Psalm 71:1, 3
My friend Earl was lamenting the game of golf. He said there are days on the links when everything falls into place. (Now for me, those times are rare, but they do happen). Earl was in a pretty good mood as he told of a game he had about a month earlier. He said, “My shots were consistent and straight—both woods and irons. Some of the approaches were good and I was able to one-putt a couple of greens. That day I ended up with a 41 for nine holes, the best I’ve ever played.” Then Earl went on, “But since that day, well, it’s been down hill. My scores lately have been hovering around the 50’s, my usual game. The inconsistency is frustrating, but I keep telling myself that it’s only a game, and, of course, it is.”
Life is like that—full of inconsistencies—high times and low times—days when everything seems right and days when nothing falls into place. There are times when everything is together and times when nothing works out according to expectations. The frustrating thing is, I can’t predict when the good times and the bad times will be. They come as quickly as a storm that whips up unexpectedly and suddenly I find myself in the middle of it. Then I cry out with the Psalmist, “In you, O Lord, I take refuge…be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.”
This I know. God shares all of life with us, both the times of tranquility as well as the storms. We will not experience a totally trouble-free life. Yet, consider what Elizabeth Kubler Ross wrote: “Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their carvings.”
What we can do is celebrate the totality of life. For God is with us always—the God who created us, the God who provides for us, the God who gives Himself to us through Jesus who walked this life to show us who God is. Each day is a sacred time to reflect upon the mighty gift of love God gives to us. Plan now to experience this powerful act of God by regularly worshipping the ever-present, ever-giving God made known through Jesus.
Prayer: Creator God, you have so blessed us with life. You are present with us in both the highs and lows of life. Thank you God. Amen
Song:
There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul
Sometimes I feel discouraged
And think my work's in vain
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again