What would you ask Jesus if He was sitting with you today?
Let that sink in … take some time to think about it. And then, when you have that in mind, read on.
See, it’s taken me some time to write this blog. Sometimes thoughts are too complex for words, they can be like far off waves cresting on the horizon, only to disappear beneath the sounds of the world. Only when I focus can I truly think, truly pray and listen to the Spirit.
Now, if you are willing and ready, let’s walk a little journey together. Allow me to take you to the mythical realm J.R.R. Tolkien created in his series, The Lord of the Rings. In these books there are depictions, which often show more reality than historical non-fiction, and it is into those themes we are going to dive today. Because here’s what I want to you to see—I want you to remember that when we peel back the curtain into the spiritual realm and look to Christ, our perspective shifts. The physical world fades and we clearly see God’s hand in the midst of the difficulties of life.
So now, let’s journey into this mythical world of Tolkien’s where there is a war taking place—one of light versus dark. Of evil versus good. Sound familiar?
In coming to the third and final part of the series, Return of the King, there is a scene I want to show you. Two characters in a moment of refuge during a siege, have a conversation. All around them fear reigns, and the enemy is banging on a barricaded door. Pippin, a child-like character, turns to Gandalf and says:
PIPPIN: I didn’t think it would end this way.
GANDALF: End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.
PIPPIN: What? Gandalf? See what?
GANDALF: White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
PIPPIN: Well, that isn’t so bad.
GANDALF: No. No, it isn’t.
This scene never fails to give me chills—it’s a perfect depiction of the battles we face and how they fade away when we focus on the Lord. Suddenly, when we focus on Him, it’s not so bad.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. –Psalm 16:8-11 (NIV)
Focus. Focus on the Lord and the heart becomes glad. Focus on the Lord and the tongue rejoices. Focus on the Lord and your body will rest secure—all anxiousness and worry set aside. The battle is all the easier when we focus on the One who is mighty and draws near.
So now, I ask you again, what would you say if Jesus was sitting beside you today? Would your prayers be different? Would you tell Him how you’re feeling? Would you ask Him to explain His Word to you? Perhaps this will change your prayers for today. Maybe, like me, you will take a breath of fresh air and not be bogged down in perfect words, but instead will simply talk to Him. And listen—listen to His guiding.
The battles around us rage on, and they will continue, but like Pippin we should sit with the One who understands what comes beyond the horizon of this world. We should listen and trust in hope that He hears, He sees, He knows and that only His Spirit can clear away the darkness.
Look to Him and all else will fade. Our armor grows lighter and though we might feel like children in a battle against demons, He is with us. And what could be better than Him leading the way?
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 3:14
