Abundance

Bless our God, O peoples, and sound His praise abroad,

Who keeps us in life, and does not allow our feet to slip.

For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.

You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins.

You made men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water,

Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

Psalm 66:8-12

Yesterday morning, I sat and cuddled a wee little man, just 5 days old-- our second foster baby. He was with us just a few days, but the time we had with him was precious.

As I sat there with him yesterday, listening to his little baby squeaks, feeling his soft skin, and smelling that sweet baby smell, and all the while delighting in the kicks and squirms of my own little one in the womb, I was sobered to think about what our lives were like one year ago.

One year ago yesterday, we found out that our third little one had died in the womb. That was one of the most difficult times of our lives, but our gracious Heavenly Father brought us through the fires of affliction for our good and His glory. We never would have chosen that road for ourselves, but He chose it for us, in His sovereignty, love, and grace. He has been with us each moment, no matter how much pain we were experiencing, and He has upheld us with His matchless grace and strength.

And now, He has indeed brought us out into a place of abundance. We certainly do not deserve the great blessings He has given to us, but oh, how we thank Him for His mercies. We cannot even comprehend His goodness and lovingkindness toward us. Last year at this time, when all seemed as dark as the blackest night and we were waiting so fearfully for the physical process of the miscarriage to begin, we never imagined that one year later, we would be in this place-- this place of abundance.

This season of joy in our lives is even more special, even more amazing, because of the journey the Lord brought us through to get here. Truly, He is all-wise and so very gracious.

Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer,

Nor His lovingkindness from me.

Psalm 66:20