Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Alabaster Blanket of Love

Thick clouds billowed in from the southwest. Darkness churned the sky, taking the day by force. Rain pounded the earth. Overflowing rivers and streams devoured ancient ground. For days the rain fell, saturating the earth with  heaven's sorrow.

On Thursday, a shift began. Giant raindrops transformed into golf-ball-size snowflakes. The change was slow at first. The rain finally yielded to a persistent snowfall, infusing the landscape with a white veil. At times, the snow fell with such velocity, it became impossible to see the desolate places of winter around us.

The heavenly tug-of-war was great in our beloved mountains. Flooding rains. White-out conditions. Plummeting temperatures. Crashing sounds of breaking trees crumbling beneath the weight of winter's onslaught. Beauty mixed with danger. Peace mixed with fear.

Then all the earth grew quiet.

We woke to a dazzling array of God's glory. A blanket of fluffy alabaster concealed the ravages of the storm. A quiet calm settled upon the earth in breath-taking beauty.

How often our lives echo this imagery. How often our journey of faith encounters the pounding rains of sorrow, the blinding storms of defeat. And how often we fail to see the spiritual battle that ensues on our behalf in the heavenlies.

Consider this:Your trial comes billowing in, darkness churning through your spirit. Gut-wrenching sobs assail you. Tears gush from deep within as you cry out to the Lord. You can sense His Presence. You can feel the evidence of His comfort drawing near to your broken heart. The teardrops begin to yield to His sweet Holy Spirit. The closer you draw to Him, the more powerful His Presence. Soon your angst gives way to praise, "Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name!" 

But the intensity of the battle deepens. 

The accuser of your soul sends the fiery darts of doubt and fear, tossing your faith into the gale-force winds of tribulation. The Lord whispers, "Child, you are Mine. Do not be afraid for I am with you." Again, praise ushers forth from your lips, "You, O Lord, are the Great God, Maker of heaven and earth. You are my Rock, my refuge in the storm. I praise You, Lord."

This time, the storm begins to subside - the battle over your spirit ends in victory for the Lord of Hosts. The enemy was no match for such a powerful God as He. Peace settles in. Your spirit grows quiet.

You fall into His everlasting arms and rest in His alabaster blanket of love.

"I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies." ~ Psalm 18:1-3, NKJV



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