I love this time of year! Each morning, I venture out into my yard and stroll among the flower beds and inspect them. I was excited some lilies I’d planted were pushing up and forming multiple buds. There were yellow and eggplant colored buds, promising to burst into bloom soon. And then, rain. I’m told one day it rained an inch. That’s a lot of rain. And guess who came crawling out from wherever they hatch? The slugs and snails! They enjoyed chewing up tiny new emerging Dahlias my hubby Jim had planted! And the promising yellow lily? It was decimated with cheesecloth-like holes! I was so upset, I stomped into my garden shelf and grabbed the box of slug bait. This will get them! And indeed, it is getting them. But the chewed up lilies won’t return. Jim hopes his expensive dahlia buds will continue to attempt to push through the ground.

 

Right now, it seems our world is being torn apart. There are anarchists and it doesn’t seem like anyone is doing anything.

We are uncertain if the CV-19 is eradicated. If it is, some other virus will take its place–I think that’s why we have a different flu shot each year. This seems to be how disease and viruses are. There will always be a need for researchers. For doctors and nurses and hospitals.

I read this morning in the Psalms where Asaph the writer and musician was imploring God to defend.

Remember your covenant promises,

for the land is full of darkness and violence!

Don’t let the downtrodden be constantly disgraced!

Instead, let these poor and needy ones give praise to your name……

Don’t overlook these things your enemies have said. Their uproar of rebellion grows ever louder.  Psalm 74:21-23

Are we afraid? Are we asking God to defend? I’m discouraged with the fear that seems to permeate our Christian culture, too. We are not meeting corporately any longer.  Zoom doesn’t do it for me. I miss greeting my Christian brothers and sisters. Miss singing worship songs together.  I’m reminded of what Paul said to his understudy, Timothy. The verse I’ll share with you was one that encouraged me when I was afraid. See what you think.

For Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Lots to ponder this morning. As I strolled the pathway along the flower beds throughout my yard, I discovered one positive thing. The slugs apparently don’t enjoy hydrangeas! Here a little sample of two of my bushes:

I’m going to close with a poem by John Newton, the former slave trader-turned-Christian, writer of Amazing Grace. I hope it gives you strength to face the future and uncertainties.

Begone, unbelief;

My Savior is near,

And for my relief

Will surely appear;

By prayer let me wrestle,

And he will perform;

With Christ in the vessel,

I smile at the storm.

Be encouraged, friend. Christ is in the vessel with us. He knows. He cares. Don’t be afraid!