Into the Fire

Born naked with a hole inside our souls. We cry for what we want. If we’re not content, we cry some more or whine. We don’t have tangible reasons for our distresses. We simply react to them. Hunger, pain, discomfort, fear, fatigue—we cry.

Growth produces more demands and our goals amplify in order to satisfy this nagging flesh which knows no satisfaction. Temporary fixes abound but no permanence for our wants even when our needs remain complete.

Environment dictates habits, cultures, attitudes, even the way we walk, talk, and think. Are we upbeat or downcast? Do we like others or do we shun the populace? Are we drawn to God or is He a philosophical stranger?

When is our soul sated? When do we stop feeding our flesh in hopes of the release from its incessant gnawing for more? How do we become a quieted soul?

The yearnings in our hearts take us on journeys. Roads of experience which lead to all kinds of destinations vie for our attentions. The directions confuse us and make the choices unclear. Uphill or downhill or the monotonous straightaway. Which one? All or none or some?

Self-satisfaction chooses us. We ache for it, demand it, corner it to make it ours. But it fluctuates, veers off into invisibility, emptiness. What is this thing called life? Why am I here?

Answers compete. We often succumb to easy ones which make no sense, but who wants to confront the depths of infinity? All of it seems so complex.

We tangle with theories but realize they provide no reality.

One day the vacant hollows within us threaten to rob us of a viable future inside ourselves. This desperation seeps in like a putrid, rancid ooze. We’re dying inside. Regardless of family, loves, friends, possessions, death lurks. Taunts. Squeezes. The breath threatens to hold back. God! If you’re there . . .

He is. Not only “there”. Here, too. And everywhere. Pulling us with a gentle tug—that light sensation we’ve been ignoring for who knows how long. And suddenly we feel it. It’s Him. The fact that He could want anything to do with us after . . . after it all amazes us. And consumes us. Might He?

Sin envelops us. Takes on a new and real definition. Flashes like a neon sign. Each time something new in our lives. Each one in vivid color. A mess. A horrid mess. We see who we are. And finally . . . we see who He is.  

The Way, the Truth, the Life. No other way, or truth, or path to life.

Salvation.

Savior. Jesus Christ.

The right journey begins . . .

Thank you, Lord. King of Kings and Lord of Lords.