The Bottom-Line
In South Africa we are nearing the end of lockdown which is level 5 on our Corona "states of emergency". Unfortunately, gatherings like sports and church, will only be allowed at level 1 and in level 4 we are being encouraged to stay at home as much as possible and to exercise great care and physical distancing when we do go out.It's very easy to lament the difficulties and frustrations and the challenges of having to build community in new ways. It's also easy to be very aware of the challenges in the next few months and want to push hard to be ready and prepared.
But I had an email by a Brian Darroll who has been a friend and mentor for many years. He pointed me to the end of Ps.73 and the very important "bottom line" it offers us.
Psalm 73 documents the struggle of someone who is experiencing hardship (although he has tried to live righteously) and he is incensed that the wicked prosper and have no worries.
The first half of the psalm records his struggle: "It's just not fair!!!" Then, after the arguments and righteous indignation, comes the turning-point: he goes to worship in the sanctuary and there he gains two incredible insights:
Firstly comes the gift of perspective: Life is more than just the here and now. He realises that the wicked will ultimately answer for their evil, that the scales will be balanced and that his faithfulness will have been worth it.
Secondly he realises that he has the incredible privilege of a relationship with God. He can know God! He can pray to and praise the Almighty and Ever-living God of the Universe. He realises that even when his own heart and flesh fails, he is held and carried by an awesome God.
We face challenging times as never before. - We're learning that our buildings and gatherings are secondary.
- We're learning that our jobs and qualifications are secondary.
- Many of the things we thought were important are secondary.
- We're learning that
- life is a gift.
- our relationship with God is a gift
- not only in this life, but in the next.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
look full in His wonderful face
and the things of the earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace.
| Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalms73:25-26) |
