Scripture: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (NRSV)
In his commentary on today’s passages, James Waltner writes that this psalm “exalts the steadfast love of the Lord as the creative rule that spawns new beginnings.”
In my early twenties I was diagnosed with a heart disease that I inherited from my mother’s side of the family. The disease has taken both my grandmother and a first cousin – both before they reached 41. The key complication of our “family illness” is sudden death. I had been examined twice before, but had been given a clean bill of health by two different doctors. By the time I was diagnosed, my mother and my older sister were both experiencing enough symptoms that they were being fitted for pacemakers.
We don’t deserve to suffer, but we can’t avoid it. Affliction comes whether we deserve it or not.
My life began again. While I did not dwell on it, I was faced with the possibility that I might not make 41. Even though I was not put on medication or dietary restrictions, I began to be more careful in my choices, and my world began to shrink. I have always had an abiding sense that God will provide for me, but I began to fear unknowns in a new way. I spent a great deal of energy worrying and fearing and praying.
God’s steadfast love is the creative rule that spawns new beginnings.
At 35 I participated in a research study to assess my risk of sudden death and was told I had such a low risk it should not concern me. I awoke to a new day. It was as if God had answered my prayers by creating in me the kernel of a new world. God set my heart on this: my disease is real, but my fear is a choice.
In your life, you may not have the kind of dramatic awakening I had, and I pray that if you do, it might be for a healthier reason than mine. But either way, God’s steadfast love is always there for you, the kernel of a new world, the foundation of a new beginning.
Scripture: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (NRSV)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
2Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble
3and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
17Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
18they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress;
20he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.
21Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
22And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.