Sunday, November 28, 2004

Notes from the Journey

Greetings from another pilgrim as we travel “home”. The road sure seems long and rough at times doesn’t it! I’ve been scuffling a bit lately, discouraged with the happenings of the daily grind. Why are things so difficult? Why do the heavens feel like brass so often? I know that God is there. He hasn’t moved. He still beckons us to “come unto Him” and we will find rest for our souls. Recently I read a quote that goes something like this: “God will write over our days, ‘Will explain later’.” Is that enough encouragement to continue on? It has helped me!

Whether the issues are financial, emotional, relational, physical, spiritual (or whatever they might be), our Father knows all about them. Although we are often paralysed by these “things” that make the journey “home” so discouraging at times, the touch of God upon our lives and the comfort of His everlasting arms can nudge us closer to the finish line.

Dear friend, as we continue along towards “home”, may it be a comfort to know that we are walking together. We WILL make it! God has not turned His face away from us and our predicament. He is still there, cheering us on, even though the “stuff” we’re dealing with almost deafens us to His tender, gentle voice. One of my favorite hymn writers, William Cowper, was plagued with depression for much of his life, even though he enjoyed a closeness with his God. Recently I bought a biography of him and have been encouraged to know that others who have gone before have fought similar battles.

Read some of his lyrics:

“Amidst the roaring of the sea,
My soul still hangs her hope on Thee;
Thy constant love, Thy Faithful care,
Is all that saves me from despair.”

And again, he writes:

“Ye weary saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread;
Are big with mercies and shall break
With blessings on thy head.”

And finally:

“The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy Throne.
And worship only thee.”

And so, we fix our eyes on Him although at times our view is dimmed by tears. He beckons us from the grandstand of heaven. Our family and friends who’ve gone on before cheer us on. Let’s take each other’s hand and walk together. You are loved by Him and by this fellow pilgrim!

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