Today will probably be a tough day. I have back-to-back therapies and an acupuncture session. Physically, it does wear me out, but that’s not what’s tough. It’s the emotional and psychological beat down. Sometimes, life itself, when you interact with people, is quite disappointing. Although they mean well, sometimes people say things that discourage me. Sometimes, the perseverance to keep going is hard to find.

I was reminded of an old Boyz-II-Men song from the movie The Prince of Egypt. It’s called, “I Will Get There.” I was reminded of the song, of all things, while brushing my teeth. You see, it was a first for me. For almost three months, I had not been able to muster up enough strength in my left hand to even squeeze a tube of toothpaste. This morning, with all the strength I could, in a Herculean effort, I managed to eke out a tiny bit of toothpaste onto my brush. My wife and I laughed at the absurdity of a grown man having to try so hard to brush his teeth! It then occurred to me that this bit of progress has taken me almost three entire months. Right then and there, I’m a bit ashamed to admit, I broke down and cried.

(From the song, “I Will Get There”)

I have known a pain so deep

But I know my faith will free me

And I’ll get through this

I’ll find my way again

So don’t tell me that it’s over

‘Cause each step just gets me closer

I will get there.

A few moments later, my wife and I sat down to partake in communion, something that we try to do every morning before the kids wake up. We do this not just to commemorate the forgiveness of our sins, but also to fully take part in the benefits of Psalm 103. In that Psalm, not only does God forgive all our sins, he also heals all our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, crowns us with love and compassion, and even restores our youth like the eagle’s, satisfying us with good things that fulfill our heart’s desires. We want to partake in all of God’s benefits for us, not just some of them!

My wife then encouraged me by reminding me that we have an Enemy that seeks to intimidate and discourage us every step of our journey with our Lord. We need to expect his opposition and his attempts to defeat us, but we are not alone! Christ Jesus leads the way and provides us with peace in spite of problems, comfort in spite of calamity, and strength in spite of strife.

I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul who learned the secret of contentment. It is not a product of our circumstances, rather true contentment lies in inward realities that are unchanged by what happens to us. I thought to myself, right here, right now, in this moment, I actually have everything that I could possibly need from the gracious hand of my Shepherd. As Psalm 23 says, I am not in want.

I was then reminded yet of another secular song, this one by Edwin McCain. Allow me to quote:

These are the moments I know Heaven must exist

And these are the moments, I know all I need is this,

I’ve got all I’ve waited for -  and I Could not ask for more.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23:5-6

Tim

P.S., As an example of God’s goodness to me, as we speak, some dear brothers and sisters have made the trek all the way from Concord to our house, just for the purpose of cleaning out our garage and helping do fix-it jobs that have accumulated. May God bless them richly!