Assurance in God’s grace

Taking God for granted is easier for us in our prosperous world than for those who have so little to claim as theirs. We are distracted in the rush of life from realizing and celebrating even the basic gifts of living. We are at times disillusioned with our day-to-day existence. Our relationship with ourselves and our world gets fragmented and frustrating.

An elderly lady and two seven-year-old boys showed me a healthier perspective recently. First, the woman, with limited resources and severe ailments, spoke of how much God has graced each day with love for her. Her rendition of “Jesus Loves Me” during my visits is more vigorous than her painful limitations. Second, two children running around a playground suddenly stopped and proceeded to rescue an earthworm from attacking ants. They shepherded the ants away from their intended victim. They excitedly told me how they had “redeemed” those tiny creatures.

We have so much to be thankful for because God secures our lives for eternity through Christ. Yes, we have difficulties. Our anxiety over our pending future looms closer with each new day. But God’s path takes us victoriously through death’s gate. Our redeemer is proof of it.

Clear our hearts and minds daily, dear Lord, to see our real path is you. Amen. — SO