Life in the Clouds
and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible 1 Peter 1:8
Greatly Rejoice – “Life is difficult,” says M. Scott Peck. “It’s not about you,” says Rick Warren. And then there’s the quip about not promising a rose garden. It seems that no matter where you look, the message is pretty stark. Maybe even discouraging. In the 5th Century BC, one Greek poet summarized Man’s condition: “Better not to be born, but if you are, to die as quickly as possible.” Every day I receive messages confirming the disaster and difficulty of life. Cancer, accidents, starvation, pain, death – we all know someone who would rather not have been born. Even Job cursed the day he was conceived.
And then there’s Peter. Writing to believers who were being tortured, he uses this remarkable word, agalliasthe. Why is it remarkable? Because it describes an impossible attitude about life’s difficulties. It’s a word that literally means, “much leaping for joy.” It’s the “life in the clouds” attitude. It’s jumping over the bar. Right in the midst of trials and trauma, Peter commends these believers for their “walking on air” lives.
How is this possible? If I look at my life, I see tribulation but not torture. I see difficulties but not destruction. I’m not about to be sawn in half, cast to lions, put on the rack. If these believers can live in the clouds, why can’t I?
The answer comes in the fifth and sixth words of this letter (1 Peter 1:1). Peter calls us to our true identity: elect resident aliens. Pilgrims on assignment in a foreign land. Travelers bound for unity with the glory of the Lord. Just passing through. The reason we can jump for joy no matter what life throws our way is that this world is not our home. Its trials and tribulations are water in my open hand. They just flow on by.
There is no greater blessing for daily living than the blessing of Job: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Once that becomes the mantra of your life, Air Jesus will be your permanent foot attire.
If your life seems stuck in the muck, maybe you’re wearing the wrong shoes. Doc Martin’s might be good for plodding, but you will need Air Jesus attire if you are going to leap with great joy.
