The year 2020 has certainly been one to remember. If I had to pick one word to describe it, I would choose “isolation.” So many have literally had to isolate themselves from others for an extended period of time. As a result, many of us are lonely, depressed, and homesick. We long to hug our loved ones again. We want to return home where we are loved, accepted, and comfortable with those we truly care about. We want to be with those who share our passions, ideas, desires and goals. We think if everything would just return to “normal” then we would be content. We want peace.
To make things worse, the current state of our country is just disastrous. Millions and millions of babies have been brutally murdered, while the murderers are praised for it. Sex trafficking is rampant. Americans are losing jobs and freedoms. On top of that are the daily problems that come with living in a sin-sick world. Others sin against us in grievous ways. Many things cause us deep physical and emotional pain. Loved ones die and we are left to pick up the pieces and continue on with life as “normal.” Far too often, criminals run free while the innocent are locked up. I don’t think its necessary for me to continue convincing you of the evils of this world…
So how are we to respond to all of this? I don’t know about you, but this has just increased my desire to go home and to be with the Lord. Not only is the world filled with pain, but I’m weary of battling my own sin on a daily basis. O how wonderful it will be to finally be free from this battle. I pray often for the Lord to return. I just long to be with him- to worship unhindered. I look forward to singing to Him, bowing before Him, adoring Him, and just basking in His presence without any pain, grief, or sorrow.
I resonate with the Psalmist who affirms,
“a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere” (Psalm 84:10).
Its encouraging to know that Apostle Paul expressed the same desire. He stated,
“We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him” (2 Corinthians 5:8-9)
Furthermore, while he was in prison he expressed,
“I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account” (Philippians 1:23-24)
Paul yearned to be with Christ. There is absolutely no greater good than to be with Him. However, we find that Paul acknowledged God’s sovereignty regarding his days on earth and he submitted himself in service to the only One who is worthy. He was absolutely burdened to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16). Grieving, he admits that he had great sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart for the salvation of his brothers (Romans 9). For those who were without Christ, he proclaimed the gospel. For those already in Christ, he prayed without ceasing and consistently sought for ways to teach, encourage and exhort them to continue fighting the good fight. His life was not about him.
So, how do we press on when life is so difficult and painful that we just want to quit? What do we do when evil appears to be winning? Pray. Pray for Christ to come soon! “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Wait expectantly and get to work. Remember what Jesus said right before he ascended back into heaven.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8)
Christian, this world is not our home. Don’t get comfortable! I don’t know about you, but I want to take as many people with me to my permanent home in heaven as I can. Bow before the Lord your God and submit yourself in service to Him. In doing so, you will find your life. “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
Now, I’m not suggesting that we all become nuns. What I am suggesting is that when you wake up tomorrow, ask yourself how you can serve your family. How can you serve that neighbor that always plays their music way too loud? Who needs to hear the gospel? How can you encourage those in your church? Who can you speak life to as you are going about your daily routine? You may have to get creative with all of the “covid-19 restrictions” in place, but its never impossible to obey the Lord!
As you “fish for men,” may this quote motivate you…
“For Christians this present life is the closest they will come to hell. For unbelievers, it is the closest they will come to heaven.” -Randy Alcorn
Weary soul, do not lose heart. This life is but a vapor. We will be with the Lord soon enough, whether it be tomorrow or in 80 years. Learn from Christ, the man of sorrows who was well acquainted with grief. He was able to endure the cross “for the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). He set His eyes on the prize. Let us do the same by His grace.
Maranatha! May the Lord come soon!
