Reluctant Retiree

I spent most of my career working as an internal auditor for a large bank. It was my job to examine the accounting records and operating procedures to ensure all transactions were accurately recorded and the financial risk to the company was minimized.

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to do the same thing in relationships. We record all the hurts caused by others on the tablets of our hearts and minds, never to be forgiven or forgotten. Of course, we also record the joys, but sometimes they are hidden by the overwhelming debt that we have assigned to the other person.

I Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Continual love from an earnest heart can teach us to forgive others for the hurts they have caused us. Love can help us constantly wipe the slate clean so that our hearts are healed and the relationship is redeemed. God loves us in this manner. His love caused Him to send His Son to redeem us and give us forgiveness. Since He has loved us in this way, we can ask Him to help us love others in the same way.

Very often facts are revealed over time. Investigations learn details of crimes committed, but it takes time to pull the facts together and have the experts analyze them. Even in our personal lives, many situations require time to gather facts and understanding.

John 16:13-14 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” The source of all truth is God, who has all knowledge, wisdom and understanding. He declares the truth to us in the inner man through His Holy Spirit and His Word. Just like the investigations mentioned above, we gain understanding and knowledge over time as we experience God’s truth.

How did we ever get so confused about what we should say? There are some who purport to say it like it is, but only express what their inflated ego tells them. There are some who seek to tear others down so they can be lifted up, at least in their own minds. And there are some who confidently speak lies in order to improve their status in life. Are these the reasons that we were given the gift of speech?

I Peter 3:10-11 says, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” Dishonesty and speaking evil about others only brings discord and chaos. We may gain some short term benefit, but will suffer the long term consequences of our evil words. Speaking the truth in love brings goodness and a love for life. These are long term benefits that we all truly desire.

“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” Psalm 40:2

Many things can hold us back from becoming the people we want to be or doing the good that we want to do. We can feel like circumstances are against us or even that other people are obstacles. The reality is that we are the problem. The poor choices that we have made and the sins that we have committed act as a miry bog to hold us back.

Fortunately, God, in His mercy, gave us the means to become the people we want to be and do the good that we desire to do. The rock that He places us on is Jesus Christ, God’s own Son. When we walk with Him our steps are secure and our path is made straight. Apart from Him we remain in the muck of our own making.

Experience and know the freedom of walking with Jesus. He will release you from the miry bog of sin and make your steps secure in the knowledge of Him and His redemption. Walk upon the Rock, Jesus Christ.

Many things may frustrate us in life, but many other things bring us joy. Perhaps you have found joy in your family, friends, job, recreation, or volunteering. I trust that you have found some joy in the things you do and the people you know.

I Peter 1:8-9 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I testify to the truth of these verses. Faith in Jesus Christ results in inexpressible joy and glory. Sometimes circumstances are difficult but my faith in Jesus brings me joy even in the most trying times. I know that His love for me is steadfast, abundant, and eternal. I can rest in His arms and leave the rest to Him.

He will do the same for you. It begins by placing our lives in His hands and accepting His gift of salvation and redemption. Inexpressible joy is then on the way to our hearts.