This morning I was having a difficult time starting my journaling with a meaningful praise. I had been in a couple of settings yesterday where the topic of our nation’s political plight was being discussed. It had a lot of consternation expressed for which I wasn’t ready to respond so I mostly listened. I find it very hard to believe the state of our nation is as ugly as the far left and the far right describe. Internally I want to wait this out so we can get back to a better calm.

As I was journaling and attempting to praise God, I found myself unable to find anything praiseworthy about this present plight. But, God then reminded me that I could never praise Him by looking at man and what man can do. I must look to Him and Believe what He can do. I instantly was able to express my praise once I got my eyes off of man and his ways and began to look at God and His Ways.

As I was reading my devotional its message hit right on the head what I needed to read. “We must be able to ‘mount up with wings like eagles'” (Isaiah 40:31). Yes, we cannot begin to see God’s View when we look to man only. Along with this however is what the devotional went on to read, “The power of the saint lies in the coming down and in the living that is done in the valley. Paul says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'” (Philippians 4:13).

Right now I know that God is wanting me to keep my mind and heart focused on Him. Along with this I know He is wanting me to help others do the same as we are “living in the valley”. I don’t want to disregard this present state for I know that is not a Godly action. Instead, while we are in this, I want to believe and trust my God for what He has in store, for He is Almighty. God uses all things to His honor and glory as we turn to Him. He is not surprised by any of this.