“Unnumbered comforts to my soul / thy tender care bestowed, / before my infant heart conceived / from whom those comforts flowed.”- When All Thy Mercies, verse 2
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”- Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Ancient lava flows and deep striking gorges comprise Copper Falls State Park in Mellen, WI. About 50 miles southeast of Bayfield. This scenic gem, in the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest, features a series of waterfalls, including the impressive Copper Falls (vertical drop approximately 29 feet) and Brownstone Falls. In addition, the park is home to over 50 species of birds. Thus, Copper Falls serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Most significantly, the 1.7-mile Doughboy’s Nature Trail is rated one of the best (and certainly aerobic!) hikes in Wisconsin. The trail loop starts near the concession building, then follows the Tyler Forks and Bad Rivers through the scenic heart of the park, with many overlooks and observation decks. With an elevation gain of 193 feet, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours — walking at a slow pace. These awe-inspiring stops provide unnumerable comforts to your soul.
Writing in The Double Blessing: How to Get It. How to Give It. (2019), Mark Batterson discusses the concept of a grace period. The field of law defines the term as a period of time when a particular rule does not apply. Spiritually speaking, though, during a grace period God doesn’t give you what you want. Why? Pastor Batterson asks. Because at that point you’re not ready for it.
For, Mark stresses, God blesses you at the level of your spiritual maturity. He loves you too much to bless you beyond that. But in the process, God conforms you to the image of Christ. Although that requires great patience on our part, God lines our pathway with unnumbered comforts to our souls.
Above all, every one of us lives in a grace period. Certainly, we’re eternally grateful for blessings already received. But, Mark underscores, it’s sure inspiring to know God currently prepares blessings for you and you for blessing. Blessings beyond your ability to ask or imagine!
However, Pastor Batterson counsels, a trough of sorrow is virtually inevitable. In the business world, the phrase refers to the setbacks many startups experience in their early stages. And if you find yourself in that trough, Mark believes, there’s a blessing waiting on the other side.
Furthermore, Mark notes, birds possess an inbuilt capacity known as the homing instinct. In a similar way, God hardwired the longing to be blessed by God into the human soul. Before original sin existed, there was original blessing. That first blessing set the tone, set the table. Thus, blessing = God’s default setting — His first and foremost reflex.
Of course, Pastor Batterson observes, you must position yourself for that blessing. But the blessing of God represents more than a mystery to solve. It is also a decision to make, a habit to form. As well as a mindset to establish. And through the process, God longs to offer unnumbered comforts to your soul.
In conclusion, Mark exhorts:
“We cannot reach the full measure of our potential or find the full measure of meaning in life without God. Why? That’s whose image we bear. . . . That’s who blessed us in the beginning. . . . His ancient instinct has not changed. There’s nothing God wants to do more for you than give you His full blessing.”
English essayist Joseph Addison (1672-1719) penned this hymn text on August 9, 1712, in The Spectator: “Unnumbered comforts to my soul thy tender care bestowed.”
This is just as it says. When a grace period ends for me it's as if a huge light goes on! I see something clearly that I didn't see before! Hence another blessing. Thank You Jesus!