Jump Start # 4037
Psalms 119:18 “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.”
Our theme this year here at Charlestown Road is “The Joy of the Journey.” That expression puts before us two ideas. First, we are on a journey. Journeys take time. Journeys can be long. Journeys become more pleasant if you have prepared well and you get to travel with those you love. A trip to the grocery store, can seem like a journey across America, when there is anger and tension in the car. Second, “The Joy of the Journey,” carries the spirit and attitude of happiness. It’s more than just a journey. There is joy in that journey.
I was thinking about our thematic phrase this morning and it dawned on me that there are two principal parties that are always with me on this journey. They have been with me every step of the way. They are always with me.
First, myself, my body. God has designed us and made us just the way we are. The majority of people would like to change the way they look. Don’t like their hair color. Think the nose is too big or they are too short. Love to change the way we look. Yet, for all these years, your body has been with you. There never has been a moment when you have not been with your body. It has changed as you have aged. Those eyes of yours have seen some amazing things through the years. Your ears have heard some of the most wonderful sounds. You have tasted wonderful things with your mouth. Without saying a word, those that know you, recognize you by the way you look. You bring a smile to others.
This body has housed your soul for as long as you have taken a breath. It has led you to worship the God that loves you. With your hands and feet, you have helped the people of God. Your voice has prayed thousands of prayers. Your eyes have looked over every wonderful page of God’s word. It has been a journey. Your body literally carries scars from bumps, falls and surgeries. It has been with you every night of every day that you are alive. You and your body have walked the halls of high school. You have sat in the stands as you watched games. You have traveled together thousands and thousands of miles. There has never been a time when you are your body have not been together.
For many, they would view their body as who they are. But we know better. Who we are is based upon the insides. And, a time will come when you and your body will part ways. It will be a first for you. The body will go to the grave, but you will go on to the Lord. And, on resurrection day, out of the grave will come a glorified body. What a journey it has been.
Second, the other that has been with you every step of this journey has been the Lord. There has never been a time when you have been out of His sight. There has never been a time when you were all on your own. Days when you never thought about the Lord, He was watching you, blessing you and caring for you. He has listened to your prayers. He has showered His blessings upon you so often. He has put people in your life and opened doors just for you. He has forgiven you many times. Every step of this journey, God has been there.
And, unlike our bodies, as we continue to walk with the Lord, there never will be a time when we are apart from each other. Through all eternity, you and God will be together.
The Joy of the Journey—what a journey it is for each of us. There are so many wonderful moments. There are precious memories. They are scary times. There are many normal days. But, because of the goodness of our Lord, the journey has been joyful.
Together with the Lord—that’s where the journey takes us.
Roger