With a heart of Thanksgiving

 

This was the scene in Colorado Springs last night as afternoon gusts of wind drove the Waldo Canyon Fire past the primary and secondary fire line and into the city.   It is unknown how many homes have been lost at this point but the fire continues to spread currently covering 15,324 acres of the part of Colorado where I grew up.

Last night as I watched coverage of the fires from Nicaragua thankful that my family and friends were able to get out I was overcome with tears at the thought of so much devastation.   In the midst of heartache we turn to God our Father who is so eagerly awaiting cry to  Him.   It is easy to be consumed by worry about lost homes, displaced residents, no end in sight.    I'm reminded of a sermon I heard few weeks ago that seems so appropriate to share now.  

Philippians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be know to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be know to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Skipping to the middle part first   we see the Lord is at hand; do not be anxious.   Most of the time the work of the lord does not put us in places where we are comfortable and when our trust is in Him who is able to work it all out we don't need to worry.    I was struck by the contrast of anxiousness and thanksgiving.   When there is thanksgiving there is no room for fear.    You could say that is where the rejoicing in the Lord always comes in.   


So Lord please give me and all those affected by the fires the strength to see all that we can be thankful for in the midst of tragedy.   Thank you that there has been no loss of life.  Thank you that with all of this new technology friends and family can stay connected and informed.   Thank you that new life will grow from the ashes with time.  Thank you for all of the wonderful memories I have of family time at the Flying W Ranch, camping near Rampart Range Resevior, and hiking in Queen's Canyon.


Lord please continue to protect those in harm's way.   May this event be a turning point for many  to look to You the giver of every good (not by our earthly definition but by Your heavenly one) gift.


You can fallow life coverage of the fire here