Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is … Realize.
Realize is defined as: “to grasp or understand clearly” (per dictionary.com).
Like many, I have watched the news unfolding over the last several years. Much of it has been incredible to see unfold. .
I hear of global warming and I realize the earth is groaning.
“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.” (Romans 8:22, NASB)
I hear of violence and I realize the hearts of many are growing cold toward their fellow human beings.
“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”
(Matthew 24:12, NASB)
I hear of wars and global injustices and I realize the nations are warring.
“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars … For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom …” (Matthew 24:6-7, NASB)
Financial institutions are shaky, morals are convoluted, and religious beliefs are being deconstructed.
“God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God. Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one.”
(Psalm 53:2-3. NASB)
The more I have tried to understand it all, the more I realize how much will remain unknown to me. It is then I am encouraged as I remember:
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (Ephesians 1:7-10, NASB)
I may never understand all of which is occurring but I rest in the truth I know, and am assured, and cling to:
“My Savior loves, my Savior livesMy Savior’s always there for meMy God; He was, my God; He isMy God; is always gonna be.”
(from My Savior My God by Aaron Shust)
There seems so very much to fear
when I turn on the TV,
but then I pop another beer,
’cause it’s all the same to me.
No-one is really going to care
’bout what I say or do,
and I am glad to be aware
that my lack of import’s true,
for there is a freedom found
in insignificance;
‘stead of worries whirling ’round
I can twirl a happy dance
up here upon my distant hill
and let the world do what it will.
I was reminded of a hymn as I read your thoughts.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
Joanne,
You spoke volumes in so few words. And the scriptures you chose are powerful! Thank you, God, for revealing in advance what we would see and experience.
If we don’t realize these things and if we don’t remind ourselves of them regularly, it can all feel very desperate! I know I needed this reminder today.
It can be terrifying to realize just how bad things are in the world around us. But as you so beautifully said, there is peace when we also realize that God still has us safe in his hands, no matter what comes. Visiting from FMF#8 today.
Great post Joanne!
The words of an old hymn came to mind as I finished reading above;
‘turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into His wonderful face & the things of this Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory & grace’.
Blessings, Jennifer
Amen and Amen!
Great post, Joanne.
Thanks for sharing.
Amen Ms. Joanne. Like you, I don’t like it, and I don’t want to accept it, but I’ve come to realize that we are no longer a part of this world. Our task is not to get so deeply involved in it that it distracts us from God’s intended purpose for our lives. My goal is to be aware of what’s happening by comparing it to what God’s Word has told us will come to pass. In doing so, like you, I have an increasing sense of urgency to help people see that Christ gives you an alternative to all this. He offers you eternal life in exchange for finding a way to sojourn through this world with His peace, His guidance and counsel, and His love. What a great gift we can all receive. God’s blessings little lady. Thank you for making my journey just a bit easier with your encouraging words.