Devotion for Today: 11 May 2007 Devotion for Today "Can't Believe I'm Here"

11 May 2007 Devotion for Today  "Can't Believe I'm Here"

Note: this was written back in May, 2001 on the occasion of the wedding of

brother, Chuck and his wife, Dianna-  Happy sixth Anniversary, you guys!

There is a sense of thrill to be with your loved ones when you have

not been with them in some time. There's an awareness of suddenly

feeling like you are transported not only over distance, but also over

time. Last week, when I traveled to the States to be with my family in

 West Virginia for my brother's wedding, my sister was especially happy

to see me, and said, "I can't believe you are here!"  She said that,

because for all the family gatherings the past three years, I have not

been there.  I feel like I've missed out on so much fun and good times

with them. I smiled and said, "I know what you mean, I can't hardly

believe I am here, either!"  We had a wonderful week together that will

fill our book of memories for many years to come. Sadly, the feeling

was short-lived as a week later I returned back to Germany. I was happy

to rejoin my wife and children in Germany and be reunited with them.

They also missed me and I missed them.

Thankfully, if we know Jesus, we have His presence in our

hearts no matter what disposition or mood we may be in.  When I get

to thinking about my loved ones back home, or whenever the tinges of

homesickness threatens to overwhelm me, I think of the promise of

Scripture in Hebrews 13:5 that says, "Let your conduct be without

covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself

has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Isn't it wonderful to have that promise? To be content in this instance

means we ought to appreciate and cherish what, and especially whom God

has given us because we don't know how long we have to be with them on

this earth.  But if we know Christ, we will always have Him.  And know

this, He will never get on an airplane and leave us.  He has promised

to be with us always and never turn His back on us.  Have a blessed day.

Rev. Jeffery C. Russell
Salem Baptist Church
Elizabeth City, NC
jefferyrussell@earthlink.net

jcrussell@liberty.edu

Devotion for Today