Pastor's Corner: God’s wonderful deeds

When I was sitting with our son as he was fighting for his life, I found that I was comforted by knowing that God is in control and I was reminded that He is always there. We may not understand the whys but we can rest assured that He has everything under control and like the Bible says He will never leave us nor forsake us. The outcome may not always be what we want but God knows best.

In the waiting room I found that so many of us tend to focus on the moment, and rightly so. We let the tears flow and our hearts ache. But when we know Jesus Christ we can be comforted by God’s tender mercies.

Psalm 139:1-16 says, “1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Understanding this brings comfort as we face our fears. Understanding that God loves us, unconditionally and even in the darkest times we can find our comfort in Him.

One thing that I have gained a deeper understanding about is how amazingly precious life really is. After listening to the tears flow of others as they waited for word of their loved ones. And being able to pray with people as they faced the challenge of making arrangements for their husband and father after being given the news that he would not make it through the night. Watching as families gathered, anxious to hear some news about their loved one, and hopeful it would be good news.

After all this and many years of ministry a deeper understanding of life has helped me feel the precious presence of God’s comfort on a more meaningful and deeper level. The tragedy is, we take life for granted and even place it as disposable without even taking time to think of God and his creation.

Psalm 100:1-5 tells us to, 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

I would encourage you to find a church this Sunday and join in the worship service. After all we are encouraged to meet together regularly and when we come to worship, it’s not about the pastor or the music, it’s about meeting with God and worshiping HIM. Just to let you know that our son is improving and we can, first hand attest to the power of prayer and love of God.

Pastor James Watt

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Pastor's Corner: God’s wonderful deeds