My brother is marring his wife today. My only brother with whom I have shared countless priceless memories. My only constant best friend through life. Through medical school and residency and multiple moves and many friends. My brother with whom I spent two years reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and discussing all God showed us. The one who celebrated multiple Lady Vol national championships with me and mourned the loss of Pat Summit with me. The one who drove 4 hours to watch TN men’s basketball beat KY at Rupp arena. The one who we joke is the male version me. What a special priceless gift God gave me in him!
But I do not complete him nor was I made for him nor him for me. It has been a great gift that I will forever cherish but God has something so much greater for us both. And today Andrew receives his. Today I chose to celebrate with him this wondrous gift God is giving him instead of focusing on my loss. My heart does grieve the relationship we had but on this morning of his wedding day I chose to call my emotions into check and make them obey Christ.
Today is NOT about me but the amazing wonderful thing God is doing in the lives of these precious children of His, and it is a picture of the glorious wondrous Gospel! Rather than focusing on what I have lost, I chose to focus on what God has and is giving. Today is a representation of Christ and his love for the church (me). Today the vows they make before us are only a glimpse of the promises God has given me! To love and cherish me no matter what for all of eternity! And that is a promise made by someone who cannot break His promises! Not even when I am unfaithful to Him.
He knows my needs and He is a good, good God! He not only will provide for my needs but has and is already. This morning here are my thoughts as the Lord brought me to Psalm 23. “The LORD,” Yahweh, the Creator, Almighty God, “is my Shepard.” He is mine and I am His! Though I am a lost helpless and mostly useless sheep, He is loving and leading me. “I shall not want.” He knows my every need, even when I do not. He knows what, how and when I need it. And He is not the kind of father to give bad gifts, no, He is a good good Father! “He restores my soul.” Restore, as in to turn back, to deliver from destruction. He comes after me and turns my soul back to Him, the only place where there is fullness of joy and peace and love beyond measure. He leads me back on the path of righteousness. For His name sake He allows me to know Him and turns me back to Himself which is always the absolute best thing for me. “He anoints my head with oil, my cup runner hover.” Not only does He provide, but He does so exceedingly abundantly more than I could even ask or think. He gives according to the riches of His grace, which is endless! I am empty, dry and my heart has been poured out in tears, but that allows me to be filled up with Him and by HIM. And He does so to overflowing, showing His boundless love for me! “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” All these wondrous precious promises and graces are not only for now or the past, but for all the days of this life. And even more He has called me by my name and I am HIS! This great Gospel means forever I am His and I am truly never alone.
Lord, I surrender afresh this day to your plan for me and for Andrew and Nora. Thank you for how you love us now and for eternity! I chose to glory in you this day and your amazing grace, love and salvation! I chose joy today. I chose to trust you. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed by the name of the LORD!
You are worth it and you are enough!
