Sure, we are self-quarantining. Yes, we are washing our hands and singing the ABC song (20 seconds). And of-course, we are social distancing. But as I said before, my cat is sick. Really sick. That is where my thoughts are today.
My cat has been my comfort and my companion for over a decade. He was here before my kids, during marital distress, and family abandonment. He was affectionate through success, and through utter failure. He wanted my attention when I looked good, and when I didn’t. He never was deterred that my breath smelled of pickles, or that I needed to clean my house, or even when I hadn’t called my mother like I should have. My cat is amazing. I won’t go into all the cute, unique things that make him who he is, but just this, we belong together.
This leaves me thinking of our Creator. The same one who made this furry partner of mine, and every other creature and human on this planet. He has this same heart, undeterred for compassion and companionship. How can I speak so forcefully about the undeniable love of my cat, yet I struggle with the fact of the love of my Lord? Didn’t he show it? Doesn’t he continue to show it? Hasn’t he promised it? Yet, I falter.
Jer. 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
So… according to that verse, its not if the heat and drought comes, but when. The expectation is that there will not always be the nice, breezy days. And also, the underlier is that it is not the tree’s fault that a natural course of action plays out. There’s no blame game. It just is.
The conclusion must be, that regardless of the turmoil – emotional, physical, or otherwise, we are to be that tree. Rooted. Secure. Striving for the stream, but not deterred by what plays out around us. And? Bearing fruit. Not only in spite of situation, but also because of situation. What glory we can bring to our Lord’s name by representing his love and goodness during the drought! The other encouragement here? When the heat comes – it also goes. It may be the “year” of the drought, but there will be years after.
Take heart, have hope, regardless of situation – dig those roots in deep, and stretch for the Stream for sustainment.
My cat may or may not recover. But during all my pain, I will still sing to my savior.
Prayers and Petition 