Daily Verse

Bridge Over Troubled Water

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And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ Acts 22:10 ESV

One of my favorite songs from the 1960’s is the Simon and Garfunkel tune, “Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water.” It reminds me of an incident in 1983 when a section of the highway bridge over the Mianus River in Connecticut collapsed at midnight. The first car coming upon the scene was able to stop in time and the driver jumped out and frantically tried to wave down the other vehicles. Tragically in the dark and confusion of the moment, four vehicles ignored his warnings and tumbled off into the river.

In life, there are times when, like Paul, we are sure that we are going the right way, but instead we are way off track. The good news is that God sets up a roadblock, because He has something better in mind. So, instead of becoming angry, consider that what you are facing just might be God’s warning that there is danger up ahead. In that moment, remember, that God cannot show us the right road as long as we keep driving in the wrong direction. But when, like Paul, we cry out in astonishment, “What shall I do, Lord?” God is delighted to show us what He has in mind and through the cross of Jesus Christ He becomes our “Bridge Over Troubled Water”!

Selah

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God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3 ESV

I have always loved the word, Selah. It is like the rest in a page of music. It is the pause in which we absorb and appreciate the notes already played, take a breath and then prepare for what comes next. In a busy life, I need more Selah, and most of all, I need to meet with Jesus there. Only He can help me understand what has already happened when things seem out of control and only He can give me hope to face the future. He has promised to always be there in both difficulty and blessings, to never forsake me, when everyone else walks away, and to love us forgive us and keep us in His arms forever. Selah!

Changes

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Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. Psalm 119:89-90 ESV

If you live in the Northern States you are probably beginning to see the leaves changing their Summer clothes for colorful Fall outfits. While apple cider and pumpkins fill the market shelves, our celebration of the new season is mixed with the melancholy knowledge that Winter is not far away. In our lives it is the same. We eagerly anticipate changes like weddings or the birth of our child; but when that child graduates and sets off on their own, our happiness mixes with tears.

It was no different for Jesus as He lived on earth. The joys and gifts of the Christmas story were quickly followed by Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt. His healing of the sick was followed by Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. But as Jesus hung on the cross and the most difficult hour of change was upon Him, He held onto words that never change. “I thirst;” “Why have you forsaken me?”  and “It is finished.” were all quotes from the Old Testament. Jesus was trusting in God’s unchanging Word, because He knew that in Heaven His Father’s promises would carry Him through death and the grave, to resurrection morning. Unlike Autumn leaves, God’s word never lets us go, but stays attached to the heart of the Father forever. If people or things you once counted on are rapidly changing, hold onto the faithful promises of God. He holds you in the palm of His hand and has promised in both life and death that He will never let you go!

How do we choose at the crossroads?