April 6

Day 23: And so we wait.

Deb and I are waiting this morning, waiting on the announcement of the arrival of our newest grandchild (sometime early afternoon.) We've been earnestly praying for a safe delivery and a healthy child. The hours are crawling, if I'm honest.

We're all waiting. We wait for this virus to be eradicated. We wait for final freedom from our home detention. We wait to hug each other. We wait to be released from our fears, and released to our hopes.

As we wait, in the midst of confronting and processing our fears big and small alike, all we have is to go with what we know.

So what is it we know? What is truth that can guide us through the unknown, through this waiting. We can know this -

God is!

Our God is faithful. Our God is kind. This we must believe, even when our present circumstances would demand we conclude otherwise.

Psalm 145:8-9 says, "The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made."

So much of today doesn't feel like good at all. Our faith is the conduit to believe that He is giving us good, because His love for us does not vacillate. He is consistent.

The Father's character, His mercy for us was most evidenced in the resurrection of His Son from the grave.

Psalm 145:10-11 continues, "All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all you saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,"

It takes great faith, in a great God, to preach to ourselves the realities of who God is and what He has done.

And, I'd suggest we've never needed to hear that "sermon" more than we do today.

Psalm 145:12-13 goes on to say, "...to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations."

Finding peace in the present is always aided by recounting to ourselves the mighty things God has done through history...and the incredible things he has done for each of us.

He is our gracious King. His is the everlasting Kingdom.

We would each benefit from developing the art of remembering.

Among many other incredible blessings, Deb and I see our children, their spouses, our grandchildren, including our newest grandchild as mighty deeds, as His tangible grace to us, as His dominion over all Creation.

Verse 13 ends with this little bit in brackets: "[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]

If this is the prayer the Spirit has given me for today, so be it.

"Oh LORD, you are faithful in all Your words. Your truth remains the truth, and Your promises always come true. I can trust what You've said. And You are always kind. I can trust Your heart for me, for us today!"

Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau