Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

He had been through this so many times before, the help he needed coming at the last second. Now, having just drank his last drop and shot his last shot, there was only one remaining reason to garner hope. Though his enemies were pressing in unhindered, an expectation rose inside as he lifted his eyes from desperate circumstances to somewhere above and beyond them where he knew without a doubt his deliverance was on the way. The request had gone out, the message had been sent, and without a doubt his help was on the way. The force of his opposition would otherwise have been completely overwhelming, but when his help arrived he knew Him to be far greater than anything these mere mortals could muster. After all, He was their originator, the One who had designed them and equipped them with the ability to mount any threat at all. To be on His side was to only have enemies with unproductive weaponry. So, from the hills?, from the sky?, from the right?, from the left?, he did not know from where, but he did know who was coming and that He would surely come to keep his foot from falling and his enemies from prevailing over His own.

There is a need for a lifted gaze on a day-by-day basis, where the heart has its expectation on the Deliverer above and in greater measure than anything else. To trust in the Lord is not to be without otherwise overwhelming circumstance. In fact, the greater the circumstances and size of the opposition, the greater will be the potential exercise of trust.  There is no real sweetness to this trust that inspires great songs without dire straits that may only allow the lifted gaze. However, in that small glance will be the motion of faith that signals the armies of heavenly intervention. From their concealed locations they will advance with a deliverance and provision unmatched by any resistance, inevitably producing triumph and the sweet taste of trust for the children of righteousness.

It really doesn’t have to wait for the last drop or the last shot, either. Fixation upon the Deliverer and the sureness of His arrival is ultimately the hope that drives and enables all other hope that we have in Christ. Whether we’re living in manifested promise or experiencing the opportunity for trust at its sweetest, the lifted gaze will enable and empower the enablement and preservation of all that has been prepared for those who love Him. Rather than being depressed by the misguiding messages on the deceivers’ placards, the condition of our spirit can be defined by the joy and peace produced by the message of grace. Always on the way and in great measure is a sufficiency that is greater than all our sin and its judgment of destruction. It will be one for the record books as the Creator demonstrates a favor without merit by producing a victory through us where there had once only been the possibility of defeat.

Just the thought is enough to sense that quickened pulse as the gaze is lifted to a higher expectancy. Ever looking up- for surely redemption draweth nigh… Luke 21:28

Heb 12:1-2 (WEY) Therefore, surrounded as we are by such a vast cloud of witnesses, let us fling aside every encumbrance and the sin that so readily entangles our feet. And let us run with patient endurance the race that lies before us, 2 simply fixing our gaze upon Jesus, our Prince Leader in the faith, who will also award us the prize. He, for the sake of the joy which lay before Him, patiently endured the cross, looking with contempt upon its shame, and afterwards seated Himself— where He still sits—at the right hand of the throne of God.

There are a couple of items that have miraculously made it through the filter of growing up, college, and family life. They are two little Punt, Pass, and Kick trophies from my childhood. One is a bronze and one is a silver football player standing at attention. Somewhere we also have a picture from the awarding of one of them, with me standing there next to the other two winners. It was just a simple contest where the young boys competed to see who could punt, pass, and kick a football the longest and with the most accuracy. Those prizes, though, have taken their place along the prizes my own sons have won through the years and represent a small little identification with victory that is of a worth much larger than just the metal and wood.

To see the highlights and victory photos of any of the truly great athletes of history, there is an image of them, lifting, hugging, or kissing usually a cup of some kind. This prize has been for them part of the intense focus that has kept them in the gym, on the track, hitting balls, and diligently working on the skills that would take them to the victory stand. For everyone who would get there, though, it is more than just the cup that motivates, it is the image of the one holding the cup, that one who has gone before and all that he has done to set himself apart and above. The cup itself might represent the victory, but it holds within itself no means of emulation or method. The one holding the prize does. The story of how he did it will give all the unbearable drills and practice a purpose of great worth. His perseverance and his sacrifice will be seen as the invaluable ingredients of the champion and therefore to be embraced rather than avoided. So, the real prize, that is the enabling focus through the most trying opposition, is much more than just a trophy with some writing on it. That alone might not even get you off the couch and out the door. The one holding the prize, on the other hand will inspire efforts beyond what might have ever been thought possible.

We are in a competition that will require great effort and great endurance. In order to complete this race there will be a need for encouragement, but especially it will require a fixed gaze upon something bigger and much more significant than the grueling pain of the course, something that will make all those otherwise unbearable portions appear to be nothing in comparison. Thankfully, we have a champion who has gone before with an amazing story of diligence and unwavering determination. By “simply” fixing our eyes upon Him when the grade of our own race becomes steep, visualizing His progress up the road to the crucifixion where He fell beneath the weight of the cross, there will be inspiration and renewed motivation to also get up and move forward towards the joy of our prize. This Christ focus is actually the way arriving at our own victory as every other wondering gaze will take us off course and away from assured triumph in Him.

May the overcoming resource of life substance fill this day with hope and unshakeable peace as the Prince of Peace gets the central attention of the eyes. May the unbearable and impossible know transformation in the light of His glory as His holding of the prize becomes the unstoppable motivation to finish the course with joy and excellence.

Heb 11:39 And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, 40 God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

That’s pretty cool. We get to be on the same team as all those Bible-mentioned heroes. It’s our moves that are a direct completion of their perfection. Whenever we set our gaze upon a higher place and make the appropriate choice from a heart of worship, we confirming and affirming the choices they made thousands of years ago, sort of like blocking, setting a pick, or passing the ball.

We had this guy in high school that was a great athlete all four years, but specifically his senior year was honored as the athlete of the year for all of Colorado. Because of his incredible athleticism we were able to win the state championship that year in football and he also went on to win state wrestling and track titles. For him it must have been such an incredible thrill and honor to reach those pinnacles of achievement. When I think back, however, on all that seemed to make him the perfect athlete, both mentally and physically, I think of all those other team members that got to be in more than just the team picture. For every time he ran the ball there was a block made that determined how successful that run would be. Every scrub team member that provided a workout environment for him to sharpen his skills was essential the perfection he portrayed. Many days of outstanding toughness and perseverance were required by him to rise above all other athletes in the sate, but probably many years of devotion and dedication were actually a necessary contribution by those who would never have their name mentioned in any headline.

So our showing up on the practice field, running the drills, and completing the course before us is more than just our little insignificant personal encounter with the Creator of the Universe. It is a movement of faith that completes those movements made even thousands of years ago by those who never got to see just how incredible their perfection would be through us. The connection of God’s team or His body is one that transcends the constraints of eras and life spans to form the image of a completed purpose in Christ. So every holding fast to a confession, every act of service, and every sacrifice of praise is for much more than just the moment and a possible feeling of personal ascendance. There is someone, either past or present whose own walk of faith is dependent upon that step we will make.

While the bonding together in faith with those greats from long ago is so very empowering, encouraging, and inspiring, it is this same bonding that is meant to enable our own perfection and that of those other body members around us from day to day. If a prize is to be attained, if a goal is to be reached, there is a block that needs to be made, a practice dummy held and a drink provided. We are on a quest towards a mark of a higher calling that requires the contribution made by those other members who are equally dependant upon us. We are part of something much greater than our own personal journey, and much of the progress we will make personally is in need of another’s involvement.

John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
Mark 1:10-12 (KJV)

Therefore there is no procrastination for those who are in Christ, both of blessing/healing and of temptation.

Victory parties have much less defining ability than that of the moments of solitude that follow in the wilderness. As wonderful as is the affirmation, its real purpose and function is to bring persistence through the challenging time waiting just around the corner.

The liberation celebration will take on the sound of the dirge if there is no confidence maintained in the Deliverer when the freedom route leads directly to the Red Sea with an army of would-be captors in hot pursuit.

Discovery of a sister swap on the morning after a long anticipated and costly marriage celebration has great power to disable resolve for committing another 7 years for the desired prize.

It would be so wonderful if there were only the blessing, the mountain top glory exposition with an affirmation of heritage and identification. There is, however, another experience that quite often follows the time of honoring encouragement- the challenge, the test that proves the legitimacy of the celebration. It’s not just the ceremony that makes a marriage, but it is its embrace in the face of great challenges that would disable and destroy it. The talked about and much touted athlete is nothing more than a dream and hope until the field of battle is taken and the competition engaged. It is in the embrace of the conflict that the celebrated potential is confirmed and validated.

So, the building storm after the morning of sunshine need not remove the joy of the sunshine’s rays, but rather provide an appreciated opportunity for its proving. With gladness the challenge can be embraced with confidence and assurance gained from the honored moments of affirmation. With joy the cross can be endured with an encouraging remembrance of the glory’s voice and a fixed gaze on the prize that lies ahead. Much more than just for the festivity of the moment is the commencement’s purpose. It is meant to enable steadfastness in the time of heat, hunger, and temptation in the desert. It is meant to solidify and identify those qualities of strength that will empower and equip for endurance through the seemingly endless wilderness challenges that are on the path to the promise.

Instead of doubt there can be great comfort with the rapid arrival of the trial. Rather than undermining the reality of the celebration’s declaration, it can be seen as its confirmation and validation. Welcome, rather than despised can be the fulfillment of its purpose in a victory that glorifies the Author and Finisher.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:2-4 (KJV)

14 For we have, all alike, become sharers with Christ, if we really hold our first confidence firm to the End;
Heb 3:14 (WEY)

Almost sounds like financial counsel- if you just hold these shares through all the difficult times there will be a great payoff in the end. How sad it will be, however, if, after all the hard times and diligent persistence, it just gets to be too much and the opportunity of a lifetime is given up for the shallow promise of another holding. As wonderful as it might be to have held those priceless notes, all of their value is completely time-related, so that their only true moment of worth is when they mature. Until that moment they may be traded or sold, but compared to the treasure they represent at the end, all these other options are but miniscule fractions.

At the initial moment of salvation, when a new name is written down in glory and a new birth into the kingdom inspires angels’ rejoicing, there is within the grasp of the new convert a treasure of life that has infinite promise of return. It has an immediate impact on life as it touches every aspect of living with its healing, strength, provision and hope.  When it has its greatest worth, however, is when it is held confidently all the way till its maturity as life here on earth comes to an end. All the way up to that point it may be sold or traded for other shares, and, sadly, this is too often the case, where the advertisements of earthly investments effectively diminish its appreciation and loosen its grip. At the end those other things may be held in large volumes, but they will have 0 worth at the very moment when only shares in Christ are of any value whatsoever. To have let go of sharing with Him for owning the temporal things of this life would be most tragic.

So how is sharing with Him maintained and held with confidence all the way to the end? How are the odds defied and the enemy’s enticements overcome so that the greatest return on an investment can truly be realized? As He is continually magnified and allowed to occupy the thoughts and passions of the heart, as the treasure of Jesus is held higher than other shiny trinkets by an ever-present praise and humility in worship, there will be a firewall raised to resist any of the dangerous invaders of the heart. Rather than just adding the Lord to the other elements in life and trying to maintain Him like another holding in the investment portfolio, He must become the one possession under which every other element resides. Where pressure is felt to become anxious about family, occupation, finances, society, etc., there is an opportunity to release those cares into the possession of the Greater One, trusting Him with the very things that were attempting to displace Him. In allowing them to decrease in value and perspective next to Him, there is an appropriate adjustment of priorities that maintains confidence in Him through the greatest of challenges and the most trying storms. Instead of abandoning the embrace of Him for another resident of the heart, the steady choice of Him above all others will make the relationship with Him more and more stable, unshakeable to the end.

There will be a return, there will be a great reward, and there will be a sure thing of priceless an eternal value if the confidence in Him will but be held in a worship life, unmovable to the end.

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Psalms 22:1-3 (KJV)
25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. 26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
Psalms 22:25-26 (KJV)

Kim and I recently attended a ministry time for pastors at an established and effectively producing church. We got there a little early and had the opportunity to be a part of a prayer time and meet the senior pastor of the church. What made this event particularly significant for me was that several things had occurred on the way to the event that directly challenged our resolve to go on. Because of some very personal and devastating attacks, we were greatly tempted to just turn around and forget the whole thing. There was reason to question the validity of our most precious possession as threats to His presence became magnified, causing a feeling of great solitude and separation. Even with these things heavy upon our minds and hearts, however, we determined to go ahead and make our way to the gathering.

It was the question from the pastor upon our initial greeting that awoke something inside and brought an opening for light once again. He asked us how we were doing. Now, for us at that particular moment, there was a battle of thoughts to determine exactly what a truthful response should be. Right at the front of the mind was a long list of reasons for despair and discouragement, which should have honestly rendered a sorrowful and negative response. Confronted by this question, though, there was this shifting of the mind from those things to the favor side of our circumstances. The question from a brother in Christ brought a return to the answer and provision side of our circumstances. Though we would go on to relate some of our most challenging considerations, there were words of encouragement from him (and from us) that elevated the ever-present solution in Christ above the isolating effect of the fearful thoughts.

We would go on to gain much valuable information from the sessions that would follow, but in that gathering there was something else that took place even though there wasn’t a single song sung or note played- worship. The name of the Lord was raised and His presence was acknowledged above the dominance of circumstances. This was something that took place as a direct result of our coming together with other believers, where we were compelled to abandon the lonely place for the warmth of His loving favor. We weren’t just being hypocrites that were pretending something around others that wasn’t real somewhere else. We were letting what was real in the congregation affect the illusion of defeat the enemy was using to take our victory and make our God seem far away. Together with others He was seen as near once again.

Alone and apart from the body, there will be great opportunities to abandon the vows, to give up on the commitments, and to lose sight of the One who has done so much to be right there next to us and before us. But, in the congregation of those who fear Him, there will be an opportunity for humility to rise with the lifted praise and for the light of His presence to remove the darkness, revealing the good that was there all along. Something that might not have been possible alone will become inevitable in the sanctuary as the song of despair is transformed into the song of triumph and victory.

Judges 7:7 BBE  And the Lord said to Gideon, By those three hundred who were drinking with their tongues I will give you salvation and give the Midianites into your hands; let the rest of the people go away, every man to his place.

Here was a man who, a short time ago couldn’t be persuaded to leave his place of hiding on the threshing floor. Full of questions and doubts, He needed to know that this being that was calling him a mighty man of valor was really from God. Once Gideon’s eyes were shifted from his own inabilities to the invincibility of God, there was a commitment made that brought with it a tenacious vision that would not be dissuaded by stacked odds. He must have been incredibly encouraged when his call to arms rendered a gathering of some 32,000 men, and his eyes surely began to shift back to their own ability to make this happen and defeat the Midianites by their own numbers and strength. Possibly he considered the gathering of the men as God’s involvement and that He would give them the strength to fight. Now, though, everything that had seemed to be God up to this point was being removed by God with an explanation that it was too much. Obviously Gideon’s perception needed to be shifted back to God as the source and the finisher of this victory.

This was when, once again, Gideon asked for confirmation that this was indeed God’s will and His plan. This question confirmed, though, there was again renewed in Gideon an unwavering willingness to complete whatever it was that God might ask, however improbable it might seem. And, with the commitment, God continued to confirm His will with faith instilling demonstration that He was at work in the Midian camp to prepare their ensuing defeat. Every faith commitment to the promise of God enabled the anointing and the power of God to His work through the willing and committed vessel.

A call has gone out to each of us from the Word for bravery and a departure from fear- for a commitment to something that God has promised to do through us. Though it will seem impossible and though the odds will be insurmountable, this will actually be confirmation that God is with us, that it will be His power, His direction and His moving that accomplish the impossibly and bring incredible victory to what might appear to be certain defeat. All He is needing from us is the commitment, the decision to present ourselves willingly to whatever task He places before us. From the point of commitment, God is ready to anoint and empower, to demonstrate His supernatural ability in the areas that seem most naturally impossible. From time to time, like Gideon, it may be tempting to shift the eyes back to what may appear to be the provision of God and allow dependence to be on the apparent natural success. At these very times it may be necessary that it isn’t the volume of numbers or the increase in finances themselves that God requires. In fact, the natural abundance itself may become a detriment to God’s working if it diverts focus from the One who doesn’t depend on number or abundance of resources. His greatest resource is commitment, and He will take the smallest and use it for the greatest demonstration of His power through the one who has made the decision to obey with unswerving diligence every detailed task He sets before him/her.

It will require the continually shifted gaze back to His presence and His power all along the way, and His Word will ever be a source for this shifted gaze and renewed commitment. With every choice made to look to Him as the Author and the Finisher, however, there will be the touch of His anointing and further revelation that this is, indeed, the path He has chosen and He is continually preparing for an ensuing victory that will have only one explanation- it was God. All He’s looking for is that faith commitment.

Judges 6:1 KJV  And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

Judges 6:6-7 KJV  And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.  (7)  And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

… and thus went the story of Gideon and the incredible demonstration of God’s loving hand of protection and deliverance over His people.

I don’t even remember what it was she ‘did’ to me, but I clearly remember standing in the back yard of our house in Burlington, greatly tempted to proclaim what I thought one of my sisters to be at that moment. Though I knew better and I’m sure had a clue that there might be something to pay for it, I finally gave in and loudly declared my sister to be (a two word phrase that describes) someone of less that full mental capacity. While my revenge was sweet for the few moments it took to state my feelings, there was someone else who observed my failure. I was quickly ushered in to the ‘room of doom’ where it was made very clear to my soul through the place that I sit down that these kinds of things would never again be spoken. What was interesting about this experience for me was my perception of my Dad during my experience of what my own actions/words brought on me. It seemed that the one who had provided and cared for me, played ball with me and taken me hunting was now severely against me. I had fallen out of his favor and now I had only frustration and anger towards him. What I came to understand, though, was that in the middle of what I saw as a severed relationship, from my father’s side there was no loss of love or care whatsoever. He just needed me to have a heart change. Though there has since been this need over and over again in my life, the change Dad was after that day was largely achieved as I don’t recall having used those words towards anyone since. What I thought to be a separation and abandonment in my relationship was never that from Dad’s standpoint. He was ever ready to do whatever would be in my best interest, even if that meant allowing my actions to have consequences.

Like Gideon, hiding away from the threats of danger in the world around him, there may be a wondering of what has happened to the God who, according to the stories, brought deliverance and the promise of abundance and freedom to His people. What is reality and what is truth, however, is that His position has never changed. He is just in need of a heart change from us and a return to Him for the favor He continually desires to bring into our life. Though the punishment may apparently be great and the risen enemy ominous, God has never forsaken, but always considers ours enemies to be his, no matter how badly we’ve transgressed. Just on the other side of obedience is an overwhelming confirmation of this truth. Until the heart change is demonstrated by complete trust and compliance, though, the perceived separation may continue. Never will His purpose be other than our completeness and restoration,, and an embrace and incredible time of fellowship awaits the son or daughter who will only rise from their self-chosen pigsty to return with repentance to a Father who has never changed in His love and desire to bless. A great victory and demonstration of His love is waiting down the road of pursuing His will and His kingdom.

Psalms 30:5 KJV  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

…ye all are partakers with me of grace.
Phil 1:7 (ASV)

While Paul was the star, the one with the great revelation, and the leader of major think tanks of the early church, there was an understanding that went with him wherever he went, that everything he gained, everything he experienced in the way of grace was not his alone, but directly shared by those who had become a part of his heart. For him to have ‘ascended’ somewhere off by himself would have had much less of an effect both for him and all of us who were and are in such need of what he had to share. He seemed to display this incredible drive to press ever closer to his place by the Father with a purpose of taking as many others there with him.

I was fortunate in high school to play on a state championship football team. There were several elements that enabled us to make it all the way through the season to ultimately triumph in the final game, but there was one individual that really made the difference, that we could not have won without. He was a great all around athlete also dominating in wrestling and track to be chosen as the athlete of the year for the state of Colorado. Because he carried the ball, blocked and dominated on defense we were able to defy size differences and persistent odds. There was something else about him, though, that made victory possible for us as a team. He had an understanding that winning as a football player was not something that could be done on his own, that every personal victory was completely dependent on and shared with each and every other member of the team. I as his backup running back didn’t start but one of the games and definitely wasn’t even noticed beside him, but yet I could claim the same championship status as he, and in actuality, the part I did have to contribute was key to the success he enjoyed.

There is a necessity in the pursuit of the kingdom for there to be an understanding that this is a shared pursuit, that any progress made will be dependent on and shared with those other members of the body we’ve been fortunate enough to encounter. While there may be personal revelations and individual spiritual discoveries, their ultimate impact and significance in the larger kingdom game will have much to do with how they are shared rather than horded. In fact their sharing is what they were really intended for. Also, the contributions of each member or player, is just as significant as any noticed ones with the success and effectiveness of any leadership totally dependent upon the participation of each one who will put on a uniform, go to practice and show up for the game. Each one of us as we partake of the grace that is ours in Christ is doing so together with a body that we need and is in need of our part.

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Eph 4:16 (KJV)

1 Samuel 30:6 KJV  And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

There is a time when it is most critical that the focus be relocated upon an unchanging source of encouragement. Though it was David who seemed to have erred and made it possible for their wives and families to be taken captive while the men were away, it was also he through whom God would bring the victory. To have stoned him would have sealed the fate of their families and for David to have become consumed in grief and self-doubt would have kept him from enquiring of the Lord and receiving the direction that would turn apparent disaster into unquestionable triumph.

Right when the voices both from within and without are the loudest, demanding the worst and predicting defeat, there is the greatest opportunity for the turning of circumstances in the hands of a mighty God if His word, His faithfulness and His mercy will but be magnified above the circumstances. When all other sources of stability and strength have been either burned or taken captive, that place of stability upon the Rock, the secret place of the Most High, is yet accessible to the one who has made it their abiding place. David was able to be encouraged at this time because encouraging himself in the Lord was a continual part of his life. Though he seemed to fail in some of the greatest ways from time to time, he had discovered that his God was full of mercy and compassion, and that there was always a place at His side where David was not only welcome, but received as a son with the identity of a winner no matter what the situation might try to paint otherwise. David’s praise of God was one that directly affected his self-perception and his ability to rise from distress to achieve victory, not by his own power, but by that which came directly from a loving God that received his full focus, attention, honor, praise and worship.

Whether or not something has been taken captive and whether or not there are deafening demands for demise, there is a place of encouragement that can be accessed and further established in the presence of a loving Father today. While it will always be the most fulfilling and affirming place of incredible encouragement, there may, like David, be a time when accessing this place will be much more than just a pleasurable option- it could mean restoration or destruction for things so dear to the heart. There will be those whose fate will be determined by a choice of worship and a decision to let God be a source of encouragement over the pressing insistence of discouraging and disabling thoughts and imaginations. For those who have made turning to Him their way of life there will always be an answer to an inquiry for direction that will lead to a triumphant restoration of all that was stolen.

It may be that there isn’t a long list of personal God demonstrations like the lions, bears, and giants of David’s experience to use as a source of encouragement, but for each of us who have been born into new life in Christ, there is an endless source of affirmation, identity-adjustment and encouragement provided in the scriptures. Choosing to acknowledge all those things that are in us right now in Christ will enable a confident advance to the throne of God where help is sure to be found in whatever form necessary. Though it may not be coming from any other direction, there is life-changing encouragement waiting for the one who will put those affirming words of our loving Father in their mouth, mind, and heart. This self-encouragement will be based upon a reality that is independent of what may be seen or heard with natural eyes or ears, and much more powerful to produce a desired peaceful, recovered and restored end.

1 Samuel 30:18-19 KJV  And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.  (19)  And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.