Freefall

       

      

      A few days ago I awoke to a momentary vision which I hope I shall never forget. I was falling, down, down, in a vacuum of softest pink pearl, like a rosy dawn. I was alone, not tethered to any encumbrances like fear, worry, pain, or regret. The only sensation was a feeling of contentment and safety, joy even. As I puzzled over the pleasant peace that settled over me while I lay in bed, immediately there came to mind a line from a Wing and A Prayer song: "You are my Rock-- on You I stand." And somehow I knew deep in my soul that at the end of that freefall, my Father's everlasting arms were waiting to catch me in the gentlest, most loving embrace I could imagine.

"From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."  (Psalm 61:2 NIV)

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27a TLB)

      I have had the most unaccustomed tranquility since that day. The stress of the world, worries about health, relationships, obligations, needs, or earthly desires may come to mind, but are immediately tossed into that beautiful space of serenity and quickly disappear. I find myself smiling, as if I have a wonderful secret, but it's a secret I would like to share with the world. It's as simple as that pink block at the top of the page and as solid as the rock I'm sitting on below. It's the assurance that when the end comes, when my freefall stops, all will be well. All my past mistakes and blunders, all my worries over what I've done wrong or failed to do, all the pain that came to me unbidden, will disappear in the blink of an eye, and all WILL be well with my soul. 

      It's Jesus! His battered, bloody, nail-scarred body is the ONLY doorway leading to this "peace that passeth understanding." My vacuum was pink, like the water and blood mingled together that flowed down His side, and I was alone, because that's the only way to enter His family. We don't gain salvation through a parent or friend, or attached to any individual or organization, but through our own choice to accept His gift freely.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:7 KJV, emphasis mine)

"I am at rest in God alone;

my salvation comes from Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my stronghold; I will never be shaken."

(Psalm 62:1-2 CSB)

"He must increase, but I must decrease"  (John 3:30)

♱