The Throne

Glistening gold, embedded with rubies, topaz, emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, and pearls—the throne beckoned for something, or someone, to sit upon it. What would suffice? What could fill the desires of my heart and be worthy of that royal seat? First, I placed my family and friends on the throne. "Nothing is as precious as family and friends, surely. How selfless and thoughtful of me." As I poured my soul into them, the ebb and flow of relationships just did not satisfy. No matter how hard we tried, we always ended up disappointing each other in one way or another. I loved them, yes, but placing them on the throne had more distorted life than enriched it. Next, I placed my dreams and goals on the throne. These pursuits were indeed worthy: to grow, better myself, and work hard. Sometimes I achieved and conquered, other times I failed, but I pressed on. Yet, no matter how many improvements I made, it was never enough. Sadly, I discovered that dreams and goals did not belong on the throne either. Then, I positioned my religious works on the throne. I served at church, volunteered in my community, and gave to those in need. While the longing in my heart was subdued for a while, eventually I became burnt out and jaded. No, religious works could not fill this void. Desperate and weary, I stared at the glittering throne. I was at a loss. Then, I felt a steady hand on my shoulder. I turned and saw Jesus, His eyes kind. “Will you trust me?” He asked. I hesitated, then nodded slowly…and Jesus took His rightful place on the throne of my heart. He invited me to spend time in His presence. I found His Words to be sweet, life-giving, and convicting. When I spoke to Him, He always listened to me…and I learned in time to be still and listen to Him speak to me. Living with Jesus on the throne of my heart not only transformed me, I watched as He slowly began to transform every part of my life. In relationships with family and friends, He helped me to love more deeply than I had imagined possible. My dreams and goals were no longer my own, but shaped by what God was doing in my heart. As I continued to serve others, I was sustained by the overflow of daily peace and strength that I received from Jesus. As I spent time with Him, He guided me, leading me into both seasons of productivity and seasons of rest. As I contemplated my life, one thing was abundantly clear: the only One who was worthy to claim the seat on the throne of my heart was Jesus Christ. • Savannah Coleman • What are you tempted to place on the throne of your heart? How have these things let you down? • Jesus—the One who died and rose again to save His people and restore His creation—is enthroned as King over all. But, we can choose whether or not we submit to Jesus in the context of our personal, loving relationship with Him. Why is Jesus the only One worthy to be on the throne of our hearts? I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne…be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!” Revelation 5:13 (WEB)