Same old thing

Today I finished Proverbs and read a chapter and a half in Ecclesiastes. I also read Galatians 4:1-19. My favorite verses are:

Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

I am writing today in a hospital room. I am sitting with my dad who had prostate surgery this morning. We are thankful to God that all went well and he is only staying overnight in the hospital as a precaution because of his age (he is 86). We are reminded by the verse in Ecclesiastes that this situation, like everything else we encounter, is not new or unique to us. We should never feel that we are facing anything alone or that no one will understand. Of course, God remains with us; but usually there will be another person who has been in the same or similar circumstances who can empathize. They may be able to offer helpful advice. Now keep in mind if you are in a position to offer empathy and advice, proceed with caution. Sometimes it is better to just listen and only offer advice if asked. I may not want to hear everything you know.

The verses from Galatians remind me that God’s timing is perfect and his interaction in our lives is as thorough as we allow it to be. Abba is just like Daddy, a term of endearment for our loving heavenly Father who cares more about us than we can imagine. All three of Him desire an intimate, loving relationship with us—the Father sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts. And the future will be even better than the past or present because we are heirs of all He has; we will be part of the family throughout eternity. Praise God for his faithfulness!