"The Thirsty Deer" (Part 4)

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. (Psalm 42:1-4 NIV).

Yesterday we saw that the Psalmist was enduring a difficult trial of some kind. However, it hadn’t always been like this. There had been times of real contentment; real joy. In fact, there were times when the Psalmist led the procession, when he was the chief cheerleader of what God was doing in his life. But, that was before. That was before the day of trouble came; before the day when everything fell apart in his life; when it began to seem that his world, as he knew it, was failing.

I also shared with you some of the trials of this past year in my life. The more I think about them, the more I am convinced that they have been a significant tool in God’s hand to help me keep a positive perspective. This is especially true when I begin to look at some of the challenges that others have faced. In fact, when I look at my challenges compared to theirs, I really haven’t faced much of a trial at all! Yet, the temptation was to somehow forget the greatness of God and his immeasurable grace.

That doesn’t erase the challenges. They are very real. But so are the times of peace. Those times of peace serve as an anchor to our soul. Of course, they can also cause us to see our future without hope. I’ve found that the best approach is to fondly remember past times of peace, recalling the faithfulness of God, and anticipated the good God is going to do with our future. God is working, even right now, towards an ultimate good in your life!

Let me be a little personal. In 1969 God issued an unmistakably clear call to me in ministry. I have never felt that call more clearly than now. It is a call to bring grace to the hurting families and ministers of our world. It is a call to focus on what I have called Grace Restoration Ministries. That has necessitated that I do some very bold things. However, I know that God has brought me to this place, shaping me with so many diverse experiences and planting a deep sense of compassion for people for this time. You see, I remember when the procession led us to worship with shouts of joy. I have found lots of shouting in today’s church, but very little joy. There is an absence of grace that has blinded so many to the incredible measure of God’s presence being poured out among us. Have you found that joy more and more elusive? If so, here’s my pledge to you. Call me. Email me. If you know others who need that joy, have them call or email. It is a wonderful journey and we can get on the path together now! The next step is yours.