Unparalleled Love

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's most read poem, Sonnet 43, is better known by the words of its first line: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." The poem, published in 1850, is believed by most critics to be a declaration of the poet's love for her husband and fellow Victorian poet, Robert Browning. Her love for him was strong and passionate! 

This poem came to mind as I was reflecting on the reality that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. A day in which we are reminded of the joy of love. Indeed God has blessed me with a wife whom I have loved since the day we first met over 48 years ago. Rare is the day I do not thank God for bringing the two of us together. 

But Valentine's Day is also a good day to remind ourselves of One whose love for us is unmatched. For it was while we were yet sinners that Jesus Christ gave up his life for us! What love he has for us! As I began to reflect upon his affection for his people, I thought I would take liberty with Barrett Browning's poem and rewrite it from the perspective of Christ. 

How do I love you? Let me count the ways.

I love you no matter how far you might fall

Or how often you fail to give me your all.

Though you may deny me or often defy me, 

My love for you never ever loses its gleam.

Your heart may be prone to wander, 

But my heart for you only grows fonder.

 

So you ask me how do I love you?

Take a look at the palms of my hands, 

For next to the scars you will see a brand,

That I will carry with me for all eternity

Your name engraved for everyone to see. 

Thanks for stopping by,

PJ

When the Ground We Stand upon Gives Way

In the early morning hours while most were asleep, a powerful earthquake struck portions of Turkey and Syria on Monday. No warning sirens blared. No evacuations were ordered. All was dark and quiet as it should have been. Then the ground began to shift and shake. Hundreds if not thousands of buildings collapsed into piles of rubble. Thousands were killed. Tens of thousands

were injured. Multitudes were left with no where to sleep but the cold, snow covered ground. 

Our hearts go out to the victims as our prayers ascend to heaven. This is a human tragedy that will mark many for the rest of their lives.

I am guessing that most reading this blog post will not have experienced much beyond a mild tremor when it comes to earthquakes. At least literal earthquakes. But what about earthquakes of another kind. The ones that so rock our world that it feels like the ground we stand on is giving way. Everything we count on to bring stability to our lives is turned upside down. 

Since we are broken people living in a fallen world we will all face such times. If not today. Tomorrow. If not tomorrow. Next week or next month or next year. I am not being pessimistic just realistic. So, when life begins to collapse around us, what can we grab hold of that will keep us on our feet? Or perhaps, better said, WHOSE hand can we grip as we begin to lose ours? The Sons of Korah give us the answer in Psalm 46:1-3. But before looking at the first verse, consider verses 2-3:

2 

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 

though its waters roar and foam,

    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

The writers here are describing an earthquake. In doing so, they are saying even if some sort of calamity falls upon us so that everything that brings stability to our lives is shattered, we do not have to fear! We need not go to pieces. Why so? Their opening verse gives the answer: 

God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

2 

So when life begins to seem like it's falling apart, we can flee to Christ. He is our refuge. We are safe in his arms. He is our strength. He is always near! So reach out and grab the hand that Jesus is always extending to you. He will help you to stand when you can't stand on your own! 

One last thought before I sign off. Though we cannot travel to Turkey and Syria to help, we can “lend a hand” in the relief effort by opening our wallets and making a contribution toward the aid that is so desperately needed!

Thanks for stopping by, 

PJ 

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Recently I read the following rather sobering assessment: "Data published in 2020 by the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that the U.S. could see a shortage of 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033. That shortfall is expected to span both primary- and specialty-care fields."

After reading this, I found myself nodding my head in agreement. I was NOT surprised. I am guessing you are not either. For all of us who need to see a doctor, whether it be our primary care physician or a specialist, we are growing more accustomed to being scheduled days, weeks, or even months out! So yes. We could certainly use more doctors (as well as nurses, imaging techs, pharmacists, etc.). Good bodily health demands it! 

There is much better news when it comes to the health of our souls. In this case, we have only one doctor. He is the only one we need. Our Great Physician, Jesus Christ,
is on call 24/7/365. His capacity for patients is unlimited. His wisdom to diagnosis our need is infinite. His bedside manner unmatched. So no matter your heart need, you can go to Christ and find his loving care. Depressed? He is the light of the world. Broken hearted? He is the one whose heart was broken for us. No matter our need, he, our gentle and lowly shepherd, will take us in his arms and comfort, heal, encourage and strengthen us. Hallelujah, what a Savior! 

Thanks for stopping by . . . 

PJ