The Almanac in the Almighty's Pocket

Well, land sakes alive and grease my griddle, friend, if you ain't a sight for sore eyes on this ol' front porch! The lemonade's cold, the hound dog's already claimed the best shady spot, and there's a quilt on the swing with your name on it. Settle in because today we're talkin' about who really keeps the calendar of this ol’ world.

Folks on the evenin' news talk like they've got history plum figured out, same as a bantam rooster takin' credit for the sunrise. Historians dig through yesterday like a raccoon in a rain barrel. Bless 'em. But Daniel knew who held the reins: "He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding" (Daniel 2:21).

Look at the critters, friend. A black bear don't call a committee meetin' before he beds down for wintertime. A beaver don't fret over the freeze. He keeps right on buildin', trustin' the One who set the clock. That same hand that swings the seasons holds your Tuesday too, and David said so: "My times are in Your hand" (Psalm 31:15).

Even the big shots answer to Him. Rulers come and go like spring peepers, loud in April and gone by July because "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:17). And when the world gets dark as a root cellar, remember that God "knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him" (Daniel 2:22).

Now, take a look back down your own trail. We're sometimes like a stubborn ol’ mule that swears the path is plum crooked, but from the top of the ridge you can see every switchback was leadin' somewhere good. Whatever season you're in, ask Him for wisdom.

Friend, the Lord don't lose track of one lil’ sparrow, one season, or one step you take. Your hard winter ain't a mistake, and your waitin' spring ain't forgotten. He's been turnin' the calendar since before the first rooster ever crowed, and He ain't about to misplace it now.

Father, You rule the seasons and You hold my days. Give me wisdom to see Your hand and faith to trust Your timin'. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Well, the sun's gettin' low, and the fireflies are fixin' to light up the pasture. Go on and walk into your evenin' like a mama duck leadin' her lil’ ducklings, steady and unbothered, knowin' the Lord is out in front. May your supper be hot, your sleep be sound, and your heart be full to the brim, and we'll save you a rocker right here for next time.

With joy,

Gwen