How odd to describe God’s deliverance in these terms. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (Psalms 85:10, NRSV). But then I remembered in the Middle East and many other areas of the world, kisses on the cheek are a common way of greeting one another. This was a poetic way of showing God’s all-encompassing plan of salvation for his people. “Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky” (verse 11). A lovely way to describe his overwhelming love for humankind!

Proverbs 16:3, NIV, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Wise advice, but how many times have I made my plans first and then asked God to bless them. And, how has that worked for me? Not always well, I’m afraid. Why would God bless what would be unwise for me to do, something that might even be hurtful to me or to others. We should plan, of course, but in relationship with our Father’s will. He is always open to hear what we are planning because he always has our best interests in mind.

Today not your best day? Having a few problems? The church in Thessalonica was under heavy persecution when Paul wrote: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NRSV). You would think he could have written something more comforting, something more compassionate to those suffering Christians. But as we know the apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. He wasn’t telling them, or us, anything he hadn’t already told himself. Thank you, Lord, for always being there, for never abandoning your people.

Do you ever forget how old you are? I did it again. I carried a large clay flower pot down my back steps without holding on to the rail. It’s only a couple of steps but with the heavy pot, I got unbalanced and started falling toward the concrete driveway. Miraculously enough, I stumbled ahead enough to right myself and didn’t fall. I thanked God for having mercy! Psalm 37:23, NRSV: “Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.”

One of my great grandchildren was baptized last Sunday. She wanted to be baptized earlier, but her parents felt she should wait a little while and be sure she understood her commitment. Why do you want to be baptized, they asked. “Because Jesus said I should,” she replied. This straightforward answer is how children think. There’s no reasoning around the simple words of Jesus. If he says we should do something, then we should do it. No wonder Jesus said the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

As I look out my patio door, nothing is moving in my backyard. Usually squirrels are racing around and birds are flitting through the branches of the trees. Not today. I don’t blame them as it’s 102 degrees and we’re under a bad air quality alert too. Too much for me to challenge as I stay safely in my air-conditioned cocoon of a house. But not everyone is so fortunate. Painters are still out there painting the house across the street. No matter the temperature, other workers are at their jobs doing the same today. And, what about the homeless! Lord, have mercy!

Be strong. Be courageous and wait for the Lord, says the psalmist (Psalms 31:24, NRSV). If you’re like me that’s not always the easiest. It’s difficult to be patient. Sometimes I think my prayer requests are urgent and need to be resolved immediately. Please, Lord, it’s an emergency! But I’ve learned what I believe is a crisis is not necessarily so. Sometimes, yes, but not always. God looks at the overall picture for the most good for all concerned. Be strong. Wait for the Lord. His timing is always the best.

If you’re like me, sometimes you can feel as if you’re hopeless. Maybe you’ve made a stupid mistake or said something inappropriate that hurt someone. How could you, a child of God, be so clueless. We must admit we aren’t perfect but dwelling on our faults is not what our Savior wants or requires. Just the opposite, Jesus came to take away our guilt and shame. It’s gone! We are new in Christ! A brand-new creature, filled with the light of his Spirit.  When negative thoughts get you down, remember, you are not those dark voices that put you down, you are who God says you are!

How many times have I read the Sermon on the Mount and thought what wonderful words. wouldn’t it be great if everyone lived like that. Maybe someday when I’m with Jesus I’ll be able to measure up to that standard. After reading it again this week, I’m thinking why would Jesus give us that beautiful guideline for life if we were unable to achieve it. We are in him; he is in us. We’ve been promised all the help we need. Am I making excuses because living his way seems so impractical or maybe even dangerous in some circumstances?

At a brunch get-together, one of the children there looked a lot like Linus of the cartoon Peanuts fame. Cute as he could be, thumb in mouth, 4-year-old Jonah was dragging around a well-worn blanket. I was getting better acquainted with his grandmother when he came up, stood directly in front of me and looked intently at me. I was surprised, as I thought he might be a bit insecure around people he didn’t know. “Well, hello,” I said. “What’s your name?” He replied, pointing to my face, “You have cream cheese right there.” No insecurity in this child!