Mark Twain beckons to the Huckleberry Finn in each of us who desire to throw off the shoes and starched collars in our lives. We imagine experiencing a bit of life free from watching eyes and expectations of others. His romantic description of lying on a raft, lazily watching the landscape drift by while the current carries us along, gives rise to a sigh of “if only” within us.
Sometimes we experience battle fatigue. We try to be good Christians, wishing for times to get from under the scrutiny of doubters who want to see us fail. We want to let-our-hair-down for a little while. Trying to be perfect can be exhausting. We want to lie down, relax, and watch the scenery pass. Being spiritually adrift happens easily and unnoticeably. When life directs us into a hidden snag or catapults us into boiling rapids of life, we realize the importance of remaining alert and keeping a firm grip on our rudder.
Notice that the writer didn’t say to give greater attention to the things we have heard to do. Nothing in the verses before or immediately after refer to any effort on our part except remembering and acting on what we have heard. The message he speaks of is the completed redemption given to us through Jesus dying on the cross and rising to sit on his throne beside the Father. In fact, later in the book he challenges us to enter into this rest.
In the midst of hard circumstances, you can find rest in knowing how much the Father loves you. In the turmoil of damaged relationships, remember God’s heart for reconciliation and peace. In those times when things are going smoothly in your life and you feel like you can drift, shake off the haze forming in your mind. Remember with greater clarity what you have heard, expand your image of how great your God is, and grow in your confidence.
No more lazy rafting. Have faith, your Redeemer lives.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and mzacha.)
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Charles Huff is a Bible teacher, having taught in the United States and the Philippines. He has self-published three teachings and has a book in process to be submitted to a publishing house. He is a member of Word Weavers International-Aurora, Illinois, where he lives with his wife of forty-plus years.