Pastor's Ponderings, July 8, 2019

Joy In The Midst of Pain

The following paragraphs were the introduction to the July 17, 2017, Pastor’s Pondering commemorating the Homegoing of my awesome son-in-law. Our hearts broken, dreams shattered, and our plans in disarray, but we knew that through it all we had to trust in Jesus.

On Thursday, July 6, 2017, my dear son in law, Yantee Neufville, the husband of my daughter, Malika, transitioned into eternity.  He impacted his family, friends, colleagues and anyone he met because he met no strangers. His love, humor, intellect, deep rich laughter, compassion, and zeal were only a few of his marvelous characteristics and he changed lives for the better wherever he went.  He has a great legacy and is sorely missed.

As Yantee demonstrated through his short life of savoring every day and his ability to laugh through joy and pain, we should be encouraged to do the same. 

Douglas Miller wrote, “My Soul Has Been Anchored In the Lord.” Some of the lyrics are, “Though the storms keep on raging in my life and sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day. Still that hope that lies within is reassured, as I keep my eyes upon the distant shore. I know He'll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared. But if the storms don't cease and if the winds keep on blowing, my soul has been anchored in the Lord.”

Perhaps you are experiencing the pains of life. Sometimes it is hard to realize that God will carry you through even the most difficult situations. You may be at risk of losing your job, your children might not be speaking to you, you don’t know if you can save your marriage, or the doctors have given you a scary diagnosis. Even during these seemingly hopeless situations, God is with you.

Nevertheless, even these things are working together for our good (Romans 8:28).  God wants us to know that He will give us the hope and future that He planned in our life (Jeremiah 29:11).  Therefore, during times of pain, let us rejoice in the Lord and know that we can be glad in Him (Psalm 118:24).

Romans 8:28
New International Version (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 118:24

King James Version (KJV)

24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.