Reluctant Retiree

We all seek protection of many types. We buy insurance to offset medical costs, automobile damage, home repairs, and long term disabilities. We run home as quickly as possible to seek the safety and comfort of familiar surroundings when we have a bad day. We go to court to protect what we feel is rightfully ours. These protections provide short term and limited coverage, thus they provide us with limited peace of mind.

The psalmist wrote, “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”

Hopefully, most of us do not have enemies who are trying to do us bodily harm. But we all have enemies trying to do damage to our lives. The scam artist is trying to take our money. False medical personnel and unqualified influencers make our health unsafe. Politicians make our lives hazardous with improper reasoning and advice. Felons stand in the dark to take everything from us. Where do we go for true safety and comfort?

The psalmist placed his confidence in God. He found God to be many forms of protection for him, e.g. rock, strength, fortress, deliverer, and refuge. Why is God such effective protection? Because He is mightier than any enemy. Because He knows all things and protects us in His great wisdom. Because He is faithful to His promises like the one that says He will never leave us or forsake us. And Because He is good. Let’s put our trust in God, especially when we feel unsure or threatened. He will always come through for us. Peace of mind is found in having God as our refuge.

If you are like me, you periodically come across obstacles that seem too great to overcome. I have been given job assignments that I don’t feel qualified to do. I have faced life situations that I have no idea how to handle. I have questions for which I can see no answer. The world tells me that if I can dream it and then work hard enough, I can do anything. However, thoughtful observation of the world proves that optimistic statement to be blatantly false.

I Corinthians 1:27-29 says, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

God does not chose to use the things that are admired in the world to accomplish His purposes. Rather He choses to use what is despised in the world to bring glory to His name. That is good news to those of us who are weak, foolish, and lowly. He overcomes our inabilities with His unlimited abilities. He provides the wisdom and strength that we need to face the obstacles in our paths. All we need to do is surrender to His ways and trust Him.

At a very early age we learn to ask for things. The baby moves its head reflexively to find mother’s milk. The infant is constantly asking for food and toys. We put a child in Santa’s lap in the mall, so that the child can ask Santa for what is truly desired at Christmas. Some of us never grow out of this mostly selfish approach to life. Others are more focused on the needs of others.

I Timothy 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

God’s children are invited to come before God and have real conversations with Him. That involves far more than just asking for what we want. God is aware of our needs and is eager to provide for them. Our prayers are opportunities for us to align our thoughts and plans with His. To do this, we must not just talk to God when we pray, we must listen to what He has to tell us, especially through His Word. In addition, prayer offers us the opportunity to bring the needs of others before our Father. Doing so, develops humility in us and understanding of the lives of others. We should especially pray for those who are in authority over us. As we do, God will lead us in such a way that we can lead godly lives. Go to God frequently in prayer, but be sure to listen for His leading and graciously bring the needs of others before God.

The television game show “Let’s Make a Deal” is based upon contestants making choices. The options are limited and contain an unseen risk of losing out on great prizes. The final choice involves three doors and hints about what is behind the doors. The contestants can win big prizes or get “zonked” and lose what they already have won.

Romans 6:13 presents us with our daily and moment-by-moment choice in life. It says, “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”

Every morning and throughout our days, we are faced with the choice of doing the good and right thing or doing the wrong or evil thing. The choice we make affects our near and long-term future, including eternity. Wrong choices impact our relationships, but also affect our emotional and spiritual being. Right choices keep us close to God and protect us from the damage wrong choices burden us with.

We can only make the right choices if we have a right relationship with God. That begins with being brought from death to life, or being born again. We receive life when we give ourselves to God by faith through His grace. We must confess our sins and believe that Jesus died for our sins. Then we offer ourselves to God and trust Him to be our Lord and Savior. From that point we can make the right choices on a daily and moment-by-moment basis in the power that He provides.

I grew up in southern California enjoying the sunshine and beaches. Now I live in Indiana. The weather is a far departure from what I grew up with. I have been here 8 years and still have not adjusted. The winter seems abnormally long and the cold weather and lack of sunshine can get to me at times. So as we begin the Spring season today, I am looking forward to sunny days and warmer temperatures.

Daniel 2:20-22 says, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

As the seasons change, it is good to remember the God who controls the weather and established the seasons. Spring, Summer, Fall, and even Winter were His idea and creation. The seasons help the earth produce the crops that we need to feed ourselves. They are all part of His glorious plan created with His all encompassing wisdom and by His power. He deserves our praise as we enjoy the benefits of His creation.