ini Message

Summer is the time when most of us take vacation. It's a time we anticipate, we sometimes even count down the days. We look forward to "getting away from it all," kicking back and relaxing, forgetting about the stresses of work and home life.

As I was thinking about how great it is to get away, I started imagining what it would be like if God also planned a great escape. I tried to think about what my life would be like if I didn't have the Lord in it. And very quickly I realized that I didn't like the picture.

My life would be so much more empty. Sure, I'd have some free time that I didn't have to spend at church or in prayer or reading the Bible. And free time is a rare commodity in my life. But it wasn't worth it. The prospect of not having the Lord took away so many possibilities and so many blessings. I'd lose the sense of peace I have even in the rush and turmoil around me. I'd lose the joy that bubbles up inside me no matter what stresses I'm facing. I'd lose the direction in my life. When I don't know which way to go, the Lord points the way. And those were just the start of the list. Besides, I like spending time with the Lord in prayer and His word. And I like gathering with His people to worship Him.

I didn't want to imagine a "Lordless" life anymore. It was too depressing. But the good news is, I don't have to imagine it. For Jesus promised His followers, "I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

I don't have to imagine what it would be like if God decided to "get away from it all" - and you don't either. For He has promised to be with believers forever.