In Rich Mullins final album, The Jesus Record, he has a line in the song, "Hard to Get" in which it is said that Jesus was "barely holding on" at the Garden of Gethsemane. At times I feel that way, probably a bit every day lately. Life has its challenges and we have our weaknesses. This is part of the walk of faith that we walk through these challenges and responsibilities, rather than around them.
Barely holding on can be a call to us that we need to keep looking to Jesus, that we need to come near to God in Jesus. That we need to keep listening, so we can hear God's voice to us in Jesus. That we need to keep reading Scripture and praying, as well as seeking to live out God's call for us, in Jesus. And that we need to interact with other Christians in the fellowship of the Body of Christ. And it may also mean that we need a special get away, some small, maybe one larger and longer- to seek God and be quiet before him.
In the course of a day I normally always experience a sense of rest and peace, as well. Though sometimes the sense of "barely holding on" can be quite long. We simply must realize that following Christ in faith sometimes involves something experientially, that is hard. And that we should not let this throw us off. But really be a call to pursue God in Jesus, even harder.
Over at Jesus Creed there is a series from Alan Jamieson’s book Chrysalis: The Hidden Transformation in the Journey of Faith. Notice this post on it from Rachel. Much related, I think, to my few thoughts here.
What would you like to add here?
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8 comments:
hold on to Jesus and let go of everything else.
thanks for the link.
it was very good to read the post written by rachel.
I really miss Rich Mullins music Ted.
I really appreciate what you had to say about interacting with other believers. My tendency (and I think others as well)is to curl up and forget everything/everyone else.
I also like the idea of getting away on a retreat. I haven't done this as much as I should. Okay...I've only had a few opportunities. But I think we need to get away and be refreshed by God.
As always, good stuff Bro!
I love the honesty of Rachel's post. Something she said struck me as applicable to many of us - the idea of feeling comfortable as Christians - I think most of our growth comes when we're least comfortable.
It is hard to barely hold on. Our grip feels so weak. Sometimes another hand on ours can strengthen the moment. Sometimes not. Still, I pray for strong hands in your life right now.
Nancy,
Amen, sister.
Me too, Mike. I can easily try to go it alone, and usually I just get worse. I need some good downtime with God, but I also need fellowship with others regularly.
ESI,
I quite agree. It seems like a major part of walking by faith is being stretched and challenged beyond our comfort zones. We need to get used to that, surely.
L.L., Thanks. I feel the Lord's strong hand sometimes, but usually not others, or the Lord through others, surely not enough.
I think depression can really tempt one to despair, and I do struggle some with that, lately. In the past I've just pressed through it, but maybe now God is making me feel the hurt enough to do something about it, or get to the root issues, or whatever.
But thanks. We all need grace, all the time. Thanks for your prayer.
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