The typhoon is still heading toward the Philippines, but at this point it looks like it will hit the northern part of Luzon (our island), and not Manila itself. It has been raining off and on all afternoon, but not heavily. Please do keep praying that the storm would weaken and move out to sea.
Random thoughts going through my head today. . . because of the news stories. . . this has been a tough week for Asia. Floods in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Devastating earthquake in Indonesia. Disastrous church collapse in Nepal. Earthquake and tsunami in the South Pacific. These are not just random news stories to me. Because of our ministry for the last 30 years, I know and love people in each place. So many hearts are heavy. My world is groaning, longing for redemption.
In the midst of the sad news, I read an article that got me thinking.
King Solomon said, “sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:3) Jesus said, “blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) In what sense are we blessed? . . . Trial by fire refocuses one’s attention on breathing, eating, loving, marriage, family. On life. On eternity. Among other things, a “sad face” is good for the heart because the alternative—anxiety about the “here and now” --- is not good for the heart. Our “sad faces” have opened my eyes to the inconsequential matters in my life and focused my attention on eternity.
A good perspective. It has been a sad week, but maybe that's not a bad thing. My God is still King over it all.
Random thoughts going through my head today. . . because of the news stories. . . this has been a tough week for Asia. Floods in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Devastating earthquake in Indonesia. Disastrous church collapse in Nepal. Earthquake and tsunami in the South Pacific. These are not just random news stories to me. Because of our ministry for the last 30 years, I know and love people in each place. So many hearts are heavy. My world is groaning, longing for redemption.
In the midst of the sad news, I read an article that got me thinking.
King Solomon said, “sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:3) Jesus said, “blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) In what sense are we blessed? . . . Trial by fire refocuses one’s attention on breathing, eating, loving, marriage, family. On life. On eternity. Among other things, a “sad face” is good for the heart because the alternative—anxiety about the “here and now” --- is not good for the heart. Our “sad faces” have opened my eyes to the inconsequential matters in my life and focused my attention on eternity.
A good perspective. It has been a sad week, but maybe that's not a bad thing. My God is still King over it all.
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