Coming to the close of another year when 2021 was supposed to be better than the Covid-19 frustrations of 2020. But instead of hopeful expectations being realized, its outcome of inflation, angry rhetoric, national divisiveness is greater not less. However, there is still a perfect remedy for disappointments and losses, no matter the underlying causes, whether they are inwardly personal (and) or outwardly imposed. As long as the container in which I live is still being held down by gravity, the only sure remedy for every dis-ease, malfunction, and every disappointment in others and myself is not the put-on pretense silliness of positivity-thinking, rah-rah, sis-boom-bah, hyper-speaking of "cheer-up" platitudes, but the abiding, certainty of grace which has been given— and thankfully, gratefully received— because His unfailing love has been proved through my countless life-experiences. This remedy is an immortal one: dependence on Christ.
He Hides My Soul
The world, I thought, belonged to me—
Goods, gold and people, land and sea—
Wherever I walked beneath God's sky
In youthful days my word was "I."
Time passed, I saw a vision dear.
He came to show His pathway clear.
My former word no more sufficed.
And what I said was—"I and Christ."
But, oh, the more I looked on Him,
His glory grew while mine did dim.
I shrank so small; He towered so high,
All I dared say was—"Christ and I."
The years have gone; He's held His place
To hold me steady by His grace.
Now when I speak in humbler tones,
What I say is—"Christ alone."
(Poem inspired from a sermon heard long ago, yet true for today.)
Andrea MacVicar©2021