Forever

“Your righteousness is righteous forever.” Psalm 119:142a

Forever is a good word. It’s a word you can depend on. It’s always and unceasing. I like it.

Our Father in heaven is forever. He is unchanging in His love and mercy, justice and strength. He is faithful and good. Forever.

When I see ugly, hurtful things in the world, I look at ‘forever’ differently. There are days when I wonder if political mud-slinging, ableism, racism, school shootings, and deaths at the border are ever going to stop. I wonder if my neighbors will ever be as friendly as they were before Covid, before we disagreed on the cause and severity of the virus. Sometimes I surrender to the idea that “it is what it is” and there is nothing and no one that will change it.

But then there are days when I come up here to my creaky, old desk to read my Bible. There are times when all I need to do is look out my window to see my orange tree, purple sage, bougainvillea bursting with red flowers, and a vine with delicate white flowers and a touch of pink at its center. Then there are the birds- hummingbirds, mourning doves, and tiny sparrows darting and dancing with the occasional butterfly or dragonfly. This is a place I can rest and just be. I can leave all of the world’s stuff and focus on Jesus-on His creativity, His goodness, and His truth.

Outside my window,  I see things that are part of His forever. Here in my Bible, I can learn truth that is always true. This peace I feel deep inside and the hope my mind can ponder never have to cease.

My prayer this morning is to be able to hold all of this in my heart. When I go back out into the world I believe God will enable me to intentionally, mindfully take His forever with me.

Today, as you step out your door or turn on your computer, what will you take with you?

I pray you take His love and mercy, strength and faithfulness, and always…take His hope.