Life has a way of coming at us fast, doesn’t it? In the middle of busy schedules, unexpected turns, and daily burdens, it is so easy to feel as though we are trudging along a long, weary road all by ourselves. Not long ago, I listened to the audio version of John Bunyan’s classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress. I hadn’t read or listened to it in years, but as I followed Christian on his journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, I once again marvelled at how closely I related to him in places. First published nearly 350 years ago, The Pilgrim’s Progress captures the Christian life with an amazing accuracy that is still relevant in our modern times. The terrain Christian walked may have had unusual names, but the struggles he encountered are remarkably familiar to those of us walking the Christian road today. This certainly isn’t meant to be a summary of such a rich book. These are simply three places along Christian’s journey that especially spoke to me as I listened this time. The Slough of DespondWhen We Fall into the Mud
Not long after beginning his journey, Christian tumbles into a deep, muddy swamp called the Slough of Despond. Burdened by the weight on his back and surrounded by the mire, he struggles to get out. Then a man named Help reaches down, takes him by the hand, pulls him out, and sets his feet back on solid ground. Bunyan’s imagery reminds me of one of Don’s most oft-quoted passages in Psalm 40:
The Parallel: We all have seasons when we feel as though we have fallen into the mud. We may be battling discouragement, physical pain, emotional exhaustion, fear, or even depression. Sometimes, as Christians, we can make matters worse by adding guilt and shame because we think we shouldn’t feel that way. Feeling discouraged does not mean you have stopped being a pilgrim. Sometimes it simply means you are a weary one. Look up. Reach for the help God provides through His Word, His Spirit, His people, and His grace. The Slough is part of the journey. It is not the destination. The Heavy BurdenAnd the Relief at the Cross
From the beginning of the story, Christian carries a crushing burden on his back. It represents the guilt and weight of sin. He desperately wants to be rid of it, but nothing he tries can remove it. Then he comes to the Cross. As Christian stands before it, the burden loosens from his shoulders, rolls down the hill, and disappears into the sepulchre. He never has to carry it again. The Parallel: What a beautiful picture of salvation! Christian’s burden is not merely the difficulties and worries of life. It represents the guilt of his sin, something he cannot remove for himself. And that is precisely our condition apart from Christ.
We do not work off the guilt of our sin, reason it away, or become good enough to remove it. Christ bore our sin for us upon the Cross. Salvation is not a reward we earn after carrying our burden faithfully enough. It is the gift of God.
Once that burden has been dealt with at the Cross, there are still other burdens we are tempted to strap onto our backs. Past regrets. Worry about tomorrow. Problems we cannot solve. People we cannot change. Those are the burdens Peter tells us to give back to the One who cares for us:
The Hill DifficultyWhen the Path Gets Steep
Later, Christian comes to a steep, rocky hill called Difficulty. He can’t go around it. The right road goes straight up the incline. At first he runs. Then he walks. Finally, the hill becomes so steep that he is climbing on his hands and knees. About halfway up, however, Christian finds a pleasant arbor made by the Lord of the Hill specifically for the refreshment of weary travellers. It reminded me of David’s words:
Christian later learns an important lesson about lingering there too long, but I love the fact that the place of refreshment was there in the first place. The Parallel: The Christian life isn’t a smooth, flat highway. God does not promise that there won’t be steep hills, but He knows exactly when His pilgrims need strengthening along the way. If you are climbing a steep hill in your life right now, don’t quit. Perhaps you cannot see the top yet. Perhaps you have gone from running, to walking, to what feels like crawling on your hands and knees. Keep going. And when God provides a quiet place of refreshment along the climb, receive it gratefully. Rest is not the same thing as quitting. A Timely Recommendation for Your SoulIf it has been a while since you’ve read The Pilgrim’s Progress, or especially if you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing this rich Christian classic, I encourage you to pick it up or listen to the audio version. I have only scratched the surface of its richness here. Vanity Fair, Doubting Castle, Giant Despair, the Valley of the Shadow of Death, the Delectable Mountains... there is so much more along Christian’s road that feels surprisingly familiar to our own. I’m a multi-tasker and always feel as though I have “so much to get done,” so listening while doing chores and driving is currently my favourite way to devour books. This one was such a sweet tonic for my soul. It reminded me that the struggles, detours, temptations, and weariness we encounter are neither new nor unusual. Believers have been walking this road for generations. John Bunyan began writing this timeless allegory while imprisoned for his preaching. Out of his own difficult circumstances came a story that has encouraged generations of Christians to keep travelling on that narrow path to the Celestial City. And perhaps that is the encouragement I needed most as I listened. Keep walking, friend. The road may be steep in places. There may be mud, detours, weariness, and battles along the way. But for those who are in Christ, our home at the end is sure. Blessings, P.S. Have you ever read or listened to The Pilgrim’s Progress? Which character or place in the story made the biggest impression on you? Hit reply (or the comment button) and let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
You’re currently a free full subscriber to Simply Angie. If you’d like to offer heartfelt ministry support, you can upgrade to paid (Your voluntary contribution directly helps keep this newsletter free and accessible for everyone).
|
