He pursues me with good things
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. Psalm 23:6a (The Message)
When our life is a hot mess, God shows up in some way to remind us he still cares deeply for us.
I got to see that in photos recently. Friends Ed and Carol, just entering their 80s, are both dealing with health issues: Ed with an ever increasing dementia, and Carol fighting cancer. After over a year of treatment involving multiple rounds of chemo and immunotherapy, Carol surprisingly found herself in late spring with energy again and a renewed ability to have a normal day. This was in answer to many prayers. Their granddaughter was getting married in July, and they wanted to be present at the wedding.
God chased them through the fierce battles they’d faced in the recent months and had a wonderful gift for them….good days, good weeks and even a few good months. At the wedding, Ed walked down the aisle with confidence and vigor, taking his place in the front row like a protective, proud parent and grandparent.
And Carol had the joy of throwing petals as the “flower grandmother” as she walked to the front unassisted and with a spring in her step. It was a grand day. God surprised them with a gift. This wasn’t something the doctors could predict or control. It was a loving act of a merciful God.
Their hot mess hasn’t vanished. Ed still has dementia. Carol’s cancer has returned with a vengeance, but oh the goodness of God in the summer of 2023. It was more than they ever dreamed and has given them a lasting joy. It’s our God’s nature to do these things for us.
Author, Phillip Keller writes:
“His goodness, mercy and compassion for me are new every day. And my assurance is lodged in these aspects of His character. My trust is in His love for me as His own. My serenity has as its basis an implicit, unshakeable reliance on His ability to do the right thing in any given situation.”
As Christ pursues us with his goodness and mercy, how do we in turn offer that to others?
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