“For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” – Psalm 117:2
On the way to church yesterday morning, I stopped by Starbucks for my usual breakfast sandwich and chai tea latte. Driving to the cashier window and whipping out the gift card I’d received for Christmas, my favorite employee appeared. To protect her identity, let’s call her Mrs. Darla. Silver hair, bright blue eyes, and warm smile, we chatted briefly about the fog, speedsters down the on ramp, and how I’d planned to avoid the highway altogether. (Living in Texas has taught me that most of us don’t do well on the road when there’s a single drop of precipitation…no exaggeration, either.)
When food and drink were ready and she passed them to me, we exchanged a “Merry Christmas” and I drove away with a big smile on my face. I didn’t smile because I had my favorite food from the bucks of stars, but because of the kindness Mrs. Darla exuded towards me. This was a feeling needed after two weeks of navigating around the standard life stressors. I told God, “Thank You for that, Lord. This came right on time.”
This was the first reminder.
I made it to church safely and worked in the media ministry per usual. One of the songs ministered by the praise team was “Lord, You’ve Been Good.” An old school Gospel tune, it filled my heart, or rather it refreshed it. It brought to remembrance how the Lord had indeed been good to me in the past week, month, even year. It brought to remembrance how the Lord is still being good to me. Like the first sermon I gave in November 2015, I saw the Lord’s provision, protection, and prevention in several circumstances, and felt such gratitude. I know I haven’t been the best me each day, which is why His loving me anyway is just so amazing.
This was the second reminder.
The third came a few hours after worship service wherein I spent time with my paternal aunt and grandmother who turned 103 this year. Being in the presence, talking with them, laughing with them, making them laugh (because I’m a jokester through and through), watching the Cowboys try to play – there was no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Familial warmth and peace enveloped me…all three of us, really. I even got a picture with my grandma, who smiled big and bright. I think she likes selfies now. 😉
Three separate moments demonstrated God’s goodness so perfectly. When my spirit needed lifting, He sent to Mrs. Darla. When my heart needed renewing, He sent me to church. And when my soul needed connection, He sent me to family. And He did this because His love is great. His faithfulness to keep thoughts and feelings fixed on what is good, pure, and honorable endures for all time. He knew what I needed long before I could even think.
His love and faithfulness are great to all of us. Think about that unexpected early Christmas gift, or that little boy in the store smiling and waving as you passed by, the verse of the day that spoke beautifully to your situation, or the financial blessing that enabled you to pay bills with some left over. All these good moments we experienced these past weeks have all been friendly reminders that the Lord is with us and He ain’t going anywhere. We don’t have to be anxious about having enough, because He supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory. We don’t have to fear being alone or lonely because He is with us to the end of the age. We don’t have to worry about being unloved, because He’s already shown how great and unconditional His love is on a hill called Calvary.
I don’t know about you, but I’m okay with these reminders. Keep ‘em coming, Lord. Keep ‘em coming.
Prayer: Lord, Your timing and ways are impeccable. Thank You for making Your presence known. Please let others know and experience the same. Amen.
Ask, Seek, Knock 