This morning, the sun is illuminating a singular mountain amidst seven others. Why is that? Does that mountain deserve more sunshine? Is there a specific need or reason? Is tomorrow’s light scheduled; its shadow determined or merited? Who knows, but God?
Does blessing mean favor? Maybe, but not always.
Is hardship rebuke? Can be. Can’t too.
So what do we surmise when bright rays pour upon prayers for a new job, a house contract, a marriage partner, yet shadows hover, even darken, around sick children, suffering saints, and world wars? Is it compensation or consequence? Is it a just happening or do some things just happen? Does either indicate the feelings of God or has he gone away?
Does blessing mean favor? Maybe, but not always.
Is hardship rebuke? Can be. Can’t too.
Who knows, but God?
Higher means higher. Other means other. Not our own means not our own. His ways are higher, other, not our own. A culture that increasingly prides itself on respecting the thoughts and opinions and decisions of others should certainly value and respect God’s personal decisions, reasons, purposes. Yet, it doesn’t. Even Christians roll eyes of disgust, shake their heads, and sigh in exasperation. It is the wrong response.
The mountains wait upon God’s morning light, trusting His timing and wisdom. Rejoicing in both sun and shade. Learn from the creation. Rejoice in God when the sun shines on you, and rejoice that God is, when it doesn’t. Rejoice that occasionally God’s sun shines on all. Rejoice also that He does not treat us as our sins deserve; that our troubles are momentary; that there is a tomorrow of no tears, no death, no dying.
In the day of cloud and mist wait upon the Lord. Trust in his unfailing love. Rely on his wisdom. Revel that he is loving and merciful. Know that he is near in both sun and in shade. Tomorrow will be different, and there is no night there.
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, Rejoice!”
Now, take another long sip, and think awhile on this one.
