to do, it is profitable so to do, and we are commanded so to do."

~~~

"You are commanded to rejoice, brethren, because this is for your profit. Holy joy will oil the wheels of your life's machinery. Holy joy will strengthen you for your daily labour. Holy joy will beautify you, and, as I have already said, give you an influence over the lives of others. It is upon this point that I would most of all insist, we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord. If you cannot speak the gospel, live the gospel by your cheerfulness; for what is the gospel? Glad tidings of great joy; and you who believe it must show by its effect upon you that it is glad tidings of great joy to you. I do believe that a man of God—under trial and difficulty and affliction, bearing up, and patiently submitting with holy acquiescence, and still rejoicing in God—is a real preacher of the gospel, preaching with an eloquence which is mightier than words can ever be, and which will find its secret and silent way into the hearts of those who might have resisted other arguments. Oh, do, then, listen to the text, for it is a command from God, "Rejoice in the Lord alway!" "

You can read the full sermon on the Spurgeon Archive site, Joy, a Duty

Many years ago, I started out to write a song called, A Reason For Joy, but it took a slightly different direction and became, My Reason To Sing. Still, the sentiment is the same and I thought it was a fitting song to begin the year with. 

My Reason To Sing

© Deborah Bolack 2003

BIAB Rendition

(ignore glitch at end!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(intro)

God laid the Earth’s foundation,

and set the world in its place;

raised up majestic mountains,

carved valleys, and spread out the plains.

God made and garnished the heavens,

 and set the stars in the night;

designed the morning sunrise,

bestowed on the world his light.

And yet he thought of me,

with a love that spans all time and space.

Yes, created me with a special plan for all my days.

God sent his Son to save me,

forgave me all of my sins.

He gave his word to guide me,

his Spirit to dwell within.

God made my heart to hold him,

before my life had begun,

Then gave me breath to praise him,

and whispered, “There’s songs to be sung.”

And now he lives in me, and he gives me a reason to sing.

Yes, abides in me; my Creator, my Saviour and King.

To God be the glory, he is my reason to sing!
My reason to sing!

~~~

Yes, HE is my reason to sing and my reason for joy!

And so I start the new year with no resolutions, no big plans, no set goals. I step into 2021 with nothing more than a desire to rejoice in my Lord and again I say, Rejoice!