My sister sent me this meditation and encouraging email as I have been going through difficult times. I wanted to share it since I believe it will be helpful to so many who are trying to maintain their Christian walk on the narrow path. It is unedited except for the layout and minor copy editing (punctuation).
The Narrow Ancient Path
November 10. 2024
Matthew 7:14
“…narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few that find it.”
“Enter by the narrow gate.”
“Deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Me.”
“He leads me in paths of righteousness—for His name’s sake.” Ps. 23
This morning, I sat to pray and have sweet communion with our LORD. Background music (Bethesda by the Riveras’) was beautiful, but I had trouble because my thoughts kept wondering into the daily activities. It wasn’t yet the time for all that. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
I had to intentionally direct my thoughts to His word, so I opened my Bible, and my eyes were drawn to these verses. “DIFFICULT IS THE WAY.”, hit me. Entering such a narrow place and then walking along the narrow path is not what you think it will be. Not many are there, which speaks to walking alone and occasionally meeting others along a narrow path. This life path has green pastures of rest and quiet streams of refreshing living waters to restore your battered soul.
Denying yourself has consequences such as being misunderstood or dismissed, being rejected or abandoned, and being lonely or despairing. There is that valley—you know, the one—the shadow of death, where your enemies try to destroy you. That is where you find snares and traps and flaming arrows. The journey can be difficult, covered in thorny briars and slippery rocks in the darkness. The cry for mercy is heard by the shepherd King. Just ahead is a clearing where He has laid out a feast that will nourish the weary, battered soul. He breaks the bread and offers the cup to you in sweetest communion and fellowship. At once, the enemies fade, and peace covers you like the dew of a new morning. He pours fragrant oil over your head, and your thoughts find rest. His balm goes as deep into the wounds as you are patient. The more you are quietly patient, the more you are healed, even to the very depths.
He fills your cup to overflowing as you count it all joy to have come so far and overcome so much. A time in His presence melts away what is behind and gives strength for what is ahead.
He gives companions along the narrow path to walk with you. Goodness is with you so you don’t faint in the day of adversity, for there will be many difficult days along the way. Mercy is ever present, as His compassions never fail, and His faithfulness is steadfast and sure. Weeping endures through the night, but JOY comes in the morning.
This path leads to life—an eternally beautiful place beyond anything we can imagine. We will dwell in His house forever in the beauty of His holiness.
Because of the high degree of difficulty of choosing this narrow path, many choose the wider well-travelled path. The companions along this road are not selfless, but self-seeking and contentious. All walking on this broad way are eventually destroyed.
Is there no hope then? Even along this destructive path, the shepherd makes His call to those who are broken and weary. “Leave the road you are on and follow Me.” There are places all along the path of destruction that will lead to the narrow path of life. Cast off the world and all its companions. Choose life in the Spirit and the way of love, peace, mercy, and grace. In the end, you will live and not die.
The kingdom of our God is for you, but you must choose by laying down your life to follow His narrow way through the cross.
True salvation awaits!
His with JOY, Dianne Zacharias 11/10/24
Mathew 7:14 meditation
