Do you ever feel far from God? It’s in those moments when we have drifted away for some reason, distracted from focusing on God’s grace and power. The author here reminds us how easily we can drift away from God if we aren’t careful. God’s message never changes, and we need to cling to it. When coming off a faith “high,” we can be especially prone to these drifts when reality starts to close in around us.
Pondering over how God could care for us, mere mortals, continues for us. As quoted here from Psalm 8, this wonder extends to the majesty of God and his creation. We are blessed to be made by God, loved by God, and instructed by God. If you ever need a dose of awestruck wonder about who God is and what he has done, read Psalm 8.
Our author is giving us a bit of a Bible study as he points out the psalmist’s reference to Jesus. Even if for only an instant in time, Jesus took on the form of a man, which placed him below angels, only to be glorified and returned to his righteous throne where he is “crowned with glory and honor.”
What a thought that is! Our Lord and Savior, Redeemer and friend, came to earth to become like us. Do you ever just ponder that miracle for a moment? Jesus knows what it’s like to think like a person. Yet, Jesus’ identity was not meant to remain human for long. Long enough to complete the Father’s assignment.
One day, we will all be glorified with Jesus. Our time to be below the angels will no longer exist. Jesus brings us into glory with him. The author tells us Jesus was made a fit leader by the Father to bring us into salvation. Sometimes, thinking of that “one day” can be a lot. To finally see Jesus would be the best day ever.
A dear friend of mine just had her first day with Jesus. I try to focus on what a joy that must be for her, for them to be together. She joined Jesus and celebrated Easter with all of heaven this year. She had hoped to make it to church for one last Easter message. Jesus wanted her to come home instead. Oh, the plan God has for us! So much more marvelous than we can imagine.
Are you afraid to die? Many people are, especially when focusing on what you’re leaving behind. Jesus wants us to look forward, to each day being better than the one before and one day closer to our face-to-face with Him. We don’t need to fear death when we remember Jesus won the victory over death. Our forever home is where we belong.
Jesus suffered as we suffer with pain, sadness, regret, and loss. He knows what temptation feels like. We are never alone when we can tap into Jesus’ saving power when we are feeling weak, unsure, and a little wobbly in our faith.
If you are feeling a little adrift these days, focus on God. Spend more time in God’s word. Focus on some psalms and the promises of the book of Philippians. Even verse 18 in our reading invites us to trust Jesus. “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Ask the Holy Spirit to reel you in and open your heart and eyes to new, encouraging messages from God.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for never letting me drift too far from you. I know there are more times than I’d like to admit that I have strayed or been weak in my faith. Strengthen me and lift me up. Guide my steps. Open my mouth. Give me the word to draw others to you. Thank you for that mission. With your help, we can do all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
