The world seems crazed and out of control sometimes. It is chaotic, increasingly disturbing, and makes little sense. Our lives can’t help but pick-up on, and reflect this. It hits at our very core. We experience such demands on our personal time and energy than can be comfortably met, or reasonably fulfilled. There is a distinct lack of breathing space for us to simply be, the better to cope with the circumstances. To our detriment, various forms of nurturance, whether prayer, meditation or self-reflection has a tendency to fall by the wayside. And yet, this is just when we need that type of self-care and attention the most.
Basically, there are only so many hours in a day across which we can spread ourselves. Something has to give somewhere. Usually at a cost to our inner selves on one level or another, wherein we try to find and maintain what amounts to a balance of opposing forces.
Pastor/Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer preached… ‘God finds His way to you even in the busiest and most hectic of times, when you can no longer find the way to Him.’ In other words, there is no place where you are, but what God is there also sharing that space with you. Whether you can feel His Presence or not, He is there regardless… and understanding of your circumstance.
It is this which we are reminded of at Easter. When the promise born in the dark of a cold, lonely stable, burst forth into a Light the likes of which this world has never heretofore seen or known. A birth, a death, and eternal life. The miracle… and the reassurance which is The Resurrection.
For as Bonhoeffer further points out, Christians live their lives at the foot of the Cross. And as such, this informs and colours our lives; what we do or say, our decisions and choices. It is who and what we are.
Here, amidst the shadow of Christ’s outstretched arms, there is protection from the storms that would toss and turn our lives awry. The heart, weary and broken, knows comfort.
Within the embrace of Christ on the Cross is found that courage to walk through the darker valleys which life sometimes demands we travel, whether willingly or no. Sustenance can be had for the soul in need of green pastures, where still and healing waters dwell. Ease and relief, flows into the troubled spirit which calls out for strength and renewal.
All within sight of, and under the aegis of that Cross.
As Jesus himself prayed…
“that all of them may be one, Father…
that the love you gave me may be in them,
and that I myself may be in them.”
Yes, in these crazy and hectic days, the troubled world within which we live; God finds his way to us… always… through the love of Christ, on the Cross.
A love that transcends not only time, but also whatever challenges life presents. The goodness we know is all the sweeter for this love. The tough times are bearable and manageable, because of this love. For God, through Christ, knows our heart – even when we ourselves cannot find the words to say, or have the wherewithal to call out.
His love is faithful and remains by our side. Through Christ’s death, we live. Rising above the cares and worries of this, the temporal world, into a life eternal where trials and tribulations no longer have place. Easter reminds… and assures us of this.
May blessings of love, peace, and joy of heart be yours this Eastertide…
in all the days to come; however, and wherever you may journey.
