It's a Climb

    I'm willing to work on projects that spark my creativity for hours. I will rearrange and sketch and ponder and write lists in order to achieve something that ignites a fire in my mind. I'm not so great at hum-drum daily chores. I like things to be neat and clean, but I also like to find the easiest, quickest way to make it happen. 

    Unfortunately, this tendency shows up in my spiritual life as well.

    I was walking through a valley, crying out to God. Why were things so hard? Where was the joy? Isn't Christian life supposed to bring happiness? Why was everything so dark?

    But then I remembered. We weren't promised perfect joy and happiness. We weren't promised days of sunshine. We were never told that valleys wouldn't exist. Instead, we are told to expect tribulation. It's not a "sometimes" or a "maybe." John 16:33 says: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

    When I read this verse and others like it I tend to gloss over the tribulation. I focus on the peace and the good cheer. I don't want to face tribulation. Or if I must, I want to believe it won't be so bad. Maybe just a few battles that get my adrenaline pumping, where I flourish a sword and face down my enemies, then go back to living my peaceful life of good cheer.

    That's not reality. In fact, it's not often the big battles that are the hardest to fight. No, it's the everyday climb of self denial and hum-drum faithfulness. The little decisions that earn no recognition. The choice to have morning devotions. The effort to change negative thought patterns. The constant resolve to do what is right, not what is easy. "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10a)

    We are encouraged to run with patience, to press toward the mark, to be not weary. My flesh isn't interested in the discomforts, the straightforward plodding, the endless hiking. My earthly mind rebels at the thought of denying myself the little pleasures offered in the world around me, whispered in my ear by the tempter.

    I want to take my eyes off the journey and look at the destination. Instead of focusing on how difficult the road, I want to remember that every weary step, each labored breath is taking me closer to my Jesus, closer to the Glory He has prepared. I want to find joy in replacing my fleshly desires with submission to His will. I want to live my life eager for the fulfillment of promises to come, happy to suffer whatever discomforts He asks of me here on earth.

    And one day you and I shall stand before the beautiful gates of our eternal home and realize, fully realize, that Heaven is truly worth it all.

    

It's a Climb

I was walking with my Savior,

Pleading for His blessed favor,

For the mountains all were looming threateningly.

I begged that He not tarry,

But my hardships He would carry,

All the little things that seem so big to me.

But He touched my heart in kindness,

Slowly washed away my blindness,

As He strove to show me what was really true:

Said, "You're seeking blue skies with no trial,

Easy pathways, no denial,

But that's not the journey I have promised you!"

"For it's a climb!

There's a mountain summit waiting,

Throw aside your hesitating,

For I'll go with you each and every day.

I've walked with you through the valley,

Now lift up your head and rally,

For I'll surely stay beside you all the way!

You shall stand someday up higher,

And know 'twas worth the fire,

Worth the struggle, worth the bruises, worth your time!

And we'll sing and shout together

In that happy great Forever,

Take up courage, claim the mountain, start the climb!"

"Oh, I know you've traveled cliff sides,

And you've found yourself in high tides,

And you thought perhaps you'd finally rest awhile;

But you must call to recollection 

Every time that My direction

Slowly changed your tears into a happy smile.

For although it isn't pleasant

In this moment of the present

I've a home in Glory all prepared for you.

But you've got to carry crosses,

Not count earth's joys as losses,

As denying self you learn to choose to do."

"Yes, it's a climb!

There'll be boulders you must grapple,

And temptation as an apple

Surely will be waiting on a tree.

But you must not fear tomorrow,

Must not shrink in doubt or sorrow,

For each day you will climb beside of Me!

See, the mountaintop is calling,

Do not fear that rocks be falling,

Only take the steps I show, one at a time.

And someday up in Glory

You will sing and tell the story,

And be thankful for the mountain and the climb!

4-6-22