Our son-in-law’s father has been sent home from the hospital to die. He has maybe one day or a few. I wrote about our dear son-in-law in this blog when he broke his femur at the hip joint a few weeks ago. Now he is facing his beloved dad’s death and isn’t able to physically help his parents. You may remember a blog about his dad who adopted our son-in-law and his siblings and rescued them from a bad situation. This loss is heavy on our hearts as we pray for all of them. Then yesterday we found out a friend has been hospitalized in a semi-conscious state, unable to move one side of her body, and unable to control the other side. Her faithful husband is by her side. Her scattered children are flying in to be with her. She has suffered with a wasting disease for many years and now has had a massive stroke. Both she and her husband have been faithful to God despite these trials. I’ve been feeling sad and praying often for them since hearing about it. Today I came across these verses that put both these heavy stories in a different light.
“I will proclaim the name of the Lord.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32:3-4
These two couples have been faithful to him and even in impending death, he is being faithful to them. He does no wrong, and all his ways are just. He isn’t making a mistake. He isn’t being arbitrary. He hasn’t looked away. Unlike our circumstances, he is our unchanging Rock who we can rely on. Embracing these bedrock concepts is allowing me to thank God for what he’s doing in our loved ones’ lives even before we can see the outcome.
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12
God invites us to rest, to enjoy the security of God’s love and constant protection. This doesn’t mean we’ll never encounter difficulties. It does mean we can rest in him knowing he shields our souls, minds, and hearts.
“The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He is your shield and helper
and your glorious sword.” Deuteronomy 33:27,29
We have a safe haven at all times. God is our refuge from everything that presses against us. He is always holding us up, and sometimes carrying us. Not only is God our shield, he is also our helper in the battle. And he is the weapon that defeats our enemies. We know that God’s glorious sword is his Word, the Bible. “. . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) How much time are we dedicating to studying this glorious sword. that helps us discern our own wrong attitudes?
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Moses encouraging the people on the brink of entering the Promised Land shortly before his death.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Moses addressing the new leader, Joshua, as he was about to lead the assault on Canaan.
Many things can discourage us. When the task is bigger than we are. When others disappoint us. When we fail. When answers take too long. When something we worked hard on doesn’t turn out. When an illness recurs. Discouragement is Satan’s sharp weapon. It never comes from God. Satan uses discouragement to make us angry (or cynical) quitters. ‘What’s the use?’ he says. ‘You’ll never . . .’ It’s human nature to allow circumstances to pull us down. Yet, in the mess God whispers hope and courage. “Don’t be afraid. I am with you.”
This promise to Joshua came with a command.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you?” Joshua 1:7-8
The rabbis and Jesus himself summarized the whole Law in two precepts: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.”
So when we cling to God with dedicated fervor and love others as much as ourselves, we have God’s blessings and promises.
“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands. . . then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you. . . But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient… I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed.” Deuteronomy 30:15-18
We get to choose. Loving God and obeying him brings us peace and blessing. Choosing our own way brings destruction. Our choices are usually micro choices throughout the day. How will I spend the next 30 minutes? Will I take the time to provide a nutritious meal for my family? Or even take a meal to someone who is sick, or invite a hurting soul over for a warm meal and warm friendship? How much time will get away from me dooms scrolling this evening? What are my plans for tomorrow morning? Will I take time to read God’s glorious Word? Will I be available as a listening ear for my family or a friend? Will I spend part of my week in service to my faith community or my neighbor? Do my daily activities reflect my love for God and others? If so, rich, rich blessings await!