But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh,which wage war against your soul. – I Peter 2:9-11, ESV
Our true home is in the presence of Perfect Love. We are made for relationship with the One who is completely good and completely holy. And John tells us that in His presence is no fear (I John 4:18).
Understanding that we are just pilgrims or sojourners passing through this world full of tears and injustice is a helpful perspective. I think this is especially true to those who are surrounded by injustice and suffering. Having an eternal perspective helps me remember that the way things are now are not the way they will be.
Justice will be done.
Things will be set right.
Another song that ministered to my heart during my healing process comes from a songwriter who knows tragedy. Steven Curtis Chapman lost his five year old daughter to a tragic accident when one of his older children hit her while backing up the SUV. He knows what suffering is. Keep that in mind as you hear “Long Way Home” and listen to its lyrics:
Thank you for this reminder. That’s why we have tears, suffering, and injustice – because it’s a fallen world! Bad stuff happens. It was a big help to be reminded of that!
Thank you, DM!