Isaiah 30:18
“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!”
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,’
declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 34:8-10
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
Do I just want it easy all the time?
When I have felt the closeness of God I want it all the time, and why wouldn’t I .
But that would make me fat and lazy. It’s that constant desire for that closeness, the reading of Gods word, helping others and constant conversation with God which helps me grow as a Christian. I learn far more when things are hard than when life is easy.
Grant me, even me, my dearest Lord, to know you, and love you, and rejoice in you…
Let the love of you grow every day more and more in me, that my joy may be full in you. (Augustine of Hippo – 354-430 AD)*
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord… takes great delight in [me]; in his love he will no longer rebuke [me], but will rejoice over [me] with singing.
Isaiah 40:31
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Psalm 22:1-5
“God, God… my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing. I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.
And you! Are you indifferent, above it all, leaning back on the cushions of Israel’s praise?
Psalm 23:1-6 MSG
“GOD, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.”