There Is A King

Matthew 19:30 (NIV)

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Several years ago, I read a book called Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. A fisheries expert is recruited to introduce fly fishing to the Yemen desert. I’m no fisheries expert but even I grasped the physiological and meteorological obstacles of such a feat. It’s a good read, but I don’t think anyone would call it a 'classic'. Bizarrely, however, it has stuck with me over the years. Whenever I feel like I am making hard decisions, ones which may head in an opposite direction to others because I am trying to hold onto Biblical truths, I remember this book and remind myself that I’m trying to do something hard in an inhospitable climate. 

Struggling with this recently, I came across the song ‘There Is A King’ by Elevation Worship. I’ve played it many times, but this was the first time these two lines jumped out; ‘Every burden will be lifted in his presence Every trophy will be laid down at his feet’. We have to lay these trophies or successes down, not because our heavenly Father doesn’t like them and feels threatened by them, but so that he can lift the burden of expectation, the burden of striving, the burden of being ‘first’, off our shoulders. 

Whilst we strive for the world's trophies of money, success, looks, status, power etc. we are losing out on the Kingdom gifts of peace, joy, acceptance, freedom etc. I loved how this new song breathed life into this Biblical truth for me. Come first in the right race, Libby, the one where the course might be tough, but the rewards are eternal.

Prayer - Lord, thank you that you take my striving and put it down so you can replace it with so many good things. I pray for a daily reminder to keep laying these trophies down and to welcome in what you have for me.