Connecting With You
The fall leaves glisten—reflective upon the lake this crisp morning. Being tucked away in the stillness awaiting that which is to come—the momentary pause breathes life.
“Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). Quite fitting it is to have these words pour forth from the final chapter of His Word as His Word has the final say.
Even more fitting, He follows this with, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true” (Rev. 21:5).
You know as well as I that once the day begins one never knows what will be tossed our way—thus the stillness steadies. Steadiness allows us to receive that which will be poured out. Catching us off balance is perhaps the norm more oft than not, but when one is steadied, at least one can remain upright.
Perhaps it’s others we may need to catch today and if not today, then tomorrow…keeping another upright for the moment until a place of safety is reached…within the privacy of home. Happenstances not only affect but at times infect. Infections spread and guarding hearts is the insurance policy worthy of investment.
Psalm 51:10–19 uses verbiage which holds fast: “Create in me a clean heart… Renew a right Spirit within…Cast me not away…Restore the joy…Uphold…Deliver me…I shall sing of Thy righteousness…”
It’s about His righteousness, not our own, and thus the stability is always there because He is always there to steady us and God never changes. Reassurance of Truth helps.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
“For I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6).
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).
“God is not man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?” (Num. 23:19).
“…They will perish, but You will remain; … they will pass away, but You are the same, and Your years have no end” (Psalm 102:25–27).
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself” (2 timothy 2:13).
As I stand at the end of the dock, my mind wanders and I think of you. May I ask? How are you? Has anyone asked as of late? May I pray in some small way? Are the quiet corners calling you to come tarry? Can you create a quiet corner carved out? Can you hear His still small voice amidst the clamor? Do you know how much He delights in you?
If you remember nothing else this week, remember that only sinners qualify for eternal life—sinners who have confessed and recognize they are just that—mere mortals. He is God and we are not and as we lean into Him—grateful for all He did on the cross—know that it is He who holds fast when we no longer can. To God be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Kathleen Kjolhaug, OblSB
This article was first published in Theology in the Trenches, a column written by oblate Kathleen Kjolhaug. Posted with permission. Read more articles on her blog, Theology in the Trenches.
Photo: Fall reflections on the lake, taken by Sister Nancy Bauer
