Readings for today: Psalms 26, 40, 41, 58, 61, 62, 64
My oldest friend lost his mom recently. He reached out to me to see if I was available to officiate her funeral. As you might imagine, we started talking and reminiscing and it brought back a lot of memories. I’ve known this friend since fourth grade. He has seen me in the best of times and worst of times. He knows the challenges my family faced as I was growing up. My father’s addiction. Our financial struggles. The times we were on the verge of homelessness. He also knows the journey I’ve been on since I got married and started having my own kids. The ups and downs of ministry. The experiences of success and failure along the way. The years we labored in obscurity, on government assistance, trying to make ends meet. It hasn’t been easy. There have been times when I wondered if we would make it through. But my friend encouraged me to look at where the Lord has brought me. Look at the fruit of the ministry I get to be part of. Look at the close relationships I have with my wife and children and family. Look at all I’ve been able to accomplish as the Lord provided opportunity after opportunity. His perspective was such a blessing to me.
This is what I love most about David. He reflects back on his life. He sees the successes and failures. He sees the good times and bad. He’s honest about his sin and mistakes. And yet, he marvels over all God has done for him. “O Lord, my God, you have accomplished many things; you have done amazing things and carried out your purposes for us. No one can thwart you! I want to declare them and talk about them, but they are too numerous to recount!” (Psalms 40:5 NET) Godly perspective is important in life. It keeps us from falling into despair. It keeps us from being trapped in an endless cycle of negativity. It’s so important for us to take the time and make the time to sit and prayerfully reflect and recount all the many things God has done for us. From the small graces to the amazing miracles. God is always at work. His hand is always on us. His presence is always with us.
Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalms 5, 38, 42