The past couple weeks have surely brought life into perspective for me. Hearing news of both family and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, as well as grieving scary medical diagnoses, has opened my eyes to see things differently. Sadness and suffering have a way of doing that.

If it wasn’t for the knowledge that our holy, righteous, loving God is in control of every event, and even every cell of our bodies, I would call it all meaningless and tend toward despair.

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. (Psalm 42:5)

I reminded the kids of God’s loving control over our lives when we walked outside and found one of our mailbox-nesting tree swallows dead on the driveway. As Jim buried it, we recalled this passage from Matthew:

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

Thank You, God, for giving us hope so that though we are sorrowful, we may still rejoice in You.