Am I the only one who gets frustrated by the uncooperative physical universe?
The continual appearance of obstacles in my path that block me from getting things done is never ending and appears to gain virulence in direct proportion to the urgency of the task.
I can see why people give up. It’s easy to go down that path. Yet, hopelessness isn’t the right response to the never ending difficulties of life.
Wouldn’t the right response be born of perspective? Of course I’m speaking of the right perspective.
(And to those who would say there is no right perspective I would have to ask “is that the right perspective?!”)
Life can be hard in so many ways, and at the end of a long and difficult day I have to re-ask the question: “why”?
The answer to that question would help me discover the right perspective.
Could the answer be because we are not of this world? Could it be that we were never meant to live in a world like this?
This is not our home?
Wouldn’t we be happy with conditions as they are if we were truly created by the blind, materialistic forces of this universe? Wouldn’t we revel in chaos and disorder as the children of both? Wouldn’t we be fulfilled through pain-and-suffering? Wouldn’t agony be joy, misery a delight, murder celebrated and tyranny applauded?
Distress over the hardness of life is by itself evidence we were created to live elsewhere. We don’t belong here. This is not our world.
Have hope!
We are not of this world.
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
John 18:36
We know that the whole creation has been groaning
as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship,
the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved.
But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?
Romans 8:22-24
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,
and there was no longer any sea.2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look!
God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself
will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Perhaps you on occasion reflect on our friendship and perhaps you’ve said to your inner self, “How/ why is it that Robert has drifted away?” Have heart dear friend. Although relocated to Kona Hawaii (Big Island), I read with relish your deep and restorative thoughts, marvel over your dedication to knowing our God more fully through reading, study, and logic and faith, and so deeply appreciate your efforts on your site to bring to others your well-supported insights and acquired wisdom … and indeed it is wise and true.
I will write more soon, I hope. But, sometimes,, a few words of sincere admiration and encouragement will have to suffice and carry you to the next battle … the next question.
Be well, dear friend. I am honored to have gotten to know you and your inquisitive, searching mind and your pure heart.
– Robert H.
It’s good to hear from you Robert, and to know the whirlwinds of life have set you down safely on a dry patch in the Pacific! Thank you for the personal update, the kind words, the encouragement, your friendship and the memory of your smiling face! Stay in touch!