In the past several years, as we watched our world change… from one where God was honored, our flag always saluted and government leaders were shown respect no matter their political party… one thing remained the same… Jesus Christ… the same yesterday. and today, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8
Let’s allow these words to comfort us for a minute.
There’s an old gospel song whose lyrics go: In the stillness of the midnight, precious, sacred scenes unfold. If you’ve wondered like me at times if anything is still ‘sacred’ I can assure you, yes! Some things ARE still above reproach, deserving of awe and unable to be affected by men and their narrow visions of greatness. Callous jokes, unkind words and negative opinions concerning our Lord might be offensive to us, but they have no power over Him. He remains the same: faithful, trustworthy, and always there meeting every need.
In the stillness of the midnight… when you lie down to sleep…what thoughts fill your mind? Sometimes it’s a list of things…things that didn’t get done, dishes that still sit in the sink, worries about work…where will the money come from to feed us the rest of this week? What should I wear for that job interview? Will there be any jobs? Did I sanitize everything enough? Is this Corona virus going to be the end of us all???
When worries keep you from sleeping, remember who is watching over you…He never sleeps…and He’s got this. Jesus asks in Matthew 6:28 “Which of you, by worrying can add one cubit to your height?” He goes on to tell us not to worry about what we’ll eat or what will we wear…”For your heavenly father knows you have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”
Precious Memories is the name of the song I mentioned earlier. “Precious memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul.” We need to remember our first love…Jesus. In the stillness…when we are quiet…that’s a good time to recall the blessings he’s given us. Dwell on Him and his glory will fill your soul with heavenly visions. Remember the hour you first believed?
Our world just recently was bustling with energy…people working, hurrying, fighting, arguing…and for what? Happiness? Money? Recognition? Whatever it was…it came to a standstill for most of us. Maybe we can embrace this interruption to our lives and find peace in the knowledge that it too will eventually come to pass…but what can we learn from it? How can we best spend this extra time we’ve been given? The world does seem quieter somehow. Enjoy the quiet and the stillness. It’s in the stillness that His voice is most clear… as He finds no profit in yelling. “Be still,” He tells us, “and know that I am God.” Does He have our attention? Are we always listening for that still, small voice that often whispers in our ear…”Be strong.”
Let us lay up our treasures in heaven, for where our treasure lies will our hearts be also. Let’s not worry about tomorrow, but try hard to make it better than today was. If we pray without ceasing and put our trust in Him, just maybe, when this ‘uncertain time’ ends and we return to the hustle and bustle of life, we’ll see another change…where God and His ways are once again honored above all else… and we become a nation determined to keep it that way!
