If I were cast away to a desert island, I’d need to cling on to eternal truths that would give me endurance and resilience, even in this seemingly hopeless situation. I’d pick verses that set glorious, timeless realities before me; and if I could only have a few, perhaps I’d take one from each of my favourite chapters. These would give me perspective, comfort and encouragement, even on a grim and desolate island far, far away:
Which verses would you take to the desert island?
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12
Sin would still be my greatest enemy on this island, so I’d need to be reminded of God’s boundless mercy and grace. Psalm 103 portrays that grace so beautifully, and what a lovely picture v12 paints. To think that my sins have been permanently parted from me, to an infinite distance, so that they can never doom and condemn me – that is a most precious thought indeed! It’s as though they’ve been banished away to a faraway place and can never be retrieved.
He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
This verse would remind me of the cost of my forgiveness. What a staggering thing it is, that the Son of God received on Himself all the suffering and punishment that I deserve! Meditating on the cross of Christ is so essential, whether on a far-flung desert island or safe at home, as it shows me how great God’s love is, how precious Christ is, and where my hope is to be found.
Most assuredly, I say to you, He who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47
I love the simplicity of Christ’s promises in this chapter, and v47 is perhaps the simplest of all. Whatever doubts and fears may assail me, I can hold on to this – the Lord Jesus promises eternal life to all who trust in Him. What a wonderful thing to remember when cast down, conscious of sin or oppressed by the evil one (or cast away on an island!) – in Christ, I have a gift beyond all value that can never be snatched away: everlasting life!
I am persuaded that neither death nor life … nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
It’s very hard to pick out just one verse from this chapter. It’s so full of precious gems: that there’s no condemnation in Christ, that present sufferings aren’t worthy to be compared with future glory, that all things work together for good… But what a comfort the closing verses would be on a desert island, or any other bleak situation in life. To know that there is not a single power, affliction or circumstance that can ever drive a wedge between me and my Saviour’s love – that’s a magnificent confidence to have!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
Being on a desert island wouldn’t seem like a very “blessed” situation. But this chapter tells me that whatever my earthly lot may be, I am astoundingly privileged in the Lord Jesus Christ. Chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed, enlightened, made an heir and sealed – since those things are true of me (by grace), I have no grounds for moaning and grumbling, but plenty of reason for praise!
I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1
This verse would remind me that I wouldn’t be stuck on the island forever. In any distressing situation, I can look ahead with eagerness to the perfect new creation that’s coming one day. The thought of my future home – free from tears, death, sorrow, crying and pain – gives much needed perspective to all that’s happening in the present. And on a desert island, I’m sure the thought of “no more sea” would be particularly welcome!
Who would you like to find on the island for company?
That would have to be C.H. Spurgeon – his deep love for Christ, wise counsel and warm humour would be ideal for a situation like this!
Which song would you take to the island?
Charles Wesley has a wonderful way of combining truth and experience in his hymns, so I’d pick one of his. Since ‘And can it be’ (my favourite) has already been chosen, I’ll go for ‘Jesu, Lover of my soul’. This would remind me of the security, shelter and all-sufficient grace that are to be found in Christ, even when cast away on a remote desert island.
Jesu', Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life be past;
Safe into the haven guide;
O receive my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! Leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me:
All my trust on Thee is stayed,
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of Thy wing.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want;
More than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
Heal the sick, and lead the blind:
Just and holy is Thy Name,
I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound,
Make and keep me pure within:
Thou of life the fountain art,
Freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart,
Rise to all eternity.
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