I've heard the term "March Madness" used to describe the month of March. Usually, the phrase refers to the beginning of basketball season or the unstable weather patterns. For me, though, this March has been filled with much health-related "madness". I reviewed my monthly planner today and realized that I've missed a lot of work hours in just the past twenty-four days. I also had many days where I wrote down to-do tasks or events and then scratched through my writing. Instead, the words "sick" were written down with a yellow highlighter.
The "up" side of the March Madness, though, is that I've been able to stay home without entering the hospital. Even during the presence of mouth sores, a thirty-six hour flu a pre-Remicade flare up, and an intense allergic reaction to aspartame, I've been able to manage the "downs" with doctor visits, careful monitoring, and medicines. Last week, I came close to entering the hospital, but Mom helped me balance my electrolytes in addition to figuring out what was causing the allergic reaction. At work, I stayed very busy assisting consumers, attending meetings, starting new projects, and keeping the stack of paperwork to a minimum.
As I reminisce about this month, I am reminded that, "In his heart, a man plans his course but it is the LORD who determines his steps". While I may call this month "March Madness," no event in actuality, whether it be positive or negative, is really "madness" to God. Every circumstance is already known by the Sovereign Lord and planned for our good. So tonight, we can trust and rest in Jesus, even though chaos, disguised as madness, may surround us.
Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting:
Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For, by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.
Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea:
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart,
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings,
Thine is love indeed.
Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.
The "up" side of the March Madness, though, is that I've been able to stay home without entering the hospital. Even during the presence of mouth sores, a thirty-six hour flu a pre-Remicade flare up, and an intense allergic reaction to aspartame, I've been able to manage the "downs" with doctor visits, careful monitoring, and medicines. Last week, I came close to entering the hospital, but Mom helped me balance my electrolytes in addition to figuring out what was causing the allergic reaction. At work, I stayed very busy assisting consumers, attending meetings, starting new projects, and keeping the stack of paperwork to a minimum.
As I reminisce about this month, I am reminded that, "In his heart, a man plans his course but it is the LORD who determines his steps". While I may call this month "March Madness," no event in actuality, whether it be positive or negative, is really "madness" to God. Every circumstance is already known by the Sovereign Lord and planned for our good. So tonight, we can trust and rest in Jesus, even though chaos, disguised as madness, may surround us.
Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting:
Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For, by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.
Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea:
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart,
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings,
Thine is love indeed.
Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.
