I'll make a list of God's gracious dealings, all the things God has done that need praising, All the generous bounties of God, his great goodness to the family of Israel- Compassion lavished, love extravagant. He said, "Without question these are my people, children who would never betray me." So he became their Savior. In all their troubles, he was troubled, too. He didn't send someone else to help them. He did it himself, in person. Out of his own love and pity he redeemed them. He rescued them and carried them along for a long, long time.
Isaiah 63:7, THE MESSAGE
When I get home from work, I'm alone in the evenings. No, let me correct that: I am alone with Larry and Violet in the evenings. Being they're my cats - loving bundles of fur, but not the greatest of conversationalists--I often find myself with an awful lot of time to think. . .and to watch the news. I must confess that I can become riveted (for hours!) by the projections and the graphs, the interviews and the reports, the statistical facts and the political rhetoric around our nation's current crisis. It really isn't the best way to approach bedtime, particularly when I've been dealing with the challenges of a day spent in a healthcare setting. I often find myself going to bed with a head full of wondering: what, pray tell, is going to happen next??
What about you? Maybe you find yourself caught up in your own wondering: "How long am I going to be out of work?" "When will I see my father in the nursing home??" "What am I going to do with three kids for another 30 days!???" I know it can wear me down unless I make an intentional decision to put all the circuitous thinking to rest. It can wear me down unless I make an intentional decision to pause and remember. . .
Remember the multitude of times in my life that God has been faithful to me. . .
Remember the times others have recounted to me God's faithfulness to them. . .
Remember the Biblical histories showing that God has been faithful to humanity throughout time!
From the parting of the Red Sea to Jesus' appearance on the beach after the Resurrection, I am reminded that our God is mighty and near, "a very present help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
When I do this, my fears and anxieties subside. I realize no matter what the scenario--pandemics, wars, economic upheaval, natural disasters-none of these are too big for our God. They never have been and they never will be. God is constant, steady, strong.
So maybe tonight when you're getting ready for bed you'll join me in a prayer time of reflection on God's majesty and power. Together, let's remember.
I hope you find this song by Lauren Daigle as powerful as I have.
