Turning Cartwheels

"Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!" -- Habakkuk 3:17-19, The Message

When we see a day of trouble approach, it concerns us to prepare. A good hope through grace is founded in holy fear. The prophet, Habakkuk, looked back upon the experiences of the church in former ages, and observed what great things God had done for them, and so was not only recovered, but filled with holy joy. He resolved to delight and triumph in the Lord; for when all is gone, his God is not gone.

Today's prayer: "God, looking back over the past nine years, you have done great things for your church, Cobblestone. And though the bank account is not overflowing, and the chairs not all filled, Though all are not healed, delivered or set free, and Though many have yet to be introduced to you, you have done GREAT things and I rejoice in You, turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God."