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So, you turned Eighty today – that’s eight decades of living! That’s 960 months, 29,219 days – wow! No doubt, the celebration of life lived so long is something to be savoured. It is a time for reflection and thanksgiving.
When we look back at our lives, it often resembles a roller coaster. There are ups and downs, high and lows, thrills and spills and everything in between. People, places, things and memories all the way.
Very often, the word ‘celebration’ brings back memories of joy, fun, laughter, sharing and caring. This is not always the case for some people as it could be tinged with sadness. It doesn’t have to be that way but the reality is that we live in an imperfect world. Empty promises, unfulfilled wishes, unsavoury conduct and broken relationships rob us of the joy of those momentous occasions.
However, we all live with the expectation of greater moments to come. Such is the indomitable spirit of mankind. In the midst of dark days, the Torch of Hope shines bright within the human spirit. The will to live ignites the cold dark nights of despair. Is it not the God factor within us that propels us on?
In the face of conflict, Joshua drew strength from his reliance on God. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” He clung to the proof of his predecessor’s life – Joshua 3:7b says, “Just as I was with Moses, I will also be with you.”
If life may not have been a bed of roses for you, there is hope of a better tomorrow. Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) says, “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Hope in Christ will be rewarded – Job 11:18-19 says, “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.”
Apostle Paul suffered many trials and in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 he says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Finally, in 1 Peter 5:10 we find reassurance – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” We can still celebrate after all for we are never alone. Listen to this great song – He was there all the time. ◊
Linda Pearl
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