Sunday’s Food for Thought : ‘God Hath Not Promised Skies Always Blue’
These days, it is somehow more common to hear about :
… ‘how to receive blessings from above’, THAN ‘how to become a blessing to others’
… ‘how God will always bless us with material wealth and health’, THAN ‘how the apostle Paul teaches us what ‘being content’ means’
… ‘how believers of Christ will be delivered from suffering and difficulties’, THAN ‘God who promises to always be with us as we sail through storms of life’
…
Today I was reminded of how challenges/trials/difficulties CAN happen in one’s life, even when he/she believes in God and is doing things that’re according to God’s will.
Like, Paul and Silas’ situation (as shared in Acts 16)
They were indeed doing God’s work and were in accordance to God’s will, and YET, they were physically hurt by the mob and were thrown to jail.
Does this mean God is not a sovereign God? Does it mean God is not powerful enough to protect His people?
No.
This is where the lyrics in this beautiful song explain the situation well.
…
God hath not promised skies always blue
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways, all our lives through,
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
…
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way.
Grace for the trials, Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
…
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
…
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way.
Grace for the trials, Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
…
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
…
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way.
Grace for the trials, Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
[By Annie Johnson Flint]
…
This song speaks to me personally, and I was greatly encouraged by the lyrics too!
So far, God’s grace has always been enough for me to get through the day, however tough it’s been.
And I’m learning – still – to put my trust in Him, that He will supply our needs and shower us with His mercy, grace, help and strength, as we face the future and its many ‘unknowns’.
Have a blessed Sunday, everyone.
And here’s wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
