January 18, 2016

All I Need To Know

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -- John 3:16

There’s a song that’s been echoing in my mind for a day or two. It’s titled Don’t Know Much. Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville recorded it. I know it isn’t a “Christian” song but it sure has me thinking about God.

The chorus says: Don’t know much, but I know I love you. And that may be all I need to know.” That about sums up where I’m at right now.

Last year was a particularly tough year. People I thought I could trust, betrayed me. I never knew where the next attack would come from and, honestly, the battle still rages on. At least within me. I’m not a particularly trusting person. I’m even less so now. That is just sad.

Sometimes people just shock me. I have felt Satan’s attack again and again. I have clung tightly to Jesus. He has carried me, sending angels to guard and help me. I am stronger now. My faith is deeper. The scars are slowly healing.

I’ve got a long way to go. There are days when forgiveness seems elusive and the anger spills out of me. I am furious at the finger pointing and lies, the backstabbing and accusations. Then I take a deep breath and take it to God -- again. Stay silent. Let God handle it. Trust that He will.

But it hurts. And sometimes my soul just needs the soothing ointment of God’s love to ease its pain. Life’s storms happen without warning and can knock us on our feet. But if we are grounded in God’s love, we remain on the rock. I’m finding that out.

I don’t know much these days. But I know God loves me and I love Him. And maybe that’s all I really need to know.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Death Already Defeated

"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken." -- Isaiah 25:7-8

This has been a tough week for many people. Death seems to be everywhere. How does a person say goodbye to a spouse of more than 50 years? How does a family bury a vibrant young woman whose life has only just begun? We cling to the hope that is Jesus Christ. We remember that God has promised to one day wipe away our tears.


These verses comfort us. God says that He will destroy death for "all peoples." All believers will have eternal life with Him. It's not based on money or social standing or worthiness. It's based on belief in Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for us. I am so grateful.

I think what I love most is that last line, "The Lord has spoken." It's the ultimate "God said so" kind of moment. That's all any of us really need to know. God always keeps His promises.

Of course, it doesn't take away the immediate pain or the sorrow that the coming days and weeks will bring. Separation is hard. So we cling to His promise and the certain knowledge that we will one day see our loved one again.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." That verse is John 3:16. Most Christians can quote it from memory. We keep it closed to our hearts. We cling to its promise. Jesus Christ defeated death. Glory Hallelujah!