A Slow and Steady Uphill Climb

Last week our pastor preached on Psalm 23.  What struck me the most was when he pointed out that it says "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."  He pointed out that it says walk.  It doesn't say run, hop, skip, fly, or jump.  It says walk.

This week, he preached on Psalm 24.

A Psalm of David.

 ¹ The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof,
   the world and those who dwell therein,
²for he has founded it upon the seas
   and established it upon the rivers.

 ³ Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
   And who shall stand in his holy place?
⁴ He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
   who does not lift up his soul to what is false
   and does not swear deceitfully.
⁵He will receive blessing from the LORD
   and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
⁶Such is the generation of those who seek him,
   who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
                         Selah

 ⁷ Lift up your heads, O gates!
   And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
⁸Who is this King of glory?
   The LORD, strong and mighty,
   the LORD, mighty in battle!
⁹Lift up your heads, O gates!
   And lift them up, O ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰Who is this King of glory?
    The LORD of hosts,
   he is the King of glory! 

The point that struck me the most was his description of what the ascension is like.  It isn't an easy road--it is an up hill journey.  It has beautiful scenery along the way, but often we simply have to put one foot in front of the other.  

After church this past Sunday, we got to see some beautiful scenery.  It came in the form of our offer being accepted for a house we wish to purchase.  It was one of those times when I so aware of and amazed by how God orchestrated things.  

The day after brought the first steps of beginning the mortgage process.  I locked in our rate and started the process.  I caught a mistake in an email I received that incorrectly listed the address.  I requested it be changed.  Through the next three days, I made probably 5 or 6 phone calls to the loan company because of different questions we had.  The last 3 were simply because the loan processor's phone message said she'd be out of the office until October 24th.  October 24th?  Hmmm...  

Finally, someone told me that I wouldn't get a call from the loan processor until 5-10 days into the process.  Ah, well that explains some things.  

Then, we got a call tonight that made us realize that we have to keep on top of this!  At the same time we have to trust the Lord and not live anxiously, while actively checking in and confirming that everything is in order.  

It's funny.  When you get a contract on a house, it feels as if the hard part is done!  And yet, it's only just beginning.  The road we're on is an uphill one.