The first casualties of upheaval can be love, kindness, and patience. But crisis is also a moment when love for God & one another can spring up. For 150 days, starting on 17th March 2020, I will write 300 words based on one of the 150 psalms in the bible. How can I find and give love in the midst of coronavirus?
Graham was a straightforward man, but I thought he lacked ambition. He was part of the church that I joined when I first became a Christian. He really helped me as I began my journey with God. But I remember something that he said which at the time struck me as a bit short on godly vision.
“Who would have thought when I first became a Christian, that now I’d simply be a husband, running a small business and an elder in my local church? But I think I’m in the right place.”
To me, who wanted to take over the world for Jesus, preach like Billy Graham and generally become very famous as a Christian, this all seemed a bit limited.
How wrong could I have been?
Psalm 131 reflects this:
1 My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 2 But I have calmed and quietened myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. 3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and for evermore.
Now, if I’m honest I think this is a bit of a ‘humble brag’ from the writer. If anyone concerned himself with great matters, it was David. However, that aside, I think there is a very good point here.
What do I set my ambition on? Is it sucess? Is it popularity? Is it money? Is it transforming the world?
These are not necessarily bad – they may even be good. But, and it’s a big but – most people at the end of their lives will look back a reassess the things that seem important.
Psalm 131 says I have calmed and quitened myself like a weaned child. Put your hope in the Lord, now and evermore.
If I can get to the end of my life and say, with honesty, that I have held onto God, tried to lived with integrity & love – and been faithful to my promises, then that’s enough.
I think Graham has it about right.
Have a peace filled day.
Love Matt