I really, really hope you know this...

God is incredibly amazing and good!!!!

Of course, I would have reason to say that... Tiago and I have been hoping for and planning on him coming to the States at the beginning of next year to meet my family, friends, etc. But it has all been contingent on whether or not he gets a visa. Well, today was the day for his interview at the American Embassy, and he got it!! God is good!

But then, what about my friend who I just learned had a miscarriage recently? And the lady at church who, despite her loving parents and husband who love the Lord, is plagued by an addiction to drugs? What about her family, her children? And how about the countless people who are on the streets night after night in the bitter cold of winter?

Is God still incredibly amazing and good?

Yes!!

I know what you're thinking: "It's easy for you to say that. You have a wonderful family, people you love and who love you. Your boyfriend whom you haven't seen in months will be visiting you soon. You have a job, steady income, and can still travel around the world...."

Yes, that is all true. Life isn't always easy, but right now it certainly is a blessing.

But here's the thing...

As I have been reading in Psalms during the past hour or so, all I see, over and over, is David praising the Lord and giving Him glory for always being in control. Throughout the 10 or 15 Psalms I have read, he is at times praising God for a recent victory, and at times praising Him for a victory that he can't see yet, as he is surrounded by his enemies.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me...

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...

The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains...

You are the God of my salvation...

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way...

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple...

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord....

To You, O Lord, I call: My rock, do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit...

The Lord is my light and my salvation...

How great is your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You...

And I could go on and on.

But the point is this:

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

So whether you're praising Him for a victory, or praising Him in the midst of trials, praise Him!! If you have given your heart to the Lord, the victory is already yours - whether you can see it yet or not! And if you haven't, it's time. Today is the day of salvation.

And if you're having trouble keeping faith, read a little bit further:

Romans 8:32

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

Or in other words, He already paid the greatest price - Christ's life - for you! He bought you with a price, now do you really think He's just going to forget His love for you? No way!!

The greatest good for us is Christ Jesus and His Name glorified! "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..."

As Tiago pointed out to me last week: Psalm 23 starts with the Lord and ends with the Lord. Everything in between is what happens in life. There are good times, and there are bad times, but what remains forever is the Lord!

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want... And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."