All The Wrong Places

I forgot to mention yesterday how hard it is to walk in 40 mph winds with a fractured foot...


Anyway, on to today..... Has it already been a week since we celebrated the Lord's victory?


As I was meditating on the Resurrection stories again last night, I really focused on this verse- John 20:13-
They asked her, 'Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she answered, "and I don't know where they have put him."


What happened to the risen Lord? Where did He go? Mary Magdalene wanted to know. Mary Magadalene was just looking for the living among the dead. She was looking for Jesus in all the wrong places. 


Sometimes, that happens to me too. It reminds me of the song, "Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places"- Sometimes, we look for Jesus in all the wrong places. 


I feel sick and I look for Jesus in doctors and pills. 


I feel overwhelmed and I look for Jesus in a small nap on the couch. 


I feel hurt and betrayed and I look for Jesus in others for consolation and support. 


I feel anxious and I look for Jesus in long deep breaths. 


I feel afraid and I look for Jesus in safety precautions I take. 


But, I haven't ever found Jesus in those places.


And sometimes, like Mary Magdalene, I ask, "Where do you put a risen Lord?"


Where is Jesus? It seems like the world has taken Him away, and I don't know where they have put Him.


There was more to Mary Magdalene's story... (v. 15-16)

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” 


Mary turned around and found her Lord and Savior.


And I know where to find the Risen Lord. The Risen Lord is in my heart. The Risen Lord is in the Word. The Risen Lord is in His church. The Risen Lord is in chapel. The Risen Lord is only a prayer away.


When I'm sick, pills and doctors can provide physical relief, but only the Risen Lord can provide the ultimate healing. "He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)


When I'm overwhelmed, a nap provides a temporary way to be still, but only God can provide His perfect peace and reassurance. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10).


When I'm hurt and feel betrayed, others can provide encouragement and advice, but only God can give hope to a broken heart and protection from enemies. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; my cup overfloweth." (Psalm 23:5)


When I feel anxious, deep breaths can calm me down, but only Jesus provides relief from anxiety and pressure. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)


When I feel afraid, only Jesus can provide ultimate security and relief from the tensions and pressures of fears. "Do not be afraid." (Matthew 28:10)


And I can sit and cry, and say "They've taken my Lord away and I don't know where they have put him."


And then Jesus says my name. He says, "Why are you crying?" and when I reply with my frustrations or hurts, and claim that I don't know where my Lord is, He answers me with my name, like He does to Mary.


He says, "Dylan." And there my Lord stands. There is no search for a risen Lord. He's right here. And only He has been able to provide the relief and hope that I've so longed for. 


Where is the Risen Lord? He's right here.


Today's blessings:
-Sleeping in!


-A LOT of laughter at lunch


-"Dylan, don't leave yet! You don't have anywhere to be. Stay and visit with us longer!"


-More time at the organ


-Work on my project completed!


-Even more laughter and valuable conversation at dinner!


-More finds on the garage sales by my family!


-I just read my blessing list from yesterday and I smiled again!