The Quiet Mercy of Having Our Idols Removed

Life is this journey we are all on, headed to the same physical destination. The journey is somewhat bleak at first glance. As we age, every single thing we love will slowly be removed one or two at a time until our own life will be taken away. The journey looks like this. We are all on this journey together, discovering the areas of life we thought we had control over and that were owed to us. One at a time, they are being taken away. Each one reveals another area where we place too much hope and trust.

At some point, we realize that all of life will eventually be taken away from us. It's just a matter of when. Around the same time, we also recognize that the promises of God have never been that we will have the family we want, or the job or lifestyle we want, or that our children would grow old and parents would age well, or that friendships would last.

A fulfilling life is when we can beat the removal of each of our prized items, however good they may be, and replace them with the lovingkindness of Christ and put him in his rightful place by realizing every good thing in life is not owed but a gracious gift from our heavenly father. He never promised us children, a happy marriage, or any level of success.

If we don’t replace our love for control or the thing itself, spouse, children, career, status… one by one, each will be removed. If our love for the person or thing is greater than our love for God, life will be one devastation after another. If our hope rests on the things God didn’t promise, our aging will be depressing and joyless.

What did he promise?

He did promise forgiveness of sins for all who would call on his name. An eternal hope for all who love, trust, and follow him who is the author of all creation. He promised to return to save all who have been waiting on him… all who are repentant sinners. Life is a race of sorts. How fast can you get God in the highest esteem in your life above spouses, children, and success at work?

The sooner you do, the more prepared you will be when those wonderful things are given and taken away.

What gift have you put in the place of high kind and needs to be demoted for the accurate and proper High King?

Life becomes fulfilling when he is at his highest before these precious gifts are removed.

Psalm 16:11

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 51:12

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Psalm 37:4

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

John 15:11

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”