Years ago, my wife and I got off the Paris Metro at the wrong station, on our way back to our hotel, after a great day of shopping. Soon we realized that we were in a suburban area, and all our attempts to find a cab were futile. Language presented the biggest hurdle in seeking directions. So, we walked, looking for some familiar building, a signboard, or a landmark. We walked through immaculately maintained parks with beautiful flowers; we walked through messy construction sites; we passed garbage dumps; we saw a brawl between two drunks; we saw some old people resting on roadside benches, a young couple in love. We were on the strange roads of Paris for nearly three hours, resting now and again, before we found our hotel.

If you dare to take a walk through your soul, your experience would be somewhat like what we experienced. The first thing you will realize is that you are threading through unknown territory!

You would have never imagined that your inner being looked like what you see. Nevertheless, you should press on through the twists and turns of your soul. Such a venture, however, should have a purpose. For my wife and me, in the suburbs of Paris, it was to find our hotel. A walk through your soul should be to find your Christian faith. If you complete the journey, you will be blessed with a bonus-Jesus Christ!

This walkthrough of your soul is not going to be easy. You are going to discover plenty of landmines of hidden sins, the wrongs you did, the good you have failed to do, doubts about Christ you secretly harboured, fear of the unknown, and deceptive ideas planted in you by the evil one, and much more. These are memories and matters you have managed to hide deep in your inner-self. You need to look out for these, like the soldiers do, without stepping on any, but neutralizing each as you go on.

You need not get petrified when you encounter these landmines. Remember what Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12. His light will guide you on this journey of yours. Jesus will restore your soul and His rod and staff will comfort you as you progress.

You will also find beautiful things during your journey through your soul, just as my wife and I saw beautiful gardens full of colourful flowers. You will encounter the many blessings you have received from Jesus. You will discover how much Jesus loves you. How many times He has forgiven you? You will come across those angels Jesus had sent to help you out of difficult situations, in the form of a stranger, even in the person of someone you disliked!

You will understand the value of forgiveness, knowing how Jesus forgave you, time and again. You will know the beauty of pure love, and compassion. As you complete your journey, you will discover the real you. You will emerge much stronger in your faith, and you would have experienced Jesus Christ in the process.

What are you waiting for? Now is the time to start on your journey through your soul.

Anand Peter

Passages for reflection: Ephesians 4:21-25 & 1 Corinthians 5:7-8