My Destination

It must be because I am a kid at heart that I visualize my relationship with Jesus so often.  These encounters seem like day dreams. Occasionally, I lean toward visions, especially when they come with no effort or labored forethought, and the picture and feelings that accompany them are refreshing for my soul.  Nevertheless, they simply and profoundly speak to my heart.

While seeking the Lord in prayer on New Year’s Day for a single word to identify my coming journey in life this year, the word destination came to mind.  I have destinations of my own that I’d like to see come to pass, but I am earnestly seeking God for His.  I immediately placed Jesus beside me in my mind’s eye.  We traveled a dusty road with plenty of rocks and areas to avoid, should we desire our feet not to stumble.  Straight ahead, and over a ridge, the view was breathtaking, full of sunshine, crisp clean air, and the delightful sound of birds chirping as in the morning.  Typical possibly, but absolutely awe inspiring to be sure.

With a happy heart, my eyes pierced the view, until a large rock caused my foot to waver. Immediately I looked down, and felt the sure, strong hand of Jesus holding me steady.  We weren’t holding hands in the typical fashion, low and swinging.  His right hand clasped my left and it was bent at the elbow, high and firm.  We both watched my foot gain balance and He drew close again, side by side, keeping the solid hold.  Our admiration for the beauty around and before us, led us forward, exchanging not a word.  I felt like a princess, light footed and gorgeous, strolling ahead to be presented.  Far away, there was an end to the journey.  My destination.

My life is a road well-traveled.  In Jesus, for Jesus, and beside Jesus I traverse the mystery with distance before me.  As the journey unfolds, great treasures of wisdom and knowledge are mine as they are hidden in Jesus. As I advance through a delightful, unrestrained, and surrendered heart, I’ll hold on tightly to that strong, righteous right hand, gaining the full riches of complete understanding in knowing Christ.

I am absolutely not alone.  The passage is never a wasteland because the adventures ahead catapult me toward intimacy and dependency upon my dearest friend, Jesus.  He whispers to my soul, “Be strong and courageous for I am with you wherever you go.”  Joshua of old understood this truth.  He gained encouragement from these very words as he humbly depended upon God’s presence and grace sufficient for the battle ahead.  Is there anything that can separate me from God’s love?  As God was with the ancients, so He penetrates my daily living in magnificent glory.  He is my All-Sufficient One.  By His grace, companionship and courage for life’s path is mine. 

Jesus laid down his life for me, that I could be clothed in grace and glory.  As I lay down my life for Him, I mantle courage to discover the security of trust found in Him alone.  Though the road is perilous at times, there is victory always.  Growing weary or impatient is not a resting place.  Continuing onward in anxiety and worry is sin.  Jesus sustains me, guides me forward, lifts my gaze to take in the view.  My destination waits.  My destination is Jesus.