Billy Graham - Hope for Each Day Deluxe: Words of Wisdom and Faith

I cried out to You, O L ORD :

I said, You are my refuge,

My portion in the land of the living.

P SALM 142:5

You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.

P SALM 32:7

O ut West an old sheepherder had a violin, but it was out of tune. He had no way of tuning it, so in desperation he wrote to one of the radio stations and asked them at a certain hour on a certain day to strike the tone A. The officials of the station decided they would accommodate the old fellow, and on that particular day the true tone of A was broadcast. His fiddle was thus tuned, and once more his cabin echoed with joyful music.

When we live apart from God, our lives get out of tuneout of harmony with others and with God. But if we live in tune with the Master, we, too, will find ourselves surrounded by His beautiful music.

As this new year begins, ask God to help you tune your life every day to His Word, so you can bring harmony and joy to those around you.

H OPE FOR T ODAY

Are you feeling weary and worn? Are you desperate for something to change? Ask God to reveal where your life may be out of tune. He will be faithful to you.

They looked... and behold, the glory of the L ORD appeared in the cloud.

E XODUS 16:10

W ithout the clouds we wouldnt be shielded from the burning sun. Without the clouds there would be no lavish sunsets, no beneficial rain, no beautiful landscapes.

The same is true with lifes clouds. When hard times come, we easily get discouraged. But behind the clouds God is still present, and can even use them to water our souls with unexpected blessings. Longfellow once wrote, Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining. As Gods people wandered in the wilderness, He declared, Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud (Exodus 19:9).

Each of us experiences clouds in lifesometimes slight, but sometimes dark and frightening. Whatever clouds you face today, ask Jesus, the light of the world, to help you look behind the cloud to see His glory and His plans for you.

H OPE FOR T ODAY

Help me, Lord, not to allow the clouds of the day prevent me from seeking Your face. May I, like Moses, be bold enough to approach the thick darkness (Exodus 20:21) if that is where Your presence is found.

For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

P SALM 36:9

S adly, many people get their happiness only from outward circumstances. As long as their lives are untroubled, they feel happy. But when illness strikes, or a relationship breaks down, or any of a thousand other unexpected troubles engulf them, then happiness flees.

Near my home is a spring that never varies its flow. Floods may rage, but its output doesnt increase. A long summers drought may come, but it wont decrease. Its flow is steady, reliable, and unending.

Such is the peace we all yearn forand such is the peace Jesus promises to all who trust in Him: The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.... My peace I give to you (John 4:14; 14:27).

Have you come to that unending spring, which is Christ? Are you coming to Him each day?

H OPE FOR T ODAY

The world attempts to woo people with its version of happiness. Today, spend some time alone with Christ and experience joy that is full and pleasures that are eternal.