Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with one of my favorite hymns. Sing it if you know it.
All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
Mmm, do I love that hymn. How well Jesus does all things in our lives. But I’ll be the first to tell you, the first to confess, that often He leads me down paths that take me into some very dark places. Yep, all the way my Savior leads me, and sometimes it’s – could be a hospital bed.
I hate pressure sores, but occasionally, because of sitting up in a wheelchair, I will develop a sore and there is just nothing I can do about it but lie flat on my back in bed so it can heal. Now, in years past, it would’ve depressed me to no end to stay in bed for weeks. But now? As soon as it happens? In bed, out of my wheelchair? Look, in bed the only thing I can do is look up! Flat on my back I have to look up when I’m in bed – it’s the only physical position I can be in. But when I’m gazing at the ceiling, when I force myself to look up and not down, I‘ll pray, “Jesus, even in this, You doeth all things well! This really hurts; I don’t like this path. But You do it well.” And I say along with Psalm 119: “You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord….“ Man, I’ve got to remember that. God’s dealings with me are always well, even if I don’t feel like it; even when I’m in bed for an extended time, surrounded by four walls. God’s dealings with us are always good. How so? Well, the very next verse in Psalm 119 tells why. It says, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray.” That is so true. When there are no hard times, life can get a little relaxed; and our hearts start wandering; we’re so prone not to stay near the Lord. But affliction – even something as dreary as lying in bed for weeks, healing a sore – even that affliction drives us closer to God.
Another Scripture that helps me look up? Again, Psalm 119 says, “[It’s] good for me that I have been afflicted that I may learn your statutes.” Hey, that I might learn God’s promises. That His grace is reliable. That His presence is enough. His hope will always see me through. And what do you know, most of those promises are in Psalm 119. Like the 50th verse, “My comfort in suffering is this: Your promise, preserves my life.”
Oh, friend, please remember that God’s dealings with you are always good. Jesus doeth all things well in your life! He’ll never leave you; never forsake you. He’ll carry His work to completion. He’ll pour out grace. He’ll give you hope. He will not abandon the work of His hands. More and more. All the way your Savior leads you, yes, even into some dark places. And if that’s where you are today, look up – because your comfort in your suffering is this: God’s promises will always renew, always preserve your life. Thanks for listening to Joni and Friends where we always share hope through every hardship. Thanks for listening today on Joni and Friends.
Finding God in Hidden Places
Joni invites you to join her as she explores the presence of a holy God in hidden places.
Words of encouragement, comfort, and insight leave the soul satisfied and longing to be closer to a loving Father, who often shows up when least expected.
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