Some of you today that are reading this post have experienced pain, loss, trials, disappointments, and grief the past year. 2017 is coming to an end and you actually marvel that you’ve made it! It’s been the grace of God and the inner enabling strength the Lord has provided. Sharon and I were reflecting this morning on the track record of wonderful parents through the years and the legacy of strength and patience they exhibited in the face of all that life brought their way… How did they do it? I mean, how did they do it!!!
As we talked and reflected on it, the words of this gospel song came to mind that provides a clue. I offer it to you today that are finishing a very trying year, and to those who face the challenges of the coming year…
“Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
“Ev’ry day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour!
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Power.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid!
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made!
“Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy Holy Word!
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a Father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.”
-Carolina Sandell and A. L. Skoog, 1865
