Not all of my days go the way I planned them. Some fall short of my expectations. Sometimes pain interrupts my plans. Sometimes it is because of something I did or did not do; sometimes it is because of something someone else did or did not do. Sometimes my long term projects fall short of completion. Sometimes my goals, my hopes, my desires get lost in the shuffle of today and all that it offers. This verse speaks to me for those days:
Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty,
I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain!
Habakkuk 3: 17-19 Message Bible
Would it be ok if I put that into my translation, in terms I can relate to?
Though my body is aching and my joints are rebelling,
Though my plans didn’t work out and the doctor had bad news,
Though the bank account is dwindling and the bills are stacking higher,
I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer. I feel like I’m queen of the mountain!
Praise is at times an overflowing from the abundance of the heart, other times it is a sacrifice: a decision we make in spite of circumstances. Praise is acknowledging God for what He has done on our behalf. Even if today, we have doubts and can’t think of what those things are He remains the same – loving us, healing us, watching over us, forgiving us, providing for us, reassuring us, upholding us in His righteous right hand. Even on days when we forget to sing joyfully, He still dances over us with joy!
Praise doesn’t have to loud and extravagant, but it can be.
Sometimes it can be a simple, heartfelt thank you.
Father, I am counting on Your rule to prevail in my life, in my body, in my finances, in my will. I surrender to Your plans for my day and Your provision for this day. This is the day You have made and I will rejoice in it. If my plans fail to go my way, will you please have them go Yours? Thank You that I take heart and gain strength as I wait on You. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Jesus My Healer Devotions 
This is very inspiring and heartfelt. I too have lived a life of pain. My prayers are with you and yours. ~ Dennis
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Thank you Dennis, I appreciate your kind words and your prayers. Diane
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