Today on the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack on the US, I read as I usually do the daily devotional at odb.org and encourage you to as well.

Today’s devotional is entitled, “Compassion Over Bitterness,” and this one is well-written by Winn Collier. Our Daily Bread’s devotionals begin with a Bible verse and end with a simple prayer. In between those I always find a blessing. 

Today’s verse:  “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger.” (Ephesians 4:31)

Today’s prayer:  “Dear God, there’s so much wrong in the world. Please help me be filled with compassion instead of bitterness.”

I believe if we know God, pray sincerely, and intentionally choose compassion not bitterness then we will be able to live with compassion and hope. God’s help is necessary, because He is the source of both. May we daily look to God and choose His compassion and hope.

“Then the Lord passed by in front of him [Moses] and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth.’” (Exodus 34:6)

”Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

If a poem was written more than twenty years ago, then I may consider it as an old poem. If a poem is written from my heart, then it allows me to express emotions that benefit me by releasing those  emotions. If an old poem is rediscovered years after it was written, then it can still move this poet.

Words are powerful whether poetry or prose. If the words are from Omnipotent God, then they are more powerful… beyond powerful.

Through The Holy Bible God declared, “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55:11)

Today I am sharing an old poem that brought renewed hope and encouragement to me years after it was written and when I needed to remember its message. May this old poem that was written in 1999 help you to gain hope or renewed hope if you relate sometimes.

SOMETIMES… BUT…

Sometimes I’m in the valley
Between the mountains tall;
But when I look to Jesus,
The blessings always fall!

Sometimes I’m in the fire
Like Daniel’s furnace hot;
But not alone for I recall
The Savior that I’ve got.’

Sometimes I’m in despair
With troubles ’round me deep;
But if I sow for Jesus,
His blessings I will reap!

Sometimes I’m in great pain
But only for a time;
For one day faith will turn to sight —
Heavenly heights I’ll climb!

(Judy Gillum Foy)