The Best is Yet to Come

Ploughed fields near Tideford, Cornwall

There may be times when it seems like our life is being ploughed through and turned upside down, either by events or a painful situation. In our bewilderment it may well not feel like Father is preparing us for new growth, we just cannot see it. But as we cling to Jesus in the turmoil, we begin to see things from His perspective, find new directions and new green shoots of hope start to appear. The best is yet to come.

“I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:19

Concerns for the Future

Sunset at Seaton Beach, Cornwall

I find that late evening and nighttime can be the time when any lurking fears or concerns for the future can surface, with the potential to leave me feeling vulnerable. If that happens I know I need to deal with them well before bedtime.

It’s comforting to know that Father God has our future all worked out. He has given us His presence and nothing can separate us from His love. This is absolute security. We can trust Him.

“Your sun will never set” Isaiah 60:20

Intimacy

The Garden House, Yelverton, Devon

I have a love for gardens, especially walled gardens, like this one. As I step into the enclosure I'm immediately aware of a closeness and an intimacy. And as I slow down and take in the heady perfume of the myrtle blossom and the riot of colour in the borders, the worldly distractions start to fall away and peace descends.

We can of course find space anywhere to be with Jesus in secret, where the longing within connects with His longing for us. It’s like coming home.

“Lord, I’m coming” Psalm 27:8

Light in Our Darkness

The Black Mountain, Wales

This is the aptly named Black Mountain at the west end of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. It can appear foreboding as it broods above the little lake Llyn y Fan Fach . In certain climbing conditions I have found it a bit threatening with just a touch of fear lurking in the background.

Darkness is part of life, but when we experience our own dark threatening times, we may feel we want to escape or wish it would go away. However, when we acknowledge that Jesus is with us in the situation and we call upon Him, the light is switched on, the darkness is transformed and fear melts away.

“I am the light of the world” John 8:12

The Way Forward

Glendurgan Maze, near Falmouth, Cornwall

This laurel maze is in the garden at Glendurgan, a subtropical valley garden that slopes down to the beautiful Helford estuary. As a boy, mazes fascinated me and our grandchildren are just the same. They rush round calling to one another, except the youngest tends to get lost and starts to cry.

There are times in our lives when we get stuck or lost, feeling scared and not knowing which way to turn. But as we look to Father, He reveals the way forward, one step at a time, keeping us on the right path. It’s so comforting to know that He has already gone ahead to prepare the way.

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

Memories

Mullion Harbour, Cornwall

The harbour at Mullion Cove is now in the care of the National Trust. But when I was a boy it was a busy little fishing harbour. When I visit there now, childhood memories come flooding back. I can just picture the nets hanging up to dry on the walls, the stacks of crab pots and the all-pervading fishy smell, with seagulls circling above.

Sometimes troublesome memories get in the way of the 'good' ones and can have a disabling affect upon our lives. But when we face these with Jesus we find healing for our souls.

" My peace I give you" John 14:27

Be Still and Know

Lee Bay, North Devon

Lee Abbey is a place we have used to get away from it all or stay for a retreat.The views are out of this world. As you stand and stare at the wonder of God's creation, the cares you came with begin to fall away and you begin to see things from the Creator's perspective.

In our busyness it's not always easy to still ourselves. But when we do it is both awesome and comforting to realize that the Almighty God is really 'with' us. He is in control and all shall be well. These Bible words below are powerful!

"Be still, and know that I am God -" Psalm 46:10