Every day, you’re making choices. Every one of them either helps you or hurts you. Every friend you make, every word you speak, every dollar you spend…it’s all leading you further out one trail or another. You gotta stop staring at your nose and start watching the horizon.”
–John Deacon (Conn 2)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
–John 14:27 (NIV)
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I haven’t written anything regarding a hymn at midnight recently. I have had several, thank the Lord. Usually if I wake during the night there is one on my mind. However, there was one on my mind the other night when I woke. It’s a grand old hymn, but not old enough to be included in my book of hymns. (By the way, if you haven’t purchased one I’ll include this little ad here. Great little devotional, New Trails Through the Old Hymns.) But back to the subject. This hymn was written in 1958 by Stuart Hamblen and is very appropriate for believers in this day.
There is a narrative in John that I want to mention first. Jesus had told His disciples not to let their hearts worry. We live in an age where there is terror, economic woes, racial unrest, and on I could go. Don’t let your heart be troubled! Then one of the disciples, Thomas, asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (14:5, NIV) It doesn’t say this, but perhaps Jesus gave him “the look.” You know what I mean, then slapped the side of his head in wonder. He answers Thomas, along with the other disciples, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (14:6-7, NIV)
Philip, in an almost commanding manner, says, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Again “the look,” along with this answer, “Don’t you know me, Philip (or whomever is reading this), even after I have been among you such a long time?” (14:9, NIV) There is so much more in this powerful chapter, but this is enough to understand that we are to trust in God. Trust in Him, until that day He calls us home.
My heart can sing when I pause to remember,
A heartache here is but a stepping stone.
Along a trail, that’s winding always upward,
This troubled world, is not my final home.”
Listen, and you better get it resolved not only in your heart and mind, but also in your actions. The troubles, the pain, the heartaches, the suffering that you have felt and endured along with all the issues in the world–they are but stepping stones upward to glory. It’s a trail, one that leads us to heaven, and it may be rugged at times, there may be obstacles along the way, some skinned knees and some deeper wounds, but it takes us home. And know this as well, it’s always upward. It does not take us down to the pit, but leads us upward. This world is not our final home so don’t become settlers–we are pilgrims.
The things of earth will dim and lose their value,
If we recall, they’re borrowed for awhile;
And things of earth that cause the heart to tremble,
Remember there, will only bring a smile.
Too many people are concerned more with their goods and possessions. They are in the process of settling in this old world, as Lot did in Sodom. They are temporary, get it? By death or by rapture, you cannot take them with you. Understand the importance of what Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NIV) How long have you been a Christian? Don’t you know Him yet? Come on “Philip.” Why tremble here when there is something awaiting you in heaven, in the presence of Christ?
I had not known of a third verse, but came across the following:
This weary world with all its toil and struggle,
May take its toll of misery and strife;
The soul of man is like a waiting falcon,
When it’s released its destined for the skies
Are you ready for that day? Are you ready to take your flight into the heavenlies, into the place that the Lord has prepared for you? Then get the right attitude. Take each step with confidence. Realize that He is there and you can trust Him on each step of the trail that’s “winding always upward.” Don’t get caught up in the cares of this world, don’t let the things of this world take your eyes of Jesus. Sing, if it’s only in your heart–the day is drawing closer,
But until then, my heart will go on singing,
Until then, with joy I’ll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold that city,
Until the day God calls me home.