Sadness and peace

It's been an unsettling kind of week, the kind that drives you to the Word to get your bearings again.  A friend from our Sunday School class suddenly passed away a few days ago leaving a widow in very difficult circumstances.  A dear gal from our extended family lost her battle with cancer yesterday, which came as quite a shock as we all felt she was on the mend.  My older aunt fell and broke her arm.  And just listening to the news is enough to show that trouble is washing over this old planet on a scale we've never imagined.

But God!  To know that these two dear ones are now in His presence, free from suffering and receiving their "well done's" is really incredible.  And to be assured that for all the other trouble, God is lovingly and purposefully working out His plans.  Fear not!  Peace be still!  Rejoice!  These are not just abstract platitudes but bedrock assurances that in belonging to Him, we are free to have no fear, free to be at peace, and free to rejoice. 

I am profoundly grateful to the Lord Jesus for His grace, His Word, and His love.