Greetings, friends. I’m writing this post to share some scriptures and a song through which God has been ministering to me recently, with the hope of encouraging someone who’s reading. As you will see, the scriptures that I’m sharing actually include an admonishment to use these words to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ, and I hope you will be encouraged as you read this post.
I’ve been studying the prophetic writings in the Bible and attempting to get my head around the order of events that are to take place in the end times. I have read a book on the subject by the American Bible teacher David Jeremiah, as well as reading and rereading the prophetic books of the Bible for myself. If you know of any particularly good books about Christian eschatology please leave a comment with your recommendations, I’d be grateful.
I cannot help but feel we are going through unusually dark and strange times which seem to line up with what’s taught in Scripture about the second coming of Christ and the end times. It would, of course, be foolish to make a statement indicating that I believe we are undoubtedly close to Christ’s return, as no one knows the day nor hour (Matthew 24:36). But I believe there are signs.
The first scripture I would like to share for your encouragement concerns the event known as the Rapture:
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV)
I wait with longing for the event described in the above passage, and that portion of Scripture is like an anchor for me when I’m feeling depressed and despairing at the evil I see happening in the world. Come, Lord Jesus.
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 ESV)
Someone I know commented recently saying they felt God is using the lockdown to give people an opportunity to centre themselves on Christ, to study the Scriptures, and to prepare for Jesus’ return. Perhaps. The imposition of lockdown has certainly had that effect on me.
Finally, I wanted to share these simple yet powerful words from a song I fell in love with recently:
Hide me deep inside your heart, Lord
Cover me with Your wings, bring me into safety
Bring me into fellowship with who You are, Lord
Father, Son, and Spirit, this is all I long for
These words are from the chorus of a song entitled ‘In Your Midst’ by Allie Paige. If you’d like to listen to the song, this link will take you to the song on YouTube. God bless you and I hope you are encouraged, I’m praying for every person who reads this blog.
Perfect Chaos 
15 responses to “This is All I Long For”
As I listen to the lyrics of this song, I’m reflecting on the Scriptures you shared and your words about the times we’re living through. I try not to look at today’s strife as an indicator of the end times because as you say no one know when or how that will happen. But there are days where encouragement like yours is a blessing and a comfort to get through to tomorrow. Thanks and blessings on your writing.
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Hello Sherrey. That’s perfectly understandable (your thoughts on the end times). Thank you for your blessing on my writing and for taking the time to listen to the song I shared. Peace and God’s blessing upon you also 🙂
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I share your feelings about the end times but something tells me it’s going to get even more chaotic and dangerous before Jesus returns. I found John MacArthur’s “The Second Coming” to be biblically sound and informative. The theme of this blog reminds me of a Neal Morse song called “All I Ask For” that you might enjoy. It’s on YouTube. Keep the faith, brother. We’re in God’s hands and He is trustworthy.
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I’ll take a look at the book and song you mentioned, thanks friend. Praying for you and thanks for the encouraging words, God bless you! 🙂
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Hi Steven! Thanks for this encouraging post!
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God bless you, Rebekah, thank you for reading and commenting! 🙏🏻😊
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I am not really a Christian but I admire those who actually are, largely because of the good made possible through them. Steven, perhaps you truly emulate the qualities of Christ, through him who imparts grace. Either way, you are an outstanding person. If the angels are to blow the trumpets, then it could be that it’s necessary so as to preserve life in the long run. For whoever the bell tolls, it was wonderful to have had life and to have eaten its fruit. Keep well, JY
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Hi Jason. This might sound like an odd thing to say but I can imagine you as a Christian. If you saw the beauty in the Bible the way I do (you are a wordsmith so I imagine you would) I think you’d find the Christian Scriptures to be incomparably beautiful and enriching and satisfying. The more I study the Bible, the more I find it to be like a treasure trove. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment, friend, peace and blessings to you!
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The meta-stories from the Bible keep our imagination alive. There would be no Shakespeare, neither wordsmith, without it.
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Well, then I’m glad that I found your blog, Friend 😉
I could use a holy soul to pray for me!
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Would love to pray for you any time, David! I hope you’re okay and things are fine. It’s a treasure to me that you read my blog. I must check out your latest posts. God bless you 🙂
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Thank you Steven for this beautiful post of truth. I share the same thoughts and feelings. Through the chaos of life I hold tight to the anchor of truth. We know how it ends~and we know to whom has ultimate authority~and while I’m here I seem to love and encourage others. I listen to Dr. Jeremiah as well. There was a point in my life where hope seemed lost. I’m so thankful for the love of Christ and the encouragement I receive from others. Be blessed!
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Thank you so much for your comment (I’m sorry, I couldn’t find your name). I love what you said and it’s wonderful that you are grounded in truth, and are an encouragement to others (including me!). God bless you and I will say a prayer for you 🙏🏻✝️
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Thank you so much! Prayer warriors must stick together! Karla 😊
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I agree, we must! Thanks again, Karla 😊🙏🏻✝️
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