For whatever reason, I have drifted away from the faith of my childhood. (Just to be clear; I am still a believer in Jesus Christ, but the experiences of life have taken their toll) I exchanged the sense of well-being for a high-cholesterol diet of the cares of this world. What have I gained? Not much… I exchanged contentment for vain pursuits; peace that passes understanding for the heartburn of a world gone crazy; the prayer closet for political concern; being a voice of faith for entertaining the wisdom of man; simple trust for fear; the love of my neighbor for suspicion; trusting God for striving in my own strength. I find myself exhausted, frustrated, irritated, angry, confused, worried, and without the undying optimism of hope.
In the midst of my quandary, I hear a kind voice. I don’t know why I am surprised; it is a familiar voice; a voice that I’ve been familiar with since I was a child; a voice that always gave me the sense that everything would be alright. That everything would indeed work out for my good. A voice that always made me more courageous than I should have been. A voice that breathed hope and gave me the strength to forge ahead regardless of the circumstances that surrounded me. I need to be still and listen to this voice. (The voice speaks) "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 55:1-3a (NKJV) “Hear, and your soul shall live.” What is the Lord saying that I need to hear? What wisdom is being gently suggested? The answer, at first, surprises me. The answer is one word. “Stop.” Just stop…and be still. Rest in the provision of the Lord. Drop the burden that is the cares of the world. When I come to the waters, the living waters of God, my thirst is quenched. When I eat at the table of the Lord, the bread of life brings spiritual renewal. As I find rest in the Lord, it is the Lord who pulls me out of the quicksand that was swallowing my peace of mind. It is the Lord who puts my feet on a foundation that cannot be compromised or destroyed by the enemies of circumstances, or even the demons of hell itself. So, what is my plan of action? No plan…I’m just going to be still and linger in the life-giving presence of God.
0 Comments
|
AuthorsWriting and Musing from former students and graduates of Northwest University. Archives
February 2024
Categories
All
|