A Mud-stained, Longing Face

I know not whether the moon is full tonight, or whether it is a sliver hanging low in the sky. I don't care to wander in the woods tonight, or even rise up from under this warm blanket. Tonight I am content with my curls falling over my shoulder and a cool night wind brushing past my shoulders and grazing my skin. I read about Job and all he went through, and my personal tragedies seem so minuscule, so tiny, so insignificant. But if they were really so, then what would be their point in my life? I was reminded again tonight that God does not care so much about our comfort, but rather about our character. And even in the midst of horrible, painful storms that confuse us and knock us about, God is faithful. I have no need to fear, and no need to worry, because no matter what comes my way, if I'm standing on the Rock, and if I'm sheltered within Him, my crevice and hiding place, I shall never be removed. I can never be removed, even though both hell and man try to pry me out of my Father's loving hands. No matter how small the burden, or how big the blessing, or vice versa, my Abba has a plan in it all--to grow me, His precious daughter, into the purest treasure. He looks at me through the blood of His Son, and sees not a blotched and sin-stained girl, but rather a redeemed and purified treasure; already pure and perfected by the Lamb's great work. I am so amazed every time I realize that this God I call my own stooped down to pick me up out of the mud, and He calls me to walk with Him every waking and dreaming moment. He asks me not to brave life alone; He asks me not to bear the burden all alone; He simply asks me to walk with Him. One may fall down, and have no one to pick them up, but if there are two, the other can pick up his brother. Tis only I who fall, my Papa never tires of reaching down and gathering His trembling and dirty daughter back into His great, good arms.