Lichen | Stephen L Hufman

In elder years I begin to fret.
Forgetting things makes me upset.
Is this normal a mind that’s blurry,
or do I have cause for greater worry?
I forget the date and peoples names.
I forget instructions to children’s games.
In my angst I lose sight
that Jesus is with me through the night.
I’m tempted to fear what may be,
Angry at God for hardship I see.
Feelings takeover and hide the truth—
To rely on His strength as I lose my youth.
Thankfully He’s numbered those days that groan,
and holds my hand to guide me home.
Amazing grace from the throne above,
being griped forever in His unfailing love.

When I thought, “My foot is slipping,”
Your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:18-19

Lowly lichen brightens the bark on a Ponderosa Pine

God opposes the proud , but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5

Humility is an overlooked essential ingredient in grace.

Without humility, you do not know your desperate need for God’s forgiveness. You remain in denial. – “I’ve done pretty well with my life.”

Without humility, the shame of your life keeps you from grace because you don’t deserve it. – “How could God forgive the unforgivable?”

Without humility, you will not accept God’s grace because you won’t submit to the authority of Jesus in your life. – “I want to be in control.”

Without humility, you’ll want to somehow earn God’s grace. – “I’ve never taken anything I didn’t earn.”

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-19 NLT

You can’t generate humility. Even here you have to ask for God’s help.