Quiet Contemplation - Day 36

Judges 6:14-16 (NIV, excerpts)

The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have… I will be with you…”

            The story of Gideon is a fascinating one. We find him hiding from the Midianites and trying to thresh wheat on an old winepress out of sight and out of harm’s way. This is when the angel of the LORD arrives to call Gideon into service. Gideon is perplexed because he considers that he is the least among his family, his family is the least among his clan, and his clan is the least among the half-tribe of Manasseh. Gideon probably feels like he should be the last person God would ever need or want to use. His lack of courage is manifested in the very fact that he is secretly trying to thresh enough wheat for survival while avoiding the oppressive power of the Midianites.

            Most of us are not very different from Gideon. Given a choice, most of us would like to fade into the background and go about our daily lives unnoticed. And just like Gideon, we probably feel woefully inadequate to be of service in any foreground capacity. But we never can know just how or when we will be the one God chooses to make an impact in someone else’s life. When we are tempted to doubt our ability, we have the confidence that God’s promise to Gideon is the same he offers to us…

“Go in the strength you have…I will be with you.”

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us for our hesitancy in responding to the opportunities you present to us. Remind us that you always provide the strength and courage we need to serve you.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - Day 35

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Yesterday I wrote from my heart with special thoughts for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones or dear friends. Today my thoughts are more about letting go and moving forward. Now to be clear, I have no medical or professional background in this area, so if you are personally under care of professional or medical guidance for any reason—remember, I “Write From My Heart” and these are just my thoughts; not professional counsel.

            Having said that, what occurs to me first is that dwelling in the past hinders a clear vision of the present and becomes a roadblock for the future. It is called “the past” for a reason—it is behind us. What we must remind ourselves, is that moving forward does NOT mean your love for your loved one will diminish in any way, shape, or form! Their memory is and always will be precious to you. There is no shame in moving forward.

           

Here are some things to try:

·       Rather than focusing on loss, choose to focus on life.

·       Rather than clinging to the past, choose to observe the present blessings all around you.

·    Rather than allowing grief to consume you, choose to praise God for the time, however brief you shared.

And something else that may help in the moment when memories begin to overwhelm is to stop, take a deep breath, and find some word, song, or Bible verse of praise to God for his blessings. Blessings are all around you and you can find them when you look. If you are unable to process your thoughts in the moment, sing the Doxology (your preferred format is fine):

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below:

Praise him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

(Thomas Ken, 1637-1711)

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Moment by moment, day by day, we rely on your strength to overcome grief and loss. But you are there ready to help us move forward in life. Help us to focus on you and the work you have for us to do for your glory and name sake.

            In Christ’s name, Amen

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return.

Quiet Contemplation - Day 34

Psalm 91:4 (NIV)

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

            Today, I have on my mind the many people who are suffering loss of friends or loved ones. Perhaps the loss was from COVID-19, accident, aging, medical reason, or any reason at all. The reason does not lessen how much we miss them. I too, have said untimely good-byes to many loved ones and friends—too many. So how do we cope? When grief sneaks in and tries to consume us, I find hope in the verses above.

However, there is something you should notice: Psalm 91:4 states, “his faithfulness” will be your shield and rampart. I think this might be where we get confused. Too often we think it depends on our faith, and if we are still grieving, then it must be because we didn’t have enough faith. That is not what the passages says! It is God’s faithfulness to those who call out to him; and friends, God’s faithfulness never waivers. God’s love is consistent. God’s compassions never fail. And praise God, he is not dependent on our measure of stability. It is we who are dependent upon his ultimate stability. It is in God that we find comfort from loss. His mercies are new every single day and we are able to call to him in prayer every single day, many times a day and whenever we need that gentle push to move forward. He is faithful to respond.

This is a huge topic, and one with which many people face each day. I never know for sure where the Lord will guide me in writing, but as of now, I believe tomorrow we may explore the process of letting go and moving forward.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            So many people are missing their loved ones today. You are their strength and hope. You are the source of comfort and the promise of resurrection. In you we place our trust.

            In Christ’s name, Amen

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with thee;

Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not; As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

(Thomas O. Chisholm, 1866-)

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!