While journeying through this wilderness of troubles

(Thomas Reade, "Christian Meditations") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Everything here below is fleeting and transitory.

While journeying through this wilderness of troubles, few verdant spots are to be found on which the weary traveler can repose.

The earth lies under the curse.

Thorns and thistles cover the ground.

Storms and tempests agitate the air.

Disease and death dissolve the dearest ties.

Everything around me bespeaks the Fall, and testifies that this is not my rest. Why, then, should my foolish heart repose itself on any creature comfort? Have I still to learn that all of this world is less than nothing and vanity?

"Oh! blessed Jesus, reveal Yourself to my heart—soften, melt, and renew it. Consume all the dross which it contains, and transform it, wholly, after Your image; that, while surrounded by evils of every name, and sorrows of every kind, which abound in this rebellious, dying world—I may enjoy the light of Your countenance, and the purifying influence of Your love. Fill me with Your love; satiate my soul with Your goodness; and make me an everlasting trophy of your grace!"

"Arise and depart! For this is not your resting place,because it is defiled, it is ruined beyond all remedy!" Micah 2:10