Better then......

You know the song..."better is one day in your courts than thousands else where..." but what is that really saying for you, for me, in regards to our daily lives?

I heard a song on the radio the other day that made reference to the things in life that promise us life filled with happiness, but always fall short. To sum it up it spoke of rings, homes, wealth, good times, lots of friends, looks...(anything that draws us in as humans) and the song countered those earthly pleasures with heavenly pleasure...Joy that knows no bounds, peace the does not fade, a friend that never leaves nor forsakes and a life without end.

But right now...right now...how does this help us? Today, in your trial, in your pain, how does a promise of "far away heaven" make you really feel?

It's all about His plan, (as believers that is) and as we place our lives, and our every breath into those loving hands, we essentially tell God that His desires FOR US are better than OUR desires FOR US. Do I really, really, truly, honestly believe this? Do I???? That's where I am sitting today, and I can say, that yes, I do...but it's putting my money where my mouth is that's difficult sometimes. As I watch the world seem to literally fall apart around me, I have to question myself..."am I truly living in peace, with the knowledge that Christ is in control, and that I am living according to HIS PLAN?" Often the idea of "His plan" scares me a bit if I'm going to be totally honest...I'm sure I'm not alone in this: For what I often think that God is going to do with me in the parameter of His plan feels like it just may very well be painful for me. What do you see when you look around and view other believers lives who are really, truly IN LOVE with the Savior? It seems like that are either in trial, just having gotten out of a trial, or are entering into a trial. And by trial I mean: painful circumstances outside of their control. And you have heard it said I'm sure that when life is the toughest, that is when we are closest to the Savior...so why is this? I wish the Lord could send me some very clear memo that read: THIS IS WHY YOU GO THROUGH TRIAL... Then I wouldn't be so afraid of the unknown. But, here is where I am getting to in my own walk: I know that I trust God.. (which I pray daily for more trust) And...I know that He is doing His very best for me, because He loves me perfectly and without flaw ( I need only to look to the cross) So...therefore I am only left to conclude, that His way for me is perfect...and being in His hands is the best place to be, whether in pain or not. My biggest conclusion regarding this whole issue, is IT IS better to be in HIS courts for ONE DAY than my own path ALONE for A THOUSAND YEARS. I am not sure where you stand on this issue my friends, and as you read these words, odds are, you are someone who falls into the category of either being in a trial, coming out of a trial, or just entered a trial. And I'm sure that trial has left you questioning, wondering, and hopefully growing into a better version of you. You see, that is what trial does to us, as we face the trial head on in the strength of Christ, acknowledge that their is always places in our lives that could grow more for the better, and rely then on the UN-ending, all-powerful, perfect, mighty strength of the Lord...good can in fact, emerge from bad. Sure, we could put our head down, and barrel through the storm, we'd emerge faint, weak, wrecked and alone, but chances are, we'd survive, but wouldn't you rather THRIVE than survive? I know I would. SO let me just end by saying this: I do not know what this life holds for me ultimately. But that's OK. I want it to be OK... because I know I am in the best, most trustworthy hands there are. And in faith, I pray that He will help me to put my money where my mouth is. In the trials I have faced before, He has carried me. In the unknowns in my future, I know He will carry me thru those as well...and there is so much freedom from FEAR that drags us down when we place our uncertainties in His most loving hands.