“Pampered bodies grow sluggish through sloth; not work but movement and their own weight exhausts them. Prosperity unbruised cannot endure a single blow, but a man who has been at a constant feud with misfortunes acquires skin calloused by suffering; he yields to no evil and even if he stumbles carries the fight on upon his knee.” (Seneca)

Those who struggle are stronger than those who do not?
Easy living makes for weak living?
Does this explain a lot about the weakness of comfortable christianity?

I woke up with another older hymn in my heart. Especially the words about how Jesus (God with us) walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. Some people may find this strange, but for me Jesus is my invisible mentor, my friend, my accountability partner, my ‘New Life Coach’. The Spirit of Jesus in me teaches me, rebukes me, corrects me and trains me in right living, so that I am fully equipped for living a good life. Not saying I am living the good life perfectly (far from it), but I am confident that with His help I have everything I need to improve. My life is not what it should be, but because of Him, neither is it what it was. Day by day with His help I am working to be more and more like Him.

I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

William Cowper

I was journaling this morning, and the Lord reminded me of an old hymn we used to sing. By William Cowper, it is called “God moves in a mysterious way”. Not sure who it is for, but I wanted to share it today:

1. God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

2. Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

5. His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

6. Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.