DID A BOMB GO OFF?
We have begun the process of remodeling our townhouse which, of course, begins with demolition. This is our first major remodel and like anything new, Darryl and I are experiencing a significant learning curve.
Looking around last week, the best way to describe the present condition of our townhouse is to say that it looks like a bomb went off - especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. The floors are torn up, walls have been taken down, ceilings are being raised up. The term "mini ground zero" comes to mind!
The author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, who is a master of word pictures, reminds us that there is an appropriate time for these events in life. Chapter 3, verse 3 says there is "a time to break down, and a time to build up."
Even though in its present state, our little townhouse has experienced severe damage and destruction, we are anticipating that eventually it will be restored to a place of beauty once again! Isn't it interesting to note that sometimes to move ahead in life, something must be torn down first?
In fact, when you think about it, isn't it true that eventually, everything is destined to be broken down? In fact, isn't it also true that some of the best things happen in our character when we, ourselves, are broken down and bereaved?
Jesus said in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." What are the broken down and bereaved mourning? They are mourning loss of all kinds - spiritual, physical, emotional, financial. They are seeking all that God offers - His comfort, His healing and often, His forgiveness.
Wisdom dictates that everything around me is in perpetual change. The difficult days in my life are seasons of wrecking, destroying, razing, pulling down. The blessed days are seasons of creating, strengthening, building, restoring. Regardless of my circumstancces, I can say (and sing) along with Job in Job 1:21, "He (the Lord) gives and takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
With all this change going on around me, what is secure? Both my security in the present and my hope for the future are found in the mind of God. "Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world" (Acts 15:18). I am comforted, healed and forgiven as I seek God's perspective in every season of my life.
The book of Job finishes out with a comment about the condition of Job after his breaking down and bereavement. In Job 42:10 we read that "The Lord restored the fortunes of Job... and increased all he had twofold." Just as I can anticipate the negative (the breaking down) because God is developing my character, I can also anticipate the positive (the building up) because God promises to take care of me. I am His precious daughter and I trust Him. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
