Notes from a Fellow Pilgrim

Here are a few thoughts I penned a year or two ago:

As I sit here in my “safe place”, my attic office in my grandparents’ home, I’m at the same time filled with gratitude to our eternal God and troubled with an anxious heart. The cares of this life can bring us low and render us supposedly powerless.

As I write, I’m very conscious of the unrest that surrounds us in the world. Every day I hear of God’s people who are struggling with various issues in their lives. Prodigal children, unemployment, sickness, broken relationships . . . the list goes on and on. People are afraid!

But, in the midst of the trials, God is an ever-present help. He has not abandoned us. “The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27. As I write these scrambled thoughts, I’m listening to a CD which is bringing great comfort and encouragement. It is entitled, “Comfort, Peace and Hope”. A narrator reads scriptures that lift the soul. Instrumental music provides a soothing background.

One of the scriptures that brought particular blessing to me is found in Proverbs 12:25. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” As I meditate, pray and wait on God, I am reminded of the compelling call of God upon my life . . . to write letters, cards and notes of encouragement. I cannot escape His command to write. When I fail to carry out His mandate on my life, I’m discouraged, troubled and defeated. When I write, I feel His pleasure.

This morning I am reminded that I often write out of my own personal hurts and pain. Discouragement is an ever-present companion it seems. Not a friend whose company I enjoy, but the more despair I sense personally, the more I’m urged to write to others. Another scripture that moves my heart as I write is penned by the prophet Isaiah who wrote, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1(b)-3(a)

And finally, two verses from Peter’s first epistle . . . “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make your strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10,11)

Be encouraged today, dear friend! We have an awesome, loving God who carries us in His everlasting arms. Fall back into His arms today and give Him all your cares. He cares for you!