Thoughts on life and faith after unexpected life changes at an advanced age
A farmer knows that his farm will yield the best crops when he manages the field well and plants the highest yielding seeds. If he damages his fields, he will not receive the best benefits.
Proverbs 11:17 says, “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” God’s Word is clear. We will receive according to what we give. We receive blessings when we give kindness. We will receive hurts when we choose cruelty.
Wherever we go, we bring with us the many experiences and impacts that have affected our lives. No matter how much we may want to remove impurities, we cannot fully do so. Therefore, our words and impacts upon others is tainted by these previous impacts upon us.
Psalm 12:6 says, “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.” God’s Word is free from any form of darkness, deceit, or evil. He speaks to us without harshness or roughness. He speaks words of salvation, healing, hope, mercy, and grace.
Different people pursue different things in life. Some pursue wealth. Others pursue fame. Still others pursue pleasure. While many achieve their desired results, most are disappointed through failures or the disparity between expectation and reality. Perhaps people are just pursuing the wrong things, things which cannot satisfy the human soul.
Speaking about wisdom, Proverbs 8:34-35 says, “Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD.” Of all of life’s pursuits, the pursuit of God’s wisdom is of uttermost importance. For obtaining wisdom from God leads to fullness of life and to receiving God’s favor.
Most of the time, it is good to stop, think, and plan before addressing some struggle. However, we we become frozen in fear and worry as we face concerns, we ignore one big truth. The battle belongs to the Lord, who is more than capable to successfully bring us victory.
I Samuel 17:47-48 says, “and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.” When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.” When we truly believe that the battle belongs to the Lord, we will not worry about our struggles, but rather we will quickly face them in God’s strength.
Perhaps, you have composed a masterful musical piece. Or maybe, you created a luxurious piece of furniture. You know that these creations are magnificent and worthy of praise. On the other hand, you have also created some works that are not quite so amazing. In fact, these items take time for you to maintain and keep you from creating more masterpieces. Yet, you are attracted to these items in some way, so that you don’t mind giving them the attention that they need so that they can fulfill the purposes that you created in them.
Psalm 8:3-4 says, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” In all of creation, nothing has the attention of God more than you and me. It is amazing and wonderful to think that the God who created all things and sustains all things thinks about us and cares for us. We have nothing to offer Him. We can only ask that He receive our thanksgiving, praise, and trust.
Reluctant Retiree