God’s Secret Wisdom

We speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. . . However, as it is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him ” 1 Corinthians 2: 7, 9

I can’t stop thinking about my recent visit with a family member in a nursing home. While I was there, I went with her to hear a church choir sing some of those favorite old hymns we all love. I had done this so many times with my own mother for years, and it brought back sweet memories of her by my side as she smiled and sang along.

There is just something so endearing about sitting with these dear souls – some of whom may not even recognize their loved one’s faces or be able to speak coherently, but they can surely remember and quietly sing every word of these beloved old hymns. Such power music has and what emotions and memories it can bring to mind.

This recent experience was no different. The choir sang beautifully, and as I sat and looked at each of those weary and worn faces who have seen so much of life, I couldn’t help but feel much compassion for them and their circumstances. But something else touched my heart even more.

It was the sweetest sight to see several elderly couples sitting so closely together, holding each other’s hands. One was the patient – obviously stricken by a stroke, Alzheimer’s, or some terminal illness – and the other was the devoted, loving spouse. How tenderly the spouses stroked their dear ones’ hands and lovingly “took them in”, as if they were remembering every detail of their faces and their smiles before they had become ravished by illness and time.

I wiped away the tears as I saw the longing in their eyes and imagined their thoughts – “if only we could have one more day, doing all the normal things we always did, waking up and going to bed together, sharing meals, laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company.” I understood what it would mean to them and how precious that gift would be.

How we take those moments, those days, those times for granted. I promised myself I never would when Bob was diagnosed with heart failure and cardiomyopathy so many years ago, but how easily we can become lulled into thinking that the life we share with those we love will go on, uninterrupted and secure.

Sometimes it is so difficult to understand the things of life – the way we think, the way God thinks, and how it all fits together. I know we will understand someday. God will reveal all the mystery, His secret wisdom, and His plan for not only our lives, but for how all life is interwoven to fit His eternal plan. But for now, I wonder and question.

It can all be so complicated sometimes, especially the concept of time and what it means to us. When we are younger, it seems to move so slowly and we feel as if we have a lifetime ahead of us. But as we get older, we realize how quickly life passes by and how valuable and precious the gift of time is.

I wonder what God had in mind when He created time and gave us the emotions to love and care about each other. What was He thinking when He created the distances and circumstances that would separate us? And why did He give us these deep sentimental feelings of sadness and regret over those separations?

I wonder what God’s wisdom is concerning these things. Is it to make us appreciate the times we do have? Is it because He wants us to find joy in Him and depend upon Him more than upon others? Or is it because it will make heaven and eternity that much sweeter as we have infinite time together?

In His divine providence, we know that our Creator has a purpose for all things and He has one for this thing called “time” that He instituted on earth. He has already filled our lives with abundant blessings and joy, and we know He has so much more planned for us – something that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived”.

We may never understand His secret divine wisdom, but we can believe there is more to come. We can trust in Him and in His promise of eternal life.

 Prayer

Dear God, there are so many things we don’t understand about life. But we know that you in your divine sovereignty have a plan for us and for all mankind. We are so grateful for the people you have placed in our lives and for your love and grace. We thank you for the gift of your Son and your promise of eternal life.  Amen