because there is always hope and love

Learning lately that the basis of our love is the trust which was made possible at Calvary. When my soul is tossed to and fro with the doubts and fears this world's momentary and passing trifles, the cross must be my solitary gaze. Then, and then alone, will I be able to say, "It is well with my soul." When sin and weakness weigh heavily upon my soul, I often shrink with fear from even seeking the Lord, anticipating that His ears are no longer open to my cries for mercy. Yet every morning they are new, and panting--pleading--my spirit cries,

"Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation."

as an old Puritan prayer says, "there is no peradventure in Thy grace." What a promise to cling to! Lately, weary worries have filled my mind....and they have been exactly what this prayer says..."peradventures," wonderings of "what-ifs" and "maybe-thats." Not only are these fears often irrational, they're not even things that I can or could control. So my heart is fixed upon the Savior, whose grace alone stands unshakeable by time, by sin, by death, by darkness, by human weakness.

This summer has been a definite growing experience in so many ways. But one theme keeps coming through loud and clear: ONE THING IS SURE AND STEADFAST.

There for me the Savior stands / Holding forth His wounded hands / Scars which ever cry for me / Once condemned, but now set free

and

His loving heart engaged to be / Their everlasting surety

(I love the picture of these few words...some of the most precious of the entire summer. He has promised--He has engaged Himself in a covenant with His people that forever He should be their sure foundation.)

'twas love that took their cause in hand / and love maintains it till the end

until next time, folks, I'm resting in the everlasting arms that have me held joyfully, with strength that cannot fail. The Surety's heart has seen my sin and borne my reproach--it cannot be turned away. Until He comes, I wait--resting in His work to purify His bride--to see that Bridegroom's face.

=)