Journey to the Cross

Pause

Like spending time with a good friend, let’s get to know Jesus a little more each day.

Listen

When the Lord changed Zion’s circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming. Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joyful shouts. It was even said, at that time, among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them!” Yes, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.

Psalm 126:1-3

Think

I once went backpacking with some friends in the Shenandoah Mountains in Virginia. Our hike was really tough: we had to push through thorny bushes, balance on a fallen tree in order to cross over a deep stream, and crawl on all fours in order to climb up some really steep sections of trail — all while carrying heavy backpacks. It was grueling. It took us hours. We were muddy and tired (and grouchy).

But suddenly, the trail leveled off and we realized we were at the top. And the view — WOW! — the view was breathtaking. Our groaning turned into cheers, and our frustration turned into laughter. We had such a hard journey and often considered turning around. I felt like we’d never get there. But sitting at the top, peering out over the mountains, took our breath away.

The mountaintop view didn’t erase the difficulty of our journey. Traveling with God doesn’t erase the pain of our journey, but it does give us hope — hope that God is hiking along with us and ready to lead us to great things that will give us joy.

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Pray

God, I sometimes feel like the difficulty of this journey will never lessen and that I’ll never get to the joyful part. Remind me that you are traveling with me, never leaving my side, and ready to bring me to joy. Amen.

Go

Know that Christ is alongside you, arm in arm like a good friend.

Christ is behind you, helping you.

Christ is ahead of you, showing you the way.

Christ is below you, carrying your worry.

Christ is above you, illuminating your path.

Christ is within you, for you are his home.