Dag Hammarskjold, the late Secretary–General of the United Nations, who tragically lost his life in an air crash over the Congo in west central Africa, left journals recording both his deepest thoughts and the progression of his spiritual journey. These thoughts were published in a book entitled Markings. In 1952 he wrote, “What I ask is absurd, that life shall have a meaning. What I strive for is impossible, that my life shall acquire a meaning.” But by 1961 he had added, “Once I answered Yes to Someone, and after that hour I was certain that existence is meaningful and that therefore my life, in self-surrender, has a significant goal.” In one of the last entries before his “premature” death, Hammarskjold wrote:
“Night is drawing near—
For all that has been—‘Thanks!’
For all that will be—‘YES!’
I’m struck with the thought today that the happiest moments of my life have been those times of thankfulness and surrender to God’s choices. Those times have defined and provided meaning and purpose of life for my earthly journey. It is hard to explain, especially to any non-believer, the pure heart-felt joy realized when clouds of doubt part to reveal the glory of our Heavenly Father who is very near at all times. The coldest heart melts in joyous thankfulness that can only say, “Yes” to His omniscience whose ways are higher than ours.
Our future is directed by the times we say, “Yes” to the will of God. The meaning and purpose of life is then found where our lives affect others by and with God’s grace. God thunders His promises, and woefully, we only whisper our Amen. Yet, in that moment when the heart whispers agreement with Adonai-Jehovah, the Lord our Sovereign, the next step is comprehended, hope becomes confident, and faith becomes clear.
Please continue to pray for us day by day. With joy we daily appreciate God’s call, and the experience of fulfilled promises along the way. The calendar is filling up but still has openings, so pray about being in the right place at the right time. We anxiously look forward to being back in Cape Verde this fall. Pray for God’s direction. Also, pray for laborers for the harvest.
For those who have asked, our family is well. The girls and their husbands are busy with jobs, raising children, and faithful in church. Joyce and I are thankful. The grandchildren are amazing, and we are thankful. For all of you, we are thankful.
Dear Praying Friends and Co-laborers,
Dag Hammarskjold, the late Secretary–General of the United Nations, who tragically lost his life in an air crash over the Congo in west central Africa, left journals recording both his deepest thoughts and the progression of his spiritual journey. These thoughts were published in a book entitled Markings. In 1952 he wrote, “What I ask is absurd, that life shall have a meaning. What I strive for is impossible, that my life shall acquire a meaning.” But by 1961 he had added, “Once I answered Yes to Someone, and after that hour I was certain that existence is meaningful and that therefore my life, in self-surrender, has a significant goal.” In one of the last entries before his “premature” death, Hammarskjold wrote:
“Night is drawing near—
For all that has been—‘Thanks!’
For all that will be—‘YES!’
I’m struck with the thought today that the happiest moments of my life have been those times of thankfulness and surrender to God’s choices. Those times have defined and provided meaning and purpose of life for my earthly journey. It is hard to explain, especially to any non-believer, the pure heart-felt joy realized when clouds of doubt part to reveal the glory of our Heavenly Father who is very near at all times. The coldest heart melts in joyous thankfulness that can only say, “Yes” to His omniscience whose ways are higher than ours.
Our future is directed by the times we say, “Yes” to the will of God. The meaning and purpose of life is then found where our lives affect others by and with God’s grace. God thunders His promises, and woefully, we only whisper our Amen. Yet, in that moment when the heart whispers agreement with Adonai-Jehovah, the Lord our Sovereign, the next step is comprehended, hope becomes confident, and faith becomes clear.
Please continue to pray for us day by day. With joy we daily appreciate God’s call, and the experience of fulfilled promises along the way. The calendar is filling up but still has openings, so pray about being in the right place at the right time. We anxiously look forward to being back in Cape Verde this fall. Pray for God’s direction. Also, pray for laborers for the harvest.
For those who have asked, our family is well. The girls and their husbands are busy with jobs, raising children, and faithful in church. Joyce and I are thankful. The grandchildren are amazing, and we are thankful. For all of you, we are thankful.
“For all that has been – ‘Thanks!’
For all that will be – ‘YES!’
YES to all His promises.
Joe Davis
Missionary