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Greetings of love in the precious name of Jesus! Spring has sprung, and along with it comes so much activity. So many "things" that clamor for our attention…and yet, that too familiar feeling of discontentment shrouds our thinking and we can quickly forget how desperate we were for Spring and the "new life" that it brings. Our minds may easily be consumed with our "to do" lists…yard work, gardens, being with friends and family that seemed difficult over winter, meetings, socials to attend, sporting events under way, graduations, weddings, and on and on and on. Before we know it, Spring has become summer, and summer has turned the leaves of Fall golden, and we find ourselves in the dead of winter once more. The predictable seasons of life have a way of reminding us that God has a plan, and even during times of discontentment or distractions, His plans will go on. Even when the crowd is too loud, He will meet us there.
In recent weeks, I've been so very blessed to be surrounded by family from the west. For two consecutive weeks, I was surrounded by almost more joy than an old grandma's heart can handle! We decided that we would claim our daughter's home as our base where meals would be prepared and served, and love and laughter would reign. I was not disappointed, as we each added to the family atmosphere there. There were lots of hugs, and our hearts were full, as we shared those old family stories once more. The youngest grandchildren kept us "in stitches" with their many antics and their vying for attention. They just wanted to be heard above all the noise, and there was plenty of that.
Evenings were best. We all gathered together for supper, but first, prayer…a time of thanking the Lord for His many blessings and provisions. The last evening we were together, I had requested that the grandchildren sing, "God is Great", instead of the usual prayer. What happened, I hope to never forget. Since we hadn't done this in several years, I was somehow expecting to hear the familiar little voice of my grandchildren. Without realizing how much they had grown since the last singing, my heart was not prepared for the beauty of that moment. These little ones had grown up, and along with that comes the maturing of their little voices. Can I just say that "God is Great" turned into a symphony of angels singing in the heavenlies? Not only because they are my grandchildren, but because their singing drew me to a place of perfect peace where I felt His Presence with us. I know their hearts for God, each one of those children, and I suddenly heard the Lord whisper peace into my own soul. I finally heard from Him; words of assurance that He is still on His throne and all is well. No matter what the circumstances may be that are swirling all around me, vying for attention, God is still supreme. He still sees me. He still knows my needs. He still loves me. He continues to hold me in the palms of His very loving hands, and I can rest securely. I don't need to fuss about…anything!
It doesn't matter what season it is, or what season of life, for that matter. As He was with me from the beginning of life and even before, He continues to walk with me now. He does the same for you, friend. Seasons come and seasons go, but the Word of the Lord stands forever. He remains faithful, no matter what season of life you may be in. You can trust Him.
As I'm writing, my heart is prone to be anxious. Easter is upon us. How did this happen, again? The affairs of everyday living have taken over, and I feel a need to make my heart slow down and hear Jesus speak above all the noise. When the crowd is too loud, I need to hear His gentle whisper speaking so gently into my heart, "Peace, be still". I need to stop and listen to Him. As much as I love every minute of all that family noise, I need to remind myself that it was Jesus who gave all this. I need to remind myself that it is He who will continue to hold us all together. It is Jesus who gave us each other to begin with. He is our Sustainer, our Healer, our Comforter, our Provider, our Shelter from the storms, and our Savior. God is so gracious, so loving, so forgiving. How is it that I get so distracted with life? Well, He has blessed me with a big life that beckons me away from His side too often. I'm so very thankful for the times when He draws me back to a closer walk with Him. Those moments come when I'm least expecting them, and needing Him the most…like through the voices of His little children, singing His praises. Thank You, Lord, for Your many blessings. Did I mention, I've been blessed with thirty plus grandchildren by now?
John 3:16 reminds us that God so loved the world, that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. We know this verse so well, but I wonder, has it merely become a verse to recite, or has it truly reached down into the depths of our hearts and drawn us to His side, where we live and breathe His will, His way, His Word? Even when the crowd is too loud, is Jesus still the Voice we hear above all others? In His grace and mercy, He loves us even when we are unlovable, even when we stumble and fall and wander. The Bible says that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." What response ought we to have to that?
This Easter season, I challenge each of us to get away from all the noise long enough to draw our hearts nearer to Jesus. If the crowd is too loud in our life, that's the perfect time to get away with Him and repent of our drifting. Every day ought to be another Easter morning! Lord, thank You for this reminder. Even when the crowd is loud, Lord, You still reign.
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Debby Renninger is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She holds a Bible study in her home in McVeytown, where seeking women are always welcome. She may be reached at (717) 250-7086 for speaking engagements.