I must bury a friend. I’ve probably known him since birth. Our paths ran side by side at some stages in life. The longest was perhaps when I farmed on the neighbouring farm and helped get the grapes into the cellar. 

He was a brilliant winemaker. He won the General Smuts Cup (for the best wine at the Young Wine Show) twice with a port. No one else in the wine industry has done that. 

Before the funeral, I went to see his sisters, sons and wife. The purpose was to see him through their eyes. He was a big man, well over six feet. He filled the room with his presence. Yes, there were also times when darkness came over him, everyone will sorely miss him. 

It was so nice to learn more about him through the eyes of others close to him. For the first time in all these years, I got to know him well, the beautiful and human side of him.  

When you get to know someone better, you understand why they are the way they are. You understand the angle they bat at and the fabric they’re made of. You know what they are capable of and where they are going. 

I suspect the same is true about God. If we really understand God and know Him well, we will most likely trust Him more. If we understand God’s heart and see what He does for us, we will be drawn to run to Him and seek refuge in Him. 

We all know Jesus’ earthly story. We know that He died on the cross in our place so that we don’t have to be killed ourselves for our sins. We know the hinges of the gates of heaven are stuck and the gates stand open.  

What caused it? What was the spark that started the fire of Jesus’ redemptive act? Love! Divine love. Love that God has for people, for you and me. He cares so much for us, we are so important to God, that He was willing to let His own beloved Son die in our place. 

God really cares about our well-being. He sees our hurt and pain. He experiences our trauma and uncertainty. He sees us rolling around when we have run out of plans. 

God is unlike the other gods who are so distant and silent that no one knows where they are. No, He is an ever-present God, intimately aware of our lives and the challenges we face. 

When the winds blow around us and the storms rage uncontrollably, we will be calm because we know that we are not alone: the One who takes care of us is with us! 

Get to know God. See His heart. Take note of Him walking with you in life. When you spend enough time with God, you will know 6God’s strong hand is on you. Therefore, with boldness, 7Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 

Scripture
1 Peter 5:5-7

Reflection
Do you know God?
Do you know Him well enough to trust Him?
Do you unconditionally believe that He will take care of you? 

Prayer
Father, I believe with all my heart that You are with me in the storm. I believe that You take care of me too. Please help me when I have doubts. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.