The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites.’” Say to them: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’” (Numbers 6:22-26 NIV).
In 1979, a silver amulet was discovered by archaeologists in a Jerusalem tomb. Inscribed on the silver foil, which dates to the seventh century B.C., were the words of this benediction of our reading today. It is the oldest known quotation from Scripture. Some have called it the great Aaronic blessing, in which it is God’s desire for his blessings to fall on those who were faithful so that they could experience peace and
wholeness in their relationship with God. It is also know as the Lord's Prayer of the Old Testament. It is also strikingly similar to the old Irish Blessing so many have known through the centuries.
For me it has become a short blessing which can be recited much like the Serenity Prayer when we need a reminder of who God is and how he acts toward us. He blesses us; he cares for us; he is gracious to us; he is present with us; and he brings peace into our lives. Each verse conveys two elements of benediction, and the verses
are progressively longer. It is a hopeful prayer. If ever there was a time when hope was necessary, today is such a time. There are five parts to the blessing:
First, it speaks of their hope that God would “bless and keep” them. This is a way of asking God to show favor on them and protect them.
Second, it speaks of the desire for God to “make His face shine on them.” This is a request for God to be pleased with them. It is all inclusive of actions, as well as motivations.
Third, it speaks of a desire for God to be “gracious” to them. This is perhaps my favorite part of the blessing. We ought to ask God for His mercy and compassion. He is the only real source of either.
Fourth, it speaks of their desire for God to “turn His face toward them.” It is a prayer asking for God’s approval.
Fifth, it speaks of a desire for God to grant His “peace.” Jesus said he would give us peace, not like the world gives it, but like His heavenly Father. That’s peace that allows us to do more the merely endure. It allows us to overcome!
When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you should ask him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also bless you. The simple words of this blessing reflect God's desire for his people. He is the source all blessings, grace, and peace in life; only through a relationship with this God can we hope to experience the fullness of life described here. The blessing builds toward that final word – peace. The beautiful Hebrew word shalom used here means much more than an absence of conflict. It implies a complete sense of well-being, health, and contentment. God offers this to anyone who is willing to follow him, and especially to those whose lives have been bruised and broken. So, if you see me and my greeting to you is not “Good Morning” but “Shalom” please understand that I’m not Jewish; I merely desire for you to have all of the peace of God! Shalom!
Showing posts with label strength of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strength of God. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
"Astern in the Boat"
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (Mark 4:35-41 NIV).
I know there are those of you who are much more knowledgeable about ships than I am. However, when I read the verses from our reading today, something very odd struck me. Jesus’ position in the boat was noted by Mark as being “in the stern.” I’m told that the proper language for this place on the ship is “astern” or “aft.”
Now, here’s the interesting thing about that description. I have seen replicas of these ships in Israel. In fact, I’ve been on the Sea of Galilee sailing in one. The way these ships are built, the weight of the boat is astern (at the back). That's what gives the boat its stability. So, I did a little more research after discovering this simple fact. It seems that boats of all kinds find their stability; their strength in the weight near the rear and bottom of the boat. Then I went back to today's scripture. It seems that Jesus was asleep in the part of the boat which gives it strength. The "stern", or the rear of the boat, is where the weight to anchor the boat down is found. If the "stern" area has enough weight, it will help keep the boat from turning over. Around the area called the "stern" one would most likely find the rudder of the boat which would give it direction. Jesus was in the "stern".
Maybe you didn't need a boat lesson today, but maybe you do need to hear that when the storm came upon the disciples, Jesus was in the place of strength. When life appeared most dangerous for the disciples, Jesus was in position to provide direction. At the weakest point, Jesus was still fully in control. By the way, He's in the stern of your life today; and as an added bonus, now He never sleeps!
Isn’t that good news? Don’t react to Jesus’ work in your life with amazement. He’s just doing what He promised to do. He said He would always be with us, to the very end! I like that, especially when the weather is really stormy in my life! Trust Him! He won’t let you down. He’s astern in your life!
I know there are those of you who are much more knowledgeable about ships than I am. However, when I read the verses from our reading today, something very odd struck me. Jesus’ position in the boat was noted by Mark as being “in the stern.” I’m told that the proper language for this place on the ship is “astern” or “aft.”
Now, here’s the interesting thing about that description. I have seen replicas of these ships in Israel. In fact, I’ve been on the Sea of Galilee sailing in one. The way these ships are built, the weight of the boat is astern (at the back). That's what gives the boat its stability. So, I did a little more research after discovering this simple fact. It seems that boats of all kinds find their stability; their strength in the weight near the rear and bottom of the boat. Then I went back to today's scripture. It seems that Jesus was asleep in the part of the boat which gives it strength. The "stern", or the rear of the boat, is where the weight to anchor the boat down is found. If the "stern" area has enough weight, it will help keep the boat from turning over. Around the area called the "stern" one would most likely find the rudder of the boat which would give it direction. Jesus was in the "stern".
Maybe you didn't need a boat lesson today, but maybe you do need to hear that when the storm came upon the disciples, Jesus was in the place of strength. When life appeared most dangerous for the disciples, Jesus was in position to provide direction. At the weakest point, Jesus was still fully in control. By the way, He's in the stern of your life today; and as an added bonus, now He never sleeps!
Isn’t that good news? Don’t react to Jesus’ work in your life with amazement. He’s just doing what He promised to do. He said He would always be with us, to the very end! I like that, especially when the weather is really stormy in my life! Trust Him! He won’t let you down. He’s astern in your life!
Monday, June 21, 2010
"Guarding the Low Places"
Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." (Nehemiah 4:13-14 NIV).
Yesterday I used the last of today’s reading to encourage you in the fight against the destruction of our families. Today I wanted to explore the preceding verse. This is the strategy that Nehemiah used to protect the people from the enemies threatening the people of Israel. He was most concerned with the “lowest points of the wall.” It occurs to me that most of the time our greatest challenges come at our weakest points too. The critical question then becomes how we can guard those positions better? Thinking more about that I’ve got some practical suggestions for you to practice; these are “do’s” instead of “do not’s.” They apply both in your relationship with your spouse or child.
1. Never both be angry at once. Perhaps the most essential element in our failure to extend grace in our relationships is that of anger. When we are angry, we simply cannot think clearly. Before you react, realize your feelings will affect your thoughts and words.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. Isn’t it strange how easy it is to raise our voices when situations become emotionally charged? The truth is that our voices are either a wonderful tool of love and grace, or they are a weapon of unmatched destruction.
3. If you must criticize, do so lovingly. This principle falls naturally from the previous one, but is just as essential for us to understand and practice.
4. Never bring up a mistake of the past. It goes without saying that the past ought to remain in the past. The only issue that ought to be dealt with is the one before you. Past failures should never be used as a weapon in any discussion. That’s not God’s way, and it shouldn’t be our way!
5. Neglect the whole world rather than each other. There are so many things that pull at our time and energy. We should be very careful to guard our relationships so that nothing may drive us apart. Make sure that your family sees you place them ahead of everything else in life.
6. Never let a day end without saying a good word to each other. What a difference a simple word of encouragement makes in the lives of those closest to us! There are so many different ways to accomplish this. It may be something as simple as “I love you,” or as complex as a “teachable moment.” Whatever the circumstances, don’t let a day go by without speaking a positive, affirmative word to your family.
7. Never allow the other to come home without a warm welcome. Home ought to be a place of peace and security. You can communicate this with a warm welcome when your spouse or your children arrive. Don’t be too disappointed if it is seemingly ignored or taken for granted. Most good things are in our busy lives. But, they make a huge difference in the crises of life. Can you imagine what the Prodigal would have done if he didn’t feel he could have gone home? The story may have had a much different ending.
8. Never go to bed mad. The apostle Paul wrote, don’t get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry and don't give the devil a chance. Like a campfire left untended, anger that smolders overnight can turn into a vast and destructive fire! Even if you do no more than agree to settle your differences at a later time, don’t let anger simmer in your home.
9. As soon as you realize you’ve made a mistake, admit it and ask for forgiveness. This is especially true when parents are dealing with teenagers. Here’s the principle: The tighter the grip, the more the struggle. One of the ways of relaxing your “grip” is to be able to admit to mistakes and ask for forgiveness. It will amaze you how much more you will be respected and honored.
10. It takes two to argue, short circuit arguments with calm wisdom. Just don’t play the game! I know that is certainly much easier to say than do, but the action will be prompted by the commitment. This is especially true as your children begin to stretch for more independence and freedom. Parenting is not a competition to be won. It is a journey to be experienced. The goal is to help our children become positive, mature, affirmative adults. At least one of the ways we can accomplish that goal is by setting the example!
Once again, let me encourage you to “Get Your Fight On!”
Yesterday I used the last of today’s reading to encourage you in the fight against the destruction of our families. Today I wanted to explore the preceding verse. This is the strategy that Nehemiah used to protect the people from the enemies threatening the people of Israel. He was most concerned with the “lowest points of the wall.” It occurs to me that most of the time our greatest challenges come at our weakest points too. The critical question then becomes how we can guard those positions better? Thinking more about that I’ve got some practical suggestions for you to practice; these are “do’s” instead of “do not’s.” They apply both in your relationship with your spouse or child.
1. Never both be angry at once. Perhaps the most essential element in our failure to extend grace in our relationships is that of anger. When we are angry, we simply cannot think clearly. Before you react, realize your feelings will affect your thoughts and words.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. Isn’t it strange how easy it is to raise our voices when situations become emotionally charged? The truth is that our voices are either a wonderful tool of love and grace, or they are a weapon of unmatched destruction.
3. If you must criticize, do so lovingly. This principle falls naturally from the previous one, but is just as essential for us to understand and practice.
4. Never bring up a mistake of the past. It goes without saying that the past ought to remain in the past. The only issue that ought to be dealt with is the one before you. Past failures should never be used as a weapon in any discussion. That’s not God’s way, and it shouldn’t be our way!
5. Neglect the whole world rather than each other. There are so many things that pull at our time and energy. We should be very careful to guard our relationships so that nothing may drive us apart. Make sure that your family sees you place them ahead of everything else in life.
6. Never let a day end without saying a good word to each other. What a difference a simple word of encouragement makes in the lives of those closest to us! There are so many different ways to accomplish this. It may be something as simple as “I love you,” or as complex as a “teachable moment.” Whatever the circumstances, don’t let a day go by without speaking a positive, affirmative word to your family.
7. Never allow the other to come home without a warm welcome. Home ought to be a place of peace and security. You can communicate this with a warm welcome when your spouse or your children arrive. Don’t be too disappointed if it is seemingly ignored or taken for granted. Most good things are in our busy lives. But, they make a huge difference in the crises of life. Can you imagine what the Prodigal would have done if he didn’t feel he could have gone home? The story may have had a much different ending.
8. Never go to bed mad. The apostle Paul wrote, don’t get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry and don't give the devil a chance. Like a campfire left untended, anger that smolders overnight can turn into a vast and destructive fire! Even if you do no more than agree to settle your differences at a later time, don’t let anger simmer in your home.
9. As soon as you realize you’ve made a mistake, admit it and ask for forgiveness. This is especially true when parents are dealing with teenagers. Here’s the principle: The tighter the grip, the more the struggle. One of the ways of relaxing your “grip” is to be able to admit to mistakes and ask for forgiveness. It will amaze you how much more you will be respected and honored.
10. It takes two to argue, short circuit arguments with calm wisdom. Just don’t play the game! I know that is certainly much easier to say than do, but the action will be prompted by the commitment. This is especially true as your children begin to stretch for more independence and freedom. Parenting is not a competition to be won. It is a journey to be experienced. The goal is to help our children become positive, mature, affirmative adults. At least one of the ways we can accomplish that goal is by setting the example!
Once again, let me encourage you to “Get Your Fight On!”
Sunday, June 20, 2010
"Get Your Fight On!"
Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes. (Nehemiah 4:14b NIV).
I suppose you could say that I am fired up! Early on Sunday morning I sent Kyle a text to confirm our Sunday schedule. He sent me a message back with times and places. Additionally he sent me back one Scripture reference that had touched him. It was our reading today. I’ve read the Bible through several times, but I guess it wasn’t yet time for this verse to make such an impact in my mind. It got me fired up!
The background is from the period when Nehemiah had returned to Jerusalem to lead the people to rebuild the walls of the city and make it safe once again for the people. There were threats made against them from every side, yet he stands and reminds them that the need to do two things: remember the Lord and fight! They had a great reason to fight. It was high stakes. They were fighting for their brothers, sons and daughters, wives and their homes!
Can there be anything more worthy of fighting for than our families? Is there anything more valuable that we have in life than our families? I’m afraid that I often see people who act like the answer is “yes.” Their priorities reveal the sad truth that there are many other things that are more important. They put their careers, their possessions, or any of a dozen other things ahead of their family. Well, in case I haven’t been plain enough up to this point, let me get a little “exuberant” in print – THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING MORE INPORTANT IN LIFE THAN YOUR FAMILY! And, before some of the sanctimonious saints reading this devotional email me back with the exhortation that god must be first in our lives, let me remind you that God is in a separate category altogether. He is not first in a list of things to prioritize. God should be the center of our lives and from Him we receive the power to fight for our family!
The world, the flesh, and the devil would love nothing more than to destroy your family. And, with even a cursory examination of our culture, they are having a great deal of success. I know there are rarely simple answers to the powerful forces of evil seeking to destroy our families, but can I say that the place to begin is first cast away your fear of them. “Don’t be afraid. Remember your God. He is great and awesome!” then second, get your fight on! If you go on to read a little further in this chapter of Nehemiah it records how the men went to work, carrying brick and mortar in one and a sword in the other! The time for political correctness is long past. We must be men of compassion, grace and mercy; but, we must remember we are at war. We can not be complacent, lazy, or ignorant when it comes to the protection of our families spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Come on guys… GET YOUR FIGHT ON!
I suppose you could say that I am fired up! Early on Sunday morning I sent Kyle a text to confirm our Sunday schedule. He sent me a message back with times and places. Additionally he sent me back one Scripture reference that had touched him. It was our reading today. I’ve read the Bible through several times, but I guess it wasn’t yet time for this verse to make such an impact in my mind. It got me fired up!
The background is from the period when Nehemiah had returned to Jerusalem to lead the people to rebuild the walls of the city and make it safe once again for the people. There were threats made against them from every side, yet he stands and reminds them that the need to do two things: remember the Lord and fight! They had a great reason to fight. It was high stakes. They were fighting for their brothers, sons and daughters, wives and their homes!
Can there be anything more worthy of fighting for than our families? Is there anything more valuable that we have in life than our families? I’m afraid that I often see people who act like the answer is “yes.” Their priorities reveal the sad truth that there are many other things that are more important. They put their careers, their possessions, or any of a dozen other things ahead of their family. Well, in case I haven’t been plain enough up to this point, let me get a little “exuberant” in print – THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING MORE INPORTANT IN LIFE THAN YOUR FAMILY! And, before some of the sanctimonious saints reading this devotional email me back with the exhortation that god must be first in our lives, let me remind you that God is in a separate category altogether. He is not first in a list of things to prioritize. God should be the center of our lives and from Him we receive the power to fight for our family!
The world, the flesh, and the devil would love nothing more than to destroy your family. And, with even a cursory examination of our culture, they are having a great deal of success. I know there are rarely simple answers to the powerful forces of evil seeking to destroy our families, but can I say that the place to begin is first cast away your fear of them. “Don’t be afraid. Remember your God. He is great and awesome!” then second, get your fight on! If you go on to read a little further in this chapter of Nehemiah it records how the men went to work, carrying brick and mortar in one and a sword in the other! The time for political correctness is long past. We must be men of compassion, grace and mercy; but, we must remember we are at war. We can not be complacent, lazy, or ignorant when it comes to the protection of our families spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Come on guys… GET YOUR FIGHT ON!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"Under the Wings"
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness. (Psalm 57:1-3 NLT).
We’ve had quite a few calamities strike our nation lately! It hasn’t been that long since Nashville and some of the surrounding areas were struck with what some are calling the worst flood of the area’s history. Recently, Arkansas suffered a similar fate. There was loss of life and significant damage done in both cases. Of course, we are still dealing with what might be one of the biggest calamities to affect the Gulf and perhaps the Atlantic in the BP oil disaster. It has been understandable that people seem to be emotionally flinching with every clap of thunder or lightning flash through the sky. Many people are beginning to question if there is any place of safety!
I don't think it should be any surprise that most folks are feeling some effects from some kind of storm in their life, weather related or not. They feel the pressure of a burdensome society; the changing of the very fabric of our culture; and the ever increasing demands of life and family. They are STRESSED OUT at times!
Do you feel that way? Has life tossed you some problems you don't feel prepared to tackle? Have you heartaches that you can't begin to mention to most of the outside world? Are there burdens in your life to numerous to count? Could you use some relief?
Why not hide out in the safety of God's care? David, the great warrior of God, wrote this verse as he was hiding from Saul. God had already promised him victory, but for now, trouble was his lot in life. He felt all alone; desperate; afraid. He needed something he knew he really didn't deserve: God's mercy! He needed a place to hang his hat until this storm of his life was past!
Praise God that He is still in the Hiding Place business! He is still available to provide shelter for His people. God invites His children to call for His protection and He opens His wings where we will find rest and security until the storm passes, and we can regain our place on the path of life which He has chosen in advance for us to take.
Why don't you come join me under a wing today? There's plenty of room! It’s not a hard place to find. Open your Bible to the psalms. There are so many promises of His protection there for you to claim!
We’ve had quite a few calamities strike our nation lately! It hasn’t been that long since Nashville and some of the surrounding areas were struck with what some are calling the worst flood of the area’s history. Recently, Arkansas suffered a similar fate. There was loss of life and significant damage done in both cases. Of course, we are still dealing with what might be one of the biggest calamities to affect the Gulf and perhaps the Atlantic in the BP oil disaster. It has been understandable that people seem to be emotionally flinching with every clap of thunder or lightning flash through the sky. Many people are beginning to question if there is any place of safety!
I don't think it should be any surprise that most folks are feeling some effects from some kind of storm in their life, weather related or not. They feel the pressure of a burdensome society; the changing of the very fabric of our culture; and the ever increasing demands of life and family. They are STRESSED OUT at times!
Do you feel that way? Has life tossed you some problems you don't feel prepared to tackle? Have you heartaches that you can't begin to mention to most of the outside world? Are there burdens in your life to numerous to count? Could you use some relief?
Why not hide out in the safety of God's care? David, the great warrior of God, wrote this verse as he was hiding from Saul. God had already promised him victory, but for now, trouble was his lot in life. He felt all alone; desperate; afraid. He needed something he knew he really didn't deserve: God's mercy! He needed a place to hang his hat until this storm of his life was past!
Praise God that He is still in the Hiding Place business! He is still available to provide shelter for His people. God invites His children to call for His protection and He opens His wings where we will find rest and security until the storm passes, and we can regain our place on the path of life which He has chosen in advance for us to take.
Why don't you come join me under a wing today? There's plenty of room! It’s not a hard place to find. Open your Bible to the psalms. There are so many promises of His protection there for you to claim!
Friday, June 11, 2010
"The Thirsty Deer" (Part 6)
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. (Psalm 42:5-6 NIV).
I want to continue to look carefully at Psalm 42 with you this week. The more I ponder the verses of the psalmist, the more I am convinced it is a very contemporary message. Whatever challenge you face the answer is to be like that Thirsty Deer who will risk anything to get to water as you seek a renewed relationship with your heavenly Father. It is the presence of God through the Holy Spirit that will give you the strength you need to walk through any experience successfully.
I suppose that’s what caught my mind in verse six of our reading today. When the Psalmist wrote this verse we cannot be sure where he was. It is not named or referenced. Even a deeper bit of research cannot lead us clearly to where he at the time of the writing. One thing we can surmise, however, is that he is not at home. This fact is a good indicator of the life the Psalmist is living. He feels that he is far away from help and that life is caving in all around him. Ever felt that way? Have you ever felt that you were all alone in your suffering; like there was no one who could help you with your pain?
When life finds us in desolate situations and places, there should be a deeply implanted reminder in our hearts that God is our source of strength, “an ever present help in time of trouble”. We shouldn’t have to wonder where God is. The reality of His goodness and mercy should permeate our very beings. I realize those words are but good goals when we are struggling through a time of suffering, but still, part of the Christian experience should be a growing recognition of who God is, what God has, can and will do, and then allowing those truths to replace our feelings of doubt. The Psalmist, in the midst of his troubles, reminded himself of God. It was that information that gave him the strength to get through the day.
It is a reminder to us as well. I received one of the most encouraging emails recently. It was from someone I have known for a long time. I was her pastor for twelve years. She recounted the difficult experiences of this past year after reading this series. It was quite a year for her! Yet, she ended the email with the declaration that God had been so faithful to walk with her through it all. She knew that by looking back at the wonderful things God had accomplished for her during those times. They were still very challenging, but He was more than enough to guide and empower her to make it through them. So, here’s my thought for you today: When looking forward is filled with fear and unknowns, try looking back at the victories God has won for you. That won’t change the present experience, but it will change you. And that’s the key to retaining your hope and confidence for the future.
I want to continue to look carefully at Psalm 42 with you this week. The more I ponder the verses of the psalmist, the more I am convinced it is a very contemporary message. Whatever challenge you face the answer is to be like that Thirsty Deer who will risk anything to get to water as you seek a renewed relationship with your heavenly Father. It is the presence of God through the Holy Spirit that will give you the strength you need to walk through any experience successfully.
I suppose that’s what caught my mind in verse six of our reading today. When the Psalmist wrote this verse we cannot be sure where he was. It is not named or referenced. Even a deeper bit of research cannot lead us clearly to where he at the time of the writing. One thing we can surmise, however, is that he is not at home. This fact is a good indicator of the life the Psalmist is living. He feels that he is far away from help and that life is caving in all around him. Ever felt that way? Have you ever felt that you were all alone in your suffering; like there was no one who could help you with your pain?
When life finds us in desolate situations and places, there should be a deeply implanted reminder in our hearts that God is our source of strength, “an ever present help in time of trouble”. We shouldn’t have to wonder where God is. The reality of His goodness and mercy should permeate our very beings. I realize those words are but good goals when we are struggling through a time of suffering, but still, part of the Christian experience should be a growing recognition of who God is, what God has, can and will do, and then allowing those truths to replace our feelings of doubt. The Psalmist, in the midst of his troubles, reminded himself of God. It was that information that gave him the strength to get through the day.
It is a reminder to us as well. I received one of the most encouraging emails recently. It was from someone I have known for a long time. I was her pastor for twelve years. She recounted the difficult experiences of this past year after reading this series. It was quite a year for her! Yet, she ended the email with the declaration that God had been so faithful to walk with her through it all. She knew that by looking back at the wonderful things God had accomplished for her during those times. They were still very challenging, but He was more than enough to guide and empower her to make it through them. So, here’s my thought for you today: When looking forward is filled with fear and unknowns, try looking back at the victories God has won for you. That won’t change the present experience, but it will change you. And that’s the key to retaining your hope and confidence for the future.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"The Thirsty Deer" (Part 3)
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).
Did you notice that I added two more verses to our reading from Psalm 42 as we continue the series of The Thirsty Deer? There are several things we may learn about the Psalmist here:
First, the Psalmist is enduring a trial of some kind. These are not tears of joy, these are tears of pain.
Second, the Psalmist has made the appeal to God before. This has been a recurring prayer request for the Psalmist.
Third, the activity of seeking the Lord and crying out to Him has been the primary activity of his life. His time has been occupied with seeking the Lord.
Finally, the Psalmist continues to cry out to God even when the world tells him he’s crazy to keep trying. The Psalmist doesn’t give up on God!
I’ve made a small reference to the challenges of this year for me. Some of them have been physical. I’ve had more testing this year than any other since they first discovered my hemachromatosis. All of those tests merely confirmed the fact that I do have the disease and yes, it is affecting some of the major organs, like my heart. I loved the last doctor I saw. He was very nice, but after all of the tests he merely said, “Actually your heart is in better shape than I thought it would be in given your disease.” That was very encouraging! Some of our challenges have been financial. Like so many people in our nation we were caught in the downturn and had it not been for the generosity of our family, we would have been in great trouble indeed. Of course, along with these kinds of challenges there is always the devil whispering in your ear, telling you how badly you have made past choices. Sometimes the only hope I have had in overcoming those past regrets has been my stubborn unwillingness to forget the marvelous way God has poured His grace out on me!
But, enough about me; let me ask you, what trial has been going on in your life? Maybe it’s been going for so long that you’ve almost resolved that it will never get any better. Is there something so very painful in your life and yet you just can’t seem to do anything about it? Does it almost seem strange at this point to be continuing to trust God to work out the situation for good? You may just be able to identify with the Psalmist. The Psalmist had been crying out a long time. If the psalmist were living today, I would encourage him to trust Him even more? Yes, trust Him even more! He IS trustworthy!
NOTE: Don’t miss tomorrow’s devotional… I’m going to share with you some of the heart of Grace Restoration Ministries and how that has been God’s answer for me this year. Perhaps it will be a part of your answer as you struggle through the challenges of your life!
Did you notice that I added two more verses to our reading from Psalm 42 as we continue the series of The Thirsty Deer? There are several things we may learn about the Psalmist here:
First, the Psalmist is enduring a trial of some kind. These are not tears of joy, these are tears of pain.
Second, the Psalmist has made the appeal to God before. This has been a recurring prayer request for the Psalmist.
Third, the activity of seeking the Lord and crying out to Him has been the primary activity of his life. His time has been occupied with seeking the Lord.
Finally, the Psalmist continues to cry out to God even when the world tells him he’s crazy to keep trying. The Psalmist doesn’t give up on God!
I’ve made a small reference to the challenges of this year for me. Some of them have been physical. I’ve had more testing this year than any other since they first discovered my hemachromatosis. All of those tests merely confirmed the fact that I do have the disease and yes, it is affecting some of the major organs, like my heart. I loved the last doctor I saw. He was very nice, but after all of the tests he merely said, “Actually your heart is in better shape than I thought it would be in given your disease.” That was very encouraging! Some of our challenges have been financial. Like so many people in our nation we were caught in the downturn and had it not been for the generosity of our family, we would have been in great trouble indeed. Of course, along with these kinds of challenges there is always the devil whispering in your ear, telling you how badly you have made past choices. Sometimes the only hope I have had in overcoming those past regrets has been my stubborn unwillingness to forget the marvelous way God has poured His grace out on me!
But, enough about me; let me ask you, what trial has been going on in your life? Maybe it’s been going for so long that you’ve almost resolved that it will never get any better. Is there something so very painful in your life and yet you just can’t seem to do anything about it? Does it almost seem strange at this point to be continuing to trust God to work out the situation for good? You may just be able to identify with the Psalmist. The Psalmist had been crying out a long time. If the psalmist were living today, I would encourage him to trust Him even more? Yes, trust Him even more! He IS trustworthy!
NOTE: Don’t miss tomorrow’s devotional… I’m going to share with you some of the heart of Grace Restoration Ministries and how that has been God’s answer for me this year. Perhaps it will be a part of your answer as you struggle through the challenges of your life!
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