For the Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ
Just as in the garden of Eden, where freewill brought mankind to shame through their own weakness, our freewill delights in attracting us to fleeting pleasures and distracting us from holy nearness.
God is near, yes. But it is our duty to pursue His nearness. The knowledge of nearness is futile should our souls never feast on the beauty of it all.
Yet He is not far from each one of us.
The God of the Israelites’ wilderness is the same God of the Israelites’ parted sea. The God of David’s valley of the shadow of doubt is the same God of Calvary’s hill. He does not change that I might better see Him. My faith is strengthened that I might better seek Him. And in seeking Him I see Him.
Therefore, my soul cannot help but tell of the treasure in the lowly places. For He is working there.
And I don’t want to miss it.
If I really love those around me, their salvation should be ever on my mind. Because no matter how kind I am or how loving I am or how many people consider me a “safe place” …I can’t save them.
So I have to speak of the good.
I have to tell of the One who came to redeem and restore.
In a world where hell keeps laughing…I must speak life.
“There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His Word, spiritual strength for labour in His service. We ought to muse upon the things of God because we thus get the real nutriment out of them…” -Charles Spurgeon
Since being back in the US, I have learned that America is busy – myself included! But are we intentional? Are we making the most of the time we have?
What would happen if we took the time to slow down?
These past few days I have been thinking a lot about the various paths we take in our journey as Christians. I’ve been thinking about the times God has called me – and others – down a specific road only to randomly whisper “take a turn, I have a different road for you now.” And I’ve been thinking about how our God seems to love surprises.
But here’s what I’ve been thinking about most: whether life is beyond simple right now or you’re in a whirlwind of unknowns…I hope you give it all you’ve got.
This world is full of decisions. Full of what-if, would-be questions, adventures, and journeys. Life is like a map with hundreds of roads to choose from, all tangled in a mess of confusion. The truth is there are so many opportunities and experiences-to-be-had in this great big world that it’s hard to see what we’re aiming at.
But I have a simple suggestion: in this messy, fast-paced world…just aim to be a little more like Jesus every day.
Looking forward can be scary. Especially for teenagers. There are ups and downs and turn-arounds and so many missing pieces to the puzzle that just keeps growing. But God already knows the plans He has for each and every one of us. If the road looks twisted—like a maze you’ll never find your way through—just close your eyes and take the hand that’s always there to lead you.