Mysteries

Someone in our house likes to watch murder mysteries. Hint, it’s not me. He gets caught up in the intrigue and the clues, the good police work and the final gavel of justice on the guilty. If it’s a true story, I get caught up in the family’s heartbreak. The violence, depravity, overt greed and hatred are appalling. Often the violence is executed upon the perpetrator’s own family, with ramifications for generations to come. Sometimes when I remember that the first brothers in history were separated by murder, I wonder why God didn’t say, “So wicked! Humans were a mistake. Cats should rule the world.” And yet, here we are. God loves us, despite our depravity. 

God loved King David. The king loved his own son, Absalom, though haughty Absalom began a rebellion to oust his father. Murder mysteries abounded, lies multiplied, families were heartbroken, generations suffered. People still turn their backs on God, rebel against family, misplace trust, manipulate others. Sometimes, the very same people turn their hearts toward God in repentance later. The human heart can change under God’s love. David knew that. He processed his thoughts and praised God through his spirit-inspired songs/prayers/psalms, which can help us do the same. How many times must David have prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51) God was good to grant that renewal to David. Wonder of wonders, the faithful Father, through the Son, renews us all. This Valentine’s Day, let’s get caught up in that glorious mystery of God’s love. ~Tracy