There is no living creature on earth but depends on its sustenance on God; and He knows its time-limit on earth and its resting-place after death, all this is laid down in a clear decree. Surah 11:6
Often, the Qur’an reminds us that God has full knowledge of what is in the hearts of all people. God knows our coming and our going, discerning our thoughts from afar, always with us, as Eternal Presence in our living and in our dying, as close to us as our own jugular.
Psalm 139 echoes this in-reach into our lives. “Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, but you, O Lord, know it altogether… Where can I go then from your Spirit: where can I flee from your presence? If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand will lead me and your right hand will hold me fast.”
The 16th century Christian mystic St. John of the Cross once said that if God stopped loving the world, by the count of three the world would end. We are sustained by this love. God has us by our forelocks and will never let us go (See Surah 96:15).
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Not long ago, I had a conversation with a parishioner who had been struggling with one catastrophe after another, wondering how she was going to get through it all. It was just a few weeks before Christmas, and she felt that the season of joy and light was anything but, more like salt on her wounds than any kind of solace. She did not feel led by God’s guiding light, nor held through God’s provisions. She was doubting mightily.
And then her grandson, whom she had adopted because his parents were unable to care for him, came through with sound advice. He was struggling within the trauma of leaving his parents and their struggles and moving into his grandmother’s home. It was a raw time for all. And he loved his Grammy.
“Grammy, think like I do. There are thousands and thousands of people waiting for God. You’re in line, just like everyone else, and God is going to get to you. You just have to wait your turn. Be patient. God is coming. But don’t get out of line. That would be stupid, cause if you get out of line, you just have to line up at the end and start all over again. Wait, God is coming. He could be just around the corner. He’s coming.”
Day 12: Reflection
“Out of the mouths of babes”… we are told that God is coming. When I am discouraged, I remind myself of this young boy’s faith as a way to feel God’s sustenance. During these days of Ramadan and Lent, how are you finding God’s sustenance in your life?
