This Too Shall Pass

Imagine receiving unexpected news all of a sudden that would change the trajectory of one’s life for the short term or carve a chasm into the path one has been journeying. Questions may loom, such as how do I bridge the divide; what direction will my journey take; and where is the Lord while I am in the midst of turmoil.

Circumstances sometimes circle Christians like vultures. All may seem hopeless, like there is no way we will prevail or maintain certain ground. However, we must remember Jesus’ promises for He is the way, the truth, and the life. Scripture is our foundation when we feel like we will stumble or go in the wrong direction.

Christ, our good Shepherd, cares for his own with a special tenderness and compassion, for He saves us from those who prey upon us or in the trials we face. He rights our path with His steadfast devotion and fierce protection. The parables Jesus told, His acts of service for the downtrodden, the miracles He performed, the tears He shed when He learned Lazarus died, the blessing of granting His mother to the apostle John and believers alike, the mercy and love when He suffered His passion and uttered “it is finished,” before He died upon the cross for one and all, are a testament to the unfathomable and infinite love of God.

To receive these immeasurable gifts, we need only commit ourselves to Christ, ask for God’s forgiveness with contrite hearts and humility, and follow Him on our daily walk by asking for guidance and protection. Jesus asks us to love others even our enemies, something that is difficult in our humanness, but is possible through constant prayer and His grace that overcomes what each of us are lacking with our faults, sins, personalities, emotions, and unique life challenges.

Recently, the word caritas came to mind, a Latin word for love. The word love is used too often in our society, and the end result is the action and essence of love is diluted. We need only think of the times we have said or have heard someone say: “I love (insert action, animal, music, movie, sport or movie star idol, food, gift, place, hobby, etc.),” without thinking of how flippantly we use love in speech, a word more precious than gold and greater than the immensity of the universe.

When we refer to Sacred Scripture 1 John 4:8 Deus caritas est, 'God is love,' we can reflect upon all the Lord has done throughout the Scripture passages, and even in the way He has intervened in our own or other’s lives. It is a call for Christians and those who are seeking the Lord to reset how we use and view love in our thoughts (the origin of our words), with our spoken words, and in our daily actions or inaction when we feel the Holy Spirit tugging at our hearts.

Hold onto faith and do not be dismayed. Wait upon the Lord for His timing is perfect. I recall hearing that my great grandmother would say, “this too shall pass,” when trials and tribulations visited. How blessed I am for having ancestors who believed in the Lord and held firm to His promises, care, and steadfast love. Ponder and savor the following:

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, or any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

May God ever bless, guide, and protect all of you. Follow Christ through good times and trials, for He will lead you upon the path He has chosen for you.

Copyright (C) J. L. Smyth June 9, 2024