Once I said,
“In the noontime of life I must depart!
To the gates of the nether world I shall be consigned
for the rest of my years.”
I said, “I shall see the Lord no more
in the land of the living.
No longer shall I behold my fellow men
among those who dwell in the world.”
My dwelling, like a shepherd’s tent,
is struck down and borne away from me;
You have folded up my life, like a weaver
who severs the last thread.
Those live whom the Lord protects;
yours is the life of my spirit.
You have given me health and life. (Is 38:10-12,16)
The readings today are rather gloomy, if one wants to take them that way, or hopeful, if one desires.
It really is a matter of perspective.
We oftentimes get so bogged down with life and we feel the pressures and cares of the world. In those times, we are more prone to view things through the prism of “doom and gloom”.
If we view the world that way, we can find plenty of proof.
All of us know of people who have had terrible misfortunes. All of us can point out tragedy in the news. All of us can find reasons to weep and be sad.
However, if we view the world as one filled with the hope of the Lord, than we will be able to see promise around every corner, a silver lining in every dark cloud, hope where others find hopelessness.
Our view of the world affects not only us, if affects all of those around us.
If we are people of doom and gloom, we are going to be miserable and will bring others down. If we are people of hope, we can bring that hope to someone who feels down.
The Lord does care for us. He does love us. He does walk with us. He does call us to Himself at the end of our days.
Those are all reasons to celebrate, not to grieve.
FAITH ACTION: In prayer today, make some “praise statements” to God; e.g., “You give me hope, O Lord.” “You are my life, O God.” “Your blessings are eternal.” Don’t just say them. Believe them!