Echoes – God’s Healing Stream

There are times of difficulty, and we do not always know the reason why. Feelings of confusion, wishing things were different, yet not understanding what is happening deep inside. Perhaps we have made mistakes in life, regrets; misfortune has left us wondering where God is in the mix. Satan comes, bringing doubts and fears, voices of accusation, stealing the light. Whatever the reason, maybe you can relate to these thoughts.

Burdens, and brokenness, tangled, deep in the heart, stealing the light. Sadness inside, threatening to swallow the soul; bordering on sorrow. The voices from the past, echo off the walls of one’s heart, reverberating down the channels of one’s future. Happiness, hopes, and dreams, tremble and shake, while reality becomes obscure. The echoes, though not entirely discernable, carry accusations, frustration, pain and sorrow; broken lives and hearts, disappointment and confusion, so mixed together, it is impossible to pick out one particular voice of reason. All hope seems gone.

Yet wait! Past the echoes, through the clamber, we may hear it. The gentle, quiet, steady murmur of God’s healing stream, as it meanders through the valley.

The journey has been confusing, tiring, and long, and the traveler longs for peace and relief. He has been wondering, anxious, and lonely, his soul longing for a refreshing drink. In weariness he stops, too tired to go on; his ears catch the sound. He pauses, then as if drawn by an invisible force he turns his steps towards the stream.

His weary feet stumble through the grass, where he falls to his knees at the waters edge. Here in this haven of quiet, the sound of the stream drowns out the sound of the accusing echoes. He drinks deep, and listens to the murmur of the stream, letting it flow over him, cool and refreshing. He finds the “Rock” to sit on and rest awhile, and his cares drift away in the current of prayer and meditation. Renewed, he lingers, not wanting to leave the stream, the peace, the experience, the feeling of completeness. Ah, but he cannot stay. He must press on, through the valley, past the darkness and shadows to sunshine above. Pressing close to the stream, he treks onward, upward, towards the light. Occasionally, the sound of the echoes is heard, but as he listens to the stream, they do not affect him. As he journeys, he feels the lush grass around his feet, and the spray of the falls wets his brow. A rainbow is visible in the spray, a rainbow of hope, of promise, of courage. This promise spurns him on, he as places to go, people to meet, and a goal to reach.

Sometimes his path leads him into the wilderness, but he is accompanied by Faith, who walks with him. Faith is always there, and reminds him of his Father’s goodness, the need to endure, and the promises of eternal rest at the end of his journey. He continues on, not looking back or listening to the echoes which over time have become less noticeable. At times his heart breaks forth in songs of praise, which echo across the valley, back through the dark shadows, and as they bounce and reverberate, they harmonize into a beautiful song of deliverance. Other weary travelers who hear these echoes of praise, feel their spirits lift, and hope springs anew in their hearts.

Then one day as the sun was setting low in the sky, his eyes caught sight of the gates of home! That beautiful city, waiting for him! Though his feet were tired and weary, the sight caused his pace to quicken. He hurries on, ever watchful, knowing there are still dangers lurking about. At long last he crests the hill, with tears filling his care worn face, he arrives at the gate. He stands in awe, his heart full of joy! His arduous journey is over! In the light of that open door, stands the keeper, arm spread wide, to welcome the weary traveler home.

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  (Matthew 25:23)