Silent no more

My blog has been silent for a long while.

To be honest, I’ve been struggling a bit with depression and unmotivation.

I’ve also been pondering and praying about all that is going on in this country I live in – my heart grieves for the lack of justice provided to people of colour. I grieve along with all the families who’ve lost loved ones to police brutality.

I’m appalled at people’s lack of respect for each other and how wearing a face mask, something so normal and everyday in Asian countries, is seen as a political and angry flashpoint. While living in the Philippines, people wore face masks for various reasons – air pollution, not wanting to share germs they had with others, not wanting to get germs from others – it’s just a polite, kind thing to do. The over-individualistic mentality of the USA is irritating to me. I grieve for those who’ve been killed or hurt doing their job asking shoppers to wear masks. The overreaction to a basic courtesy is appalling. (See https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/07/08/retail-workers-masks-coronavirus/)

(Just a thought that’s been swirling in my head is this: So, I need to assume those who find wearing face masks as somehow obstructing their personal rights and feel they are to constricting for breathing don’t wear scarves around their face in the winter, either.)

So, in all this time of personal unsettledness, along with the unsettled state of the USA, there’s a song that’s been playing through my head and I share now the lyrics with you along with some personal thoughts after each verse:

Christ Is Mine Forevermore (CCLI 7036096)

Mine are days that God has numbered

I was made to walk with Him

Yet I look for worldly treasure

And forsake the King of kings

But mine is hope in my Redeemer

Though I fall, his love is sure

For Christ has paid for every failing

I am His forevermore

A main reason for the depression I’ve struggled with lately is that over the past few months, several circumstances have arisen that would not have been such an issue if we had money in our savings account. Living overseas on a tight budget depleted much of our savings and also a rekindling of a compulsive spending issue in the past few years has put on much credit card debt. Since turning 60 in April I’ve really been finally, honestly, grappling with this issue and working on the 12 steps of Debtors Anonymous. I’ve finally admitted to a trusted friend the depth of this issue and am working actively to live on budget and not on impulse. The first verse of this song reminds each of us as believers that though we fall and fail, God never gives up on us. Psalm 145:14 reminds us that The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

Mine are tears in times of sorrow

Darkness not yet understood

Through the valley I must travel

Where I see no earthly good

But mine is peace that flows from heaven

And the strength in times of need

I know my pain will not be wasted

Christ completes his work in me

I’ve traveled many dark paths in my life and yet, what I’ve found as I grow and mature in Christ is a peace that does pass all understanding resting in His hand in the middle of the storm, and in the darkest times. We are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) and He walks us through every trial and valley (Psalm 23).

Mine are days here as a stranger

Pilgrim on a narrow way

One with Christ I will encounter

Harm and hatred for his name

But mine is armour for this battle

Strong enough to last the war

And he has said he will deliver

Safely to the golden shore

On our pilgrimage here we may encounter animosity, anger, harm, hatred for being a Christian. But to set one’s mind on His provision of armour for the battle is solid ground to stand on. Ephesians 6:10-18 lays out our battle armour for us.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…

And mine are keys to Zion city

Where beside the King I walk

For there my heart has found its treasure

Christ is mine forevermore

Our treasure, our peace, our comfort, encouragement, hope and eternal life are in Christ alone. Ours is to seek Him first in all our ways (Matthew 6:33). Read, also, Psalm 145 and the book of Romans.

Come rejoice now, O my soul

For his love is my reward

Fear is gone and hope is sure

Christ is mine forevermore!

This final bridge reminds me of David’s words in Psalm 42:11: Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

So, my goal is not to be so silent at blogging anymore. I have much to write about, books to recommend, recipes for you all to try, thoughts to share…..

Remember, Rest, the Lord is here, refuse to fear, enjoy His Love. (Steve Green, Rest).