Reluctant Retiree

Can you recall a time when you were at perfect peace and in a place that you really enjoyed? For me it is the beach. I love the serenity and peacefulness of the waves and the sand and the stretch of the ocean into the horizon. I am relaxed and at peace everytime I have the opportunity to go to a beach. My heart and mind is at rest there.

Psalm 16:5-6 says, “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Believers in Jesus Christ have the sweetest of all possessions, the Lord. He puts our lives and our hearts in pleasant places and ensures that we have a beautiful and wonderful inheritance in Jesus Christ. Troubles will come, but we can still find peace and joy when we rest in the pleasant places and beautiful inheritance that the Lord provides our souls.

It is the tradition of some people to make New Year’s resolutions. Some are decisions to make certain parts of their lives better and some resolutions are to do something new in the coming year. Many times these resolutions fall apart early in the year. It is admirable to commit to making ourselves better, but the follow through is often lacking the dedication needed.

Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” As the new year approaches, let’s look for God to do something new and glorious in our lives. He will make a straight path for us even when we feel like we are lost in the wilderness. He will refresh us and make the changes in our lives that will be good for us.

When a person gets married many things change. A new family is formed. A new relationship is established. Often a new name is given. A new home is made for those in this new relationship. The relationship is designed to grow and mature over time. It may even grow in number as children come.

Romans 9:25 says, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.'” When we gave our lives to believe in Jesus Christ, our whole nature changed. We have become God’s people and His beloved, having been adopted into His family. We become His beloved even though we were formerly not among His children and people. We are now called to be like Him and do things consistent with His family name.

Sometimes the gifts we receive have a deeper meaning than is readily apparent. We may receive a family heirloom that has important meaning to the family. Someone may give us a gift that meets an emotional or mental need of the moment. Or perhaps we become the recipient of something with historical significance.

Romans 5:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Though him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Those who trust in Jesus for salvation and redemption receive much more than these two unsurmountable gifts of God’s grace. We have also received God’s justification, meaning we receive no condemnation for sin. The blood of Jesus also paves the way for us to have access to God by His grace and to know the hope of the glory of God. So along with salvation and redemption, we receive justification, access to the Father, grace enough for each day, hope, and participation in the glory of God.

Over the years we have received many gifts. The most special gifts are those that either meet a need in our lives or were handcrafted expressions of love for us. Those gifts have an enduring place in our hearts.

Psalm 118:23-24 says, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” God prepares and specially handcrafts each day for His purposes and your good. Open your heart to receive these gifts and offer thanksgiving to the One who made each day. Make the most of each day by rejoicing in His marvelous works on your behalf.