I realized this morning that I have unknowingly picked up a hitchhiker who isn't a welcomed traveling companion. His name is Anger, and he has been dwelling in my sinful heart - undetected - that is until now.
Three, no four times this weekend my anger welled up towards my husband over stupid things. And what's worse is the fact that once Anger made his presence known - I actually listened to his reasons for traveling with me! Thank God for His Word that helps me to see those hitchhikers that would enter my car, attempting to hijack my journey.
Sin is an ever present obstacle that we must watch out for and repent of when detected. Our Savior is the only traveling companion we need! He will make sure we stay the course and finish the trip. Thankfully, it's Christ alone who can take away those hitchhikers and provide safety in our travels, but we must recognize sins presence in order to repent. When you think about it, the whole purpose of this trip is to travel the ancient road in order to see sin more clearly. In light of this truth, I guess my trip is succeeding!
I encourage you with the following from Mr. Spurgeon:
Have you seen Jesus lately?
"But they did not know who He was." Luke 24:16
The disciples ought to have recognized Jesus, they had heard His voice so often, and gazed upon that marred face so frequently, that it is amazing that they did not know Him. Yet is it not so with you also? Have you seen Jesus lately? You have been to His table--and you have not met Him there. You are in a dark trouble, and though He plainly says, "It is I--do not be afraid," yet you do not recognize Him. Alas! our eyes are blinded! We know His voice; we have looked into His face; we have leaned our head upon His bosom--and yet, though Christ is very near us, we are saying, "O that I knew where I might find Him!"
We should know Jesus, for we have the Scriptures to reflect His image. Yet how frequently we open that precious book--and have no glimpse of our Well-beloved! Dear child of God, are you in that state? Jesus walks through the glades of Scripture, and desires to commune with His people. Yet you are in the garden of Scripture--but cannot see Him, though He is always there!
Make it your prayer, "Lord, open my eyes--that I may see my Savior present with me!" It is a blessed thing to desire to see Him. But oh! it is better far to gaze upon Him! To those who seek Him--He is kind; but to those who find Him--He is precious beyond expression!
NOTE: Next week our Hebrews study returns. Use this week to catch up or finish Grow In Grace, by Sinclair Ferguson. Enjoy the Journey!
4 comments:
Thank you Debi, I also had the same hitchhiker join my ride yesterday. I am so grateful that God in His Mercy revealed it to me so I could repent!
Sharon Van Velzen
Debi, thank you so much for your continued example in transparency and honesty!
I wanted to let you know that I am FINALLY caught up!! I had gotten really behind but over the weekend I got all caught up and I am planning to blog about it soon - it was so neat to read big chunks all at once! The Lord redeemed even my laziness over the past few months!
That's great, Jennifer! I love how the Lord uses even our catching up time to speak to us. He is Lord of ALL! Enjoy the journey...
Yep - I know that hitch hiker as well! How often I need to remember to speak truth to myself, and not to listen to myself (and my sinful reaction when angry.) Thank you for the timely reminder of how present His grace is when we ask - and how very much I need Him. He is indeed lovely - above all else I might encounter on the journey!
Post a Comment