A metal, painted plate hangs on my bathroom wall with words that greet me every morning. “Good morning. This is God. I will be handling all your problems today.” There are many days those words have given impetus to my giving the discomforts, the confusions, the hardships of life to my God who loves, who cares, and who embraces us in His arms. This day would be no exception. I already knew it was the anniversary of the passing of someone I had loved, and still love, someone himself who had known the hardships and difficulties of life. I knew his widow and his now adult children would be grieving with their memories, and with the emptiness death leaves behind.
As my day unfolded, I was reminded of two friends, one in California who had been my friend, my mentor, and my encourager for over two decades, and the other was a new friend in South Carolina and God had brought our paths together. Both of them were in the hospital, and both were fighting the fears of life threatening situations. I prayed for both of them throughout my day, praying with utter dependence to the only one who really could handle their difficulties.
My husband and I had planned to close out our day with a pizza dinner, with our oldest son and his family – always a Friday-night “have to,” and delight. And then my phone rang, something I would normally ignore during our Friday night delight. But, my heart was already heavy with the needs of the day, and I knew right away, the one who was calling was one who has shared much of life with me, and we continue to do that. And her life has been caring for Charlie, who is now 14, and also lives with her. And Charlie’s adoptive mom also lives with her, and has faced her own critical health needs for the past year and a half. And today, those needs had climaxed, and Charlie’s mom was in the hospital, and her critical health needs had brought a life threatening situation My friend and I shared our concerns and our tears together as we talked.
“This is God. I will be handling all your problems today.” My heart was heavy, and my prayers were continual. Arriving back home after leaving our son’s home, I called my friend back. She had been able to stay with Charlie’s mom until the ambulance came, and her sister and her adult granddaughter, stepped in to do what she was unable to do. She was thanking God for His provision, but like mine, her heart was still heavy, and all the questions for the tomorrows were still there. Charlie’s words though brought all of us in the midst of unanswered questions, churning emotions, fears and exhaustion, to remember the words on the metal, painted plate, “This is God. I will be handling all your problems today.” Charlie in essence simply said, “God’s got it, and His plan has been putting all the pieces together.”
It’s been a day to reflect too on the words of David............ “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened. .... Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
This is God. I will be handling all your problems today.
In the morning. At midday. In the evening. And all night long.............
– Bev
(Related Bible reading: Psalm 34:1- 22)
