Alive in Christ

 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

At times it is difficult to realise the living presence of Christ. We may be blinded by life’s happenings, doubts and the ceaseless pressures of living.  You will recall how the two disciples, following the death of Jesus, found themselves on the highway of heartbreak as they made their mournful way towards Emmaus.

Arch Wiggins put this so beautifully in his poem “Jesus himself drew near.”

I set out a pilgrim sad at heart
To walk a lonely road;
Doubt had marr’d my simple trusting,
Doubt a future ill forbode;
And as I pondered o’er my grief,
My shattered hopes and unbelief,
A Stranger to my soul’s relief,
Drew near and walked with me.

I deign’d not to raise my drooping eyes,
Nor sought to learn His name,
Tho’ His voice, like heav’nly music,
Set this heart of mine aflame.
He seemed to read my every thought,
To know the pain my fears had wrought.
And with His gentle words He brought
An atmosphere of peace.

The shadows of evening fell apace,
New dangers lay ahead;
But, with my Companion walking,
I no longer felt their dread.
I begged Him ne’er to quit my side,
With me to constantly abide;
In gracious tones my Lord replied
‘My peace I leave with thee.’

Jesus himself drew near,
When alone on the road,
Oppress’d by my load,
Jesus himself drew near and walked with me.

As we finish our week of living in Christ, perhaps we could focus outward on how we can carry the presence of Christ into our spheres of influence. We have learned this week that God is with us always and available to us at all times. There is never a time he isn’t by your side, and we have the profound privilege of carrying his presence with us everywhere we go. As we practice sensitivity, God will be faithful to show up and move in amazing ways. As we move into this new year, may we be blessed beyond measure as we seek to show the world his love.