Day by Day God With Us
God is always with us, even during
our most painful experiences.
Carolina Sandwell Berg (1832-1903)
understood this truth personally.
As a child, she spent much time in
her father’s study & grew especially
close to him. When she was 26,
she accompanied her pastor father,
on a voyage to Goteborg Sweden.
As they stood on deck, the boat
lurched and spilled Ps Sandwell
overboard. The crew was unable
to save him and he drowned as
she looked on. Berg was already well
known for hymns she had published
as a young girl, but this tragedy
inspired many more. At the loss of
her earthly father, she drew even
closer to her Heavenly Father.
She discovered that even during
the times of greatest loss, God’s
comforting presence was near.
Lord, we abide in Your presence:
For it is God who commanded light
to shine out of darkness, who has
shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God.
This precious treasure – this light &
power that shine within us, is held
in perishable containers, that is
in our weak bodies. So everyone
can see that the glorious power
is from God and is not our own.
We are pressed on every side by
troubles, but we are not crushed.
We are perplexed, but not driven
to despair. We are hunted down,
but never abandoned by God.
We get knocked down, but we
are not destroyed (2Cor 4:6-9).
Lord, Thank You for designing me
to be a clay jar with an amazing
treasure inside. And although the
circumstances of life may press
me down, You never abandon me.
May You Lord truly be glorified
in my weakness, in this earthen
vessel that I am. And may the life
of Christ Jesus be manifested.
In His precious name. Amen.
Lord, the forces of evil are intent
on opposing us. But thanks for
Your promises that You Lord will
not allow us to be crushed and
that You will never abandon us.
Grant me the faith, courage and
perseverance to keep following hard
after You for I want to keep going.
And I want to please You and have
an eternal impact on those around
me. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord, Day by day and with each
passing moment, Strength I find
to meet my trials here; Trusting
in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear…
He whose heart is kind
beyond all measure Gives unto
each day what He deems best –
Lovingly, its part of pain & pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace & rest. Amen