Seems like most of my days fall into one of two categories, bad days and then really crappy days.
 
OK, I’m really not that much of a pessimist, and in fact, God has given me the ability to find a lot of good in even the worse of days; but I am also painfully aware, that all days seem to be under attack, and so bad days are just a part of the program.  Well anyway, yesterday was one of those really crappy days.  I don’t want to give a lot of details so as not to cause any further harm, but just suffice it to say that much was at risk, an epic battle was engaged and most left the battle field severely wounded, some sadly at my own hand.

So as I come home today and attempt to write, my mind just won’t slow down, my heart won’t quit aching, and my faith is on the brink of total collapse.  Finally, unable to proceed any further, I sit down with my guitar to attempt to clear some of the smoke from the front lines.  It was there that I chose (or perhaps it chose me) Chris Tomlin’s arrangement of Amazing Grace.

The words and passion of that classic hymn … well just listen:

                                                                                      Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
                                                                                                that save a wretch like me.
                                                                                        I once was lost, but now am found, 
                                                                                                  Was blind but now I see.

God reminded me, in the midst of my self-pity and the enemies words of condemnation, that I am no longer that wretch, that I am no longer lost.  He reminded me that he accomplished something in me that is true of me regardless of the battles, that now in Christ, I am a new creation.  He went on:

                                                                                     The Lord has promised good to me, 
                                                                                              His word my hope secures.
                                                                                        He will my shield and portion be,
                                                                                                 As long as life endures.

So much of our battle is the enemy setting us up to doubt just that, his promise of good for us.  We begin questioning if he really is enough, our portion; and we conclude that we must still be that wretch that we once were and thus his promises are not trust worthy.  But Mr. Tomlin understands the true gospel well, and I love his chorus.

                                                                                  My chains are gone, I’ve been set free
                                                                                  My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
                                                                                      And like a flood His mercy reigns,
                                                                                        Unending love, Amazing Grace.

It really is amazing, you know, this grace, this undeserved love that he has for us.  We have been set free, ransomed, and our God is longing to pour out a flood of his mercies on us … unending.   It is the only safe place.

And that is really good news, that in the midst of even the worse days when everything seems against us, he’s not against us. Rather he is for us, reminding us of his heart for us that never has been and never will be dependent on the kind of day that we have had.

To the King,

David