Within the past seven days I have had two routine annual personal appointments. One was with my tax accountant and the other was with my medical doctor. Both of these men have been my advisors for a long time, the accountant since 2011 and the doctor since 1998. Nowadays, much of such annual things could be handled via online portals and maybe a video chat. But I appreciate seeing each of these people in person. We have some history. I ask about their kids; they ask about mine. I share with each of them how the Lord has provided, sustained, and equipped me over the year. They each tell me, every year, “It’s good to see you, so I know you’re doing okay.” As I said, we have some history.
Along with being well-advised concerning the business at hand, I feel seen, heard, and valued. I am a little wiser and I am strengthened as I take in their advice and act upon it because I trust they each mean it for my best.
Even more significant than these business relationships, is knowing I am seen, heard, and valued by my Creator and Redeemer. I am held, guided, and have the eternal glory of God to anticipate.
After declaring with certainty that God will deal with the arrogant, with scoffers, with those who turn their backs on Him, the author of Psalm 73 states his assurance in trusting in God …
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Psalm 73.23-26, 28
I pray you, dear one, would claim these words spoken by the apostle Peter to Jesus after many had left from following Jesus because of hard truths …
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6.68-69
One downside to my recent routine appointments is a missing inch. I’ve shrunk a full inch in height from my tallest in my 20’s and that is a bummer when I was already “vertically challenged” as my niece likes to say. It was not sudden, but over time, over years really. A slow, almost imperceptible change. This is a natural part of aging for most of us.
The imperceptible change we do not want to gain any ground is the thought that we are alone, without value, forgotten. Staying near to God in prayer, in worship, in studying the Bible … each is of enormous value to the follower of Jesus whether you are a brand new believer (Praise God!) or a long-time follower. Personally, I feel seen, heard, and valued as I ongoingly seek to know Jesus. I am a little wiser and I am strengthened as I receive the counsel of the Scriptures and act upon it because I trust God means it for my best and for His glory.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Psalm 73.28
With love, Colleen