The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong— Psalm 90:10 (BSB)
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The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong— Psalm 90:10 (BSB)
There will come a time when I have to depart this earthly existence and so will you. Despite false religious prophecies like "Millions Now Living Will Never Die," They did die. That's not a problem for me, but I would worry about my wife I would leave behind. But, in recent months, God has built a wall around her; protecting her. I feel blessed.
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At the close of 2023, I went through some medical examinations. On the day I had an appointment to see the consultant for the results, my wife and I read a scripture that morning as we do every morning. It was Psalm 91: 1,2:
‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.’
I will say to the Lord, “You are my refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust.’
I said to my wife, ‘we are going to get bad news today.’ She agreed. God had often given us messages through the scriptures that were specific. God continues to speak as he has always spoken, but at times, the right verse miraculously lands in our lap when needed.
And sure enough, cells in the prostate that served me faithfully, turned hostile and have created a rebellion in the pancreas and liver and who knows where else.
The consultant who revealed this, looked at me and said, ‘You are very bravado about this.’
I replied in all confidence, ‘There’s a young man inside me. He has followed me around all his life. His age, I do not know, but he is always there. He comforts me and his presence convinces me God has eternity in view for me,’ I replied.
The truth is, God has ‘set eternity in our hearts.’
We came home that day and read the whole of Psalm 91 and felt a great sense of comfort. I have no sensation of what the Germans call torschlusspanik, that awareness that the doors are closing in on me. No, I wake with a miraculous feeling of peace that only comes from God and Christ.
When I think of God, Christ, and my relationship with my wife, I am drawn to the Punjabi word Fikar (ਫਿਕਰ): Though it translates to "worry" or "concern," it implies a deeper sense of care and responsibility, often used in a context of emotional attachment.