“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16). “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty.” (Ps. 90:10). “Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Lk 12:7). “You are free… live as God’s servant.“ (1 Pet. 2:16).
Lord Jesus, I love these 4 phrases… “Days ordained for me,” ”Fear not,” “You are of more value,” “You are free.” They are heart-peace, profound joy, and heavenly-chocolate to me.
What freedom—your heart and hand number “all the days” ordained for us. You—sitting comfortably on your throne of grace, are ultimate—not fate, luck, chance, our failures or our anything. This doesn’t make us fatalists, fearful, or foolish; it makes us humble and happy, because it means we’re yours. Bought, beloved, and bound for an eternity of “all things new”—nothing can snatch us from your hand, separate us from your love, or alter your plan for the entire cosmos.
Jesus, I have no clue if I’m in my last decade, year, or month. But I do know the Gospel has never been sweeter, truer, and “real-er” to me. I actually feel better on this this, my 73rd birthday, than I did at 53. I’d love to spend the rest of my days in childlike-wonder overflowing with gratitude, giving encouragement to as many people as possible.
Jesus, thank you for saving me. And thank you for my beloved family, and for my grace-needing, eternity-thinking, mutually-encouraging friends. Everything bad, sad, and broken has an expiration date. Before long, you’re coming back, and “all will be right.” So Very Amen.
