Scripture:"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."— Romans 8:28 (NASB) Introduction: Life often brings us moments of trial, uncertainty, and suffering. These are the times that test our faith and challenge our outlook. In such moments, our response is crucial. Will we let the burdens consume us, or will we lift our eyes to the One who is sovereign over all things? Dennis Jernigan, in the midst of personal struggle, found himself at this crossroads, and from that experience, the song "Speechless" was born. Personal Story – "Speechless" by Dennis Jernigan:"This song came one day as I sat before the Lord contemplating my options. Having gone through a very rough period of financial loss and other calamities (like my wife breaking her leg and being incapacitated since June!), I came to the place where I had two choices. I could either focus on the losses and the enemy's perspective, or I could focus on the Lord and HIS perspective. I chose the latter and began to simply thank Him and praise Him. This song came, and joy flooded my soul. It did not change my circumstances... but it did give me the proper perspective. God is in control no matter what, and He uses everything I go through for my good and His glory. And that simply leaves me speechless."— Dennis Jernigan, August 8, 2013 Dennis's story highlights a profound truth: sometimes, we cannot control our circumstances, but we can always control our response. In his case, even amidst financial difficulty and personal hardship, Dennis chose worship. The result wasn't a miraculous change in his situation, but rather a miraculous change in his heart. Worship brought joy and reminded him that God was still in control, using every trial for a greater purpose. Reflection: There's a temptation to believe that if we just pray hard enough or live faithfully, God will remove every obstacle. Yet the Bible and life teach us that often God's work is not about changing our circumstances but about changing us through those circumstances. Like Dennis, we must come to realize that even when our external situations remain the same, God's internal work is what brings peace, joy, and a renewed perspective. Romans 8:28 encourages us that God is always working, even when we cannot see it. Our task is to trust Him and allow worship to refocus our hearts. When we choose to praise God in our pain, we align ourselves with His sovereignty, recognizing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. A Note on Worship and God's Endless Creativity: Dennis humorously reflects on the fact that a song titled "Speechless" contains so many words:"Years ago, one of the geniuses in Nashville told me I would one day run out of things to write about. I laughed then, and I laugh now. Why? My God is immense and fathomless beyond comprehension. That means His creativity is endless. It means I will NEVER run out of things to say to Him or to say about Him!"— Dennis Jernigan This truth extends beyond songwriting. As we live and breathe, as we go through both trials and triumphs, we can continually find new reasons to praise God. His goodness, His creativity, and His plans are inexhaustible. Let this be a reminder that we will never run out of reasons to worship our God, even in our toughest seasons. Prayer: Lord, I am humbled by Your sovereignty. Even when life is difficult, I know that You are in control, using every trial for Your glory and my good. Help me to choose worship in the face of hardship. Give me a heart of gratitude and joy, knowing that You are with me. I praise You for Your endless creativity and love, which sustain me through every season. Amen. Application: Worship in the Storm:When you face hardship, instead of focusing on the difficulty, spend a few moments worshiping God. This act of surrender will help shift your perspective, much like it did for Dennis. Thanksgiving List:Write down five things you're grateful for, even in the midst of your struggles. Use this list as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Trust in His Creativity:Just as Dennis found endless reasons to praise God, remind yourself that there's always something to be grateful for. Every day, find one new thing to thank God for, and let it fuel your praise.