The Blank Screen
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 (ESV)
ME: The screen may be blank, but my mind is full of many, many thoughts, and concerns.
JESUS: Good morning to you, too! What are your concerns for today?
ME: I’m thinking about all those in Papua, New Guinea. They are buried in rubble; many are in pain and they are either hopeful for rescue or death.
JESUS: You are correct and I am holding many hands right now.
ME: How can You be talking to me and holding hands so far away at the same time? Never mind, we’ve had that conversation. I’m glad You’re with them so they do not have to suffer alone—especially the children and babies.
JESUS: I am a loving and compassionate Father who takes care of His children.
ME: I have never questioned that. But how about Rafah? Are You there too? Why can’t You make this all end?
JESUS: The free will of man is an issue as well as blind rage and hatred!
ME: But You could stop it all right now. Right?
JESUS: That is not the plan. In time, everything will become clear to you.
ME: How do I curtail my concerns until then? …What about all those with cancer, my friends who are struggling and questioning hope? Why can’t You just nod Your head and heal them right now?
JESUS: Again, precious one, be patient and wait on Me.
ME: I don’t even know what to say about our political mess in this country. My heart hurts when I consider where we started and what it looks like today. Father, the world laughs at us and what is going on here. Why don’t You fix it? We can’t—but You could if You wanted to. Is it that You don’t want to do it anymore? Maybe You think we are just too far gone. Is that it?
JESUS: My overthinking, precious child, My ways are not Your ways and certainly My thoughts are not yours either. I am still in control here. Sometimes you sound as if you are doubting my management skills. They have never changed for I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is a difficult concept for you to wrap your human mind around…but please try.
ME: Are You annoyed with me?
JESUS: Far from it. I lovingly made you with a tender, compassionate heart and I marvel at your thought processes. You will never have a blank screen. We will always have something to talk about.
ME: That’s a good thing!