Through Every Ebb and Flow

AM Psalm 137:1-6(7-9), 144 • PM Psalm 104
Micah 5:1-4,10-15 • Acts 25:13-27 • Luke 8:16-25

In the second passage from the reading of Micah 5:10-15, the Lord vows to take away horses and cities and destroy chariots, strongholds, and pillars. Personally, it’s not my first choice in terms of vows from God. It’s not comfortable to be told that I will lose my possessions and surroundings. Even though I might be aware that these assorted items are material—they don’t necessarily make me feel close to God—it is still hard to accept that the Lord is going to come and toss my phone into the river and let my metaphorical horses out of the stables. 

As I’ve let this reading marinate in my mind in order to write this reflection, I’ve realized that the times I’ve felt closest to God have been times when others are consoling me. Often when I am upset by a loss or absence, the feeling seems intense and inconsolable: in turn, this makes me feel lonely. However, when someone offers their arms or their wisdom, my heart begins to shift and I no longer feel alone.  

Perhaps losing material things can serve as a reminder that we are not alone. Our surroundings, possessions, and situations can be isolating—especially in high school—and it can be incredibly difficult to remember the bigger picture. When those familiar things are lost or situations take a turn for the worse, I usually end up feeling lonely, probably because I give them so much of my focus. But in that loneliness—in the loss of whatever has monopolized my attention—lies the reminder that God is always with us whenever we experience losses. Similar to many other things in life, our relationship with God ebbs and flows. Sometimes we feel close to God and sometimes we don’t. Through all the shifting and swaying, it can be hard to remember that God is always with us, especially if we don’t feel like we are with God. 

Maybe next time I have to throw out my favorite shirt because it fell in a bucket of bleach, I’ll be able to look into the pang of loss and remember that God is with me—through each up and down, ebb and flow; each loss and gift. 

Written by Michael Lynch

...who is currently enjoying the prime time for open-window car rides.