Time and tides of thought.

I was always amused at the comment, “Where does time go?” because it seems an unalterable fact of being, that time flows in units of 24 hours, into which we are expected to put +- 8 hours to rest and recuperation. It seems so simple. Why then, is there such a battle to fit in 16hours worth of good, worthwhile input?

In the past couple of weeks, my thoughts have run on a visit from Jehovah’s Witnesses – shame two ladies who did not want to pray with me, or to read any materials I offered, yet they expected me to spend time on their literature – and various insights on Bible characters. I am busy working on a talk on Gleanings for our times from the book of Ruth, and, as always happens, what one thinks is known fades into near insignificance when deeper research is put to work. Then there have been a couple of studies on lesser know Bible characters, out of which came “What’s in a name?” when we examined the story of the nameless little slave girl who was instrumental in sending her master to Elisha for healing. And a favourite term when shocked or amazed, “Jumping Jehoshaphat” became personalised in a study of that character - without the jumps!

There have been happenings and incidents, thought provoking situations, and people filling the hours with insights and lessons so that time has rushed  like water over a waterfall, splashing into a vortex of activity.

One passage that has crept to the fore so often though is one that is slap bang in the middle of Jeremiah’s discourse on Israel,  ( and I am watching closely the affairs of this beleaguered nation.)

Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the father’s sins into the laps of their children after them.  

O great and powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve. Jeremiah 32:17-19

All my thoughts are zoning in on the ways in which our God works. No matter what we do, or how we react to circumstances around us; regardless of the choices we make and the plans we form; over and above our beliefs and hopes, dreams and intentions, our God reigns. He is sovereign, and He sees all, working in every situation for the good of those who love Him – whether in this life on earth, or in its continuation in Heaven!

You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.  Such things must happen but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:6-8

I love people, and see so much potential in the young, but – oh what a pest of a word – but - I wish  many more would examine the important things in life and make sure of their destiny. Perhaps I must stop here, because my thoughts are tumbling over themselves again, and my heart aches for the lost and unsure. Folk who have crossed my path, and caused delays and distractions, unaware of their impact. May they know that God is God, and we are not!