Reluctant Retiree

“I have been young, and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.” Psalm 37:25

God promises to meet the needs of His children. If we follow God’s ways, He will never leave us and will supply what we need. God gives us every spiritual blessing. Then we can become a blessing to others, by sharing what we have received from the Lord.

Some people just have an unusual charisma. They walk into a room and the room lights up. People are naturally drawn to them. They can get things done because they have the admiration and support of others. I am not one of these people, but I know that they exist.

Psalm 24:8 says, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle!” Jesus Christ is the King of glory. The Bible calls Him Lord of lords and King of Kings. His rule and authority are absolute and complete. He doesn’t derive His glory from the admiration of people, but rather glory fills His nature. He is sovereign over all other authorities and powers. Wherever glory exists, Jesus Christ possesses authority and power over it. He rules in majesty on high, but is also God with us. Some day every knee will bow to Him and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.

Many times when I have an idea to do something good, I don’t have the resolve to follow through. Whether it be a lack of self-confidence or faith, I neglect to do the good thing that I want to do. Even if it is a small thing like giving a compliment that is deserved, I back away at times. Later I am ashamed and full of regret for not doing the good that I know I could have done and even wanted to do.

II Thessalonians 1:11 says, “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.” Anytime we want to do a good work, God promises to give us the strength to do the good that we desire. All we have to do is exercise the faith to do it. So let’s trust God and see Him do good works through us and find out how the world around us will be changed.

I have learned that in order to help people who are struggling we need to gather the resources necessary for the task. Many times that requires raising funds through donations. Most of the time it means getting people with the right knowledge and experience to help. Sometimes it can mean that we need to learn some things in order to provide effective help.

I Thessalonians 5:14 says, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” People who are struggling are all around us. We just need to open our eyes to see the needs.

Those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord have the best resources to help those who are in need. We have been given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places according to Ephesians. It is out of these rich blessings that we are called to be a blessing to others. We were not recipients of God’s blessings only to hold them unto ourselves. We must share with those who need us to help.

Yesterday, I felt particularly lonely. I don’t know why. Even though I was amongst many people and in a familiar environment, I felt like no one else was there or cared that I was by myself. I think all of us feel that way at times. We feel cut off from the people around us, although they are there and the situation is not new.

Psalm 139:8-10 says, “If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” God’s people are never alone. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Darkness cannot hide us from Him. He always sees us, and in fact, His gaze is always directed toward us. He doesn’t stop working on our behalf and for His glory. We can rest assured in His constant presence, guiding us and protecting us.