abiding in grace

i was driving home from work lat night feeling totally exhausted and worn down by work and school, and feeling frustrated that there is nothing that i can do about it except keep working.

when suddenly i had this sense of just being completely overwhelmed by grace. if i take a moment and realize just how much grace the Lord has poured out on me, it is really just outstanding. i would not be here at all without it.

so, i just want to take a moment and publicly declare just how grateful i am for the all-encompassing, empowering, and sustaining nature of grace.

i read this today and it filled me with peace in my own situation, but also with several people i know who are struggling.
There is nothing that is out of the reach of God. And nothing can take me out of His hands. He is so good.

"Be Still, My Soul"
by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.