Temporary Insanity

“You shall not at all do as we are doing here today-every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes-for as yet you have not come to the rest and the inheritance which the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 12:8-9

We sometimes become so caught up in our journey’s trials and tribulations we lose sight that this “here and now” will soon become “there and went.” It’s easy to overlook the fact we are only pilgrims passing through this one shadowed valley in our eternal existence.

But as real as our pain and suffering is now, it is only temporary. Our greatest hope is the life we now live, is lived by faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:29).  Moses, speaking to the twelve tribes of Israel, talks of seeking the place God chooses where He will put His name for His dwelling place (Deut. 12:5). For the Israelites, that was in the Promised Land.  For you, that’s in your heart and life.

This life offers no permanent solutions. Some of you reading this may be so overcome with grief and pain that you may be contemplating putting an end to it all.  I would ask you to stop and reconsider.  Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. At one point in my life, it looked to me as the only way I could stop the pain.  Thankfully, the Lord put someone in that instant who kept me from it.  If you’re perhaps there, you have not arrived here by accident.  If you are contemplating it, wait 24 hours and things might look very differently tomorrow.  There’s a Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number in your area.  You found me, now find them online and call them.  Don’t be afraid.  These folks are there for you and will hear you with understanding and empathy.  They won’t judge you.

This current life is not forever.  If we only have Christ in this life, we would of all people be the most miserable for believing a lie.  But it is not a lie, for Christ is risen from the dead (1^st Corinthians 15:19-26). 

With all the insane developments we see now we can rest assured it remains a temporary insanity.  The Lord has promised his wayfaring children a precious heritage and guardianship.  In the forty years He led the Israelites in the wilderness He kept their clothes and sandals from wearing out (Deuteronomy 29:5). Take heart and trust He’s right there with you in your darkness.  He has perfect night vision.  He will never leave you or forsake you, and He remains as good as his word (Hebrews 13:5, 13:8). 

Ken