Reluctant Retiree

“Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!” Psalm 65:1-4

Some people may think that going to church is boring and just religious activity. God sees it much differently, and so should we. It is the highest honor to be drawn into God’s presence. He calls us near although we are not worthy. God Almighty gives us the privilege of coming into His throne room in prayer and praise, while He forgives our sins and has made us clean by His atonement.

In the past month or so the United States has been hit by a variety of storms. Bomb cyclones and atmospheric rivers have damaged property, restricted travel, created power outages, and unfortunately injured and killed people. In some areas the impact has been devastating.

Sudden illnesses, loss of loved ones, job losses, and financial downturns create havoc in our lives, such that we sometimes wonder how we are going to make it through another day.

Psalm 27:5 says, “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.” The day of trouble will come to each of us. God does not promise to keep problems away from us. He does promise to help us through the storms of life. He shelters His children from devastation and carries us to the rock above the storms.

“For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the work of your hands I sing for joy.” Psalm 92:4

The psalmist was able to rejoice as he looked back at his life, because he recognized God’s work in his life. That doesn’t mean that everything went well for him. It does mean that despite whatever troubles he may have experienced, he could still see God’s work on his behalf, causing him to rejoice.

I often focus my attention on the circumstances of my life. I try to solve problems and enjoy the good times. The problem is that this focus takes my mind away from the things God is doing. I miss His handiwork in my life. When we step back and review our lives, or just this day, we can see how God has worked on our behalf. We will then rejoice in the obstacles He removed, the problems He solved, the beauty He showed us, the love that He favored us with, and the blessings He gave. Let’s rejoice in God’s work!

Great athletes use their incredible athleticism to accomplish remarkable fetes. Wonderful musicians use their talents to compose and play moving music. Outstanding teachers use their knowledge and experience to bring out the best in their students. We marvel at the abilities and performance of gifted people.

But God wants to use the common person to do the impossible. When the angel told Mary that she would give birth to Jesus although she was a virgin, he said, “For nothing is impossible with God.” And Mary responded, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” God can do that which we believe is impossible. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly chose common ordinary people to do great things. He also desires to do remarkable things through us. When God chooses to do the impossible with us, the only appropriate response is to believe and submit to Him.

Speaking of wisdom Psalm 8:17-21 says, “I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.”

Financial advisors will help you find investments that give you a good return on your investment. However, they cannot guarantee you that good return. Many obstacles may counteract their good advice and intentions.

However, God has promised to give us great returns on our diligent search for wisdom. First, He promises that we will find wisdom when we diligently search for it. Then He promises that we will reap much fruit and righteousness as we walk in the ways of His wisdom. Our treasuries of God’s blessings will be filled to overflowing. Righteousness and justice are found in God’s wisdom.

If you haven’t already done so, begin the search for God’s wisdom today. Read God’s Word, the Bible. Seek out those who know Him and listen to their counsel. Pray and ask God to reveal His truths to you. Don’t miss out on the rewards of God’s wisdom.