No Longer Orphans
Too many voices and circumstances in our world seek to convince us that we are orphaned: there is no one to trust to have our back and we are left to try to survive on our own.
The lyrics of a well-known worship song by Tommy Walker reminds us of the truth:
“I have a Maker. He formed my heart. Before even time began my life was in his hands. I have a Father. He calls me His own. He'll never leave me. No matter where I go.”
Our Father will be with us through the storms, through the valley of the shadow of death, and in the deepest points of our despair and disappointment.
His presence with us does not always immediately effect or change or deliver us out of the circumstances around us—but His presence preserves, protects and brings the promise of peace to our hearts and minds—no matter the circumstances.
Throughout Scripture we see God moving mightily on behalf of His people, to bring them into a place of purpose and promise. Yet inherent in the fabric of those stories we find a process of transformation in the individual themselves.
This internal change has a dramatic effect upon the world surrounding each of these people. So it is with the work of God in our lives: His work in us transforms the world around us. As we are transformed more and more into the likeness and image of Christ all those around us are touched.
Every one of us experiences some degree of loss and devastation in this life. Situations and events can cause us to feel orphaned and/or abandoned. Many of us lacked earthly parents who were able to provide the emotional and/or physical care we needed. Such neglect causes us various degrees of trauma.
As we draw nearer and nearer to the Lord, through worship, studying His Word and in prayer we discover and delve into more and more of His goodness and grace. In His presence and in relationship we are healed and delivered.
By faith we choose not to tune into the hopeless, dissonant symphony blaring from this world and choose to listen to the peaceful, harmonious composition of our Father’s song of hope and promise.
He has loved us with an everlasting love. (Jer. 31:3)
He will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deut. 31:6)
On this Orphan Sunday, we remember who we are in Christ. Jesus declared, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)
He is with us to answer, help, provide, encourage, comfort and guide.
Thank You, Jesus, for all You have done for us. Thank You for revealing more of Your grace and mercy to us in these days, to the advance of Your Kingdom and the glory of Your Name. Amen!