I was officiating at many funerals, and it was very difficult to see so much grieving and sorrow, but that one line gave us His peace and comfort.
This COVID epidemic has changed most of our lives. If a family hasn’t lost a loved one, it has lost cherished friends, neighbours, and community members. All losses weren’t covid related; many may be indirectly associated with it. All of life’s situations affect us physically, mentally and spiritually. Our heavenly Father created us to have faith in Him and trust Him as we travel on this temporary island home.
Within all of us is a still, small voice longing for peace. Our God created us to commune with Him. This desire is given to all of us. Sometimes we don’t recognize it. Other times we ignore it to do our own agenda. That causes many problems. He is God; far smarter than any of us. After all! Remember! HE IS OUR CREATOR!
In his book “The Purpose Driven Life – What on earth am I here for?” Rick Warren says, “It’s not about you! You were created by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense. It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning and our purpose, our significance and our destiny. This applies to any color, creed or religion. Every other path leads to a dead end.”
In Proverbs 11:28 (MSG), we read, “A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.” Jerimiah 17:18 continues our instruction: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat (challenges), worried by long months of drought (grief). Their leaves are green and they go right on producing delicious fruit.” Psalm 42:2 proclaims, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Isaiah 55:6 declares what is necessary for our peace. “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” God can give to us the peace and strength we need to thrive through all the troubles and challenges of our lives. He promises us in Psalm 29:11, “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” (NIV)
The words of a song written by Kenneth Morris are my personal testimony. “My God is real for I can feel Him in my soul.” I pray you can feel Him in your soul. I wonder what all our loved ones are doing in heaven today?
The peace of God be with you!
Submitted by Rev Vicki Young, Retired in Raymore
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
