Declare
It’s November. When the ‘shelter in place’ thing first happened, I thought it would be a very long year. Instead it has passed like most of life – like a vapor.
Along with all the Covid stuff has been much more than we could have anticipated. Riots, politics, wars abroad, weather catastrophes, churches shut down – does the list end? Through it all, right from the start of this ‘new normal’, God has manifested Himself in amazing and unexpected ways.
Instead of meeting in each other’s homes, our neighborhood Bible study met at a park. In places no one would expect (southern California beaches and refugee tent camps and more), thousands of souls have heard that Jesus loves them. Life is meant for a single purpose – “I will declare that Your love stands firm forever” (Psalm 89:2a NIV)
Comes a time when we look back and realize how very quickly things move. I’m quite sure I was thirty-something not long ago. But age gives perspective as well. If you’re young, I get it, the not understanding those beyond fifty. I didn’t when I was young either. And our society has made us believe anyone with the signs of life etched on their outsides are irrelevant.
I, for one, wish I had sought out wisdom from those who walked the road ahead of me. Wish I had listened to those who tried to speak life-giving words to me. “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25 NIV)
Want the answers to life’s questions? The solution for your current problem? The help you can’t find anywhere?
I’ve learned all my worrying hasn’t helped any situation. I’m still learning I’m not in control of the outcomes of the lives of those I love. Most of all I’m learning that the best way to put aside fretting and fears is to declare God’s Truth. We find answers when we acknowledge God is in control, God really does know best, and God may not answer our way – but His answers will not fail us.
I’m thinking children know something we’ve forgotten: approach all of life in expectation. God is always with us. Earthly life is a dash between two dates. Never ending life is awaiting Jesus followers – we will be awestruck. We’ll declare – Oh my God, how do you love me so? “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to You; were I speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” (Psalm 40:5 NIV)
parisrenae 
Declaring God’s love is indeed the most fulfilling and purposeful thing we can do with our lives. God has definitely been good to me and I feel his love every day!
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Yes, and I think the days ahead will warrant us being bold with that love and declaring His goodness and mercy. Blessings as the Holy Spirit emboldens you…
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Such a timely post for me to read today, on my 50th birthday! I’ve been learning many of the same lessons … not to worry about tomorrow, but let tomorrow worry about itself. It’s often a challenge, but so much more peace-filled!
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Happy birthday and may the year ahead be so full of His embrace of your soul and spirit that you find many reasons and ways to declare His glory.
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