The Disappointments of Life

“This thing is from Me.”
(1 Kings 12:24)

The disappointments of life are in reality only the loving decrees of our God and Father:

I have a message for you today, My child. Let Me whisper it in your ear so that the storm clouds may be gilded with glory, and the rough places where you walk be made smooth.

It is a short message, but let it sink into your inmost soul and use it as a pillow to rest your weary head:

“This thing is from Me.”

When Trouble Comes…

Have you ever thought that all that concerns you also concerns Me?

“He who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”
(Zechariah 2:8)

You are precious in My sight (Isaiah 43:4), and it is My special delight to teach you.

• Are temptations assailing you?
  This thing is from Me. Your weakness needs My might. Your safety is in letting Me fight for you (Isaiah 59:19).
• Are you in difficult circumstances?
  Surrounded by people who do not understand you? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances.
• Have your plans been upset?
  Are you crushed and weary? This thing is from Me. Let Me plan for you.
• Are you suffering financially?
  This thing is from Me. Trust in My provision (Philippians 4:19).
• Are you facing sorrow?
  This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3), here to give you eternal consolation (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17).
• Did a friend disappoint you?
  This thing is from Me. Learn that the best friend is Jesus.
• Are you spoken against unfairly?
  Leave them to Me. Find shelter under My wings (Psalm 31:20). I will bring forth your righteousness (Psalm 37:6).
• Are you laid aside from active service?
  This thing is from Me. I want to teach you deeper lessons. Those who wait can still serve powerfully in prayer.
• Have you been called to greater responsibility?
  This thing is from Me. Go forward in My strength (Deuteronomy 15:10).

Divine Instructions in Every Interruption

Today I place in your hand a pot of holy oil. Use it fully.

Let every circumstance, every painful word, every weakness, every interruption be anointed with it. Remember:

Interruptions are divine instructions.

The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.

Therefore:

“Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today ... because it is your life.”
(Deuteronomy 32:46–47)

— L. A. Barton (Revised)

Trust in God

We are in relationship with God. In all things, He is our refuge. Events do not disturb Him. He knows everything—beforehand.

Events shake neither His throne nor His heart; they always accomplish His purposes. But to us, He is love.

He listens to us and bows His ear to hear us. Instead of disquieting ourselves, we should present our requests to God with prayer and thanksgiving.

Philippians 4:6–7 does not say that you will have what you ask, but that God’s peace will keep your hearts.

Our trouble is before Him. His unshakable peace quiets our burdened hearts. He gives us peace which surpasses all understanding, because He is above every circumstance and our troubled hearts.

Even our anxieties become a way for us to experience His wondrous peace—if we know how to bring them to God.

Oh, how true and gracious He is!

— J. N. D.