Perspective and Promise
Did you notice more grey hairs during the past six months of shelter in place? I did. Not that I had more, but that without going to the salon they were coming out of hiding!
I’m thrilled that nail and hair salons in our area have reopened and I can deal with those grey hairs.
But I’m even more encouraged by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:3-4
What a promise! The God of creation upheld me since conception, carried me since birth, and will sustain me to my old age. There’s another wonderful promise in Psalm 92.
Flourishing trees
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Psalm 92:12-15
Oh, we will have difficulties and trials in this life. Jesus promised that.
Sometimes I feel I’ve had my share of challenges, between the losses of a husband, both parents and parents-in-law, and some dear friends; challenges of illnesses; Covid-19 restrictions; and leaving/healing from a legalistic ministry.
But then I think of those in countries where people are being held captive for years, separated from family who may not even know whether or not they are alive, because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Others are giving their lives rather than renounce their Lord. He said if they hated me, they will hate you. And I pray for God’s sustenance for those dear brothers and sisters. And I ask how I can help.
These are righteous, and they will be honored by God in His kingdom. And I’m humbled because I have not experienced what they have. And yet all who have trusted in Christ’s work on the cross are counted righteous–not because of what we have done, but because of his grace! (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Perspective and promise. Perspective that comes from recognizing God’s loving hand throughout my life (and trusting him for my future) and from seeing others remain faithful through extremely difficult trials.
God’s promises, which are true because he cannot lie. It would be against his character. And he has promised “a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11) to all who trust in him. We may not see that hope in its fullness until we’re on the other side; but his promise is true.
How are you doing through this time of shelter in place and division in our country? I pray you will be encouraged by these two focus areas, perspective and promise.
I’d love to hear from you.
Thank you, Carol. I’ve had white hair for so long I can’t remember when it was brown! Therefore, when I came across the verse from Isaiah years ago I grabbed hold of it and have returned to it many times. I love knowing that God’s response in all situations is to hold us close no matter what and no matter when.
And you are so beautiful with your lovely white hair Karen! Not all can pull it off like you do! I too love this verse and hunger to be green, producing fruit into my old age (which is rapidly approaching). You are still productive and bearing fruit, although I don’t consider you of old age at all. Love you!
Thank you, dear Carol for your faithful writing to encourage us along the way. I love your words, the scriptures, and YOU! God has given you a special way to care about others and to share His love and grace with them. I’m so grateful for your friendship and ask God to continue to bless the work of your hands!
Thank you dear Jeannie. Your words are meaningful to me and I cherish your friendship! Much love.
Truth, keeping perspective on our lives and counting on the promises of God.
I am on crutches, for just a few weeks, my lesson is to be more compassionate for those who have forever disabilities.
All in all we as a country are so blessed.
♥️♥️♥️
Katie, I didn’t know you were on crutches temporarily. I’m sorry to hear it but glad this is for a limited time. It’s amazing how dealing with some physical or emotional limitation helps increase our compassion for others who have, as you say, “forever disabilities.” Thank you for your comment and your love. Take very good care of yourself. Love you!