His Care

During Abraham Lincoln’s farewell speech at Springfield’s Great Western Railroad on his way to Washington in February 1861 he said “Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him, who can go with me and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you affectionate farewell.” We know how the rest of Abraham Lincoln’s story plays out. It would be easy to point out that it was not a fairytale ending for the president. Even before his assassination, the country had been torn apart by by civil war. A war sparked by his election but a war that had long been coming prior to his nomination. He knew there was trouble brewing as he said the previous words. Yet he said them anyways. He had confidence. Confidence in the good but more importantly God. Mr. Lincoln was a Bible reader who was well acquainted with heartache losing loved ones throughout his life.

There are those who think Bible believers are ignorant of the difficulties of life or just choose to ignore them. I certainly can be guilty of the latter. Life is difficult. God is stronger. Grief can be crippling but God is not hindered. I grew up hearing the phrase “God is not allowed in schools”. I understand the meaning of the phrase but it is detrimental to our view of God. God cannot be barred from anywhere. He is sovereign and no one tells him where he can and cannot go. Maybe that is uncomfortable to think about. Maybe it can be a little creepy. The longer I live the more it comforts me to know that God’s Spirit lives in us and accompanies us as we go. God is not prowling around seeking whom he may devour as Satan is described. God is seeking you out to lift you up. God is sending people, especially Spirit led people into our lives to encourage us.

Psalm 23 is wonderful picture of our Heavenly Father. He wants our ultimate good, if “good” is a strong enough term. Even in the darkest valley, the LORD is the light! In our smallest accomplishments, he celebrates with us. Jesus mentions our little lights shining in such a way that the Father will be glorified. When the prodigal son realizes his circumstance, he returns to the father in hopes of slavery. That is how lost he was. What he received was the royal treatment. How much more has our Heavenly Father prepared for our return to him.

Travis