“We plan the we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.”
(Proverbs 16:9 MSG)
I’m beginning to realize that where we are going in life isn’t nearly as important as Who we’re with on the journey. Yes, friends and family, of course it’s important to pull Christians closest in those areas of high influence. But much more than that: it is imperative that we stay close to Christ. He’s our Shepherd, our Healer, our Comforter and Groom. Life apart from Him will lead to some pretty dire places. Even more likely, we may go where we want to go, only to get there and realize it wasn’t at all what we thought it would be.
It is far better to decide Who you want to be with and then let Him order the itinerary. This requires deep trust: in His love for us, in His sovereignty over situations, in His ability to redeem all things for Kingdom glory. Surrender initially feels brutally difficult, but it’s far less taxing than deep regret. Surrender affords us a lifetime with Jesus and a very secure end: whatever happens between now and last breath, heaven awaits the fully-submitted soul.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world and lose your soul? (Matthew 16:24 NLT)
What if, instead we started with our soul. What if we declared this unseen part of ourselves most important? What would happen if we began to make decisions with our soul in full-focus, instead of casting it off to the side?
Our soul knows what she wants. She is fully aware that Jesus is the singular answer we seek. This is why she quakes at the aching beauty of a summer sunset and sighs heavy when sorrows come. She responds to the depth and breadth of scripture because God’s Word connects the dots of life in a way that finally makes sense. She blooms in authentic Christian community, especially as truth and grace are equally expressed, where emotional courage is celebrated. She knows what she desires most: a closer walk with our Creator.
So often we push our soul aside in search of other things: careers, achievements, comfort, acquisition, accolades, addictions. But those appetites will never satisfy or be satisfied. They are a bottomless pit, always aching, never filled. A soul, however, finds solace and satisfaction in Christ. Horatio Gates Spafford reminds us; even in the fiercest loss of life, a soul can still be well with her Savior.
Once our soul is well, we can endure the blows of this life with grace and buoyancy. We can trust the sure leading of the One who we are with. We can remember that this life, with all it’s upheavals and habits, exploits and endangerment, joys and sorrows, it is still all just temporary. Our soul knows where she’s going because she knows Who she’s following. The final destination will be well-worth whatever the journey might entail.
“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul.” (Psalm 146:1 NLT)
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
(Horatio Gates Spafford, 1873)
Lord, today we surrender again to You and Your perfect leading. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but just now, we are sure of what our soul wants. May we have the courage to forsake all other desires for the pursuit of You. Have Your way with us. Amen.