Groaning in Life's Troubles

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:22-28 ESV).

Reading our Scripture for today, you probably couldn’t escape the word groaning. In addition to this passage we also see in Psalm 6 that people are groaning, creation is groaning, and the Holy Spirit is groaning. “Groaning” is a noise that is made when there aren’t any words. In the case of the Holy Spirit these “groaning” are the “deep words” we simply can’t fathom to bring before the Father in our difficult circumstances. It is praying when there are no words to pray with. These groanings are the power of hope when we feel hopeless. Have you ever been there? Trying to pray and yet there are no words? Have you felt as if there simply was no possible way to vocalize the pain you are enduring? Or, have you experienced a time in your life in which you really didn’t feel like praying or feel like God cared? We all experience times when we don’t know how to act, when we don’t know what to say, when we don’t know what to do, and when we don’t know how to pray. The good news is that God has already planned for times like that. The Holy Spirit is there when we don’t know how to act and we don’t know what to say, when we don’t know what to do and we don’t know how to pray. We have a helper who is listening and acting to bring His plan to a joyful conclusion; and it is not just for us but for all creation. Our helper is also a translator whose job description includes taking our groaning and communicating it to God on our behalf. And He has words and resources when we don’t. He will display His presence in our midst to minister to those suffering. He will pray for us Himself. He will summon others to pray for us when there are no words. And that is our hope doing the work of grace in our lives. You may find yourself in such a circumstance today. Even without the words, just begin to pray. God will hear just the right words and answer you.

Blind Judgment

Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalm 119:17-24 ESV).

There are always those times when I find myself feeling a little embarrassed admitting how foolish I can be. Today we look at the third section of the acrostic psalm. It begins with the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Gimel. The principle is found in the psalmist request that God “take away scorn and contempt.” He’s asking that he not be blind in his judgment. Let me illustrate abit. Recently when waiting in a doctor’s office I was taken a bit aback when a man alked in with his dog on a leash. The dog was extremely well behaved. It never left his side; however, my first reaction was what was he thinking bringing his large dog into a waiting room full of sick people? Quickly that changed. I saw the vest on the dog clearly identifying him as a service dog. While I do not know why he needed the dog, it was obvious that he did. I should have been thankful that he had him. His life was obviously made much easier because of this well trained dog. I did remind me how easy it is to be blind in our judgment. Maybe part of that comes with the analytical territory of thinking about things, processing alternatives, and drawing conclusions. So many times we all come to conclusions about people and circumstances when we really don’t know all the facts. Sometimes we need our eyes opened to see what’s there. Our first thought ought not to be criticism or judgmentalism. Our first thought ought to be grace and understanding. Just as the man needed the help of his dog to navigate the world around him, we need the counsel of God in our lives to help us. Christians can be blind to ways in which we are strangers here on both sides of the judging equation. Whether facing others’ judgments or being judges ourselves, we can find ourselves blind to the real Judge. Therefore, like the Psalmist, we can take comfort in being a stranger, and find that Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. We’ve looked at the “ABC’s” of faith these past few days. How are doing in these basics of faith?

Unleashed

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Psalm 119:9-16 ESV).

We’re continuing in Psalm 119 today. Our reading is the next acrostic letter, which is Beth. That’s the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The principle is to be found in the psalmist prayer to not “wander” from God’s direction. I was reminded of our dog, Teddy. As you can see, he’s cute; however, he’s also a terrier. He loves to run free. Fortunately we have a very large fenced backyard that gives him all the running room he could want. There are those times when we need to take him outside of the fenced area. Of course, that requires a leash. Recently that happened on a trip to the vet. He pulled himself to the end of the retractable leash and struggled against the end to the point that he choked himself. Even then, he wanted more leash. He wanted to run free. Going into the vet’s office I noticed other dogs exhibiting totally different reactions to being leashed. Teddy wanted to run about doing whatever he wanted, full of the exhilaration of freedom. The other stayed close by his master. Both were under good voice command and obeyed. One just delighted in being near the master more than running free. We often treat God’s Word like it’s a voice command to bring me back so I don’t stray while I enjoy the thrill of being free. We like to explore the outer boundaries of approved behavior and then return; and then only when we hear His voice calling us back since we’ve gone a little too far. The other dog helped me to think about the simple act of prayer. I wonder how often do we act as though we are simply delighted to be near our Master? Do we hang on every word He says? Do we cherish the sound of His footsteps and walking right beside Him? Do we rejoice in His Word as the Psalmist does, “as one rejoices in great riches?” Both dogs obeyed, but one seemed to prefer the master to the freedom. I have found that the freedom of being unleashed from our heavenly Father always brings regrets. Don’t misunderstand. God doesn’t leash us to restrict us, but to protect us. Our vet’s office is located off the feeder road of the interstate highway. There are always cars racing down the road. In his exuberance of being free, he could easily dart into the road and be seriously, if not fatally injured. “Delight in His statutes.” It will go better for you!

A Better Mousetrap

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! (Psalm 119:1-8 ESV).

You may remember seeing some of the Tom and Jerry cartoons. I was always amused by the complete failure of Tom (the cat) in catching Jerry (the mouse). No matter how intricate or developed the plan, it would always result in abject failure. When reading today’s Scripture I thought about that. Often we are like Tom. I’ve been to many recreational parks before with some of the teams I have coached through the years. They always have different entrances than home fences. Some of them were interesting and intricate in their design. I suppose the series of latches on the series of gates ensures the younger children don’t wander outside of the safe enclosure. The trouble with most of them is the difficulty to newcomers in figuring out how to operate them too. Most of the time there are clear instructions on the operation of the latches; but, who reads instructions, right? It is only in frustration of several failures that we then look at them. Funny how easily the gates open when you do it according to the design. I love it when I find spiritual lessons in the stuff of everyday life. It is a clear principle of Scripture that we’re spiritually blind, or plainly arrogant, which causes our failure in living as Christ would have us to live. There is something stubborn about humanity in our wanting to do everything without listening to instructions, or following them. But the instructions are there so we will follow them and find success. When we know them, we will be blessed if we do them. Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm, each letter of the Hebrew alphabet beginning a new section. Today’s letter is aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist is giving us the “ABC’s” of living. We ought to remember that God doesn’t lay down precepts just because He’s bored and likes to write notes. He laid down His precepts, His laws, and His statutes so that we’d follow them and live. The first of those is found here. We are to seek God with our whole heart. That’s the way we will not be “put to shame.” Another way to put that is seeking God is the path to confidence in the grace of God. One accompanies the other.

A Gracious Word

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:20-24 ESV).

I have been thinking lately about the power of words. They are powerful to remind, to instruct, to encourage, to correct, and to comfort. At times when we experience doubt, we can meditate on the words of Scripture and find His comfort to us. This comfort is most needed when we are facing affliction of body, mind, and soul. Wisdom tells us Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Perhaps we should consider the sweet effect of gracious words. Gracious words are like honeycomb, sweet and healthful to the soul and body. They have tremendous power to change the course of a person’s life for the good, to rescue people from despair, and to bring great blessing. You don’t have to be rich or powerful; you don’t have to have degrees or be eloquent; just be gracious and you will significantly touch the lives of all kinds of people. Here are some suggestions:  A Complement: This is a word we often deny we want, but we certainly do enjoy when we receive it. Isn’t it nice to receive an honest complement, especially to get one totally unlooked for? “You really look nice today.” “You made a great contribution.” “That is a great job you did.” Look for ways to give them to others.  Some Encouragement: “You can do it; I believe in you.” “You’re going to be okay.” “That’s the way to try.” Such words give us the strength to go on.  Comfort: How good it feels to hear a sympathetic voice when we are hurting. “I’m here for you.” “I’m so sorry.” “I’m praying for you.”  Good humored words: Sometimes the best thing we can hear when we are down or worried or angry is a good humored remark. There is nothing like a little laugh to perk us up again and help us to see that the end of the world has not come.  Positive: In most bad events and discouraging news, there is something positive. How heartening when someone helps us to see it.  Listening words: “Tell me what you want to say; I’m listening.” “Help me understand what you are going through.” “Do you mean…?” It is satisfying to talk with someone who is foremost trying to hear what we are saying.  Words of Gratitude: “Thank you.” “Thanks for helping me.” “Thanks for your hard work.” “Thanks for listening.” How many times have our temper or depression been wiped away by the simple remark of thanks? I’ve been resentful, angry with persons who then come up to me and give a heartfelt thanks; all of a sudden, I switch to thinking how nice they are.

New Plantings

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:10-11 ESV).

Each year in the spring Mary likes to plant a couple of container tomato plants. This year she thought it would be nice to go to one of the local big box stores and get some new clay pots to put them in. Needless to say we had “sticker shock” when we saw that they were $60-70 each. So, the solution was simple. I could build her a wooden planter for her plantings. I had some cedar left over from another project and put it together in an afternoon; however, the next step was the hard part. I had to go and get plants. We returned to the nursery of our local Lowes and found two that we wanted. Of course I had to read the description of the various types available. One that I selected was a “Better Boy” grown and marketed by Bonnie Plants. The following was the description: High yields of smooth skinned, large fruit earn Better Boy a spot as one of the most popular tomatoes grown in the US and as one of our all time best sellers. The fruit has excellent classic tomato flavor with just the right balance of acid and sugar. This is a great slicing tomato. It is widely adapted throughout the country. Grow it in a tall cage or tie to a stake for support. Well, we’ll see. Hopefully the birds won’t get them before we do! It also recalled our reading to my mind. The prophet likens God to a farmer who will bring forth “fruit” in our lives as we become a living demonstration of God’s faithfulness. The result is that He takes pleasure in us. He delights in making righteousness spring forth upon the earth in the form of believers living true to His Word. He delights in our praises, with His people acknowledging the One True God and reflecting back to Him the goodness He showers upon us. He delights in our being a testimony to the nations that He is the Sovereign God whose loving care extends to all. Just as seeds sprout from the ground because of an unseen power, when we respond to Jesus as our Savior, then we spring forth as His holy garden covering the earth. We are brought to life through His powerful Holy Spirit and will be transformed in our resurrected life. I hope that I would be such a plant in this world. I wonder if I were on the plant shelf at the local church big box, what would my description be?

Quiet Brooks and Spring Flowers

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” (John 14:25-31 ESV).

This is just about the right time of the year to travel through the Smoky Mountains. One of our favorite stops along the scenic route through the park is near the Little Pigeon River. This time of the year you will be rewarded with the beauty of dogwoods and redbuds in full bloom while listening to the calming sounds of the river. It really is an incredible picture of peace. I have been to these spots many times. It never matters what circumstance might be assaulting my life at the time, I can always feel at peace in this setting. With all the health issues in our path right now, it’s no wonder that Mary told me recently that it is a time to return to the mountains. Those thoughts drew me to our reading today. Jesus tells us that we can have a peace that passes all understanding because it’s a peace that He gives. The world might promise peace and try to achieve it through compromise, collaboration, and consensus. But, that’s not the kind of peace that God gives us. Peace that characterizes the resurrected life is a peace growing from the restored, forgiven relationship with our God. There is an important difference for us to note. The Father didn’t send Jesus to compromise His holiness with our sin; He didn’t send Jesus to collaborate with us. Jesus didn’t come to achieve consensus among a million brothers all of whom miss the mark of His perfection. Jesus stands alone. The reason why God gives us a peace that the world can’t give is because it is a superior peace bought with the blood of Jesus. It is a peace of reconciliation based upon His characteristics of righteousness, holiness, love, sovereignty, wisdom, mercy, truth, and forgiveness. It is His character that defines His peace and it explains why we do not need to be troubled no matter what the world brings and also why we do not need to be afraid in any circumstance. Our peace is with God. Nothing, certainly no earthly troubles can tear us from that peace. I guess that His way of bringing the mountains to me; even though I still like to go there too!