Morning Devotional
June 6, 2005
"Another Birthday" (Part 2) 
    by Don Emmitte

I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of miracles and wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. (Psalm 77:11-14 NLT).

 

Yesterday we began this series in capturing the present joy of life in the face of change. That’s really all the aging process is – change. As we change, it is very easy to look back on the past with “filters” that deny the truth. Every age is filled with both good and bad experiences. Every moment of our life has its own challenges. For those of us who are older, recalling our teen years is filled with such joy and exhilaration that it denies the truth of the challenges of that age. The roles are reversed for those who are teens. Don’t you recall the seemingly endless wait that you faced until you got to be “on your own”? For that reason it is very important look at both the past and the present with a sense of blessing. That’s our first step in capturing the joy of the present regardless of your age. Recount God’s goodness.

 

We must not forget that God's been very good to us. Let us not "rage" at the wrinkles that appear, but recount God's goodness. You'll add a few more "smile" lines to your aging features, but that's ok, for God has been good and faithful. He's taken us through the hills and valleys, the storms and sunshine, year after year. For that reason we bless His Name! I am not suggesting that we deny the challenges of the present. On the contrary, admit them. Be honest about the difficulties that you face, but also be honest about the power of the God you follow! When I begin to really think about the past, I am forced to admit that some times were not very pleasant. In fact, some of them were just plain unpleasant. But, when I think of what the outcome was, I am reminded of the power and faithfulness of God. He simply has never let me down. It should be no wonder at all, in view of God’s faithfulness, that I can say with such confidence that there are always possibilities. There are always alternatives and choices to be made. God hasn’t abandoned us in the past. He won’t do so now.

 

Deep in our hearts we believe in a good God. However, sometimes our understanding of God’s goodness is shallow, especially since we see many things that seem to deny it. Corrie Ten Boom clarified the issue for us. She wrote:

 

“Often I have heard people say, ‘How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church picnic, and look at the lovely weather!’ Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But God was also good when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death before my eyes in a German concentration camp. I remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was darkness in my heart. I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us. ‘No, Corrie,’ said Betsie, ‘He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.” ”Corrie concludes, “There is an ocean of God’s love available—there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love—whatever the circumstances.”

 

The first step in claiming joy in the present is to recount God’s blessing.