Reluctant Retiree

We all have our fears and anxieties. What are you afraid of? What makes you tremble? Could it be something small and somewhat benign as some insect? Or is your fear directed at something a little more powerful like public speaking or some possible embarrassment? Maybe your fears are overwhelming like a health emergency or loss of a relationship. Perhaps some people in your life cause you anxiety.

Psalm 99:1 says, “The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!” How is it that we fear all the things listed in the paragraph above and yet do not give the proper honor to God, who has authority and power over all things. We make ourselves enemies of Almighty God when we fail to give Him the glory that is due to His holy name and thus reject Him. Do not be controlled by fear of what others may do. Instead give honor to the One who reigns above all things and holds you in His hands. He is worthy of your worship, honor and praise.

I love sunrises. And I love hiking. I really enjoy putting these two loves together by hiking on nature trails early in the morning. I frequently get to enjoy the fresh air while watching the sun rise over the horizon and painting the sky in many colors. The sun’s light disintegrates the darkness and illuminates the world around me.

II Samuel 23:3-4 says, “The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns over them like a morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.” God promises to bless us and be with us when we deal properly and righteously with people. If we treat other people with kindness, mercy and love, God will surround us with His love like the sunlight gathers around us on a bright sunny and cloudless day.

He could have come in a blaze of glory, riding a huge white horse with an innumerable army of angels. He could have come out of a brilliant light show in the heavens. He could have come with a loud voice commanding the attention of the whole earth. But He chose to come as a baby born in a stable to peasant parents. He came as fully man while retaining His deity.

Jeremiah 10:10 says, “But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King.” During this Christmas season we celebrate the babe in the manger, but remember that He is also the true God and the everlasting King. He is worthy of all praise and worship, along with thanksgiving that this Manger King come with salvation for all who would believe and trust in Him.

As I hike the nature trails these days it is easy to tell that the season has changed. What was once forests of lush vegetation, and then of many colored leaves, now reveal barren tree limbs. The cold temperatures have swept through the area and left the trees with a stark reminder of winter’s impact.

Our lives also go through different seasons from childhood to senior living. Along the way we go through periods of education, adolescence, marriage and childbearing, career advancement, and retirement.

Galatians 6:9-10 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith.” Keep doing good to others even when it is hard or they don’t seem to appreciate the good you do for them. God has prepared good works for us to do in every season of life. Let’s let Him lead us and empower us to do these good works to bear fruit for His name and benefit all people.

Sometimes we fade into a state of chaos and confusion. It could be some new struggle that we are not sure how to address. Perhaps some event or circumstance has caused insecurity. Maybe we are facing a major decision and don’t know which way to turn.

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.” When we are struggling and don’t know what to do, God will provide for our needs and the wisdom to get us though the chaos and confusion. He can and will become the bright light that leads us in the way that we should go. We must trust Him and follow the direction that He grants to us. A word of caution: He may not provide all the answers at once, but instead require us to follow each step forward in faith.