Days Like Grass… (#253 of 365+)

“The LORD knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever” (Psalm 37:18)

It has now been six years since the death of President Ronald
Reagan. Joni still remembers how former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher paid solemn respects at her old friend’s State funeral.

Reagan met with many powerful world leaders during his political career. He could make people smile and laugh so he made friends with ease. He also kept friends for life because they soon learned that he was a man of integrity. I remember how his face would glow with eternal optimism (or was that just blush?). I’m certain history will show that he accomplished great things and honorably served the United States of America. Sadly, he spent his last years suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and often didn’t even recognize his beloved wife Nancy. One day his body finally gave up the spirit, and he breathed his last…

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14)

“Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:7-8)

I will too face that same inevitable meeting with Death but the good news is I’ve accepted God’s offer of everlasting life through Jesus Christ. So one day I’ll close my eyes here and open them in paradise. In the meanwhile, I have the Holy Spirit who never ages and never passes away. He’ll always be the same today as he was yesterday and he will be tomorrow. And he wants me to remember that my existence on earth is only a wisp of smoke but he has a deeper purpose for my life that stretches to the horizons of eternity. Thinking about that brings peace and joy to my heart!

Many years ago (back in the 80’s) Amy Grant sang a beautiful song that went to the top of the charts. I still think the lyrics of El Shaddai echo of a hope from the past that has endured through today and will continue to be something we will always be able to hold on to. (By the way, El Shaddai means God Almighty or Almighty God, El-Elyon na Adonai means The Lord God Most High, and Erkahmka na Adonai means We will love You, Lord).

El Shaddai

Chorus
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonai,
Age to age You’re still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkahmka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.

Through your love and through the ram,
You saved the son of Abraham;
Through the power of your hand,
Turned the sea into dry land.
To the outcast on her knees,
You were the God who really sees,
And by Your might
You set Your children free.

(Chorus)

Through the years You made it clear,
That the time of Christ was near,
Though the people couldn’t see
What Messiah ought to be.
Though Your Word contained the plan,
They just would not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of Your Son.

(Chorus 2x)

I will praise you ’til I die,
El Shaddai.


Almighty God, Oh Lord Most High, I thank you for making salvation available to both the Jews and the Gentiles through your Son, Jesus Christ. I put all my trust in your promise to redeem me in full at the end of this age. Thank you for the indwelling presence of your Holy Spirit who gives me everything I lack. May I make the most of the next twenty-four hours, for your glory. Amen.