Loss is a real thing to me in recent years. My Dad and Mom died two years apart. Bev and
I turned our lives upside down to care for my brothers, boys they had adopted, and
that choice proved to be something less than a joyous experience, for the most
part. Then, of course, the biggest loss,
her cancer journey and death just over a year ago. I am a resilient person and, by God’s grace and
with love of many dear friends, I carried
on with life thinking that I was dealing with it all, rebuilding life in a new
way. “He’s moved on,” some said. Don’t fool yourself! The wound is still there and it only takes a
bump on the road to rip it open. That became so evident yesterday. My Irish
Setter, Sam, who is almost 9, needed oral surgery so I dropped her at the vet’s
in the morning, with the expectation that she would be coming home mid-afternoon.
The procedure went well, he said, but give her a little extra time to recover
from the anesthesia. 3 became 5, 5 became 6:30 and my emotions began to swirl –
fear and anger and sorrow – in equal measures.
With the tumult inside of me I realized anew just how fragile my heart remains.
In the middle of it all, I fielded a couple of pastoral calls from people in
pain, real and deep issues in their lives.
Not for a moment do I believe myself unique in all of
this. Pain is common. Disappointments
are everywhere. All people endure seasons of intense suffering!
How can we cope with the inevitable losses that will come
our way in this broken world?
First of all, we must anchor
ourselves in the promise of God.
The prayer of the broken man written in the 73rd
Psalm is often on my lips. "When I
was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a
dumb ox in your very presence. I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my
hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me. You’re all I want
in heaven! You’re all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get
brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they’ll never be heard
from again. But I’m in the very presence of God— oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve
made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do!"
(Psalm 73:20-28, The Message) I love
that passage for the brutal authenticity found there. Who among us has not become a ‘dumb ox’
before God, emoting rage or bitterness as we are temporarily blinded by our
tears? But He does not walk off in disgust. He tenderly loves us through our pain. And, when we settle
and His Presence finds us, there is renewal of hope.
You are His beloved child. Why the pain? Why the
disappointment? We may never really know
on this side of eternity, but He is unchanging, unfailing, and holds us secure
in His grasp. Anchor to that, my friend!
We must stay self-aware
and take charge of our hearts!
Yesterday in the tumble of emotions, I did some self-talk evaluating
my situation, realizing that some of the things I felt were real in the moment,
but not the truth of my life! When the
pressure comes, kneel! Peter teaches
us that we should "humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right
time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for
he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He
prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm
against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers
and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you
are." (1 Peter 5:6-9, NLT)
We must learn to worship
the One Who is greater and to give thanks.
The stories that the Bible records for us reveal that the
men and women who stood tall were those who chose to worship in Spirit and
truth. Job lost everything but his life. He raged against the unfairness of it
all and asked God to show up and defend Himself! But, the Lord only revealed
His majesty leaving Job’s questions shrouded in mystery. Job’s response? “I put my hand over my mouth.” He chose humble worship. "Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything,
and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with
such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have
some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you
before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I
said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (Job 42:1-6, NLT)
Finding yourself with tumbling, swirling emotions today? Are
fear, anger, doubt, and/or confusion trying to take over your mind?
Anchor in His promise.
Get aware and take charge of your heart.
Humbly worship.
Here is a word from the Word. "In
his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ
Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and
strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him
forever! Amen." (1 Peter 5:10-11, NLT)
(And, this morning, Sam, the setter, is doing fine. She is a
little grumpy but recovering well.)
_________
Good, Good Father
I've heard a thousand
stories
Of what they think
You’re like
But I've heard the
tender whisper
Of love in the dead of
night
You tell me that
You’re pleased
And that I'm never
alone
You're a Good Good
Father
It's who You are
It's who You are
It's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am
It's who I am
It's who I am
I've seen many
searching for answers
Far and wide
But I know we're all
searching for answers
Only You provide
Because You know just
what we need
Before we say a word
You are perfect in all
of Your ways
You are perfect in all
of Your ways
You are perfect in all
of Your ways to us
Love so undeniable I
can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I can hardly think
As You call me deeper
still
As You call me deeper
still
As You call me deeper
still
Into love love love
Anthony Brown | Pat Barrett
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