Young and Old

“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:25‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

As I write this it’s my 50th birthday (yesterday, Nov. 13). This is a big one, so I’ve spent a bit of time reflecting on my life thus far, as well as what I hope to accomplish in the future. It’s not typically what you would think of as a “bucket list”, I have one of those too. Rather this relates more to my raison de’tre, my life’s purpose, or reason for being.

I’ve always felt that God has called me to teach and preach, training and encouraging the members of the Body of Christ to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” (Ephesians 4:1 ESV). I believe that God has further called me to serve as a watchman, helping the Church to recognize attacks of the enemy that would distract us from God’s call.

In my reflection, I’ve seen the things that got me off track. I’ve wasted time behind the wheel of a ship on dark seas; driven and tossed beyond control; unaware that that the ship had no rudder. I’ve also spent time setting that ship aright, and finding my heading once again.

In my distresses and difficulties I’ve learned to think less about myself and more about others who might be facing the same or even harder circumstances. I sincerely desire to walk beside others in their time of need, listening at all times, guiding and speaking when necessary.

Over the course of half a century I’ve learned with the Psalmist that God is faithful. In good times and bad, He is there. And “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”

This blog has served well in helping me see the truth about how we should be living and serving the Lord. My writing has been every bit as much for my own benefit as it has been, hopefully, for you. It has provided me with an outside look at myself, and a desire to help others see the ways in which we all can grow in maturity “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

I am blessed to be able to write. And I hope to be able to continue for a great many years to come, regardless of anything else the Lord puts in my path.

Thank you all for reading my blog; it means a lot to me. And I hope that the Lord uses me to be a blessing to you.

Blessings on your day!