some thoughts

I was thinking the other day about being on life support — what a precarious position that must be.

Then, I thought further about all the things we depend on every moment for our continued existence and survival: molecular processes, synaptic-highway maintenance, the food chain, the water cycle, planetary motion, gravity, photosynthesis, light and heat from the sun, bees’ sufficient pollination of flowers, the holding-together of same-charged protons and the holding-apart of oppositely-charged protons and electrons in each and every atom…what are all these except a very real kind of divinely-orchestrated cosmic life support? All are utterly beyond our control. We’re on life support. Right now, I’m on a global respirator. (Don’t worry, I’m not going to Gore-out on you.)

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Col. 1:16-17

Thinking like this helps to remind me that I continue to exist each moment only because God continues to will me into existence. Thinking like this helps to remind me that I stand, each and every one of those moments, coram Deo (’before God’). For who can escape his eye? Where can we go where his Spirit is not? (Psalm 139:7-12) It aids in repentance (which I need often) and restoration. It brings fear and joy, conviction and hope, both holy misery, and self-abhorring misery.

“Let my [devotion to you] be more obvious to my conscience, more perceptible to those around.” (Valley of Vision)

Anyway. Just a thought.