This is likely the most sappy thing I have ever written (unless you read my journals - heaven forbid :)
I'm not really sure why I want to write about loving life so much. It may have to do with the beautiful weather we have had for the past few days. Sunshine always puts me in a good mood. But loving life goes beyond weather, beyond circumstance. Love of life is similar to having joy. It is something that trancends weather, circumstance, and emotion. Currently, it is overcast outside, I have no idea how I'm going to rasie enough money to pay for school, and the headlines shout nothing but bad news. So why on earth can I be loving life?? My cold, logical side screams reality at me, and demands that I wipe that smile off my face. This is real life. Life is rough, etc. And its partly true.
However, I see one reality, sitting high above the rest, that will not be ignored: God is on the throne; He is sovereign, and He is good. I'm rereading this sentence, thinking, "can I reword that so it sounds less cliche and "Christian-ese-ish?" But that is the truth. Above all that goes on in my life, good or bad, God is ultimately in control. This makes me feel like singing and dancing, shouting at the top of my lungs. Everything else pressing upon me seems so small in comparison to this truth!
I have been studying the end times and have realized something. Studying about the end times puts all human suffering, dire circumstance, and other depressing events into perspective. I see that 1) It has not always been this way, 2) It is not supposed to be this way, and 3) it will not always be this way. That last one is the one that causes my heart to surge with hope and joy. I am in waiting - waiting for a world with no more fear, pain, sorrow, or sin. I wait in joyous expectation for my Savior to return and put all things right. No matter what happens to me, come what may, in the perspective of eternity in the presence of God the present sufferings lose their power. This is the perspective of the apostle Paul, when He wrote, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18). He understood that the suffering we go through will be "light and momentary" compared with the eternal glory "that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Do not misunderstand me. If you are currently walking through fire, or find yourself in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I am in no way trying to make light of your sorrow, nor impying that you somehow lack faith if you grieve. Pain comes, and when it does, you can mourn. And those of you who know someone going through a season of sorrow, weep with them, be there for them in this season. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans12:15). But what I am saying is take time to look toward eternity, toward forever in the presence of God. Look forward to the day when sorrow, sin, and death are banished forever. That perspective, though it won't make all the pain disappear, will keep sorrow from swallowing you, and keep utter despair at bay.
So, in conclusion, life throws so much our way. But those of us who trust Jesus Christ as Savior have eternal life. Eternal life starts now! I guess its not so much that I love just this earthly life, but I love Eternal Life! We have a life that will never end - and that is a life worth living for, a life worth loving. This is what God offers to those who accept His gift of salvation. Freedom from sin, from death, and a promise of eternal glory in the presence of God that far outweighs any circumstance on earth. If you have not accepted this gift - don't hesitate. For whatever you walk through, whatever road God leads you down in life, He will always be with you, and He has promised that through the blood of Jesus we may live in eternity with Him.
Be blessed, love and serve God, and love Life! "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace"
As always, if you have any questions or prayer requests, don't hesitate to email me at Theologynerd330@gmail.com
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