For those of you who didn’t know why the Morning Devotions have been absent in recent days, I’ve been out of town to be with my Dad George during his last days and for the funeral that followed.
It has been a difficult time but it has also been a blessed time.
So much family time.
So much making-arrangements time.
So much faith-testing.
And in the midst of it all, so much peace.
Peace when I watched Dad take his final breath.
Peace during the hard-to-watch moments as he worked so hard just to breathe.
Peace while tending to his earthly vessel on the hospital bed in the minutes after his soul had ascended to glory.
Peace in the times preceding his death because I knew Dad’s soul was at peace no matter how unpeaceful his body was.
I love the line that Dad spoke in the days before his departure. When told he had days to live, he responded, “Well, it’s not what I would have planned but it’ll be allright.”
Dad knew where he was headed.
Yes, there would be a very bumpy road before he crossed the finish line.
But there was also absolute certainty in his heart, mind and soul about what — and who — would be awaiting him on the other side.
He knew he’d be with the Lord.
He knew he’d be with his saved loved ones, particularly his best friend/bride Phyllis with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.
And he knew he’d be with all sorts of friends and would have an eternity to make new friends.
All of these things gave me peace before his passing.
And they still give me peace today.
Our funeral service yesterday morning was a time of peace.
We all felt it.
It was good.
It was what I’m sure the Lord would want us to feel for a father whose sense of peace bracketed both sides of the pearly gates.
In my Bible reading this morning, I found these words from Zephaniah 3:16-17 —
“On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, ‘Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid! 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.’”
This passage was given as a prophecy to encourage Old Testament believers to remain true to the Lord, no matter how difficult the obstacles.
Better days were coming. That was the promise.
God still wants to delight us with gladness and calm our fears.
Just like He did this week for so many of the Drummond family.
Cheer up, my friend. God is in the business of bringing peace to your heart.
Please bring your heart to Him so that He can fill your cup to overflowing with the peace that passes all understanding.
As always, I love you
Martin
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