2 Kings 6: Trusting the Lord
Thursday, July 19, 2018
A favorite written on January 25 and posted today . . .
Why should I trust in the Lord any longer?
There are so many times we hear these words from the lips of one who is deep in grief. There are many times when we think or say these words ourselves. The answer to the ageless questions is simple: God does not create calamity and chaos; rather, God calls us to peace and unity. It is up to us to respond, and to take all our problems to God, both the small and the large.
The scene depicted here today is both beautiful and dreadful; a miracle is juxtaposed with severe famine. Elisha finds himself in danger because he accurately predicted all that takes place. The irony and inversion we see here echo in our own lives: good things happen in the midst of great suffering, faithful servants are vindicated after intense persecution, hope outlives desperation. Today’s accounting might be an older version of our own lives.
Why should we trust the Lord any longer?
We have reaped mercy when we thought there was no compassion.
We have known peace at a time when we thought there was only turmoil.
We experience joy just when we believe all is lost.
Why should we trust the Lord any longer?
There is no God who saves as the Living God saves.
There is no God who redeems as Christ Jesus redeems.
There is no God who loves as the Spirit loves.
And so we pray . . .
Ever present and all-knowing God, you wait patiently and allow us to wander from you, yet you always call us home. You forgive our anger and calm our fear. You remind us that you are with us always, even in the midst of horror. You allow us and even encourage us to grow in you. Why do we trust you, Lord? Because there is no place else to go where we are so well protected, so well refreshed, or so well loved. We thank you, God, for abiding with us always. We thank you, God, for bring us your peace. Amen.
We will be away from the Internet for several days. Please enjoy this reflection first posted on July 28, 2011.
Image from: http://perkettprsuasion.com/2011/04/07/define-trust-not-so-easy-is-it/
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