For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1: 6 NASB
Our merciful Savior is not in a hurry. He who began a good work in us will clear the mayhem, dot the i’s, cross the t’s, and add the final period. His name speaks life and order to His children. Rest in Him.
Ancient of Days. Alpha and Omega. Heavenly Father. Abba Father. Daddy. Papa. Friend. Teacher. Truth. Bread of Life. Word. El Roi. (The God who sees us. He knows when we feel lost, forgotten, and unloved. He is grace in the desert.) El Elyon. Lord Most High. Jehovah Rapha. Healer. Counselor. Redeemer. Emmanuel. God with us. Great I Am. Adonai. Foundation. Lord of Lords. Adored one. El Shaddai. God of the Mountain. Almighty God. Sufficient One. Elohim. Omnipotent. Creator. Yahweh. Breath of my existence. Holy. Prince of Peace. Safe Sanctuary. Sacred Cathedral. Merciful Savior.
I was changing our youngest grandchild’s diaper when I heard the bang of the step stool and the clatter of broken pottery. I imagined what had happened, and I quickly advised his older brother to sit still and wait for me. He’d gone to the bathroom to wash his hands after our snack. He’d been curious on other days and had stepped on tipped toes to reach the small, ornate vase. I’d caught him playing with it in the sink more than once; and, I’d warned him it might break. Although, it was inexpensive, I’d been concerned that he’d get hurt.
However, my grandson soon found me in the living room and flung himself into my arms. While he wasn’t injured, he was shaken by the noise and shattered fragments, and he needed my reassurance. Grateful that his feet weren’t bloody, I cupped his face and kissed his tears away. And then I cleaned up the broken pieces. Alone.
Likewise, only God can clear the ruins and heal the devastation of our soul. Since it’s often unsafe to return the way we came, He bars the door and leads us forward. His path may confuse us; however, His purpose, provision, and protection are trustworthy. Our Redeemer’s intentions are always good.
Better is one day in the Lord’s courts than a thousand elsewhere, whether He meets us on the bathroom tile, in a dusty, sweat-ridden warehouse, or open, tilled fields and humble beginnings. The hard pupil’s seat hugs the stately King’s chair; we yearn for intimacy, strength, support, direction, and understanding. Some things tip, break, and spill; they spread through the ages. It may not be our fault. Yet, at other times, it is our doing; and, we can’t escape the consequences.
When God is silent, or answers fail to come, we stand at a distance. Afraid and uncertain. Dust builds as fear, shame, and unworthiness blind our hope. But God. When we confess our sin, repent and turn away in obedience, He cleanses us and clears our path of harmful debris. Strongholds are torn down; and, He draws us close and remakes what was shattered.
Jehovah Rapha is a healer for a sick, sinful, and unjust world. And He isn’t in a panic or rush. Since we’re partakers of His grace, we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. Our merciful Savior calls us to humility and forgiveness.
The Prince of Peace sets the pace as we tarry on. He’s happy to complete a good work in us, from the youngest to the oldest.
Let the names of our God remind us of His enduring love and care.
Be blessed,
Lily Mae
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