From the Cradle to the Rocker
Today’s scripture selection: Isaiah 45-50
Key verses: Isaiah 46:3-4
It’s the promise of a lifetime. In fact, it’s the promise that lasts a lifetime.
“Listen to me…you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he; I am he who will sustain you.”
Originally the promise was made to ancient Israel, but by the grace of God, we can claim it too. People of faith understand that they are not alone through the years – as Christ puts it – we are not “left forsaken.”
What a comfort that is as we navigate the turbulent years of our youth, plow through middle-age, and finally find ourselves in the old folks home. God goes with us through it all. And, what a comfort it should be to parents and grandparents as they worry over their children’s and grandchildren’s journey. God leads the way.
So, even though there are many wrong roads taken; many mistakes made; and there is so much uncertainty – we can at least remember that we need only turn back to find the God who has never really left our side.
When we are young – we tend to think we are invincible. As we age – we learn just how vulnerable we are. And – by the time we have a head full of gray hair (or no hair at all) – we know we aren’t just vulnerable – we are fragile. But again, God understands. God offers us what we need, as we need it, if only we ask.
From the cradle to the rocker – it’s a long journey.
Aren’t you glad we don’t make it alone?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for going with me through life’s journey – for however long it lasts. AMEN.
By Paul Simrell
The Reverend Paul W. Simrell has served for over thirty years in a variety of congregational and institutional settings. He is a recognized minister with standing in the Virginia region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada and is nationally endorsed by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for specialized ministry in both pastoral counseling and chaplaincy. Ordained in 1982, he has served congregations in Kentucky, Texas, Florida, and Virginia. He currently serves as the pastor of Elpis Christian Church, a small, historic congregation located just a few miles west of Richmond, Virginia. Elpis is the Greek word meaning “expectant hope.” He also serves on the associate clinical staff of the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care, Richmond, Virginia, both as a pastoral counselor and a ministerial assessment specialist, specializing in executive, clergy and relationship coaching. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and Lexington Theological Seminary and has done advanced clinical training in chaplaincy and pastoral counseling at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, Children’s Medical Center and Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas and the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care in Richmond, Virginia. He is a Certified Pastoral Counselor, an ACPE Practitioner, and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is a Certified Facilitator of the Prepare-Enrich relationship assessment and skills-building program and served as a volunteer chaplain for over twenty years with the CJW Medical Center campuses in Richmond, Virginia. His avocational interests include playing the piano and drawing. He is very happily married to his wife Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell, a free-lance writer, who is also a Certified Facilitator for the Prepare-Enrich program.
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
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