Beech Tree News Network

A song I grew up singing had the above title. In every verse, after naming various things we might see and enjoy in this life, the writer declares that when we face difficulties in life, we must ask, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” This is a good question that demands a response from all of us. Where could I go but to the Lord? Truly, there is no one else who loves us like He does. There is no one else who is interested in saving us from sin. There is no one else who cares for us (I Pet. 5:8). Where could I go but to the Lord?

    Sadly, some folks turn to others for the solutions to life’s problems, and they are disappointed. Jesus Christ does not disappoint! Thankfully, Peter recognized he could not go to anyone else. In John 6, we see that after Jesus told the people things that they did not really want to hear, the Bible says, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (Jn. 6:66). When the people left, Jesus asked His disciples if they were also going to leave Him (Jn. 6:67). Peter responded: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). In this, we see the answer to our needs as well! To whom shall we go? There is no one else that has the words of eternal life. There is no one else who loves us as Christ does. There is no one else who would so willingly sacrifice for those who are so unworthy (Matt. 20:28; Rom. 5:8; I Pet. 1:18-19). Where could I go but to the Lord?

    In Psalm 73:25, David expressed a similar thought: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” David reveals something that ought to be true in each one of us. Our true desire upon earth ought to be for Christ and for pleasing Him. Like the deer that pants for the water (Ps. 42:1), we need to long for the Lord! To whom can we turn except to the Lord? No one has control in this life (Prov. 27:1). Therefore, let us cling tightly to the Lord for our strength and refuge (Ps. 46:1). In addition to this, no one is prepared for death and eternity if we have turned our backs upon the Lord! We are told that “now is the accepted time” and “now is the day of salvation” for a reason (II Cor. 6:2). Yet, who is it that will save us? There is only One who can save us, and this is the One who said He came to give His life a “ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). Where could I go but to the Lord?

    Let us take a moment for self-examination. Have we become so self-sufficient that we think we can handle all problems, and solve all difficulties? James 5:13 reminds us that we need to turn to the Lord and lean upon Him. It says, “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.” Regardless of our outward circumstances, whether in joy or in heaviness, we need to be leaning upon Christ. Sing to Him! Pray to Him! In all things, lean upon Him! Where could I go but to the Lord? Christ deserves our praise and thanks when times are good. He deserves our trust and faithfulness when times are bad. Let us say with David, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). May we never become so self-sufficient that we take no comfort in the things of the Lord!

    Where can we go but to the Lord? Do we trust Him? Are we living a life to His honor and glory (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10)? Our pilgrimage in this life is short (Jas. 4:14; I Pet. 2:11), and it demands that we place Christ first in our lives. When we do not, we are setting ourselves up for many problems. Are you in the Lord (Gal. 3:27)? Where else can we go?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program on 1570 AM at 8:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167