A Strange, Yet Beautiful World

I am now convinced life is fraught with pain, trials and hardships - something this tattered and bruised world knows all too well. Experiencing several recently, myself, and sharing in the burdens of dear friends - even last night - I have felt a burning within my heart and soul. A burning not caused solely by misfortunes already suffered but by the complacency of society to dwell within a life of mediocrity: one without Hope. O, what a weight must exist in the unbelieving soul! Where the fires of anguish go unquenched and the aching of brokenness is left unrestored; a burden neglected because of selfish pride.

However, life and peace abundant reign sovereign in the lives of those (to borrow A.W. Tozer's frequent adage) who belong to the "fellowship of the burning heart." Not to say that the Christ follower will never experience his share of life's lacerations - quite the contrary. Christ tells us to expect persecution and suffering but to welcome it as a chance to grow in faith; following in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior.

So take heart! The Almighty God transcends all pain and suffering. His Perfect Will be done. May we, finite beings of earth and dust, not hinder the work of Christ within us with complaints hinged upon self-serving motives. Instead, may we seek refuge and understanding beneath the nurturing wings of a loving God, just in all His ways too lofty for any human being to fathom.

It is for these reasons I am able to find peace in this place - a strange, yet beautiful world.

- J.R.

Suggested Readings: The Songs of Ascents - Psalm 120-134