On Wednesday evening I joined the people of Waterford as they gathered at the Methodist church to mourn the death of 18-year-old Kalyn Beronja who died from injuries she suffered in a crash on Tuesday morning, a little more than a week after she graduated from high school. Kalyn and her family were friends of the Andersons and Hatlens, and she was well known by many in the Waterford area. The young people and adults of Waterford have gathered around the family in a way that honors God and brings great blessings to those in need.
As I sat outside the sanctuary, opened my Bible, and began to pray for those gathered inside, my eyes fell upon the following Psalm:
LORD, reveal to me the end of my life and the number of my days. Let me know how transitory I am. (5) You, indeed, have made my days short in length, and my life span as nothing in Your sight. Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. (6) Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them. (7) “Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. (8) Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the taunt of fools. Psalms 39:4-8
In these days when the reality of death and the shortness of life are so clearly laid out before us, may God use these words to lead us away from our sins, and lead us to Christ who is the source of mercy and our only hope.
Heavenly Father, through your Son you taught us not to fear tomorrow but to commit our lives to your care. Withhold not your Spirit from us, but help us find a life of peace after these days of trouble; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
