Articles
Wings Like a Dove
Wings Like a Dove
I said, Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest (Psalm 55:6)
This petition made by David at a time when his heart was deeply troubled is one that I venture to say has often in some form entered our heart when we too have come under some burden that troubled us greatly. Who among us does not sometimes wish they could just walk away from the confusion and agitations of this sinful world and find calmness of soul and peace of mind?
How often do we wish that we could just run to a place of safety where we would be free from all the afflictions, troubles and sorrows that so often beset us on this earthly pilgrimage? Sadly, there is no place on planet earth where those things that trouble our hearts and often threaten to overwhelm us will never strike our human frame. The rest we yearn for is a calmness of soul, a peace of mind with a feeling of contentment and security. Thanks be to God, that on this earthly pilgrimage there is rest available for the children of God as evidenced by passages like Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:28-31, John 14:27, James 4:7-10, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Philippians 4:4-7, Hebrews 4:9-16). Of course, there is a place of rest where afflictions, troubles and sorrows will never enter. That place is heaven to which the faithful child of God will one day fly away to and be at rest forever (Rev. 21:1-7; John 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1-9; Rev. 14:13).
We must understand that this precious promise of finding rest be it in this world or in the world to come is given only to those who are in Christ. To be in Christ we must be baptized into him (Galatians 3:27; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38) and this is preceded by hearing him, believing him, repenting of sins, and confessing him (Rom. 10:17; Luke 13:3; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37). This puts us in that strait and narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14). From this point on we must strive diligently to remain on that narrow way lest we through disobedience become a castaway and forfeit the precious promise of rest not only in this world but the world to come as well (Rev. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:27, 10:12).
Study carefully the following passages: Matthew 5:16; Matthew 6:33; 1Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 3:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 John 2:15-17 and 2 Peter 2:5-11). Think long and hard on what those passages tell us: Let your light shine, seek first, be steadfast, be an example, love not, add to your faith. Every one of these is a personal responsibility enjoined upon each one of us to perform to the best of our ability if we are to remain on the strait and narrow way thereby having access to the rest that will sustain on this earthly journey and ultimately end in a rest that will last forever with God and the redeemed of all ages. To God be the glory, Amen and Amen!
One last thought as it regards the rest we long for. I am convinced that if we are going to have calmness of soul, peace of mind with contentment and a feeling of security in this world as well as the world to come, we must be willing in this life to present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, entirely turning body and mind over to Him. It is saying to God, I am yours, use me anyway you see fit. For it to be a true sacrifice there must be no holding back of anything be it time, talents, money, loyalty, commitment or anything else. We can offer no greater sacrifice than that which Paul speaks of in Romans 12:1-2. The rest we long for is one that must be earnestly desired. It is worth whatever we have to do in order to obtain it.
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
