Trials Turned to Gold

I sent the kids off on their Student Life trip with the Hope youth group this morning, then drove Margo to the airport. It continues to be this haunting feeling each time I ride home alone, apart from my family. But I know that it'll only be another week before we're together, and I find myself rejoicing in the Lord's blessings.

On the drive home, I got a call from our realtor with a counter-offer on the home we're pursuing. We responded and I'm now waiting to hear if they've accepted. (*Sigh* There's that waiting thing again...) It's been an exhausting weekend emotionally, and I anticipate a massive "to do" list both at church and in my personal life over the next couple of weeks. But, as Paul shares in his letter to the Philippians, I rejoice and will continue to rejoice because I see how God is at work building his kingdom through it all.

In an effort to drain off the sense of "alertness" and tension, I popped in a Keith Green CD and listened to the heart and soul of one of the most beautiful Christians I've ever heard. One song in particular resonated with me, and I find myself pondering the lyrics this afternoon and praising God for the incredible way he works in our lives for his glory.

He's brought me here, where things are clear
and trials turn to gold.
He shared with me His victory
He won in days of old.
O Lord, I don't deserve the riches of your word
but You've changed my filthy rags
to linen white as snow.

The view from here is nothing near
to what it is for You.
I tried to see Your plan for me
but I only acted like I knew.
O Lord, forgive the times I tried to read your mind
'cause you said if I'd be still then I would hear your voice.

My Lord, my King, my urge to sing
and praise the things above!
No words can say the glorious way
You changed me with your love.
He's brought me low, so I could know
the way to reach the heights,
to forsake my dreams, my self esteem
and give up all my rights.
With each one that I lay down
a jewel's placed in my crown
'cause His love, the things above, is all we'll ever need.

He's brought me here, where things are clear
and trials turn to gold.