Apples of Gold

Having a new baby in the house shakes things up a bit. Routines are altered, sleep patterns disrupted, household chores halted in exchange for a few minutes of precious cuddle time. While most of us have adapted rather seamlessly our Shih-Poo, Augustus, is still rather tentative about sharing his role as the baby of the house with this little intruder.  Some of the attention that used to come his way has been detoured and he has been in need of some re-assurance from his people. 

We all feel misplaced and overlooked at times. David expresses it well: 

I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Psalm 142:4

Welcome to the pity party! We all throw one for ourselves on occasion. Sometimes things really are seriously unfair. Unwelcome struggles come upon us unbidden and unexpectedly. It seems everyone around us has it easier than us. 

During these times it is tempting to throw shade and blame on innocent by-standers while we wallow in our sorrow.  If we are not careful we can even begin to question the care of our Father while we sing the blues. 

Perhaps this accusation could have slipped through our own lips:

Yet Jerusalem says, “The LORD has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.” Isaiah 49:14

At times God does not answer our prayers right away, or maybe not the way we thought he would. Sometimes it feels like we have been swept aside into a dark and lonely place where we are concealed from his gaze and concern. We want to call out like Paul Marcarelli in the Verizon commercials, “Can you hear me now?”

God’s response to Israel’s assertion is quick and powerful:

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:15-16

The word translated written here can mean inscribe, engrave, or cut in. It implies permanence. God has permanently inscribe your name not on an object that could be forgotten or misplaced, but he has written it on himself. You are always on his mind, in his heart and in his care. 

Can he hear you now? Absolutely and unquestionably, yes he can!

I dread shopping for new clothes. Perhaps some of my chagrin is caused by my age. I’m at that age where I shouldn’t try to dress like a teenager but I’m not ready for polyester either. If at all possible I am accompanied by at least one of my daughters when I hit the racks searching for something new. If my picks pass the jury their guidance in the fitting room is crucial as well. Their reassurance is comforting and empowering because I know they speak honestly. Likely you feel the same way and need a second opinion before determining if something is actually flattering and should find a home in your wardrobe. 

At times we need to turn to Scripture for the reassurance that God is still in our corner. Thankfully there is an abundant and ample supply waiting to bring peace and confidence.

But now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:22

I don’t know about you but I am well aware that I have many faults and yet the sacrifice of Jesus allows me to be blameless and faultless before a Holy, Holy, Holy God. I can’t wrap my head around it but I enthusiastically embrace it.  

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2

Peace is difficult to find in these last days. Things seem to be spinning out of control and twisting and turning like a terrifying rollercoaster ride that seems to go on long after you want to get off.  

We find peace in the access to the One who is controlling the ride. There is no twist or turn, no inversion or sharp drop that is unexpected to him. At times we are hanging on for dear life and bracing for the next surge of adrenaline but God is not phased or concerned. 

Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. Isaiah 46:10

The key to walking through the dark with our head held high is to remind ourselves who we belong to and who belongs to us.

Fanny Crosby said it well:

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine.

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.