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Listen while you read: "Through All The Changing Scenes"1 (Lyrics) |
We had not been to church for quite a while, mainly because of the COVID-19 situation as well as on account of personal medical issues. But in April, we started attending again. Mind you, a lot has changed: attendance has decreased, and there are not as many hymns sung, but they have a short meditative video at the very end of the service.
One Sunday, there was a scene of beautiful country views while a song written by Annie J. Flint and sung by Don Moen was played. A couple of verses spoke to my heart:
- He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater
He sendeth more strength when the labours increase
To added affliction He addeth His mercy
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our stores of endurance
When strength has failed ere the day is half done
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving has only begun.
I can relate to some of those words. I have always been a person who wanted to be doing something. I have trouble doing nothing, and I spent a lot of time pursuing a variety of hobbies, even during my working career. But now that I am well up in years, I find that I tire easily, and I need to take it easy and rest more. My strength seems to fail me when the day is half done.
Moses had the same kind of experience after he had spent forty years taking the children of Israel from a life of slavery almost to the Promised Land. All those years, he was busy as a leader, judge, and counsellor. He talked with God, he preached to the people, and he wrote down the events of that forty-year journey. It is generally accepted that he wrote the first five books of the Bible. Then, as the people were about to enter the Promised Land, he gave a great speech. It started this way:
Deuteronomy 31:2a – And he said to them, "I am one hundred and twenty years old today. I can no longer go out and come in." (NKJV)
Moses was aware that his days of leading the people were over. There comes a time in our lives when we just can't do the things that we used to do, need to do, or want to do. It is then that we realize that "He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater."
May all of us who have reached this stage in our lives be assured of that promise.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, there are times when we become so distraught about the fact that we are no longer able to do what we used to do. We earnestly pray that You would give us understanding, patience, and peace in our hearts. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
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So true.
Thank you.
I’m with you, Joel.
Another well-written devotional Joel.
Thanks, Joel. I can definitely identify with this!
So perfectly said, Joel.
Thank you.
Joel, your words resonated with me today and also the lyrics. Thank you.
Thank you, Joel, for sharing this very comforting devotional. You have brightened my day!
Amen to that, Joel. Thank you for these reassuring words today. I can certainly relate to what you are saying!
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. God does give us more grace as we turn to Him. Blessings.
Thank you, thank you. I too can’t do what I used to do and want to do – a humbling experience making me more dependent on my faith and hope in the Lord.
Joel, I always really like your messages especially today’s, His Multiplied Peace. I can no longer do the things I love to do either, especially gardening. Thank you.
Joel
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your devotional. I can certainly relate to the content.
Thanks.
Thank you, Joel, for your devotional, a reminder to me to accept the fact that as I grow older, I can’t do everything I used to and to just do what I can and be happy and contented. Do take care and enjoy all that you have, blessings to you.
Thank you so much for your post, it really helps me understand Moses better and reminds us that we shouldn’t get upset when we can’t do as much as we used to do. There is a time for everything just like God planned. Keep well and may God bless you and your family!
Thanks for the devotional today. I am in the same boat.
I am in the process of thanking Him for what I can do instead of lamenting about what I used to do.
Blessed on all of us who are in this stage of life.
Thanks so much for sharing, I can relate to that easily.
Been busy all those many years but lately it seems like I always need the Lord to assist me with many chores. I depend on Him solely.
Praised be to God.
Thank you, Joel!
This is true and encouraging, I really enjoy Don Moen.
I like the scripture in the Bible that says about being with white hair and makes me feel like God can still use me doing something!
God bless.
Joel, thank you for this devotional. My husband and I relate because you mentioned most of the changes that we have seen in our church during the last few years, as well as health issues. We even have a new pastor! But we embrace each day as it changes to another and accept the adaptations to aging and acceptance of what God has for us each day. God is good. All the time. Blessings to your day.
Hello Joel,
Thank you for another of your special writings. I can really relate with you the frustration of not being able to get things done as promptly as we did in years gone by. One thing we know is that our Lord is ever there to help us along and that is a constant for sure. You have surely done your work over time Joel so now enjoy more down time and take it easy as you restore your health. Blessings for still submitting your great writings.
Many thanks Joel for the encouraging words for all of us who have reached this age and stage of life. It is good to be reminded of God’s unending love and grace and mercy when we actually realize and come to accept that we can no longer operate at the speed that we have always expected of ourselves! The poem you included was special and I wrote it down to refer to when I forget to be humble and get frustrated with things I cannot change! Stay strong and keep well!
This was a lovely refreshment for me, just when I needed it! The words mean so much as the burden of our son’s illness, is added to the physical challenges of navigating our 80s that both my husband and I face.
Having the words right on the screen locks them into my mind, heart, and most importantly, my Spirit!
Thank you, Joel, for this blessing!
(BC)
Thank you, Joel, for the music and daily devotion. Yes, there are stages in life which we find ways to fill.
I have noticed many people when we chat saying they want those they meet daily to be patient and kind to them.
We are entering a stage in life where we can offer this to the many leading and working for the community at large or caring for others where we might have been.
May God bless you.
(Ontario, Canada)
Dear Joel,
Thank you for writing this devotional. It has touched me deeply, for I am experiencing similar concerns with regard to health and aging, having always been blessed with good health and have been very active in our church and community.
I haven’t heard that song for a long time and it’s perfect! “He giveth and giveth and giveth again!” Praise the Lord!
May God continue to bless you and your wife. He is using you, whatever your circumstances, to minister to others.
Good morning, Joel,
I wondered where your title was going to take us, and I was wrong. Your devotional is so honest that I can feel your understanding of the situation clearly and comfortably.
With my friends, we have similar chats about how much longer it takes to do our routine tasks. We know inside we are the same person but physically we are different, and we approach life in different ways.
Thank you for the words of the song, your honest feelings, the example of Moses scripture, and your prayer.
I am sure you have many of us with a greater understanding that this is just part of life and God is there for us. Blessings and hope you have a joyful day.
Dear Joel,
Thank you for your morning devotion. Our church opened up again around Easter in NL at limited capacity but is now fully opened but very few are coming out. It is sad to see. I don’t know what it will take to bring folks back in the sanctuary. This coming Sunday we are having a service and picnic outside with our sister church so hopefully it will be
supported.
I hope and pray that you are continuing to have good news from your doctors. It’s amazing how our body starts slowing down after 80 but our mind still wants to do more and we tire so easily. I don’t like the feeling but still push myself to teach at the Y a few times a week.
Say we’ll.
Blessings.
Dear Joel,
I have so much appreciated your Devotionals.
I too love that hymn… He Giveth More Grace. Thanks for reminding me of it.
May God continue to pour out His Grace and Strength on you daily.