It goes without saying that we live in a day where our hearts cry out like the psalmist: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me (us) forever? How long will you hide your face from me (us)?” (13:1) Whether we are questioning how long this pandemic will create suffering among the populations of the world or how long we will remain under lockdown and be restricted in daily living and ministry, the ‘how long’ effect slowly erodes our patience and perseverance.
We lament the change from how life was just a few months ago to what it is now; the ‘new normal’ as some call it. Our hearts yearn for a return to the ‘normal’; to be able to get back to or get on with ministry as we were experiencing it in December and January.
To lament means that we acknowledge the reality we now experience. Yes, it would be nice to go back to life as it was before, but we know it is not the case at this point. This transition to a new ‘normal’ reminds us of what we miss, of what we have lost, of what we long for again.
However, lamenting must be tied to anchoring. Anchoring means that we secure our lives in what is true, rock-solid, and can hold us from being tossed about in the winds of difficulty and change. As we acknowledge the current reality, we anchor our hearts in what we know is true by reminding ourselves of what God has done (past blessings) and what He will do (future hope).
This is where the psalmist went: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” (13:5-6) Notice the active nature of his ‘anchoring’: he put his trust in someone other than himself; he found ways to rejoice in the spiritual blessings given to him; and he sang with his voice the praises of His God.
If you are like me, you are feeling pretty weary these days. Share that openly, but then look around for glimmers of that ‘steadfast love which endures forever’ in which you can anchor our souls. Those glimmers can be found all around us.
“When I am afraid of evils to come, comfort me by showing me that in myself I am a dying, condemned wretch, but in Christ I am reconciled and live; that in myself I find insufficiency and no rest, but in Christ there is satisfaction and peace; that in myself I am feeble and unable to do good, but in Christ I have ability to do all things … Amen.”
Filed under: Love of God, Remembrance |
Thoughts Along The Journey 
Thank you, David, for these encouraging words.
Even though we are retired, and not needing income, we he have been greatly blessed.
Yes, things are different. We can’t go out and congregate with friends at church, work, in the neighbourhood, at the park,etc., but we can still enjoy His creation through walks by ourselves or with our spouses, congregating through ZOOM Chats/Church Services/Prayer Meetings, and more.
We are and have been greatly blessed!
Thanks David for responding! The Lord is gracious even in the midst of difficulty. May we continue to acknowledge the reality of this ‘new normal’ while we cling more strongly to Him!