The cream of my best is nothing apart from Him
All I have gained equals nothing minus Him
Push Him beneath and I sink and stink
But with Him on top, I rise and excel.
Where would I start, when would I stop
How would I escape life’s myriad perils?
If not for Him who sees the dusk before dawn
And steers my steps in paths of peace?
But for His mercies, I would be naught
By grace, I skate on dangers, in stable bliss.
He fills me with good and gives me weight
He shapes me in glory to make me worthy
No matter the order, the weather, or era
He leads me in health and safety to plenty
So I can confidently say, “If not for the Lord!”
May all constantly declare, “If not for God!”
Blessed be His name now and forever, amen!”

Have you ever stopped to imagine where you would be if not for God? For some of us, it is unthinkable. What would life have been like? What would men have done to us and with us? Consider your closeness with God, and how it has been in spite of that? Look back and see where you came from, check where you are currently, then consider where you probably would have been headed if not for God’s constant care and timely interventions?

There is no disputing the truth that life would have been totally unbearable, absolutely unlivable! His Presence brings peace in troubles and His grace fills us with substance that enables us to abound despite debasing conditions. His Word fortifies our inner man so that no matter how often we are struck, we are not broken. His Spirit helps us to make it, from one sore spot to the other, as we climb the stairs of glory.

Paul called these encounters, “temporary afflictions” and I dare to say that they are only temporary because of God and because of our faith in His proven faithfulness. May we awaken the dawn each day singing, “Blessed be the Lord God who keeps us going from one day to the other even in the face of show stoppers.” Faithful is He who began this good work in us and He is well able to finish it. Blessings on your day.

Glory!