When our eyes behold through the gath’ring night...

This is a picture from up at Camp Chetek where our church retreats every year. We were able to hear alot of good teaching from God's Word and get a good pep talk to "remove the leaven in 2011". Today I was thinking over this year. I've had some great experiences and some pretty rotten ones in 2010. But, often it cracks me up how often my perspective can change a difficult experience into a good one. I've been thinking how, for everything that takes place in my life, God and Satan have completely different goals. If I listen to the lies Satan whispers in my ear, the outcome will be harmful, to me and others. So often I catch myself listening to those lies (leaven) -- I don't even realize it till I look at the fruit that they bring. Self-rejection, discouragement, sadness, and fear. But if I remember the Truths that my heavenly Father has lovingly told me, he will bring good out of even the negative things that happen. The things the enemy wants to use to damage and discourage me become stepping-stones to happiness in Jesus when I bring God's truth into the situation. He says in the Psalms that "the entrance of Thy words brings light". And it's the most amazing experience to see fear and gloom give way to His comfort, love, and mercy!

I've started keeping a collection of His Truths that speak to specific fears or lies that I catch myself believing. And when I'm going through a difficult time, those Truths are right there to pull me out of it. Because He says:

"If you abide in My Word,

you are truly My disciples,

and you will know the truth,

and the truth will set you free."

(John 8:31)

A true promise, for sure! :)

When our eyes behold through the gath’ring night
The city of gold, our harbor bright,
We shall anchor fast by the heav’nly shore,
With the storms all past forevermore.


We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.