Life is a journey, an adventure, for those who serve the Lord. We know there will be a day when pain and sorrow, death and sin will be cast aside with the return of our Beloved Christ Jesus. We wait in eager expectation with the whole earth for that day.
But at the same time, pain, sorrow, death, and sin are among us on this earth. It ever eats away at us with temptation and a pleasure-seeking culture. Though things of this earth do bring pleasure, that pleasure only lasts a little while. Eventually, man needs more or to go to the next level. Sin never satisfies - God alone can satisfy the thirsty.
Now, I want you to think of great stories like Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien or Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (or one of my favroites but not-so-well-known Green Rider by Kristen Britain - read it if you never have!-) where the main character or characters have to take a journey. Their adventures are very hard and painful and overwhelming. Sometimes, it feels like the task won't be completed, there is no hope, and if they really had a choice they would leave the adventure for selfish-pleasure.
Interspersed within these stories are moments of rest and peace.
Frodo Baggins of Lord of the Rings spends days in Rivendell and Lothlorien, places of great beauty that cause one to relax and rest and be safe from harm. Meanwhile, they are also given time to reflect on their adventure mid-way through their journey.
The Pevensie children from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe get a time of rest and reflection when at an encampment among Aslan and the other Narnians.
In one of my favorite books, Green Rider, Karigan (the heroine) finds herself at a cozy guesthouse with two old ladies who inquire after her journey and give her wise advice on what she should do next.
In all these examples, the characters are given a taste of peace and during these times of peace, they begin to reflect and question their journey. They begin to ask questions. How far can I go? Am I meant for this? Where do I go from here? Can I do this? Do I have to do this?
Funnily enough, most often in those moments, the hero knows that no matter how much they question the quest, they must not, cannot, and will not give up. They are called by a higher purpose to finish the task that was appointed for them.
Now, my life is not an epic journey that requires travelling far distances on foot to drop jewelry into volcanoes or to save an entire world from the evil clutches of an ice lady... But I did have a moment this very day where I was given rest and peace along the way. It was only a moment as I walked along the beach, but I began to consider my life, the journey where God has placed me as the main character. Even though I am confused, even though at points I feel hopeless (and helpless), even though I become overwhelmed, and even though I sometimes feel I would give in to my own selfish desires instead, God reminds me to never give-up. I cannot see the end to my journey, but I will not give-up, for I know the Lord has done great things for me and will continue to do even greater things. (Romans 11:26-27, 8:1 and Romans 8:28)
Our society is so corrupt in its anxiety, always eager to do things faster and faster. My plea is that you let the Lord give you rest and peace along the way of your journey. It doesn't mean you are selfishly deciding to give up His plans for you - it is a time to rejuvenate, to reflect and to remind yourself of what is in store. It is a taste of heaven when you are brought to a place of peace and rest, and you want to consider God, who He is, and what he has planned for you.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29. The Lord is gentle and humble. He truly will give you rest for your soul, and it is found when your thoughts are turned to Him.
Thank you for reading. I pray the Lord bring rest and peace along your path - the one He laid out long before you were born. :o)
But at the same time, pain, sorrow, death, and sin are among us on this earth. It ever eats away at us with temptation and a pleasure-seeking culture. Though things of this earth do bring pleasure, that pleasure only lasts a little while. Eventually, man needs more or to go to the next level. Sin never satisfies - God alone can satisfy the thirsty.
Now, I want you to think of great stories like Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien or Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (or one of my favroites but not-so-well-known Green Rider by Kristen Britain - read it if you never have!-) where the main character or characters have to take a journey. Their adventures are very hard and painful and overwhelming. Sometimes, it feels like the task won't be completed, there is no hope, and if they really had a choice they would leave the adventure for selfish-pleasure.
Interspersed within these stories are moments of rest and peace.
Frodo Baggins of Lord of the Rings spends days in Rivendell and Lothlorien, places of great beauty that cause one to relax and rest and be safe from harm. Meanwhile, they are also given time to reflect on their adventure mid-way through their journey.
The Pevensie children from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe get a time of rest and reflection when at an encampment among Aslan and the other Narnians.
In one of my favorite books, Green Rider, Karigan (the heroine) finds herself at a cozy guesthouse with two old ladies who inquire after her journey and give her wise advice on what she should do next.
In all these examples, the characters are given a taste of peace and during these times of peace, they begin to reflect and question their journey. They begin to ask questions. How far can I go? Am I meant for this? Where do I go from here? Can I do this? Do I have to do this?
Funnily enough, most often in those moments, the hero knows that no matter how much they question the quest, they must not, cannot, and will not give up. They are called by a higher purpose to finish the task that was appointed for them.
Now, my life is not an epic journey that requires travelling far distances on foot to drop jewelry into volcanoes or to save an entire world from the evil clutches of an ice lady... But I did have a moment this very day where I was given rest and peace along the way. It was only a moment as I walked along the beach, but I began to consider my life, the journey where God has placed me as the main character. Even though I am confused, even though at points I feel hopeless (and helpless), even though I become overwhelmed, and even though I sometimes feel I would give in to my own selfish desires instead, God reminds me to never give-up. I cannot see the end to my journey, but I will not give-up, for I know the Lord has done great things for me and will continue to do even greater things. (Romans 11:26-27, 8:1 and Romans 8:28)
Our society is so corrupt in its anxiety, always eager to do things faster and faster. My plea is that you let the Lord give you rest and peace along the way of your journey. It doesn't mean you are selfishly deciding to give up His plans for you - it is a time to rejuvenate, to reflect and to remind yourself of what is in store. It is a taste of heaven when you are brought to a place of peace and rest, and you want to consider God, who He is, and what he has planned for you.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29. The Lord is gentle and humble. He truly will give you rest for your soul, and it is found when your thoughts are turned to Him.
Thank you for reading. I pray the Lord bring rest and peace along your path - the one He laid out long before you were born. :o)
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