Soul-Journey!

May 13, 2021

Soul-Journey!

Last weekend, I joined our community in celebrating the high school graduation of several students.  It was a great day; there was lots of energy, lots of excitement, and lots of dreams.  I was happy for the students and their families.

As I wandered through the crowds at each graduation party, I often heard a similar question being asked, “What do you want to do after college?”  But, each time I heard the words it seemed like the wrong question. 

The question is based on the understanding that our career and our life is a destination at which we arrive.  But, what if life is not a destination to get to as quickly as possible?  Imagine our life as a journey to be enjoyed rather than a destination to reach.

What if we asked, “What do you want your life to look like?” or “How do you want your soul to be?”  These questions focus more upon the value of the journey.  We begin to measure our life by things like purpose and compassion as well as God’s peace and joy in our soul. 

The question we typically ask students focuses on their external accomplishments rather than upon the health of their soul.  Imagine your life is a journey in which you are learning to live and love like Jesus.  Imagine your life is a journey in which you are seeking to grow your heart and soul for Jesus.

When the Apostle Thomas asks Jesus about the way to heaven, Thomas is focused on living life as the pursuit of a destination.  It seems like a spiritual question because the destination about which he is asking is heaven.  But, notice Jesus’ response.

Jesus tells Thomas that life is a journey not a destination.  In John 14:6 Jesus says to Thomas; “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Jesus is the way, the path, the road to a soul connected and in communion with the Lord God.  Jesus tells Thomas that life is a journey in which we live near the heart of God through our relationship with Jesus.

The health of our soul and the quality of our life flow out of our relationship with Jesus.  We will not find the peace for which our soul longs in the type of job we do.  We will not find the love for which our soul longs in how many kids we have.  We will not find the joy for which our soul longs in the house in which we live. 

Our relationship with Jesus is a journey in which we live near the heart of God.  This soul-journey defines the quality of our life much more the position we have achieved, the power we have accumulated, or the popularity we have attained.

Our soul longs for a relationship with Jesus in which we see life as a journey in which we love and serve and worship the Lord.  To be sure, the soul-journey is not always easy nor will we always get it perfect.  There may still be pain and misunderstanding and even some obstacles.  But, on this soul-journey we will experience deep peace, incredible joy, and amazing love.

My soul is on a journey in which the Lord God calls me to daily surrender to Jesus.  I surrender my plans, my goals, and my aspirations to Jesus.  I surrender my schedule, my ambition, and my desires to Jesus.  My soul-journey is more important than accomplishments, achievements, and accolades.    

The surrendered life is the one way to know real life, abundant life, and an amazing life.  My soul longs to take the journey closer and closer to the heart of Jesus.  When I draw close to the Lord’s heart, I will take delight in the Lord. 

My delight in the Lord reminds me that I am on a journey in which I am asking Jesus the right question; “How is it with my soul?”  I encourage you to ask; “Jesus, what do you want my life to look like?”

Take delight in the Lord!

Doug