A very dear friend is leaving. It’s always hard saying goodbye to friends and family when life demands a move, a relocation, or adjustment. Although miles will separate us as friends, we know, as Christian sisters, that the Holy Spirit will tie our hearts together for all of eternity and nothing will separate us from the love of God.
She gave me a sweet devotional book as she left and as I picked it up this morning, the first scripture speaks on Psalm 139:1-6:
O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me, Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thoughts from afar, Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, And art intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, Thou dost know it all. Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, And laid thy hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
This scripture speaks volumes to me because I know no matter what life’s circumstances throw my way, God is already there. If I’m separated from friends and family, God is right beside me. When I experience great loss and tragedy, God encloses me behind and before — He’s already handled it. Even in those times of confusion, questioning, and despair, God knows all my thoughts before I can form words on my tongue; His outstretched arm of help is there.
I also have a dear friend who, last week, lost an earthly battle with cancer. He left a human shell behind as his soul found eternity. He and his sweet family were on my heart and mind all during the Easter weekend — while we were here celebrating the risen Lord, he was actually walking and talking face to face with Him. That’s celebration! What a wonderful thought — too wonderful for me to grasp. Even though death physically separates us for a time — God is already there. In His infinite wisdom and providential care, He will reunite His own together once again; there’s no need for worry. He knows.
What comfort in knowing the God of the universe knows me intimately. He sees, He hears, He knows all. Even more amazing is that being intimately acquainted with all my ways, He loves me in spite of myself. Thank you to a sweet sister for the gift of friendship — it will continue to connect us across the miles. Thank you to a dear Christian brother who left a godly footprint on the walls of my heart — I’ll forever be impacted by his persevering example. Thank you to a redemptive Savior for the gift of intimate relationship and life; for knowing all — now and for eternity.
Abundant Heart 
Thank you for these words. Having lost friends and very close family, I had never considered this passaging as healing to the soul until now. How refreshing! Blessings! Rick J.
Thank you, Rick. Those of us in Christ will be made complete one day; that day when we stand before our Creator, face to face.