If you have ever taken a road trip or family vacation with small
children in the car, then most likely the title of this blog will bring back
many memories. “Are we there yet?” and its many variations including, “How much
longer?” and “When are we going to get there?” are questions most frequently asked
by little ones whose developing muscles scream: “Let me out; I want to run around!”
It is very hard for small children to sit for long periods of time without
movement. They need movement; they need to run.
Run. What a tiny little word. I keep an old 1965 Webster’s on my desk,
and I discovered 95 uses of the term “run.” Regarding movement, a person can
run from something, or run to something. Christians usually run from (problems/danger/worry), and we run
to our Heavenly Father. You’re
probably thinking this sounds quite simplistic and logical. Ahh! Allow me to
introduce a new wrinkle of thought.
Why
aren’t we there yet?
Why do we need to run to our
Heavenly Father? Why aren’t we already there—wrapped in his loving arms of
grace? I’m not suggesting for a moment that our lives will be free of
(problems/danger/worry). However, I have noticed that Christians tend to get a
little too comfortable and complacent when things go smoothly in life. There is
a tendency to drift off course just a bit. There seems to be less time for
Bible study or prayer time—personally justified because things are good, and
life is great. Until there is a need. That’s when we dust off our Bibles and
run to our Heavenly Father in prayer.
So, I ask again, why aren’t we already there?
Commitment is not a convenience-based concept. When I commit my life to
Christ and to following in His steps; it is not a “when I have the time” arrangement.
Commitment requires constant and consistent communication between me and my
Heavenly Father. I communicate with Him through prayer, and He communicates
with me through study of His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit who dwells
within. To be truly effective, this arrangement needs to be a consistent daily practice.
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8, NIV)
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens [problems/danger/worry].” (Psalm 68:19, NIV)
“Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies [problems/danger/worry], for they are my constant guide.” (Psalm 119:97-98, NLT)
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies [problems/danger/worry], O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:8-10, NIV)
Life will surely bring its share of challenges. I want to be as ready
as possible. When trouble comes, I don’t want to have to dust off my Bible. I’d
like to have enough scripture in my mind’s memory bank to see me through each
challenge. When trouble comes, I don’t want to have to reintroduce myself to
God. I’d like to feel the love, strength, and comfort of knowing I am already wrapped
securely in my Saviour’s loving arms of grace—that my Heavenly Father is only a
prayer’s whisper away.
Are
we there yet?
Respectfully written and
submitted by:
Dotty Willmon, Resurrection
Christian
