The Love Banner

“His banner over me is love.” Song of Solomon 2:4

Along with many thousands of others, I watched Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. It was very moving, very God-honoring. It was a beautiful tribute to a woman who had served well—her nation, her people, and her God. She was faithful.

It made me think of what awaits us when we stand before the Lord. If we have been faithful in what He has given us to do, God Himself, all the angels, those who have gone before us, and even all creation will rejoice as we stand redeemed before the throne. What a celebration it will be! I look forward to it.

Some recent events have touched the tender spot in my heart of missing Floyd. I heard someone say that the heart may heal, but the scar never goes away. I think that tender spot is my scar. Life doesn’t come with a guidebook, but the heart does heal…it just takes time and leaves a little scar. Every once in a while the scar gets ripped off and I miss Floyd intensely. I know it’s all part of the healing process. It was the Queen herself who said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” I’m glad to have loved well even if the grief comes every now and then.

A group of our All Nations leaders were in Cape Town recently for a gathering. I had a chance to visit with some of them. Because I’m still needing to be isolated, I’m on my own a lot. One of the questions they asked me is if I feel alone—if I’m lonely. I get asked that quite often. The answer is yes, I definitely have times when I feel that way. But the key the Lord has taught me is to take those feelings to Him immediately! I can’t let them take root in my heart, or they’ll become destructive.

It’s the same when I have anxiety about something, or fear for the future. I can’t allow those feelings to stay. God has clearly spoken to me to take my aloneness, my anxiety, my fear to Him right away. When I do, He comes rushing in with His strength and grace to help me. He is my companion. He never leaves me alone. He holds my future in the palm of His hands. He has comfort to give for every anxious moment I have.

When I get into trouble is if I let those things linger in my heart and mind! If that happens, they grow and multiply and take over my emotions. I have to take them to the Lord right away. When I do that, He faithfully, graciously, lovingly meets me with all I need. He understands and He helps me.

Recently something was bothering me. I was giving it to the Lord, but having a hard time receiving His help. The verse from the Song of Solomon 2:4 came to me: “His banner over me is love.” I could see in my mind’s eye a beautiful rainbow over me filled with hearts of love. It covered everything around me, and the hearts were dropping onto me. His love and help for me was abundant! That verse and image helped me receive His love and the help that I needed.

I am so very, very grateful that God is with me 24/7. I miss Floyd, but I’m not alone. My precious Lord is with me continually. Sometimes I just need to quieten my heart to be aware of that. I am so grateful for His loving presence.

Lord, You always uphold us in our hardest times. Show us Your love banner over us, that we may be still. Amen!