When the world appears to be falling apart with hatred, disease, death and isolation, how do you cope with all the stress, anxiety and depression caused by these stifling events? One way is to look toward a bright future.
A lyric from Elton John’s song “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” goes like this:
“Oh, I finally decided my future lies beyond the yellow brick road.”
My interpretation of this song tells the story of a poor farm boy who was seduced by a wealthy, sophisticated woman. She offered him residence in her penthouse. She denied him no luxury, but with luxury came at a cost. She was controlling; he totally lost his freedom. He emphatically tells her, “I didn’t sign up for this and I am going back to my plow.” He gave up his yellow brick road to gain his future and freedom back. The yellow brick road in the song represents a path to easy street, where seemingly all your worries and cares are eliminated and all your desires and life purpose are fulfilled. What at the time seemed like the road to happiness ended up in a trap of despair.
As I was listening to this song, I wondered what is it that actually lies beyond the yellow brick road. In this life, we choose the roads we want to follow. Some roads promise to be a yellow brick road but turn suddenly into a trap, which is why prayer for God’s will in our life is so vital. Once we have traveled through this world’s paths, there is one yellow brick road that is tried and true – the Heavenly gold streets. Growing up, my parents, Sunday school teachers, and pastors told me that Heaven has roads made of gold—yellow brick roads. But what I want to know is, what is beyond the yellow brick road? I believe our Creator, Father, Savior, Rescuer, and Comforter—that is to say, our God—resides beyond the yellow brick road. Like the farm boy in Elton John’s song, I have decided my future lies beyond the yellow brick road. My future lies with the One True God and, as a believer, in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose presence will always be with me. Beyond the yellow brick road lies my freedom from this world. For this world has no hold on me. Why? Because our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome this world.
Galatians 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
You might ask, “Where’s the proof that God is beyond the yellow brick road?” That’s a good question. I will explain it as best as I can: At our home, we are set up to a wireless connection to which we connect our computers, phones and televisions. This wireless connection is vital for our work and entertainment. Although there isn’t a physical electrical cord hooked up to our devices, we still receive connection through an invisible tie. We have proof that the wireless connection is working when we see that we have access to the internet. Just like we can’t see the wireless connection, we don’t physically see the person of God right now, but we can feel His presence. We can see the effects of God working out His purpose and pleasure in our lives.
If you want to experience more of who God is, then ask Him for validation of His presence in your life. There will be a time when we will get to see God face-to-face. When that time comes, Jesus asks us to be ready. He’s not too far away. He is just beyond the yellow brick road, and that’s where my future lies.
Discussions to make God known 