How many times have you heard me cry out
“God please take this?”
How many times have you given me strength
Just keep keep breathing?
Oh, I need you
God, I need you now.
[From the song Need You Now (How Many Times) by the band Plumb]
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him. Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:22-25
Don: “to wrap oneself in” Merriam-Webster Dictionary
To be sure, I had to check the news headlines this morning before writing this. Simply to make sure that during the night more atrocities hand’t taken place. Of course you know the answer. Of course there were atrocities reported. There is sickness in this world. There are people who hate others for simply being alive. There are people who’s goal it is to destroy life, peace, and happiness. It’s still not known who bombed the Boston Marathon, but whoever did, is not well. And does it really matter who did it? It does in the sense that we value justice and protection. It does in the sense that we want to rid our streets of as many murderers and terrorists as possible. It does in the sense that we want to keep our neighborhoods safe from future threats. But there will be more. There will be persistence. Death will continue. Evil will persevere in the persecution of this world and this life. That’s why we cry out, “God please take this.” We search for comfort in the face of hardship. We search for meaning in the presence of confusion. We search for leadership... But we’re all just guessing. Adrift on the ocean of humanity we look for destiny and purpose. There is but one true north we can set our compass towards. The one who said, “I am the way the truth and the life.” John 14:6 There is but one in whom we can rest. The one who said, “Come unto Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 There is but one who can heal. The one of whom we put our trust and say, “For we know, all things work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 There is but one who can save. The one of whom is said, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation 5:12 As I write it came through the newswire that 40 people are reported dead in an earthquake in Iran. “God please take this.” Death and suffering is not something we were designed for. If it were, our hearts wouldn’t break. But since sin entered this world, they’re something we must live with. The only thing that can assuage their sting, is what we live for. Rather WHO we live for. Because it’s in WHO we live for that determines what we live for. As good as it may sound, we don’t live for one another. Not even our children. We must live for Jesus. He’s the oxygen mask we must don first, in order that we may help others. God will take this. He has taken this. It’s through His Son on the Cross that we have hope of a better future; a perfect future. A life of continual joy void of suffering and hardship. The work was done when Jesus proclaimed, “‘It is finished’ and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” John 19:30 Let us grasp hold of that truth, of that everlasting love. That while we invited imperfection and evil into our lives, He interceded with His own life as the ultimate and only worth sacrifice. In order that the devil might be crushed and death might be forever beaten. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
Daily Journaling Questions:
How did I help someone in kindness today?
What did I learn today?
What am I thankful for?
Who did I love today?
What am I dreaming of?
What about today do I want to remember forever?
What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thanks for reading,
Jake
YOU ARE READING
Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. IV
Non-FictionThis is the fourth part of a project called the "Daily Self Growth Journal." Its purpose is to prompt readers to journal through encouragement, motivation, and inspiration. In it, the first thing I do is provide a motivational, or inspirational qu...
