The weekend before last, was exactly three months since I had my stroke, so in celebration of my recovery to date, we enjoyed a long weekend with family at their beautiful home in Skelmorlie on the Clyde Coast.
On our first full day we decided to take a trip to the Isle of Cumbrae, (‘the big Cumbrae’) so with our picnic packed in the car we set off on our day trip. The weather was cloudy with some sunny spells, but the cool day was perfect for us. Here are some photographs.
Most of the afternoon was spent driving very slowly around the island, giving way to the many holiday cyclists. and we were enjoying the flowers, birds and the amazing scenery. We stopped at a quiet spot for our picnic lunch and I had a walk on the deserted beach. Later at the Fintry Bay cafe we enjoyed the obligitary ice ceam! Mmmm!
As we moved on from there I noticed a parking space next to a path that led out a promotory that I had never noticed before, so as my wife sat in the car I went to investigate. Soon I came across a fine wooden bench and this captivating view, shown above. I stood there for a while with a mild wind blowing in my face, listening to the waves against the rocks and watching the sun break through the clouds, reflecting beautifully on the water. The glory and majesty of God in creation was clearly displayed before me, I paused to praise Him, and thought that just three months earlier I had wondered if my opportunites for getting out and about like this had passed as far as I was concerned! As I turned to return to the car I spotted the ‘wayside pulpit’, the message struck me with force, it seemed to have been put there just for me.
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty. …. Psalm 93.4
followed by the quote …….
“God is always greater than all of our troubles”
I then went back to the car for my wife and we enjoyed sitting on that bench, thinking on the goodness of God during our long life together, and also in answering the recent prayers of so many friends, near and far.
On Thursday this week I attended our Church prayer time. If you live locally we would love to see you. My Christian friend who was leading read the first three verses of Psalm 5:
Psalm 5
For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.
Listen to my words, LORD,
consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
We then listened to the late Chuck Girard singing these verses from psalm 5, which I really enjoyed as he sang with such pathos. But here it is beautifully sung by the Maranatha singers.
So today in our troubled world, and doesn’t trouble confront us all at times? it is good to know Jesus as our Lord and King. Notice the Psalmist David speaks of God in this personal way, my King and my God. He does the same in Psalm 23, when he says ‘the Lord is my Shepherd! Notice too, the Psalmist’s words ‘In the morning you hear my voice’, this man it seems, practised a regular talk with God, and he ‘looked up‘ expectantly waiting on his King and God to answer his prayer.
Wherever you are, and whatever your troubles, may you find that the words of the psalmist David encourage you to get to know God personally through faith in Jesus Christ his Son. So then, come to Him in prayer, in repentance and faith, then pour out your heart to Him and look up, to await His answer.
Next time I’ll tell you about our latest visit to the Isle of Bute. Meantime I wish you well wherever you are.
Matthew
Matthew McKinnon's Blog 