Reluctant Retiree

The other day I was walking on a trail around a lake. It had recently snowed so the trail was covered. I made it about three-quarters of the way around the lake when I suddenly lost the trail. I searched for the trail in many directions but couldn’t find it. I even asked a couple people for directions, but they weren’t much help. Finally I decided to head back to where I started. I never found my way to my intended goal.

After thinking about what happened, I realized that life can be like my ill-fated hike. We establish goals for our lives and make plans to achieve these goals. Then we set out to achieve our objectives of happiness, fulfillment, purpose, and love. We work hard and furiously to accomplish our goals. We may even seek advice from others. But that counsel doesn’t seem to help. But somewhere along our way we lose sight of the path. We begin to wander and not make progress. Finally we just settle for something less and never achieve our objectives.

We’re lost because we failed to consult the Guide. Almighty God is the one true Guide for life, as He is the Designer of all things pertaining to life. His counsel is wise and effective, because He knows the beginning and end of our life’s journey. He is never surprised, because He knows all the details of our existence.

Psalm 73:23-26 says, “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

God promises to stay right by our side, holding our hand as we navigate life’s journey. He will counsel us on the paths we should take, but will also strengthen us along the way. At the end of our journey, He will welcome us to our heavenly home. Of course, these promises come with a provision. In order to receive these blessings, we must desire God above all things. We must trust Him to lead us on the right path. If we can’t trust Him, then we cannot receive the promises.

After a week of frigid temperatures and snow, the sun has come out today. Today’s high temperature is in the 40s, so the snow and ice is melting. The snow was beautiful, but dangers lurked beneath the snow. Even this morning we went into a skid over the ice while breaking for a stop sign. Melting snow reveals what is hidden beneath.

The Bible says that our hearts will one day be like melting snow, revealing what we are hiding within. Isaiah 13:6-7 says, “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come! Therefore all hands will be feeble, and every human heart will melt.”

The day of the Lord is certainly coming. At that time God will judge every human heart. Those who love Him and have followed Him will not receive condemnation, but will enjoy eternity in the Father’s presence. Those who have rejected God will be condemned to eternal punishment causing their hearts to melt with regret. The choice is ours but the time to choose life is limited.

Today I walked around a lake in the morning and alongside a river later in the day. The surfaces of the lake and the river were both covered by ice and snow. It made for beautiful scenery, especially at sunrise. But the beauty covered up the great danger. It hasn’t been cold enough for a long enough period to make the ice thick and hard. Anyone who would venture onto these bodies of water would soon be swimming for their lives.

Sometimes we face dangers that are obvious and we try to avoid them. Other times we don’t see the danger before us and suffer the consequences. And still other times we see the danger and press forward, thinking we will overcome the risks.

There is one danger that we should never ignore and press forward to try and overcome. That danger is unrighteousness. When we are confronted with something we know is wrong, we should never continue going toward it. If we go on that path, we will suffer. Proverbs 27:12 says, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” When confronted with unrighteousness, we should ask God for the strength to do the right thing instead.

Psalm 1:1-2 gives us the progression of unrighteousness and the way to walk in righteousness. It says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” The progression of unrighteousness begins with walking according to the ways of wickedness. It then progresses to standing with sinners. Finally unrighteousness has us sitting with those who mock righteousness. We must delight in God and His Word in order to stay on the righteous path. Meditating on His Word sharpens our attention to His ways.

Every day we choose which path we shall follow. Will we ignore the dangers of unrighteousness and walk in the ways of sinners? Or will we stay firmly grounded in God’s Word and seek righteousness?

What are the signs of a mature person? Making wise decisions is surely one sign. A mature person takes responsibility for his or her actions. This person has gathered knowledge through experience to live wisely. A certain amount of selflessness and caring for others also characterize the mature person. I am sure that you can add more characteristics of maturity than my short list.

Basically maturity comes from practice of the characteristics of human growth andbetterment. Becoming a mature person of faith comes the same way. To mature in the faith, we must constantly practice walking by faith in Jesus Christ. We align ourselves with His will and make decisions in line with righteousness. We do all this, not in our own strength, but by depending on the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Constant practice of walking in righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit will help us grow in discernment and faith.

My favorite place to find some peace and rest is at the beach. I grew up in Southern California and spent a lot of time at the beach. When I am able to go to the beach these days, memories flood back and soothe my soul. As soon as I feel the sand beneath my feet, I automatically begin to feel inner calm. Then the rhythm of the waves and the majestic flight of sea gulls lulls me to a quiet place. I am able to quietly speak with my God, worshipping Him and thanking Him for His blessings. I can sit and stare at the ocean or lake for hours. When I get ready to leave, I feel like I have rested for several days.

My wife finds her rest in the mountains. Perhaps you have a special place that brings you peace and rest. We are all seeking rest from our many activities.

God has planted within us the desire to obtain meaning for our lives. We search in a variety of places and ways. Religion tells us that we must do certain works to find life’s meaning. Social sciences instruct us to behave in certain ways and strive for the benefit of all people. Business emphasizes the value of hard work to achieve success, which they suggest is the meaning of life. Everywhere we look someone is telling us that we must do certain things to find happiness and fulfillment.

God tells us that none of these instructions are true. Happiness and fulfillment is only found in resting in God’s grace. Instead of working to find life’s meaning, we just accept the abundant life that God offers. Accepting God’s grace involves first admitting that we can’t manufacture meaning and fulfillment on our own, that no matter how much we try we fall short of His standards. Then we are able to receive His offer of forgiveness and grace. Then we will find true rest for our souls. Hebrews 4:9-10 says, “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”

Find peace and rest for your soul. Accept God’s gift of grace.