Questions
Questions. Every now and then, self reevaluation is an appropriate exercise. The same questions arise in adulthood as when adolescence began whispering those persistently aggravating questions — ones which seemed unanswerable and so annoying. Most people choose to forget those pesky thoughts growing up and just move on. As adults, many of the same annoyances creep in again — perhaps different questions, but just as annoying. Most often we hear the same advice as we got in the way-back machine: “Just move on.”
How is anyone supposed to “just move on” when their feet are so stuck in the muck? Especially when there’s an awful lot of muck.
So, with no other choice, we do just move on. Most people are fine with that. We eke out a living and create a compatible lifestyle as if those pesky questions never existed. Too many times those unanswered questions resurrect themselves disguised and unrecognizable, arising like a squall line on the lake of our minds, threatening to capsize our craft of personal peace.
Sometimes the effect is like getting the sniffles or catching a cold, or allergies and the like. We can easily weather the storm which turns out to be more like a drizzling sunshower. However, other times troubles can come in like a torrent, flooding a person’s life. Anger. Depression. A myriad of both mental and physical distress. These may lead to serious and inappropriate actions and even disasters — tragedies which are beyond repair — from sadness to suicide, from anger to raging hate, from poor health to debilliataing mental, physical, and social paralysis.
Many temporal solutions are offered which often bring solace and quite often temporary relief and even a healing of sorts. This allows a person to just move on. In my mind, I see a different picture. It envisions an inescapable Circle of Life as if it were a treadmill, a repetitive cycle where such phenomena cause a maelstrom in whose violent waters anything and anyone nearby is drowned. Unresolved questions become an overwhelming phenomenon. There is no way to just move on.
Quite a depressing reality, isn’t it? And that is what creates a most powerful impetus to just move on, doesn’t it? Just move on.
Everyone strives to create for themselves a type of Garden of Eden — a protected, hedged in life that is as comfortable as they can make it, or at least, they have a room for solace and peace. It may be more of an ethereal place like a hobby, a book, a craft, any kind of distraction which suppresses the disturbance. Then, a person has the more exquisite and elegant tapestry, a comforter to nest in..
But the Bible offers everyone a more substantial solution, a more tangible, long term solution which sheds a proper bright light on our lives — within and without. There is a better way. I just lost a whole bunch of readers because I said “Bible.” Next paragraph I’ll probably lose more. Nevertheless …
In my life’s experience, Jesus instantly pulled me out of a collapsing LSD trip. Actually He had to do it three times, because tripping was so enthralling, I repeated the LSD experience twice more. That is, until the realization broke through my knucklehead that I was “banging my head against the wall because it felt so good to stop!”
That is the beginning of the better way. There’s more.
Jesus gave me a fresh start in life and began to repair all the damage I had done and all the harm that I had caused.
Jesus forgave me for all of my errors and disobedience to God — whether consciously or other, lifting all the burdens oppressing and restricting my life.
He took addiction to cigarettes away — in two days. Gone. Not even a whisper of an urge.
He showed me how to ask forgiveness from others who I had hurt.
He provided employment, growing with my expanding life,
He gave me insight into things in both this temporal life and in the eternal realm. Wonderful amazing things. I do not exaggerate.
He opened my understanding of Bible texts, throwing out medieval and cultural prejudices and learning how to research truth, confirming or rejecting my indoctrinated thinking.
Probably, most important to me in this life, He came alongside me to walk with me and talk with me — to be present in my life in the most personal way.
Hard to believe? Sure. Am I lying or hallucinating? No. But the reader will have to judge such questions for themselves. Is this the writing of an idiot and pure foolishness from one who has totally lost it? Or are these observations relatable and worthy of serious reflection?
Wait. There is still more.
Jesus gave me peace with my Dad before he passed away. He gave my parents a loving daughter-in-law and five grandkids to love, and they loved Grandma and Grandpa right back. Joy! Who can fathom the height and depth and breadth of the love of God? Real life. Meat-and potatoes existence. Basic. Unpretentious. Love of a good, good Father waiting to help, “an ever present help in time of need.”
Now I have children and grandkids myself, and what a joy they all are!
Jesus brought Patty and I together in the first place and we’ve had our days, but what an overall joy she has been for the whole family. And not to be funny or conjure up false humility, but I’m pretty sure, but not sure exactly, how much joy it has been for her. (There’s still time.)
There are many other things Jesus has done for me in my life, and I feel it appropriate to share them all in writings. What is the purpose of the love of God impregnating my life unless it breaks out in birthing God’s love?
Whatever and however you judge me, I cannot debate. I know there’s a lot of faults to pick on. A person has to use their intellect and their discernment in everything they read, see, or hear. That is absolutely the right approach in life. Blind faith is just that : absolute darkness. Uncritical acceptance is simply foolishness. King Solomon cried out, “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?” — Proverbs 1:22.
Was he pleading with you? I know his words speak to me! And there always seems to be more in the Bible, whether encouragement, insight, or corrections. God is not finished with me yet.
Jesus also pleads with us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30
When we who have become Born Again Believers claim “Jesus is the Answer!” we aren’t just flapping our gums. This solution is far better than just moving on. Honest.
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…” — Psalm 46:1–2
“Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” — Revelations 17
07/28/2022
