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LOVE ABIDES
And now abideth faith, hope, and love, these three but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
To think that love abides in the throes of loss is most difficult to reconcile. Pain is not often equated with love. When loss comes and grief follows, love is challenging. Hope is weak. Sorrow stays; for a time. In a society that emphasizes the euphoria of love, the truth of love’s abiding presence even in sad times seems impossible. Because of Jesus, all is possible. Because of Jesus, love abides.
Love does not leave when loss comes. It abides in a different form. It lives in memories, character, witness, and possibilities. A range of years or a speck of experience in love moves to transform, better, and ennoble love’s recipients. When love is known in Jesus, love has a supernatural quality that transcends human knowledge and feelings so love can thrive in a new way. This may be difficult to see, feel or believe in times of sorrow. But Jesus is the reason why love abides and reveals itself in new ways.
If you or someone you know is going through a season of grief that is painful and is seems as though all hope is gone, know that the Lord understands this grief. Better than the griever. Grief brings a maze of emotions and can confuse thinking and blur perspective. The Lord can and does make meaning out of loss when He is invited to do so. Asking Jesus for help and healing is to receive it. Although it may be a long walk through a season of grief, Jesus will be your companion through it. Jesus Himself will be the steady source of strength to uphold you.
Loss may make people reticent to love again, care or be cared for. This is normal for a time. But hope in Jesus is life-giving. And for as long as life continues, it is the hope of Jesus’ heart that love will abide. While grief’s stay brings its web of challenges, grief does eventually ebb and leave. When it does, love in its new form is clear. Love, as promised in God’s Word, does abide.
Lord Jesus, You are the strength in times of human weakness. You are the One to make meaning out of love’s mystery. Thank You, Jesus, for being the reason why and how love abides—no matter what. Kindly bring hope to those who need to be reminded again of Your sustaining touch and renewing Spirit. In Thee, Lord Jesus, Amen.
BEGINNINGS
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10
At Epiphany we remember the three wise men; the three kings who journeyed far to bring their gifts to the Lord Jesus at His birth. These kings, considered wise and high in stature, came to the Lord in reverence and fear to bow before Him. They knew He was holy. They did not tremble before Him but knelt before Him, knowing that Jesus is the One in possession of all power and wisdom. Their recognition of the Lord Jesus as King over kings illustrated their smallness before Greatness. With quiet fear and holy love the wise men followed the star to Jesus.
Are you following Jesus today? Loss may be part of your life this season, and therefore, conscious following of Jesus may not seem to be part of your daily course. Serious loss may have come unexpectedly or anticipated loss that you could not prevent. Human fear may be stirring in you as try to cope, carry on, and plan for tomorrow without whom and what you had yesterday. To follow Jesus may be difficult because focus on anyone or anything is hard right now. But the mere whisper of Jesus’ Name brings comfort and healing. Letting His Name be on your lips brings assurance to the heart. Fearing Him and concurrently trusting Him to be with you and to hold you in a time of loss are signs of wisdom. It means you are following Jesus even if you do not feel you are doing so. He understands. He loves you. Completely. Trust His love for you. It is perfect.
The Lord created us for fellowship with Him. He wants to go through everything with us. The beautiful bridge of prayer at any time or place allows us warm and ready relationship with Jesus. Prayer fosters closeness with God in Christ. As we turn the corner from 2011 and enter into a new year of God’s grace, 2012 will hold its share of uncertainties. The unknowns include the people we will meet, relationships that will develop, relationships that will conclude in one form, places we will go, inspiration that comes, and differences we will make in God’s world for Christ’s sake. The next generous portion of time God gives to us will include matters new, wondrous, and maybe perplexing. But the God of Israel will be in the center of it all. If we recognize the fluidity of His power at all times and all places, we will fear Him yet trust Him, and be endowed with more wisdom.
Fear as a beginning! How can it be that fear leads to something beneficial—the gain of wisdom. But in God’s Word it is clear that fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. How much wisdom do we want? It is measured by how much we want God and desire to know Him through His Word. May His coming year find us filled with more wisdom from the Lord and greater love for the Lord.
Lord, to fear You is to know Your power and yet be wrapped in Your love. May every beginning bring us closer to You. In Thee, Lord Jesus, Amen.
Time
To every thing there is a season, a time to every purpose under the Heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Time. It passes. Sometimes quickly. Sometimes not. But this is so because often our hopes and expectations are entwined in time. When we anticipate something special, time moves much too slowly. But when something is ahead that we would rather not face, the hour comes too swiftly. In truth time moves at its usual pace—whether we are ready for it or not.
For some, this Christmas will be a season long anticipated as loved ones reunite with those home from military service. Or those who rejoice because they are given the gift of a clean bill of health. Or those with new babies who will celebrate their first Christmas. Indeed this will be a time of joy.
Others will meet this season with resistance and tears. Loved ones who gathered together may no longer be alive. There are loved ones who may not be together due to divorce or estrangement. Relocations for jobs, homes made in new cities, military service, and missionary callings will make this Christmas less joyful than some would like. Illness, economic strain, and various challenges life imposes, will make this time of Christmas one that may not want to be faced. Oh, but Jesus. Jesus is the reason for Christmas. Jesus is the reason for hope.
Jesus came to give hope. Not the hope that humans can conjure but hope that is spiritual, lasting, and complete. Without Jesus one truly has no hope. With Jesus, one does have hope, perhaps weak but it is Jesus Himself who keeps hope alive, not you, not me. Jesus.
Whatever view you take of time this Christmas season, take time to be with Jesus. Do not let the activities of the season overtake your time with Him. Jesus is the peace-giver and the hope-giver. Rest your days in Him this Advent and Christmas. Raise your sights afresh on the One who keeps hope raised for a world in deep need of hope. His love never fails. His hope lives. Let His love and hope wrap around you so that time does have worth. So that He can make time count—no matter what.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the precious gift of hope that you give to us. Your arrival in this world signifies a joining with us so that we would never be without You. May hearts be filled with Your hope this season. By faith, may all of life’s circumstances be entrusted to Your care and Your view. In Thee, Lord Jesus, Amen.
ARROWS
I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20
Recently when traveling through a mountainous terrain in the south, I came along a crew of workers constructing a new road in a mountain. There were only a few cars going through this area but were directed to slow down. For a short distance, the dust created from the vehicular equipment carving out the road, obstructed vision. It was essential to slow down until the dust passed and the clear view of a perfect autumnal day was again in view. Any physical arrow to navigate would have been useless for I would not have been able to see it. I simply had to slow down and at one point stop because this was the safest and smartest thing to do.
When trying to get from point A to point B, arrows are helpful indicators to direct us to destinations. Arrows are posted on signs on the road, buildings, some maps, modern technological devices in vehicles, and on packaging. Arrows are symbols that move from one place to another with a purpose—getting people where they need to go. However, when grief is a companion on life’s journey, a purpose for getting from point A to point B may not be clear, and may not even be desired. Motivation may be listless at best. That is where Jesus comes in to be The Arrow to bring one’s focus to Him. Slowing down and stopping to spend time with Jesus is a safe and smart thing to do.
Jesus will point you and me in the right direction if we let Him. Jesus will never force anyone to look to Him and follow His lead. But the Holy Spirit will persevere with His presence to lead one to a closer relationship with Jesus. Grief seasons can allow one to be so needful of comfort that Jesus is given openness to a heart that He may not have been given before a significant loss occurred. Furthermore, one who has been walking with Jesus for a long time and has trusted Him to be The Arrow of a life may find one seeing Him with fresh eyes since Jesus will stay in this uncharted path of grief.
I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move, said Robert Louis Stevenson. Aimless may seem the way when a season of loss must be lived through. But unlike physical travel, spiritual travels transport us to places unknown and unseen. Often grief is the bridge that carries people to discoveries not possible by any other means. Even if those views are at first undesirable, with Jesus they have the potential of becoming personal vistas that are worthy and enterprising.
Travel is typically a desired action. However, sometimes it is a required one to help to be present to others, to learn, to work. When grief enters a life and one is forced to navigate this terrain, asking Jesus to be the companion is one’s best defense against unexpected turns in the road and detours. He wants to accompany you. Will you let Him?
Jesus, You came into the world out of love for people. You know the pain that love sometimes produces, for relationships involve and require unforeseen experiences that include loss and transition. You are The Arrow that lives to love, to guide, to assure. Jesus, Thank You for Your steady presence and availability to keep pointing people in the right direction. May Your promise to be with us always be the living hope that keeps hearts warmed and hopeful for tomorrows yet to come. In Thee Lord Christ, Amen.
FORGIVENESS AND A SHIH TZU
Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times but, until seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22
Recently I was visiting my uncle and his good-natured shih tzu. I am an early riser so I got up about 5:00 in the morning, put on a pot of coffee, and decided to take the dog out for a walk while the coffee was brewing. It was already quite humid on that particular summer morning but it did not stop this happy little dog from investigating the landscape and exploring to his heart’s content. He stayed near me and eventually he was ready to go inside and began to go up the steps into the house. Suddenly he stopped and he began to chew on what I thought was a foreign object that could be harmful to his body, his digestion. I spoke to him and then I tried to take it from his mouth. He did not like that. He nipped at my hand but did not break the skin. I stood there and watched him; shortly thereafter he stopped chewing and wanted to go in the house. The family has been cautioned that while this little dog is friendly, one thing he does not like is to be disturbed when he is eating. But in this instance, I disturbed him in the interest of his well-being. He did not know that. Time would reveal that thankfully whatever he ate did not make him sick. He was just fine.
When we went back into the house, he followed me around calm and happy. But I was unsettled. He might have bitten me! This was out of character for him. He knows me when I come over and knows I play with him when he brings me his toys. He is accustomed to me petting him and being attentive to him. Given how amiable he is, I was surprised he would nip at me. He did not break the skin but for me the matter broke our fellowship. But not for him. He went about in his usual manner with me. I admit that it was with some trepidation I petted him after he ate his food and drank his water. He followed me around while I prepared my coffee and puttered around the kitchen. Then he followed me as I took my coffee to the guest room and went back to bed to read for a while. He jumped on the bed, curled into a ball, and settled in for a nap. It was as though nothing ever happened between us. All was forgiven.
Pets have something to teach us about unconditional love and forgiveness. Jesus said we are to forgive 70 times 7. Creatures that become part of our family seem to have forgiveness down. For them, to forgive is something they simply do. No instructions required. Do I forgive that easily? Do you? For us, forgiveness may take time depending on the incident, the person. We can be reticent to interact with someone if there has been offense. The Lord makes room for that but He still wants the end result to be forgiveness. No barriers. No barrier to create a chasm that allows Satan to come in and agitate all the more and get one to thinking that the offense is unforgiveable. Jesus will forgive anything. We are to forgive anything. He wants no barriers to the possibility of closeness with that person—perhaps even closer than we were before we or they did something to offend.
When we forgive, we become closer to Jesus. Forgiveness is not acceptance of an act that occurred but it is a pardon for it. Do we not all need to be pardoned at times? I do. Others need my pardon. They need your pardon. When we forgive each other, we keep our personal communion with the Lord and keep unity in the Body of Christ. Even if communion with others is from a distance, in the spirit realm there is no division. This pleases God. Whatever pleases Him surely pleases those who love God.
When our pets die, these great and small creatures leave with us life lessons about unconditional love. Part of the grief that comes due to pet loss is because of the absence of their unconditional love. Sometimes when we have had a challenging day at school or work, to come home to the dog or cat is as a healing balm. When that is gone, it hurts. We make our lives with these creatures and they help make us who we are. Indeed, pets have a place in our hearts and when it is time for them to leave this life, we grieve.
But as with any relationship of merit, would we stop forming relationships to be spared the pain of loss? Short or long in duration, the Lord allows us to gain from all of our exchanges. God’s way is such that He soothes loss with time, with the presence of the Holy Spirit, and with the arrival of new interests and renewed purpose. Furthermore, in His blessed kindness, He restores memories to be a source of joy and gratitude for having made the memories at all.
Pet loss is painful because pets are a source of real love and affection. If you or someone you know is experiencing grief due to the death of an animal, do not minimize these feelings. Talk, cry, have a memorial service, look at pictures, and remember that creature. It is not inconsequential to lose anything or anyone inspiring love. Give place to what has been and trust God to give place to what shall be. In memories and in the making of new ones, God shall bring new life and new hope. He is the God of Life.
Lord, thank You for the treasure we know with pets. They are evidence of Your blessings. May we continue to trust Your heart and Spirit in times of loss. May we recognize the value that pets offer us as we try in earnest to conform our character more into the likeness of Thine own. In Thee, Lord Jesus, Amen.
THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11
The memory of the righteous is blessed. Proverbs 10:7
Memories are made up of various components. Sights, sounds, textures, and aromas are among the fragments of life that can stir emotions when memories with certain people cannot be duplicated. Of course, every day we live is a triumph for life. Every day bears it opportunities and expressions for giving and receiving. But often in the fullness of living, this truth is not foremost in minds and we may think that there will always be another day for expressing. In reality, today—this moment—is our only certainty. Memories remind us of that.
The tenth anniversary of 9/11 is a time for memories. Remembrances and memorials are ways that people can gather together to join with a nation that still feels the pains of sorrow and concurrently the blessings of hope. Life has gone on; it shall continue to move forward. However, special memorials will ignite memories that individuals may not even realize they house. All lives on in the chambers of the heart whether or not we are aware of the existence of certain moments. These memories are triggered at different times and often unexpectedly. The gatherings on the weekend of 9/11 are sure to prompt some of those memories into the forefront of hearts and minds. We can all expect the unexpected that day.
How will you spend 9/11? Will you gather somewhere for a memorial service? Will you stay home and watch television coverage? Will you donate time, talent or treasure to a certain charity? Will you try to ignore the day and get past it because it is too difficult to face? Only you can answer these questions. But a question you cannot answer is what will your memories be on that day? Swirling around inside of you may be the fullness of a moment you did not realize was alive inside of you. God knows it is there. God will be with you as you remember.
God is the giver of life. Jesus is the Redeemer of life. In Him, the value of memories is kept timeless and priceless. Even when recollections are painful, the grace of Christ’s presence can balance all. God never wants us to suffer losses such that we think there is nothing left from what has been. If all trust is placed in Jesus, then through His heart, memories are still meaningful, healing, and life-giving. God’s interest is always in continuing. Sometimes this is done through weakness, sometimes strength. Whatever the condition of our spirit during respective seasons, God is there. God will always be there. Trust His presence with you.
However you spend the 9/11 weekend, may you take time to spend it with the Lord. In prayer, in visits to special places, and in memory, may you share time with Him. Because of His love for you, for me, and for all people, the Lord’s love will cover that day and infuse it with beauty and purpose. God, the Maker and Keeper of memories, can transform that which is painful into something meaningful if we let Him. May we let Him.
Lord of Love, You know the hearts of all people. You know the pains and sorrows that some suffer and the challenges that some still face due to abrupt and tragic endings. Lord, by the might of Your Spirit and the integrity of Your love, integrate yesterday, today, and tomorrow so that Your peace reigns in hearts. In Thy Name, Lord Jesus, Amen.
DISMEMBERMENT
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:13
Wash, 0 God, our sons and daughters, where your cleansing waters flow Number them among your people, bless as Christ blessed long ago.
Weave them garments bright and sparkling; compass them with love and light. Fill, anoint them; send your Spirit, holy dove and heart’s delight.
Music: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844
Text: Ruth Duck, 1947
Recently attention was given to New York by a story that gripped everyone. Leiby Kletzky, age 8, was murdered in a horrific act of evil. The medical examiner concluded he died of acute intoxication as the child was forced to ingest a large dose of drugs, smothered with a towel, and had his feet severed from him and placed in a refrigerator. Levi Aron was arrested for the crime. Spirits have been arrested with grief and guilt as Leiby’s parents, family, and a watching community live with regret thinking that this could have been prevented. Only the Lord knows how devastated his parents are over the loss of their beloved son.
The loss of a child in any manner is an inimitable experience. Time stops. Hope stops. For a time there is emotional paralysis, weariness, and a depth of emptiness that only God fully understands. When children die violently, grief is compounded. Innocence, in every way, is killed and the sense of loss is indescribable and seemingly inescapable. Such pain is only known to those who have borne it. Others look on in compassion and gentleness to offer a word, an act, that may in some small measure soothe and heal. But ultimately, such losses are only for the Lord to cover and comfort.
We are members of the human family. When tragedy of any kind strikes a community, we are all dismembered. Each suffers a loss. A loss of collective hope in what might have been. We are connected to each other, whether or not we are conscious of that connection. What I do for you, I do for the community at large—whatever that community is in size or variety. What you do for me increases my investment in your days as well as those around me. Actions matter. Attention matters. We are linked, not as much by technology or social websites, as by the heart and purposes intended by a holy and remarkable God.
Grief is lessened when we bear it for each other. We bear it with our prayers, our offerings to help with household tasks, with notes, phone calls, and with our silent yet compassionate presence. God wants us—needs us—to bear each other’s burdens. We are incapable of walking through challenging seasons in life without the help of others. When grief strikes a heart and a home, the support of others is essential. We become to others the presence of Jesus. The Holy Spirit ministers to us as to how we can help and then the Holy Spirit supernaturally ministers to those through their season of sorrow.
God’s plan for your life and mine is one of wonder, fulfillment, purpose, and peace. It is a plan conceived out of love and sustained by love. Although that plan can at times seem lacking when suffering occurs, remembering the life of Jesus and what He did for love’s sake insures that our sufferings shall be redeemed as well. God promised. May you trust God’s love and promises for yourself. May you be the one to be a witness to hold them true for someone who grieves that needs to be reminded of the same.
Father, You show us throughout Your Word that sorrow is real, and that it is experienced due to all sorts of endings and challenges. Lord God, because of Jesus, Thy dear Son, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, we have been given the capacity to endure for each other as need requires. We only do so by leaning on You for strength, wisdom, and direction. We do this only because it is Your love that is holding on to us. Thank You, Lord, for holding on to us with Your unfailing love. In the Lord Jesus and His precious Name, Amen.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2
When a day is stretched out before you, brand new like an undisturbed canvas, God’s grace provides the opportunity for it to be filled somehow. The day may be used for worship and witness. Hours may be filled with work and enterprise. They may be used to engage in study and learning. Time may be spent on recreation and frolic. Somehow, the empty canvas will record life’s hours. However days are spent, personal choices dictate the results.
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Surely, the Author and Finisher of our faith is at our side daily and through our nights of sleep to give of His presence and share in the daily choices and engagements of the day. He is the One who writes truth on our hearts and He is the One who guides us to the finishing line of life. If one believes in Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour, then one can be certain to be in that glad place of completion when days are no more.
If believers are mindful that Jesus is with us on our pilgrimage of faith, then we can be certain that even when life is bleak and days seems hollow, His very presence hallows time. Emotions do not dictate outcome, though it seems that way. Weary spirits are carried along by Jesus Christ. He is still the Author and Finisher of our faith when personal strength fails and sorrow overtakes. Nothing overtakes Jesus. He overcame everything at Calvary that would seek to overtake human continuance. He made a stand on the Cross that would withstand all the elements of emotional pain as well as Satan’s destructive tactics. Jesus did it. Not because of anything you or I do, can we forebear the sorrows of this life. Because of everything Jesus did—and does by His presence with us—sorrows are carried by Him, and His strength sees us through.
If you are suffering through a time of sorrow right now, let Jesus walk with you. Do not think you need to feel better or stronger in order to be ready for Jesus’ presence. When you are weak, His strength is most needed, and how He wants to avail it to you. If you know someone who suffers now and their pain is your pain, see the Jesus in you, dear reader, for compassion is from Christ. Whatever places you in a season of need for yourself or someone else, do not take one more step without knowing Jesus is there and He wants to walk with you through it.
Ask Him. Ask Jesus to be beside you. In a heartbeat, He is there. If you let Jesus accompany you through life’s present sorrows, this Author and Finisher of your faith will take the pains of your life and sculpt it into something worthy. It does not look like it now. Clay never looks like it could be beautified. Oh, but in the Hands of the Lord, clay gains integrity, value, and purpose. Let Jesus author your days and finish them well, as only Jesus can. He will refine sorrow and define you anew. Indeed there shall be joy and purpose ahead. He promised.
Lord Jesus, how assuring it is to know that whatever meets us in life, we do not meet it without you. You will walk with us through life’s sorrows. You will make meaning out of life’s sorrows. Redeemer that You are, You redeem everything in a believer’s life to make all experience a complete and sanctified life in You. Thank You, Jesus, for Your strengthening presence and Your loyal promises to which we hold. You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. You are why and how life has worth. You are life. Your are all, Amen.
GRIEF AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:4
If you have ever known a time in your life when marking a special occasion was especially difficult, then you are not alone. Meeting up with certain dates on the calendar can be particularly trying when they mean that the heart has to meet up with them. Grief is a primary reason for such difficult encounters with time, place, and season. Grief is a barometer that directs the heart.
Grief is a universal experience yet a most personal journey. Grief comes into our lives due to losses of loved ones due to deaths, expected or unexpected, divorce, fires, hurricanes, tornados, accidents, terrorism, and suicide. Loss comes because of empty nest, retirement, and relocation. Even the joy of marriage, a new job or a new home can prompt grief; sadness may come because even though there is a new excitement ahead, it means leaving certain people and places in order to begin something new.
When birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays, and graduations come about, they may be too difficult to face by participating in a gathering or even acknowledging it. The heart registers the acknowledgement. Depending upon when and what the event is, a heart will begin to steer as to how to meet that given date/occasion. Perhaps it is best to acknowledge it alone without others present or with a few close individuals who will be sensitive to your feelings. Maybe it is best not to give a date attention at all so that it can pass without too much emotional tension. There may come a time in the future when grief lessens and that day can be faced with greater strength.
Another way to address special occasions is to do something for someone anonymously. If a child or spouse has died, it may be helpful to contact a local church or charity to see if you can make a donation in memory of a loved one. If a soldier has died, you may contact the respective branch of the military to see if you can make a donation to a special fund in his or her memory. If doing something other than giving money is more meaningful to you, ask these same organizations if you can volunteer your time to help them. Ask them what their needs are and see if there is a need that corresponds to meeting the emotional need inside of you. The point is not so much what you do as it is doing something that makes you feel as though your act of giving of self makes a contribution to a broader cause and blesses the memory of your loved one. Take the time to consider how you can best meet those needs inside of yourself and the Lord will guide you as to where to offer your time, talent or treasure.
The heart directs us as to whether we move with caution or readiness in a given situation. Sometimes grief can be so raw that our hearts sound the alarm and we are not to move to invest ourselves at all for a time. The heart is our guide and it is a reservoir for our love, strength, and courage. Because grief depletes energy and momentum, there are times when it is valuable to sit and surrender to sadness in order to be filled again with hope. Giving what we do not have within ourselves is futile. Being kind to ourselves and mindful of a season of acute grief is an act that actually aids in replenishing energy and potential. Do not berate yourself for not being able to participate in certain days as you once did. Do not let others berate you either nor coax you into something for which your heart is not ready. Grief is personal. Listen to your heart.
No one—no one—knows you better than Jesus does. Trust the Lord to be with you and to direct your needs at this time. By the presence of the Holy Spirit, He will guide, help, and comfort you. Let Him. When you do, you will come to find that although life will not be as it was before, it will still have meaning and hope. Let Jesus carry you through times of goodbye. Let Jesus be your companion through all days, stages, and places in your life. Jesus understands the human challenges we face. He is the One who gave His life in the interest of traveling with us through them all.
Lord Jesus, You know those sad and unwanted places that hearts must navigate through when grief comes into our lives. You promised to be with us—no matter what. In matters that mark the calendar and mark our eyes with tears and longing, be our peace. Help us, Jesus, to settle ourselves in Your care and promises so that we can live with Your supernatural equilibrium. Your love knows no end. Throughout all the endings of our lives, Your love remains our steadiness and the reason for our every beginning. In Thee, Lord Christ, Amen.
REMEMBERING
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3
Remembering. We do it all the time. People make our lives what they are. The memories that drift in and out of our minds—often unbidden—signify our connection to people with whom we have made our lives. These are persons with who we have charted personal journeys to gather the mementos of the heart.
Most of our remembering occurs with those with whom we have special bonds. With some people we share many years; with others, far less than we thought. Still a bond exists. Remembering also happens with regard to individuals who disappointed or disappeared. Sorrowful memories visit hearts as well.
God is generous in the broad allowance He grants for people to create memories each moment of the day. The Holy Spirit breathes life into what appears common. Many a routine activity becomes cherished. Individuals who carry on in the face of grief do long for those routine days. God’s love for you and for me is revealed in His abundant grace that leads us to memory making and memory keeping in our lives, in what is seemingly mundane and never-ending.
Jesus is at the core of our remembrances; the reason why we remain connected to what has been. Colossians 1:17 assures us that He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Such confidence this brings. Such comfort. This is a steady reminder of the power of Jesus and His understanding of the human heart. Because Jesus holds all things together, we can be certain that there is something of worth and purpose in what has been in our lives—even if circumstances and emotions would indicate otherwise.
Jesus Christ is the Great Redeemer. Of souls. Of spirits. Of reasons. Jesus declares life, forgiveness, and hope—for everyone and everything. He gave His life on the Cross at Calvary so that anyone who believes in Him could believe in their lives too—no matter what. The power of Jesus’ love is beyond human comprehension but never beyond human need. Whatever has been or is now being encountered that challenges, Jesus will overcomes. Man cannot. Jesus can. A belief in Him and His power make certain that He will arrange matters in a heart such that grief will not overtake, and regret will not overshadow a hope still vibrant in every tomorrow in which He is made center.
We thank God for every remembrance of people, places, strides, victories, joys, and even the challenges, that make us who we are. We thank God for hope and time to share and create new memories. Most of all, we thank God for Jesus, who grants resurrection hope to hearts that struggle with the questions of why and how. Jesus, He is the One with the power to give new meaning, hope, and direction to our lives.
God shall continue to cover all with His love.
Lord, You have granted the fabric of memories that shape and embellish our lives. You assuage the sorrows with Your heart of love and comfort. Thank You, Lord, for what You out of Your love for Your people that make remembrances treasured, redemptive, and meaningful in Thee. In Christ forevermore, Amen.
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