Thank God for God

In the world of foster care and foster adoption, the only thing that is certain is uncertainty. You take a step forward and hope there will be ground beneath your feet. Sometimes there is; sometimes there isn't.

So much of what will happen next is completely out of my control. And so much of how will I get through it is beyond my comprehension.

It is overwhelming, all the time, and I haven't even really started yet. And that reminds me just how grateful I am that God is massive, sovereign, omniscient. There is nothing about this that surprises Him. There is nothing about this that He will not sustain me through. That is the deep breath that calms me down on nights like tonight, that smooths my frowning forehead and makes me smile.

O God Most High, Most Glorious,
The thought of thine infinite serenity cheers me,
For I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed,
but thou art ever at perfect peace.
Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfillment,
they stand fast as the eternal hills.
Thy power knows no bond, thy goodness no stint.
Thou bringest order out of confusion,
and my defeats are thy victories:
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

I come to thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows,
to leave every concern entirely to thee,
every sin calling for Christ's precious blood;
Revive deep spirituality in my heart;
Let me live near to the great Shepherd,
hear his voice, know its tones, follow its calls.

Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth,
from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit.
Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities,
burning into me by experience the things I know;
Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel,
that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence,
know it in the power of the Spirit.

Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill;
unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget thee.
Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots;
Grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to thee,
that all else is trifling.
Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong, and happy.
Abide in me, gracious God.

From The Valley of Vision.