Psalm 138:1-3 – I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. (ESV)

We went away with the caravan to the city of St. David's in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Where we stay is very near a long, shallow beach called Whitesands Bay. It is a place of peace.

When I want to walk with God, I remember those times I have walked along the sandy beach when the tide is out. In these memories, I call to Jesus to stand with me or walk over the wet sand as I lay my thoughts down before Him. I can hear the sound of the waves soaking my ears in the evening sun.

For a number of weeks, I have had a bad back, joints, and muscles, strained after illness. It has been a severe blow to my pride in self-reliance.

My body is capable of less, but God sees me just the same as the young man full of life — and clueless. He sees the heart that cries out to Him in desperation, exasperation, thanks, and praise. He prompts me not to forget all His benefits and blessings, and in reply, I ask for even more. Children always seem to move on and want more.

Yes, it is a slow process, getting better, trying to get fitter.

I have reflected on this impatience that I have, to want instant healing, more of everything now, instead of the acceptance of less, which is the final outcome.

So, in my memory, I heard, "When you take a car to the garage, do you ask how they mended it, or are you thankful that they can do it? What happens when they say, tutting, with a deep intake of breath, that it is no longer possible or, maybe, that the cost is not worth it?"

Not everyone is healed, and we all have to face loss, pain, and the reality of dying, whether it is for others or for ourselves. That is the world that we live in. We want more, but life experience tells us that it cannot go on forever, because this is how we are created: designed to wear out. The next generation has to take up the kingdom and run with God. We can leave here in peace, having passed on the call to worship.

Let us take our limitations to the One who walks with us and accepts the challenge to cleanse our souls and restore. Let's thank Him in the knowledge that He has paid the price to keep us going. One day, those of us in Jesus will trade in this rusty wreck, only to be given a new body, all clean and tidy for our souls to ride in.

Prayer: Please forgive us when we do not honour You as we know that we should. Lord, thank You for all the gifts that You have given us and the joy of knowing that You're with us. Thank You for all the good memories that we keep and treasure. Stand with us and deliver us from the bad ones. May we hear and see You with us as we walk with You today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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