My last devotion was about the drought and heat we are experiencing in my home state. I asked you to join me in praying for relief. Yesterday afternoon many of my neighbors got some rain as a gift from God. We saw the clouds and heard the thunder, but the rain missed our house. Today is supposed to be mostly cloudy, with highs only in the mid 90s, and a chance for more rain this afternoon. God is so good.

I know that to be true in any and all circumstances. Because I know my loving Father and all that He has already done for me, I try to have the attitude Paul described:

Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I try to have this attitude because of what Paul wrote a few verses later, a passage my father shared with me in most of his correspondence with me:

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

My needs have been met. I have been extremely blessed by God beyond my needs. Home and family and friends, toys and tools and experiences I never dreamed I would have. I have been blessed here on earth. But most importantly, I have been blessed by being told of God’s love for me in Jesus. He was not willing to let me be eternally separated from Him because of my sin, so He did what was necessary for me to have forgiveness. And the Holy Spirit led me to believe this wonderful message. I am blessed.

That’s why I share today’s picture. Cheryl and I had a pool like this at our home in Sherman for 20 years, and got this one at our home in Bells right after we built our house. It is a blessing. We use it a lot, especially during this time of heat and drought. When I saw it yesterday before I got in, and the pond in the background, I was reminded of God’s goodness expressed by David in that familiar Psalm.

Psalm 23 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I have still waters. My cup of blessings is overflowing. For Jesus’ sake, I know I will dwell in the house of the Lord. God is good.