It’s Still True.
About 11 years ago, I read “Homecoming” by Cynthia Voigt. And part of it stood out so much to me, that for the past 11 years, I’ve been waking up with the exact same first thought:
“It’s still true.”
It’s a simple sentence, really. James Tillerman, one of the main characters from the book, was abandoned by his mother, along with his three siblings, and when he woke up, it was the first thought that stuck him: “It’s still true. It’s still true that she’s gone.” So, morning after morning, that’s what he said.
For me, that sentence is like an all-purpose summary of life. It could express happiness or despair or commitment or excitement or resignation or contentment or a million other things. And, over the years, for me, it’s carried a little of everything.
But today, I made a list of all the things I’m most thankful are still true:
- It’s still true that I’m loved.
- It’s still true that God orders all things — for our good and His glory.
- It’s still true that I’m in France.
- It’s still true that Courtney is the best friend I could ever ask for.
- It’s still true that “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have an goodly inheritance”. (Ps 16:6)
- It’s still true that God is God and I am not.
- It’s still true that even the difficult situations are changing me into someone better.
- It’s still true that God doesn’t treat me as my sins deserve.
- It’s still true that He’s not finished with me yet.
- It’s still true that He’s not finished with any of us yet.
What’s still true for you this morning? What are the happy things? And what are the things that break your heart? When the second list gets so long you can’t think properly, take some time to add to the first. The only reason to stare at the second is to figure out if there’s an area of your heart or life that needs to be fully surrendered to Jesus. And if there is something, do it!
Oh, friend, it’s worth it. So, so worth it. It’s still true that He changes lives. And it’s still true that He loves you more than anything. ANYTHING.
But if it’s something beyond your control, trust that He sent it — and meant it — for a reason so good, so perfect, that a few years from now, you’re going to look back and see how it all made sense and be absolutely thankful.
“If your son asks for bread, what father will give him a stone? If you, then, though you are sinful, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” [Mt 7]
You are loved. It’s still true.
View from the top of La montagne Sainte Victoire, overlooking Le Tholonet.
September 20th, 2011 at 11:47 am
AMEN, so be it!!! Thankful for all those true things! Great encouragement! Miss you, dear one!!
September 20th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
I really, REALLY needed this today — thank you!
September 20th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
What a great thought. I may have to share this with my team today.
Thinking of your often…