This caption on a recent Instagram post by one of my former pastors, Dr. Ray Ortlund, Jr., perfectly articulated what I’ve been trying to make sense of lately. 

I was thinking all last week about what to write for this blog post but felt like too many things were swirling around in my mind yet none of them were particularly profound. That’s why I’m glad Dr. Ortlund’s post put it all in perspective. (And why I haven’t yet fully quit social media….but that’s a topic for another time.) 

Of the various things occupying my thought space lately, here are a few:

Palm Sunday. This day has always carried mixed thoughts for me. We see the people being so obedient and reverent to Jesus and rejoicing as he enters Jerusalem:

John 12: 13 

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Mark 11: 8-10 

“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

But we also learn that the people were anticipating a political and military king. Was their worship, while well-intended, somehow “less-than” because they misunderstood how Jesus was coming to their rescue? Or was it still honoring to the Lord?

Do I worship in a similar way? How many times have I worshiped who I thought God was or what He was like only to come to learn in hindsight that I was worshiping what I wanted Him to be, not who He truly is? Did I make it about myself instead of Him? 

(See Ortlund’s first point: I’m a complete idiot)

Reading through the Bible. I’m hesitant to even put this here because I’m only in Numbers, and I don’t want this to sound like an accomplishment since I haven’t even done it yet. Nevertheless, I’m working through a Bible in a year plan, mainly listening via audio, and through all the death and wrath of the Old Testament, the promises of the Lord and the beauty of his grace keep standing out to me. He is incredibly intolerant of imperfection, yet, He just gives us perfection in Christ. I often forget the simplicity and profundity of that truth.

(See Ortlund’s second point: My future is incredibly bright)

There is a lot of pain in our world. I’ve had several conversations lately with family and friends about this new stage of life my generation is in: saying goodbye to our parents’ generation. I have several friends whose parents have passed away in recent years, and while it’s completely expected in one sense, we all will die after all, it is still a new thing for my generation to experience. (To clarify – my parents are still alive and well, for which I’m very grateful.) 

There are others who are dealing with sickness and injury, and so many who have pain that isn’t physical or isn’t individualized. As my Discovery Bible Group was discussing this week, there are wars and rumors of wars Jesus prepared us for in Mark 13. 

In sum, it’s a lot. Life here on earth is a lot to deal with. Even for those of us who know Jesus and the power of His resurrection and the hope of Heaven, it is still a lot. 

And yet. 

The only real difference I see between me and the person next to me who doesn’t yet know Jesus is that I’m in. I’m secure, rescued, redeemed, and all the benefits that come with the righteousness of Jesus being imparted to us. It’s nothing about me. 

And it’s available for those who believe. I pray that if you’re reading this and you don’t yet feel like you have that “in”, that you will, this Easter season – even today! - step into the light and the righteousness of Christ.

(As Dr. Ortlund’s third point states: Anyone can get in on this) 

Proverbs 4:18-19

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
    shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what makes them stumble.

I’m not sure that these points all tie together, but isn’t that how life goes most of the time? Various moving parts, but God’s truth showing up in different ways throughout it all. 

If you’re wading through a dark season or a cluttered mind, hopefully Proverbs 4:18 is an encouragement to you this week, just like the morning sun. 

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER

Originally from Georgia, Mary Beth Gombita is a lover of sweet tea, a proud Georgia Bulldog and an avid music fan. She works in public relations, running her own communications consulting business from home. Mary Beth and her husband, Stephen, have two young sons. She is currently the editor of our Willowdale Women blog.

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The world is coming at us at a breakneck speed…events on the news, endless social media and information is available at the push of a button. Our days are busy with families, friends, careers, and the endless lists of things to do. Our hearts long to simplify, declutter and find joy in our Shepherd – the One who is ALL that we need.

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