What surrounded me appeared to have no
end.
Some years, teaching proves more difficult
than others. One particular year, I had more than the usual numbers of boys and
girls who didn’t care much for school—or whether or not their behavior
conformed to school and class rules. I faced incidents of bullying, cursing,
disrespect—all of which came with a price. But the stern talks, lunch detentions,
disciplinary slips, trips to the principal’s office, and suspensions didn’t
seem to help. Their behavior only modified for a short period of time.
It was also the year when financial
problems surrounded my wife and me. Unable to work outside the home due to
health problems, my wife applied for work-at-home jobs. We bought a new
computer and other items she would need for any job she applied for. She filled
out numerous applications and had a number of interviews. No luck. We begged
and borrowed from others. Had friends and family not helped us, we would have
sunk.
In the midst of these issues, editing
work—which I love—also surrounded me. An email from a CEO of a publishing house
wanted to know if I’d be interested in some administration work. I took it. A
young woman who attends college and needs help with editing her papers also
emailed. And then I had my normal managing editor duties for two other
websites.
The psalmist looked at his world and
declared it uncertain. Wickedness abounded, but he cautioned his readers not to
trust in anything but the Lord. Nothing could save them … save the Lord. The
psalmist wanted God’s love to surround him. That was where he found hope.
When unpleasant things—and even too many
pleasant things—surround me, I have to remind myself of the same. I can’t put
my full trust in any one thing. They all deteriorate. Nor is it wise to put my
full confidence in any person—regardless of how much I love them. They are
human and can fail me.
The only safe thing to surround ourselves
with is God’s love and presence. His love proves consistent, permanent, and
dependable. When others walk away, He stays. When circumstances seem out of
control, He controls them. When others say, “I don’t love you,” He says, “I’ll
never leave you or forsake you.”
Instead of surrounding yourself with
things that will disappoint you, surround yourself with God’s love.
Prayer: Father, surround us with Your love
in such a way that we need nothing else.
Tweetable: Do you feel surrounded?
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