Have you noticed that there are times and events in life which are surreal when you go through them?  It is like you are “living a dream.”  I was struck by this very description in Ps. 126:1-3 which says,

“When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’ Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”

This description relates to the time when the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem.  After a 70-year captivity, on one day that probably seemed like any other, God intervened to fulfill his promise! Those who lived through that time are described as though they are living a dream.  They were filled with laughter and joy and others noticed that God had done great things for them.

I am sure you can think of times like that in your own life.  Events in life, that upon reflection, could only have been God’s goodness to you.  I would encourage you to take a moment and list what your “dream events” were in your life that only God could have done. This will give you a sense of awe at God’s goodness and personal involvement in your life. It will also lead to your desire to praise him just like the Psalmist.

For me some of those dreamlike events would include proposing marriage to Donna (and her saying, “yes”), our wedding and the birth of our children.  Recently we have had another display of God’s supernatural intervention and goodness through his provision of a new position as the Equipping Pastor at Uniontown Bible Church.  As a result of this opportunity, it feels as though we are currently living a dream!

As we prepare to transition to Maryland this Fall, it is a time for the Benda family to celebrate God’s goodness.  “Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”

Father, thank you for being the author of so many good things in my life.  The most recent is the privilege to join a great staff team and church family at Uniontown Bible Church.  We are so excited and know that you are the One who has done this for us.  May you continue to prosper the work there as we partner together. May you also continue to work out all the details to transition us there.

Following Jesus with you,

Jeff