In the ever increasing turmoil of the events of today it’s so easy to stumble in the darkness of hate. We let anger overtake our hearts and we can’t see through the forest of confusion. We think we know best – what else is there?

In Revelation 5 in spirit John was in heaven and could see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing and sealed with seven seals. No one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside and so John wept at that lack. He was told by one of the Elders surrounding God’s throne to see the Lion of the tribe of Judah. When John looked up he saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain and He took the scroll because He was worthy. In the commentary below the scripture was this explanation: One of the elders calls John to look at the Lion, but when John looks he sees a Lamb. Christ the Lamb was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind; therefore, only he can save us from the terrible events revealed by the scroll. Christ the Lamb won the greatest battle of all. He defeated all the forces of evil by dying on the cross. The role of Christ the Lion will be to lead the battle where satan is finally defeated (19:19-21). Christ the Lion is victorious because of what Christ the Lamb has already done. We will participate in his victory not because of our effort or goodness, but because he has promised eternal life to all who believe in him.

You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. v.9-10.

I can’t help but think about this world in the context of everything that has happened throughout the ages of mankind. We live in varying times and dates but our experiences are so similar. God took the time and tremendous love to inspire people throughout the ages to write down His words of life to us. His Scriptures lead us to think about life in a different way. We see through its’ pages how God intervened in the lives of people just like us.

When we ask Him to open our hearts and minds to Him we begin to experience a renewal of understanding where before there was just words to be read. When we sit quietly with Him we feel His peace calming the turmoil within us. As we talk with Him in prayer we experience the healing of His love. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11. Have you ever walked in the too bright sunlight? You can barely open your eyes and all color is bleached out. When we walk this life without God helping us it feels confusing, troubling, dark. The landscape scorched out and without color and beauty. With God the path of His truth and love is well lit and we don’t have to stumble because He takes our hand and guides us – patiently, never in a hurry.

There will always be turmoil in this life. We can stumble along that way populated with the turmoil of angry thoughts and hearts intent on their own way or we can turn away to the path well lit where God is and wants us to be. We can begin our walk with Him learning well that His peace and love have already won. “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” v. 12-13.

That’s where the well lit path leads and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is there to take our hand and guide us faithfully and lovingly to Him….for ever and ever. 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 light. Matthew 11:28-30.

How I love that path…with Him I can appreciate the beauty all around me that He has made for us…our eyes can be open to Him on that path and we find His love and His peace and rest for our weary souls. I’m now in the final years of my 60th decade. I’m tired and feel like I’ve been in a race for 68 years and my body feels every one. My body will continue to age but my heart and soul will find the strength and hope it sorely needs in Him as He lights my way on my final leg of this journey of life He has given us.