Take delight in the Lord
February 26, 2010 (Friday)
Fourteen years have come and gone since I retired from the pastorate of First Baptist Church, Rockport, Texas. Looking back over these years, I consider myself a very fortunate person. Counting my blessings, I suppose number one would be the fact that I’m still alive. Every day I read the obituaries and there are always people on that list that were younger than I am. I propose no answer to “Why me?” I don’t know, but I’m grateful to be here today. So far, so good.
I don’t fear death, but I’ve always been of the opinion that we should live one life at a time, and do our best in it. I’m living this one right now, and thankful to be doing it. When the time comes to be “absent from the body and present with the Lord,” I’m ready and thankful to have a Heavenly home being prepared for me by the Lord Himself (John 14).
Through no initiative of mine, God has used wonderful people to make possible continued opportunities of service and to make sure that all my needs have been met. There was a time, earlier in life, when I wondered what the future held for me, but I knew deep in my heart that God would provide, and He has done so. I thank Him and praise Him for His loving care, and for His grace in giving me opportunities to serve Him.
To all those reading this who are worried or concerned about the future, I ask that you take to heart these verses: “Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires” (Psalm 37:3-4 New Living Translation). We all must walk through some deep, dark valleys along life’s way, but the Lord is with those who trust Him.