Monday, May 27, 2019

Panda-monium

Imagine a family of five children under 8 years of age. The oldest three are boys, each rambunctious and curious. Then an eagerly awaited daughter adds sweetness and gentleness to the mix. And very soon baby #5 will be here. What a blessing that will be, whether boy or girl.

Imagine the excitement on the part of all as mom and dad head to the hospital. Who will be coming home with them, another brother or another sister? They can hardly wait for the news about their new sibling.

Imagine the confusion and chaos that ensues when their dad comes home alone. Mom died. We can't take care of a baby without her. She went to live with someone else.

Imagine the added perplexity in those young hearts when, seven short months later their dad remarries, and brings into the family not only a new mom, but also an older sister. And soon the baby girl is brought home to live with them all.

The sanctuary of their home has been turned upside down. Tumult reigns as they try to reconcile all of these changes in such a short span of time. How desperately this family needs the grace of God to serve as a shield and protector for their souls and spirits.

Encouragement comes in the form of Jesus' words at the start of his ministry on earth. The Lord has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound...to comfort all who mourn...to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes...the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit...that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (from Isaiah 61:1-4, ESV)

Thank you, Father, for transforming our pandemonium by your peace.

To the fatherless he is a father.
To the widow he is a champion friend.
To the lonely he makes them part of a family.
To the prisoners he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy.
This is our Holy God in his holy place!  (Psalm 68:5-6 The Passion Translation)


Image by Finella S from Pixabay 

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