Good morning on this Monday of Holy Week. I have been reading through Paul David Tripp’s Lenten Devotion, Journey to the Cross. This book has had a powerful impact on my life in preparation for this week when we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This reading really gripped my heart and I wanted to share it with you. Read it slowly and allow the Holy Spirit to grip your heart as well.
I wish I could say I asked you, but I didn’t.
I wish I had thought that I needed help, but my mind was elsewhere.
I wish I had sought your wisdom, but I saw myself as wise.
I wish I had leaned on you, but I thought I was standing up straight.
I wish I had cast myself on your grace, but in the mirror I looked like someone who didn’t need it.
I wish I’d begun each day with you, but I was too busy.
I wish I had ended the night with you, but I was too tired.
I wish I had spent more time in your word, but I had people to see, places to go.
I wish I had looked ahead to a pathway I couldn’t traverse alone, but I was too focused on the here and now.
I am older now with more life behind me than in front of me.
I mourn my assessments of strength, my appraisals of wisdom, tagging myself righteous, my quest for independence.
I regret the moments lost, opportunities gone, dreams now faded.
I would spend my last days in the cloud of despondency, beating myself up, hoping to get back what is forever gone, if it were not for your grace.
I would not be able to look up as I look back. You went to the cross knowing every choice I would make, all that your mercy would need to cover.
I can be honest about my choices.
I can confess it all, and I can rest because your grace is that thorough and your love has that much power. Through the years I have learned that to find the strength to look back, I need the grace to look up.
Tripp, Paul David. Journey to the Cross (pp. 119-120). Crossway. Kindle Edition.
Have a blessed Holy Week.
Living in light of the gospel,
Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick
You can write to Bill at bwelte@americaskeswick.org
Check out this great song, Then He Bowed His Head and Died
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “Grace allows you to face your sin, to own it and not shift the blame.” ―
