I have seen the mysterious ways God has worked throughout my life and even just within this week:
- In a week that was set up to be difficult with Tim out of town, I needed the reminder that God is sovereign. Juggling my two days of work as a nurse without having Tim home to take care of the boys and our normal afternoon childcare arrangements for Tuesdays; caring for the boys without Tim's help when both boys struggle with anxiety and related behaviors from having Tim gone; caring for the household responsibilities on my own; continuing to battle with therapy services for Josh; etc. -- I am surviving, and so far things are going better than I had anticipated with only two more days of being alone to go. Part of what has gotten me through is singing this hymn and remembering God's sovereign control over my life and our daily circumstances.
- In my own personal devotions this week, I have been reminded of God's sovereignty. As I read through Job, I see it very clearly. Bad things happen to good people. Life can be difficult and full of heart-wrenching troubles. Friends fail us. Our broken justice system acts unjustly. Disasters lurk at every corner. Job didn't curse God and kill himself like his unhelpful wife had suggested even after losing his wealth, his family, his means of income, his friends, and his health. Instead he chose to praise God, ask God some deep questions from his heart, and conclude that when he comes through his trials, he will come forth as gold. No matter what I face in life, God has ordained each and every thing - from the deepest, darkest trials to the mountain top experiences. I can live each day confidently knowing that I remain in God's capable hands and nothing today will happen outside of God's control and plan. I may not see His purposes clearly, but I know that He will work His sovereign will performing His wonders daily in my life. I can put away my anxious fears and live in the moment all for God's glory!
Because I love the song so much and because I couldn't get it out of my head anyway, I decided to take some time for myself today, reflecting on God's sovereignty and glory, and record a video of this hymn for others to enjoy the truths of those great words! Forgive the poor audio and the piano that needs to be tuned. I recorded it on my voice memo app on my ipod while I played the piano and sang. :-)