Three months ago as I sat down to write my wee bit for the Bulletin, I was looking forward to the end of September and the arrival of Diane and Mark. I am sure you agree with me that we have not been disappointed. The only (very minor) problem I have with Diane is she has encouraged Sarah (my daughter) to colour her hair and experiment, but even that is not a problem.
Because maybe Diane is right!
As I write this article, Sarah is in the Causeway hospital suffering from pains in her kidney. The doctors cannot find anything wrong but Sarah is in pain. It is a worrying time for Marlyn and me, and I am sure many of you understand having been in similar type situations yourselves.
But all is not despair. In times of trouble I know that the God of creation, my God and your God, has a plan for each one of us and he reaches out to us and strengthens us when we need help.
The psalmist went though many times of trial and some of the psalms reflect his crying out to God for help in his distress. (See psalm 102 for example.) But the psalmist also knew he worshipped the God who made the earth, the air, the sky and the seas. Our God hears our prayers and responds to them, but not always in the way we expect. But he always responds in a way that ultimately is best.
So, when things are tough, God is here. When things are easy, God is here. When all else fails, God is here with us. As the psalmist said, “The Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting, and his faithfulness endures from generation to generation.” (End of psalm 100.)
God bless
Adam