YET

I Was Just Thinking About – YET.

“YET” is a word that is elastic in its meaning. It is used to suggest: “in the time still remaining.” In a Christian context, it has been used when stating: “Be patient with me, God isn’t done with me YET.” We are part of a culture that desires immediacy. The level of patience can be very limited in some situations for some people. There is a purposeful concept in Psalm 37:7 (NLT) that directs one to: “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” The ESV renders this verse: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” The context of the Psalm begins with repeated use of the phrase “Fret not” and instructs one to set aside worry and anxiety.  Psalm 37:4-5 states that one should Delight oneself in the Lord, and to Commit and Trust in the Lord. The idea is to focus on the positive relationship with the Lord rather than on the negative situations and circumstances of everyday life.

Some of the negative situations and circumstances pertain to the physical and mental issues more and more people find intrusive in their lives. One of the physical issues that intrudes and overwhelms is Cancer. This is one of the more insidious maladies. It begins suddenly and with little initial warning and proceeds in a gradual, subtle way with increasingly harmful effects. Despite the best medical care and treatment, which can be prolonged and costly, there is seldom a claim of one being “cured” but only that one is in “remission.” It is in this regard that the word “yet” is meaningful and encouraging. In a note written to some with concern about a young child, it is a good reminder for all who have faith in God to conclude: The Great Physician is not done “YET”!

With the mental issues, Depression overwhelms a greater number of people. Dealing with the pressures and responsibilities of normal life experiences. The subtlety of it is that it can cause low mood swings with an individual that can result in low self-esteem, a loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyable, a low energy level and sometimes, a sense of pain without a clear cause. Most cases of depression are treated with medications. This can offer temporary relief but, once again, a long-term cure can be evasive and something one can only hope will become a remedy for them.

An area where practical Christianity can be a physical and mental pressure is given in Mark 4:18-19 (BSB) - The Parable of the Seeds and Sower. Jesus Christ explained: “Still others are like the seeds sown among the thorns. They hear the word, but the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. The cares of this life over-riding God’s promise of provision and sustaining grace. “YET” God continues to love and care for His own.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.