God has done wonderful things - Isaiah 25:1 ::  AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

How was your week?

Sometimes, we arrive at Sunday, the fresh squeaky first day of the week, all used up and worn out.  We look ahead and sigh, already worn down with not-so-positive anticipation.

Sometimes, we cannot wait to greet the new week and joyfully zoom off at full speed.

Where are you on the continuum?

 

Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
    you have done wonderful things,
    things planned long ago. 
                          – Isaiah 25:1 NIV

 

This week as I came across this verse I had a big realization.

The best way to deal with big time stress,
…those overwhelming feelings,
…and dread for what lies ahead…

  • Acknowledge God and his Lordship in your life
  • Give him praise and glory for how he has faithfully done many wonderful things in your life.
  • And praise him for the many things he has planned for you that will take place in his time.

This is a terrific verse to memorize and meditate on.

 

Lord you have done wonderful things  AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Walking down to the river is a huge stress reliever.

But remembering this verse…

Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
    you have done wonderful things,
    things planned long ago. 
                          – Isaiah 25:1 NIV

and the action steps I listed above will be much more sustaining and powerful in your life.

 

The beauty of it, first and foremost, is when I acknowledge God as my Lord, I quite being the center of my universe.  He takes center stage.  That alone can right a world that seems to be toppling.

Look back over your day or week.  How have you seen God’s faithfulness played out?

Did he keep you safe while driving?
Did he give you wisdom for a difficult situation?
Did he make your one dollar stretch to become four dollars?

What is it that you are facing that seems too large, too impossible?

God has already been at work on your behalf.

He may not have chosen the path you’re on, but he is always with you.  He promises to never leave or forsake us. And in spite of how things appear, God knew all these things would take place and he is working things out for you.  In fact, way before you got blind sided or stomach punched, he knew it would happen and he started preparing a way for you.

 

Life is hard.  God is good.

We can attempt to make our way in a self-sufficient manner without him.

Or we can rely totally on him and in his faithfulness.

Just remember…when we lean on ourselves…we carry the weight of our burdens alone.  And believe me….it becomes too much.

When we lean totally on God…when we acknowledge him and his work in our lives…we are still acutely aware of our difficulties…they just don’t paralyze us with their weight any longer.

 

Life is hard.  God is good.

Really good.  A “we can trust him no matter what” kind of good.

 

Oh.  If you think this was written for you.   I’m sorry to disappoint you.   This is a message that God intended for me.

But, because he is an amazing good God….he just might have used the words to speak life and hope into your life, too.   And if he did that….let me know and together we can praise him for that.

 

So when you have one of those really overwhelming weeks ahead….how are you going to handle it?

I hope you remember the three actionable steps I shared and take them to heart.

It just could be life changing.

 

Joy Day!  Grand River  AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Today is Joy Day!

 

The day when we take time to look back over our past week and count the gifts and blessings from the week.  I’m reminded that some gifts aren’t exactly pleasant.  Yet, in all things we are to give thanks.

Please join me in counting just ‘seven’ from the past week.

I’ll start…

God, I’m so thankful:

  1. for sunshine and melting snow.
  2. for an extraordinary friend who knew I couldn’t wait to see the tulips bloom, so she sent some to me.
  3. for friends who are praying.
  4. for being at the end of my rope so that I can hang on to you, Lord, all that much harder.
  5. for your word that is alive and real and meaningful in my life.
  6. for hard conversations with a true friend.
  7. for knowing that I can trust you to give us “a life” again.

Now it’s YOUR turn!!

Join me in counting ‘seven.’
Scroll down to the comment section…Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts….and list your ‘seven.’
I dare you!

Want even more joy?  Take the Joy Dare here.

Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

Joyfully,

Diane

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Comments

  1. Gail says

    Dear Husband just recovered from stroke and suffering with shingles (no, the vaccine did not work)! So with 2 1/2 weeks of minimum sleep, the pain is unrelenting at night, we are bone tired weary.
    Your post was balm I needed to read.
    Now I just have to let God carry the weight as you suggested.

    • Diane says

      Gail, I rejoice that your dear husband is recovered from the stroke. Praise God! But shingles….oh no! I will lift you up in prayer now, that your both will sleep well tonight without waking and that the pain completely goes away. [hugs]

  2. Jean says

    I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed your verse and pinned it 🙂 What a beautiful and inspiring post! And your photos actually make that white stuff look pretty, that is true talent as this long winter finally starts to come to an end. I am so very thankful to look out my back window and see no snow (ours has mostly all melted at last).

    • Diane says

      Jean…I’m blessed that you “borrowed” my verse.
      Thank you so much for your kind words about the post.
      I just have to laugh….sometimes trying to capture the winter beauty I know is there helps to endure this too cold and too snowy endless winter. 😉 I’m so excited for you to have lost all your snow. We had a huge melt the other day, but there is at least 8-10 inches to melt where there are no drifts. Monday is supposed to bring in 50 degree weather…we’ll see how much disappears.
      {Hugs}

  3. Yay! It’s Joy Day!

    1. Husband’s PT is going well.
    2. I took care of some business this week.
    3. Both my boys have boy hair cuts again (easier to tell them apart that way). And no, they’re not twins.
    4. I visited a blog for the first time this week (we were both part of a book tour) as I began to read, I thought, “Wow…this blogger and I have the EXACT same opinion.” Then I realized she had quoted from my blog! *lol*
    5. I’m here at Joy Day again. I can’t tell you what a big blessing that has been in my life!
    6. As of Friday, we could get the car to the top of our driveway again.
    7. My desire to read, which had been dormant for about a month, sprang into action again. I’m on my fourth book this week!

    • Diane says

      And I’m sooo happy to see you LuAnn!!
      I love reading your ‘seven.’ 🙂 (#4 made me giggle.) Just tapping them in and sharing them here makes your JOY splash all over me. God is sooo good!
      May your week overflow with JOY and grace! [hugs]

  4. Glenda Kremer says

    sometimes I feel a little guilty as now in my life all is so good but I have a very big prayer book full of people I pray for every day that things are not so good for! I have had my really bad times but praise the Lord now I’m more blessed than I deserve! so I just keep praying for those who aren’t and count it a privilege to do so! so if anyone needs prayer let me know!
    hugs
    Glenda Kremer

    • Diane says

      Glenda…you enjoy this season of peace in your life. One thing for sure….you are a wonderful and faithful servant and prayer warrior. Let’s rejoice in this blessing of God and for your powerful prayers that “make things happen.”
      May your week be filled with JOY and may that JOY splash all over everyone you meet. [hugs]

  5. Gwen says

    Thank you for your faithfulness. I get days mixed up but Joy Day I know means Sunday, yes, even though Curt has brought home and I’ve taken communion and I’ve done TV church and sang with Curt my sense of time is simply “off”! But your faithfulness to us–being an encourager–it was in the sermon I listened to–how Paul had been stoned to near death but got up to preach, encourage others in the faith…you are doing as God wants us to do…use our time to show others God and His Word and His encouragement to you and thus we are encouraged. How pleased God is with your ministry to us. Praise God. Praise God!! I also sent this verse and your three things, giving you credit, to someone under heavy stress. I pray she will receive it with godly ears. But the timing was so exactly perfect. That’s my joy 1.
    2. I just heard the prettiest bird song. They are flying across the yard and in the trees.
    3. My dear friend and I did pretty good while hubby on business. God was with us I could feel it.
    4. I am weary with feet healing. I’m thankful I can nap today
    5. Is this silly? I’m thankful for huge things like God given surprises orchestrated at the right moment plus I’m thankful for Donna Reed Show which makes me laugh and makes me see a family pray on TV. And I’m not stressed watching it.
    6. I’m thankful for family
    7. Joy. A kind husband who prays with me and is very kind to my girls.
    Hard to concentrate so I will be praying for you Diane. In a new way. Thank you again for this post

    • Diane says

      Gwen…I am blessed to know you are sharing this with you friend. I pray that God tailors it to fit her perfectly as she reads it and that she receives it in love. This week the blog was a little quiet…I was empty. I am so glad that God helped me to write this post. It’s HIM…all HIM…Glory and praise to God!
      It’s music to my ears to hear that you and your friend did well while Curt was out of town. I hope you two had many special moments to treasure in your hearts. What a blessing that she was able to come and stay with you. How loved you must feel by her and your heavenly Father. And silly…never!!! Joyful! Always. Keeping you in prayer and trusting God for healing, renewal, and restoration. He is able. Big Hugs my friend!!! And thank you for your always loving and encouraging words.

  6. Mel says

    I feel dumb for all the whining sometimes. And then I get told that folks can’t help me if they don’t know what’s going on. In part, that’s how I ‘earned’ my week off of work. Come to think of it, that’s how I earned my week off work, period. I’d suppose folks are right when they assure me there’s a vast difference between whining and telling the truth. Somehow it sounds the same out of my mouth. So I whine in print….and keep my mouth closed. *laughing* When will I learn?! ((((( YOU ))))) Mine feels REALLY small in comparison.

    And here I am being grateful:
    ….for getting to every meeting safe and sound this week.
    ….for the messages I’ve heard, including this one (even though you say it’s for you!)
    ….for days nice enough so getting to PT and the doctor’s appt. wasn’t an issue
    ….for the xray that showed my bone as being healed!!!
    ….for the gift of eagle watching this past week
    ….for the PT gal who just keeps trying to find an answer for me
    ….for the spousal unit who is trying very hard to support and not judge.

    • Diane says

      You earned your week off by whining?! I’m happy someone was listening. There is no doubt you needed a break. “Performing” on the job while in pain is a feat…a wearying one too.
      And “if” there were a competition….you would “win” in my book. 😉 Just sayin!!!
      Mel…I want to jump up and down in excitement. Your bone is healed!! Yay God!!! That is an answer to prayer. I’m still praying for the pain spot. I just want to celebrate the goodness of God in your life this week. I’m pretty sure you feel supernaturally hugged. Sending my hugs your way too!

  7. What a wonderful post and I love that scripture verse! Wow! Something to ponder every single day.

    Thank you ~ FlowerLady

    • Diane says

      I’m so glad that you find encouragement and hope in that verse, too, Lorraine!!
      Thanks for popping by with your lovely words.
      May your week be filled with extraordinary God moments!

  8. Debbi Saunders says

    God I am so grateful for:
    1. A beautiful, glorious, balmy sunny day!
    2.For my little postage stamp sized garden that I am planting in faith….unsure of his will for my future.
    3. Charles Stanley’s series on “encouragement”.
    4. Enjoying being outside and working with my plants all day!
    5. The “quiet” time I shared with the Lord most of today!
    6. The messages I receive from Him through others.
    7. My health….

    • Diane says

      Dear Debbi….I too am grateful for the goodness of the Lord in your life. And I’m believing with you that your garden is an example of your belief and trust in God for his provision already being sealed.
      “Working” outside in my garden/yard is one of my favorite things to do too. Yes it’s good exercise…but it also restores my soul.
      May your week be filled with HIS presence and JOY!! [hugs]

  9. Aww Diane. I was concerned that you would be going through a struggle after your difficult decision. I pray that God will lift up your spirits. He does have a plan for you. I pray that when he reveals it, you and your husband will instantly recognize and embrace it. Hugs my friend.

    I am joyful for:
    1. My daughter has a job offer from one of her former professors (at least for the summer) if her other applications don’t pan out.
    2. The energy to tackle cleaning out the basement (not quite finished, but almost!)
    3. Two soon to be born neices in my husband’s family.
    4. God’s love and grace.
    5. The love of a good husband.
    6. The last few weeks we will have our daughter home before she goes off to work.
    7. My job.

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your concern friend. I must say, I am anxious to see God’s plan unfold. 😉 Thanks for your prayers, too, Deborah!
      I pray those few days of having your daughter home are sweet and that you have plenty of time together.
      God is so good. I rejoice with you at his goodness in your life!
      May your week overflow with his JOY!!
      [hugs]

  10. Yes! Let’s choose to bathe ourselves in gratitude. For He is worthy! And we so badly need to refocus on all that’s pure and lovely and excellent and praiseworthy.

    It’s beautiful in your space here, Diane!

    • Diane says

      Hi Linda…it’s been a while since we’ve rubbed shoulders. It’s so good to see you again. 🙂
      Thank you so much for your words of truth and encouragement. 🙂
      May you be overwhelmed with his JOY in this new week.

  11. Mrs.T says

    Wow, I am reading this on Monday but it is just what I needed to read today. The verse is a favorite of mine. I liked two of your seven items and they fit my life so perfectly right now that I’m going to sort of borrow them for my own list of seven.
    1. I’m so thankful for my salvation. I don’t know how people survive the difficulties of life apart from a relationship with God.
    2. I’m so thankful for God’s Word, the Bible, and how it speaks to the needs of our hearts.
    3. I’m thankful for a conversation this week with a friend I hadn’t seen in awhile.
    4. So blessed that my 10-year-old grandson and 13-year-old granddaughter (who share a March birthday) are in our lives and that they have both accepted Jesus as their Savior.
    5. Like Diane, I’m thankful for being at the end of my rope, because it makes me cling all the closer to the Lord.
    6. And also like Diane, I’m so thankful that God has a plan to give us “a life” once again, and that His timing for that plan is perfect; we can trust Him!
    7. I’m joyful and thankful for the privilege of teaching ladies in Sunday School, and for how each lesson speaks to my own heart as well as theirs.

    Thinking about my list of seven really encouraged my heart today. Many more joyful things come to mind that could be added to the list. Thanks so much for the encouragement!

    • Diane says

      Wow! Is that not just like God? His timing is always perfect. 🙂 Oh how I love that!
      Mrs. T, that you so much for sharing what God has done and for counting ‘seven’ with me. My heart feels with yours #’s 5 & 6. It is so good to rejoice in the promise and hope that he has for us and to count each blessing or challenge and know that he truly does work all things for our good and his glory.
      I’m blessed that you joined us here today. Praying that your week is filled with unexpected joy-moments. [hugs]

  12. Diane,
    I’m so happy I linked up behind you at Laura B’s blog…yes…what a comfort to know and remember He is in control and He will never fail us…thank you for sharing God’s words to you and encouraging us 🙂

    • Diane says

      Dolly…I am so blessed that you popped by to say ‘hi’ too!
      Thank you for rejoicing in God’s goodness with me and for leaving your words of encouragement.
      May your week be filled with an extraordinary measure of God’s goodness and grace.

  13. laura says

    I love your pictures so much, Diane. This post is like a little mini-retreat :). Thank you.

    • Diane says

      Laura…you always bless me with your words. Thank you friend. 🙂

  14. Gorgeous photography of nature’s beauty ~ xxx

    artmusedog and carol

    • Diane says

      Carol…you just put a big smile on my face. Thank you sooo much!!

  15. I want to take time to thank you for this as I am struggling lately with trusting God in all things. It’s easy to say, it’s harder to believe that all will be okay.

    • Diane says

      Praise God that HE would use this to encourage your heart, Rachel.
      Walking in faith is not easy when you have big challenges. It’s so easy to attempt to take things into our own hands…not that we’re successful with that approach. I used to teach ‘my’ kids…”I can trust God no matter what.” Now I’m learning what that really means.
      God is totally worthy of our trust. You can do it Rachel. 😉 And the blessing will come.

  16. Diane, this post is so refreshing and encouraging! Practical… keep quoting this verse… it will mend your heart. Yes! Heart Hugs, Shelly 3

    • Diane says

      And you, Shelly are so encouraging as well!! Thank you! 🙂

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