In the past few weeks, there has been a heaviness of spirit and sorrow among our church family and within my own soul.
Not only have two dearly loved members of Covenant Life Church gone on to be with the LORD; but, each day, there seems to be “yet another” piece of news that I hear of this or that crisis or trial hitting people I know and love – whether they live in the Kentlands or Kenya…
It’s the sorrow of living in a broken, fallen world. Disease. Cancer. Job loss or unemployment. Applying for a position and not getting it. Death. Surgery. Break ups. Insurance problems. Barrenness. Sickness. Morning sickness. Cerebral malaria. Tears. Sleepless nights. Depression. A lingering cough/cold. Relational disappointment. Even the stress my friends faced while sitting in 6+ hours of traffic during the snow storm last night!
Seemingly hopeless situations. Yet, surpassing hope in our Savior.
In light of these burdens, Josh’s sermon on Sunday was so timely: Death Shall Be No More.
I found myself listening to his sermon and freshly amazed by the hope of heaven. Not only because our God will be FAITHFUL to lead us there one day and welcome us into His arms, but also because He is faithful NOW.
Faithful to help us. Faithful when we are faithless. Faithful to provide. Faithful to satisfy. Faithful to strengthen. Faithful to comfort. Faithful to befriend. Faithful to count our tears. Faithful through all time, seasons of life, callings and transitions.
Ironically, I have also been reading about faithfulness in both Ps 37 and Jer 31 this month:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” (Jer 31:2)
“Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness” (Psalm 37:3)
So, we see in these scriptures both a call to embrace His faithfulness, and BE faithful.
This isn’t always easy. Some days, we just want to give up – on ourselves, on others, on this world. We are even tempted to doubt and give up on God Himself.
Yet, I thank Him that He is not a “re-active” God, one who simply reacts to our fluctuating emotions. He is steady, stable and independent of our human frailty. He is pro-active, able and willing. To show us His faithfulness. To show us Himself!  And, ultimately, for His name’s sake, to bring glory to the Gospel by keeping the precious covenant He has made with us.
As I’ve reflected this year so far on all of this, it brought to mind a poem I wrote last year as I prepared to move to Kenya and wrestle through all the unknowns. May this encourage you!
May 30.2009
perhaps this pencil,
cannot trace,
every trail,
of sovereign grace;
but deep within,
my heart, i know
He has, to me,
been Faithful.
and underneath,
my days and years,
eternal arms,
have cast out fears;
holding, tender,
around me, so,
with grace,
ever Faithful.
some time has past,
and still His plea,
is Love,
despite my vanities –
and as He covers,
sin’s ugly flaws,
I’m learning,
to be Faithful.
Jesus, Guider,
of my heart,
though I go,
You will not part;
for my road,
has been well-worn,
With perfect feet,
stood Faithful.
Now, teach me, Lord,
to fear You more,
and listen, till
You knock at my door-
One day, I’ll answer,
Your glory, see;
“Well done, my servant,
Faithful!”