As we walk through life, there are so many difficulties we all face. We have to deal with our own sin and failings, and many times we fall at the receiving end of hurt brought about by others. These two aspects of life have produced some very difficult seasons for me. Sin is the greatest problem in our world, and just by living here, we are all affected by it everyday.
When we are in these dark places, it can be so easy to feel alone and scared. We can begin to feel unseen and unheard, and worst, unloved. Is God as distant as He sometimes feels? Psalm 116 has a passage that comforts me when God feels far away:
“O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”
Gracious is the lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
Even though it’s hard to believe during the dark times, if we trust God and His word, we can believe that he will deliver our eyes from tears. He sees us. He is gracious and merciful. He will bring our souls great rest!
“Mystery of Grace” is a song from my husband about God finding and healing us when we are in that dark place. Jesus sees us. He hurts along with us. He cries with us. We do not walk through this life alone, even though it sometimes feels like it. Even when we have sinned deeply against our heavenly Father, He never pushes us away. No matter how far from God we feel, the love of God is infinitely greater than anything we could ever do to earn it!
That is the true mystery of His grace!
And that is the kind of life-altering, peace-producing, purpose-fulfilling grace that sets my heart on fire. It's reason to sing -- to bless His name! He is the One who lights our way. Because of the saving work of Jesus, we are allowed to be with the Father and bask in his heavenly light. As Jesus said to us, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Someday we will all leave this life behind. Our lives will slip away and we will race into our Savior’s loving arms. I’ve dreamed about that moment ever since I was a small girl. To be in the loving arms of my Savior, the very source of all love, and the One who knows me better than anyone. I can’t imagine a better place. I can guarantee, I still will not understand the mystery of His grace. But... I will stand and sing praises to Him for all eternity!
