Until. Such a little word, yet so packed with meaning and insinuations. We use it all the time, so much, in fact, that I decided to look it up. Here’s what I found: First, “until” is a preposition meaning “up to the point in time or the event mentioned,” a word that basically introduces information to the reader. Next, “then,” another little word that we use constantly, the other part of my musings. This four-letter adverb carries meanings such as “at the time in question or afterwards.” For all you English majors, this is nothing new, but while reading Psalm 73 the other day, both that preposition and the adverb struck a chord of encouragement in my heart.
Here’s what triggered these thoughts (just in case you think I merely was desperate for something to write about): Life hands all of us ups and downs all the time. Some are resolved immediately, some others quite quickly, while others, a long way down the road. Still others seem so far in the future that it’s a challenge to believe that they (or it) will actually come to fruition.
Between what’s going on in world conflicts and the political tensions being felt across both Canada and the United States, I’ve almost stopped listening to the news. Then, while there’s been an understandable backlash against atrocities committed against some religious minorities, there’s been nary a whisper regarding others, making discouragement easy to come by.
But back to Psalm 73. As I found myself bathed in despair, Until and Then jumped out at me and lifted my spirits. Hope these words affect you the same way!
“When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me UNTIL I went into the sanctuary of God, THEN I understood their end.” (Psalm 73:16)
That’s Easter – He’s still Lord!
