THE FOREST NIGHT

Sometimes, the night is long. And sometimes, we wallow around in a dark pit of despair thinking it isn’t all that bad down in the dark pit of despair. Why fight gravity? Why look for a way out when heaviness and hurt hold at the bottom? But, after you’ve been around the bottom of the pit a few times, eventually, you want out. 

There is a great song written by Charles Weigle (and an awesome jazz piano arrangement by David Hamilton) entitled No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus. Isn’t it Jesus who has been with you through everything? Doesn’t He know the troubles you’ve seen? Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with what we go through and knows our weaknesses. He is touched by the feeling of our infirmities.

For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched with the feeling

of our infirmities; but was in all points

tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

God’s ear has been attentive to the distress calls of people who call on Him. Psalm 56:8 says He keeps track of tears and collects them in a bottle. Psalm 138:8 says He will perfect that which concerns me. Can you imagine God caring about what is bothering you? His eye goes to and fro seeking those who would call on Him so that He may show Himself strong on their behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9). What great verses for the invested prayer appointment with God! Calling on God can change a predicament. Whether He will or not is another thing, but He is able. And Jesus said many times, “Your faith has healed you.” It is still said today by He who rose from the dead. 

November 4^th is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. As you know, not everyone enjoys the freedom to worship Jesus Christ. 

Remember them that are in bonds,

as bound with them;

and them which suffer adversity,

as being yourselves also in the body.

Hebrews 13:3

I think of Richard Wurmbrand, for example, who, when he was 39, was put into prison and endured 14 years of torture in Romania for the faith. But, he prayed for his persecutors and lived through the horrible experience. In fact, God kept him alive to the age of 92, and he and his wife had started the Voice of the Martyrs. 

Decide right now to spend time in prayer on November 4^th for persecuted brothers and sisters around the globe. God knows who they are and your faithful prayer can be heard. The parable of the persistent widow means to not give up in praying. Please remember them that are in bondage for their faith.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable

to show them that they should always pray

and not give up.

Luke 18:1

The leaves are falling from the trees here in my neck of the woods. The willowy tamaracks are gearing up for what comes next. Woodland critters are finalizing preparations as winter approaches. Creation’s timing reminds us that a reward is coming, like morning following night. Make ready! Joy is beyond despair. There will be a return of the King. Only this time, He comes not as the sacrificial Lamb but the reigning, conquering King and the only one able to give the crown of life.

Fear none of those things which thou

shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast

some of you into prison, that ye may

be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:

be thou faithful unto death,

and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 2:10

May you be encouraged by the faith of the persecuted to want that crown. Our powerful friend can help us. No one ever cared for me like Jesus—the reason, even when in a pit, for my JOY!