From the words of British pastor and theologian, Charles Spurgeon: “The closer we are to the Shepherd, the safer we are from the wolves.”
Encountering another of life’s setbacks
Visitor from the darkness shouts, “I am back”
Old Man Trouble comes knocking at my front door
Relentless, he desires to even the score
How will I choose to deal with adversity?
His darkness masks the sky over this city
Tackle straight forward what Old Man Trouble brings
Or . . . wait timidly for his continued sting
God’s Word teaches us and brings us hope:
We all live preciously in God’s perfect sight
He gathers us in His loving, Holy might
Past—present—future . . . from the Great I Am
Making it through turbulent seas for each lamb
Through desolate wilderness, God shares a way
Bringing rivers of hope to this life’s gateway
Looking Old Man Trouble in his doom-filled eyes
With faithful courage, my hope begins to rise
Life waits to see . . . who will finally blink first?
With God’s living water, quenching my parched thirst
Listening, following God’s steadfast handbook
His love will save me with a whole new outlook
Bringing Godly fortitude, when needed most
Old Man Trouble defeated, nothing to boast
From Isaiah 43:2-3: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Big Sky Buckeye 
Old man trouble defeated. Amen !
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Amen indeed! The idea of “Old Man Trouble” was gleaned from one of my morning devotions. God brings His truth to us in many ways . . . Scripture, words of other believers, hymns, and other mediums.
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Yes He does ! A He does in your beautiful poetry and writings
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Such a powerful post!! Glory to God!!
May His peace dwell in your home and your heart! 💪🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽
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Michael, I appreciate you reading and sharing some thoughts. God’s peace!
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Ah yes, {{{Richard}}}, “Through desolate wilderness, God shares a way/ Bringing rivers of hope to this life’s gateway.” He does that. His rivers of hope are alive and well… especially after hearing Jill Biden and seeing the video with John McCain… I have hope that some people who need to be led to that gateway caught a glimpse of what might be. And tomorrow’s speech by Kamala might be another beacon of hope. Are these vessels of needed peace to come? I am still holding out for “Peace on Earth as there is in Heaven.”
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Jan, there is so much to pray for right now . . . our nation, this pandemic, schools, economic misery, urban violence, and more. May the Peace of God find it way into our souls.
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There certainy is a lot to pray about. Thank God I believe He hears. Thank God I know He responds, He cares, and He is in control. May we as a nation and as a world learn the lessons these challenges are trying to teach us!! Yes, we need the Peace of God in our souls… and we need to share that peace that only He can give… ❤ God bless you! ❤
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