As the old song says, “this world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.” I am on a journey to my celestial home and My Father in Heaven is preparing a mansion for me. (The details of my accommodation will far outshine anything I could imagine or have seen in “Better Homes and Gardens”!)
On this journey I am not alone. The Lord walks closely with me like a shepherd to a sheep, guiding, protecting, providing. There is nothing I don’t already have that I need; He gives it all and all in good time. I trust Him for everything as He goes before me, behind me and beside me.
When I get tired or distracted by the things of this world, the Lord stops me in my tracks and makes me rest. We sit together. I feed on His rich word and His spirit quenches my thirst. I am restored!
There are times when we are travelling together that I think I know a better route. You know, one with less traffic and less lights. Then, just like that, I am off the path and stuck in a ditch, wheels spinning. In shame, I hang my head and realize, “I’ve done it again!”
The ditch is so deep while muck and mire hold me there. I look up and can see the path where I should be, but there is no way I’m getting out on my own. I need Him. I do a heart check- I’m in the wrong. I confess my sins and repent. Then I hear Jesus say, “I see you! I know you were lost and I never stopped looking! When you repent, you accept that I have found you”. Then, He rescues me. He doesn’t just reach His hand down to pull me up, no, He gets right down in the muck and mire. He raises me out of the pit, puts me back on the path and gives me a firm place to stand. Great is His name!
Then, as they do for everyone, comes the valleys. They’re not always literal valleys of physical death. Sometimes, it’s a valley of deep despair, grave disappointment or the death of a dream. I am most personally acquainted with the Valley of Baca or the valley of tears. I have cried tears for the loss of my father, but I rejoice that he waits for me in that celestial home. Mostly, my Valley of Baca holds many tears from the death of dreams. Sometimes, I cry so hard I cannot see, my chest heaves and my heart wails. I don’t even recognize the sounds coming out of me. While times in the valley can be lonely and scary, I remember to cry out, to call on His name. I know there is no reason to fear, for I am not alone. Lord, my Great Shepherd, Emmanuel, You are with me. I remember Your promise to me to restore years lost in the valleys. I am comforted knowing that You both protect me from external dangers with Your rod and bless me with Your staff.
Coming out of the valley, You lead me to the feast You have prepared for me, right smack dab in the middle of my enemies! They see me and they helplessly look on, defeated at the sight of me seated in victory at the banquet table of life. And I choose to stay there!
Lord. Yaweh. The Great I AM. You provide me with such hope. You cover my head with the oil of protection from troublesome thoughts and worries. Once again, I am reminded that there is nothing I need. In fact, I have more than I need; my cup overflows!
As a sunset ushers out the day in glorious colours, so too will the Lord usher me into Heaven. And, regardless of the twists, turns and drops throughout my journey, I have no doubt that God, with His goodness and great love, has been chasing me down all my life. I have never been out of His sight. Because I have stayed close to my Shepherd and have called on the name of Jesus for my salvation, I know there is a room prepared for me in the mansion of my Father and my name is written in the “Book of Life”. I will live in God’s beautiful House forever more.
Joan
