Throwing in the Towel
Friday, January 10, 2025
“In God’s presence there is fullness of joy.” – Os Hillman
Over the past several weeks, we have seen multiple tragedies take place across the United States. First, there were the terrorist attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas that claimed 16 lives – including both perpetrators – and wounded more than a dozen people. Next came the wildfires in Southern California that have destroyed thousands of acres and hundreds of homes while killing at least five people.
And yesterday, America paid tribute to our 39th President, James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, with an official state funeral in Washington D.C. followed by a private burial in Plains, Georgia.
Sadly, life is full of tragedies and none of us are immune to them. Unexpected illnesses and premature deaths afflict and affect every family. So do financial setbacks and fractured relationships, although there is often time to recover from the former and to restore the latter.
Since tough times are inevitable, the question is how we handle them. Do we wring our hands in worry or toss in the towel out of despondency? Or do we, anchored by our faith, ride them out with courage and confidence?
The key, my friend, is focusing on our communion with God instead of our constantly changing circumstances. When we do that, our faith will find a resting place – as the hymnwriter E.E. Hewitt wrote – not in “device nor creed”, but in the eternal truth “that Jesus died and that He died for me”.
Here is what Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers”, had to say on this particular subject…
“I ask you if you are not complete when God is yours? Do you want anything but God? Is not His all-sufficiency enough to satisfy you if all else should fail?... ‘I will be their God.’ If this does not make your eyes sparkle, and your heart beat fast with bliss, then assuredly your soul is not in a healthy state.”
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President