happy little sigh

One would think that certain things could be relied upon. Things that, not matter how much we fail, will be there for us–always. There for us, relied upon, because THEY–those infinitely more wealthy and successful and knowledgeable that we–will make them happen. Things like the Summer Olympics. The Eurovision Song Contest. The Tony Awards. Something I hear is called March Madness. And more local things like school. A local festival. Spring sports. Our favorite restaurant. There for us. Because that’s the way it’s been. Always.

But as we have seen over the past few months, something small that started on the other side of the world can gather enough force to undo and all of these things. Enough force to shut down worldwide events, put world leaders in the hospital, create global panic, and in its wake leave death, loss of freedom, and drain away what many have been working decades to build. The truth is, not even world leaders have the power to control such things. World leaders, and the rich, and the famous, cannot always keep their empires going, or even keep their own hearts beating. And nor can you and I. We, like they, are human, limited by by our own strength and understanding.

I have realized this more than ever in this surreal, mind-numbing past month. So much changed, so fast. I do not know it all. I cannot control it all. But there is One who does. I am so thankful that although I cannot promise my children that ANYTHING is sure in this life, I CAN promise them that one day all of us who love Jesus will be together in His beautiful kingdom, forever. At the end of every NO, or MAYBE, or FOR A LITTLE WHILE on earth, there is a resounding, Yes! Yes! Forever Yes! in Heaven. If you are still relying on the great and mighty of this world, on your own health, on your own bank account to be your salvation, remember what little it can take to strip these things away. Even those of us who live to be ninety-nine will one day have to face the next life. I’m so thankful I’ll be facing Jesus. Death could not hold Him, and He is holding me. He is my One Sure Thing.

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

 

The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46