A Call to Abide: The Quenching of a Rebellious Spirit

I’m not what most people would call a rebel.  I follow the rules, prefer order and schedules, and generally like to color inside the lines.  Yet somehow all of this changes when I sit in the driver’s seat of my car.  For whatever reason, I cannot bring myself to simply drive in accordance with those numbers printed on the large square signs!  Be it a 35 or 70 mph zone, I find myself consistently- and intentionally- disobeying the law.  Ahhh, a rebel revealed. 

A rebel by nature.   

Genesis 3 explains our fallen condition, how we are now by nature rebels against a holy God with a desire to rule ourselves.  In the event we should ever minimize the depth of our depravity, Scripture is replete with clear depictions of our fallen human nature.  Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all like sheep have gone stray; we have turned- every one- to his own way.”  Rebels we are.  Rebels who a part from Christ are enemies of God and children of wrath with a hostile mind (Romans 5:10, Ephesians 2:3, Colossians 1:21).    

But God.

Perhaps two of the best words in all of human language.  “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).  Praise God for this most beautiful salvation: rebellious sinners saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, all for the glory of God alone.  

Although I am a sinner saved by grace who now delights in God rather than sin, I and all believers will continue to wrestle with the flesh- our fallen human nature- for the remainder of our time on earth.  The Apostle Paul wrote of this struggle in Romans chapter 7, reminding us that this ongoing battle is present because we are in Christ.  If his Spirit were not within us there would be no battle!  We would simply continue in our flesh, living unconvicted of our sin.  

But what a battle it is.  Our innermost desire is to please Christ, yet we are tempted by the desires of our flesh.  As a new creation we love the Gospel and God’s word but struggle at times with a rebellious heart.  What then can be done?  Thankfully, the disciple whom Jesus loved recorded the words of our Savior, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  

Because Jesus knew.  He knew the condition of our wayward hearts, the weaknesses of our flesh.  This is why he calls us to abide in him.    

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5).

In the above verse the Greek word ‘meno,’ (translated ‘abide’) means to remain or to stay.  Furthermore, meno means “to be in a state that begins and continues, yet may not end or stop” (www.stepbible.org).  Jesus makes it clear that we are to remain continuously in him. 

How then do we abide in him?  

The truth is that in order to abide in Christ we must abide in his word.  Jesus said in John 8:31, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”  John later wrote in his second epistle, “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God.  Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son (2 John 1:9).  To know Christ is to know his word; for it is in his word that he has revealed himself as the Word incarnate, the truth, and the only way by which we come to the Father.   

Peter knew the power of Jesus’ words.  Although he was often stubborn and hard-headed, he got it.  He knew who Jesus was.  When the disciples were asked by Jesus if they also wanted to leave him (as many others had) Peter exclaimed, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).  This is one of my favorite statements from Peter in all of Scripture.  Indeed, the words of Jesus bring life and have the power to tame our rebellious hearts and lead us to true freedom.  For if we abide, we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).      

However, true abiding comes not only through knowing and believing the word, but through obedience to it.  James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  John emphasized this as well when he wrote, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6).  

And how did Jesus walk?  He walked in perfect obedience to his Father; for it was this obedience that lead him to the cross.  While perfection is impossible in our flesh, the Holy Spirit continues the work of sanctification in our hearts.  For as we are transformed through the reading and the application of the word we will grow in our desire to live a life of obedience to the will of God.  We will become not only hears of the word, but doers as well.  We will live a life in submission to God’s will rather than to our flesh.   

As followers of Christ we must pursue God’s word with intentionality and zeal, resolving like the Apostle Paul to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).  For the more we read, the more we will know Christ.  And the more we know him and are obedient to his words, the more our hearts will be continuously changed; for our desires will align with his and we will be made more like him, bearing fruit and growing in holiness as we resist and flee temptation. Indeed, our rebellious tendencies will crumble and we will find true joy and freedom as we abide in our Savior.      

Truth for These Hard Times

In the fall of 2001 I had no idea I was taking one of the most important courses of my entire academic career.  If you had asked me about it at the time, my 19 year old self would have rolled her eyes and told you what a drag the required Intro to Philosophy class was.  In retrospect I suppose there were some aspects of the class I found interesting, but overall it was not at the top of my priority list.  But here I am 20 years later wishing I had paid more attention.  

Although I don’t recall much of that class, I do remember being surprised when the topic of truth became the focus of study.  I remember thinking, “How could truth be up for debate?”  After all,  truth is what guides us and what ultimately determines how we live our lives!  I could understand the concept of disagreeing about what is true; I just had no idea there was disagreement about the existence of truth.  Turns out I had a lot to learn about not only the world of philosophy, but the world in general. 

As I sit here reminiscing about those long ago discussions of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle, it occurs to me that truth has been up for debate ever since the third chapter of Genesis.  And what a dispute it continues to be.  

In our post modern world we are told that truth is perception.  That it’s relative.  We see this concept at work daily in the ever changing standards of cultural virtue.  Behaviors and language deemed appropriate six months ago are now considered offensive, oppressive, or racist.  It seems the rules are always changing- and there’s no way to win.  

We’re even told we can be the possessor of our very own “truth.”  Catchy phrases such as “speak your truth” or “live your truth” have been the battle cry of this modern time.  The idea that what is true for me may not be true for you has been readily accepted.  But all of this begs the question: If truth can change and is different for every person, then does it even exist at all?  

And let’s not forget the contradictory storylines fed to us by the media.  Sifting through the daily headlines and articles of various news sources can make our heads spin.  How are we to know what to believe and not believe?  If truth does exist, is it possible to even know it?  

We live in a world of confusion so of course we’re confused….how could we be anything less? 

Interestingly, confusion was the serpent’s MO in the Garden of Eden.  And all it took were four words:  “Did God actually say…”  These words were enough to plant the seed of doubt in Eve’s mind; enough to make her question the truth spoken to her by her Creator.  Two verses later she was fed an outright lie: “You will not surely die.”  Confusion and doubt quickly gave birth to the abandonment of absolute truth.    

It seems the enemy hasn’t changed tactics.  Because as the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.    

How then can we escape the enemy’s lies and this worldly confusion regarding truth?  Only one way: by holding fast to the Word of God, knowing that all Scripture is breathed out by God himself (2 Timothy 3:16).  For just as God does not change, neither does His Word!  Our God is the great ‘I AM’ who is the same today as He has been from all eternity.  Therefore, His Word stands unaffected by the passing of time or the changing of culture.  As Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” 

As we cling to the reading of God’s Word, we are lead to hold unswervingly to he who is truth.  I invite you now to join me for a brief “tour of truth” of the gospel of John; a tour that introduces you to the person of Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate.     

John 1 is without a doubt one of my favorite chapters of Scripture.  (I encourage you even now to pause and read it in its entirety.)  The first sentence of this great gospel begins this way: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”   A few verses later we read: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (v.14).  From the beginning of John we learn Jesus is the Word, and that he is one with the Father containing glory, steadfast love, and truth.   

Jesus reiterates this truth a few chapters later when he addressed both the Jews and the Pharisees.  In John chapter 8 Jesus clearly proclaimed he was the Light of the World and one with the Father.  Though the Pharisees scoffed at his words, Jesus continued speaking to the Jews who had believed him: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” (31-32).  What a beautiful invitation to freedom; for to know Christ is to know the truth of salvation and sanctification.  

In John 14 Jesus assured Thomas he knew the way to the place Jesus would prepare for him in the future.  Not understanding, Thomas asked, “Lord, we do not know where you are going.  How can we know the way?”  Jesus’ response?  He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (v.6).  Jesus clearly stated again that he is truth and the only name given to men under heaven by which we must be saved.      

The night of his arrest, Jesus prayed a high priestly prayer for his disciples and for all believers (John 17).  Part of his prayer was for the sanctification of his disciples, for Jesus knew the world would hate them as it hated him.  In light of the coming trials they would face, Jesus prayed for them to be set apart and holy.  The means by which Jesus prayed for their sanctification is found in verse 17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”  This verse speaks to my soul.  Indeed, truth is the means by which holiness is attained, and is the way by which we have peace. 

Before his crucifixion Jesus was brought before Pilate for questioning.  When asked if he was in fact the king of the Jews, Jesus replied that his kingdom was not of this world.  Pilate again asked if he was a king.  Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king.  For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world- to bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (v.37).   Pilate retorted by asking, “What is truth?” as he walked away.  Imagine.  Pilate’s eyes beheld the answer to that philosophical question of old as he stood within feet of the embodiment of truth.  And he didn’t even recognize it.     

Dear friends, God has graciously given us his written Word so that we can know absolute truth absolutely.  And even more, He has given us His Son, the Word in flesh appearing who is the way, the truth, and the life.  Do not then be deceived by the world or the tactics of confusion laid out by the enemy.  Rather, cleave to that which has been revealed: God, the creator of heaven and earth has made a way for lost sinners to be reconciled to Him through the atoning sacrifice of His Son.  Our Savior, once buried, has been resurrected and is now seated at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf.  Furthermore, our Heavenly Father has given us His Spirit and has made known in His Word how we are to live until we are united with him for all eternity.  This. Is. Truth.  It is the truth we must fix our gaze upon, and the truth that we, like the Apostle Paul, must resolve to know with our whole being.     

In these hard times, may we remember that our God is the God of truth, in whom nothing is false.  May this truth be our confidence and that which we love beyond anything else; for upon this truth rests the entirety of our lives, both now and forevermore. 

Goals and Growing Pains

Google tells me that approximately 50 percent of the U.S. population makes New Years’ resolutions.  While I prefer to think I make goals rather than “resolutions,” I guess you could put me in that category.  And while you’re at it, you might as well add me to the 38 percent of the resolution-makers who resolve to “get in shape.”  

Now, those of you who know me might be a little puzzled right now because you know I have never completely taken a break from working out…ever.  But over the last two years my desire for training has very much been replaced by a desire to drink coffee, write, and read.  And while I know this is okay, I nonetheless would like to swing back to a more consistent physical fitness routine.  That being said, I’ve been back in both the weight room and the pool over the last few weeks.  While it had only been a few months since I had last seen the weight room, it had been a year and a half since I graced the pool.  

When I think back to the kind of shape I used to be in- swimming a mile or more at a time with no problem- I am humbled to now find myself grow tired after only 100 meters.  And while I’ve never been a crazy heavy lifter, I’ve definitely been able to bench more than the bar in the past.  But that’s where I’m at right now.  I’m taking breaks after swimming 50-100 meters and benching and squatting an embarrassing amount.  And I’m mostly fine with that.  The part that’s not fine is the prideful competitor, impatient to be “back” to where she once was.  But the part that is fine is the part that had the gumption to start again; the part that is excited for the growth to come.  

Make no mistake, even though I’ve eased back in, I’ve had my share of sore muscles- and I know there will be more to come.  Many more.  Because as anyone who has ever gone after a goal knows (athletic or otherwise), there is no progress without growing pains; for these two truths are certain: 1) Getting better hurts and 2) We can’t get better on our own.  

As I thought about why those growing pains are so painful it occured to me that part of the growth (and therefore pain) happens when our pride takes some hits.  For progress to occur we have to be willing to look foolish and to perhaps even fail a time or two; to be willing to acknowledge that we don’t know everything.  That is uncomfortable with a capital U.  I for one do not like to admit my shortcomings, faults, or weaknesses!  But while laying down pride is difficult, it is absolutely necessary if we ever hope to achieve what we have resolved to achieve.  It is the laying aside of pride that enables us to even start.  And it is the attitude of humility that allows us to accept help from others.  

As I said, we can’t make progress solely on our own.  Sooner or later we’re going to need a coach, mentor, teacher, or friend to sharpen us.  We’re going to need someone to tell us specifically where we’re falling short and what we need to do to improve.    

In writing this post I couldn’t help but think of the former world record holder and two time gold medal winner of the decathlon, Ashton Eaton.  The decathlon is a 2 day track and field event consisting of 10 total events: the 100 meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meter dash, 110 meter high hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and the 1500 meter run.  Let me tell you: that takes a lot of coaching.  While runners absolutely have to work on their form and efficiency, field events and hurdles require a tremendous amount of finesse and technique.  I recall him once saying, “My entire life is people telling me what to do!”  I can only imagine the amount of humility it takes to be receptive to that level of constant correction and coaching!  Clearly, listening to the words of his coaches paid off.     

I had my own encounter with coaching this past week.  With a great amount of anxiety, I allowed a friend who is an accomplished writer and editor to read an article I wrote for simplydevoted.net.  I hate to admit it, but this is something I have shied away from as a new writer…even though I know it’s what I need. My issue is two-fold: I like to be naturally good at whatever I do, and I fear being told I’m not good at the thing I want to be naturally good at!  Ahhh, pride.  There it is, getting in the way of progress.  As it turns out, the constructive criticism I received was very helpful and will only make me a better writer.  This experience combined wtih Mr. Eatons’ example will stand in my mind as encouragement to face my fears and humbly listen to honest feedback from others.

As we look forward to the coming year, I pray we will have the courage to go after our goals- be they related to fitness and health, education and career, improving a skill, or in regard to character.  May we all have perseverance to withstand the growing pains of humility as we allow ourselves to be sharpened by those who make us better.  I look forward to seeing our progress; the progress made one meter at a time, one word at a time, one day at a time.    

Hopeful Expectation

Following some time in the Word and prayer this Christmas Eve morning, I felt a twinge of sadness- of longing.  I have to say, this feeling took me a bit by surprise.  I had prayed for God to prepare my heart for the celebration of the birth of Jesus in the flesh, that joyous event filled with awe, wonder, and promise.  And I thought how amazing it is to live in a time to know the story of the Savior’s birth.  For thousands of years God’s people awaited the Messiah.  Thousands of years.  They didn’t know the story.  They had no idea about Mary, Joseph, shepherds, or wise men.  Nor did they know about the cross or the empty tomb. 

What must it have been like to wait for a promise for so long?  Then it hit me: the longing I feel now is the same of the Israelites of the Old Testament.  Like they, I’m waiting for the Messiah- though not for his birth, but for his return.  

As has been the case since the fall of man, this year the world has experienced illness, loss, and devastation of all kinds accompanied by fear, anger and sorrow.  I can’t help but think, how long must we wait?  My heart longs for the King to come and make all things new. 

But come again he will.  The book of Hebrews speaks of our glorious inheritance secured by the Prince of Peace, the author and anchor of our salvation who came to us as a babe in the manger.  The hope of all humanity who came once in flesh 2000 years ago will come again.  

This Christmas may we all be filled with praise and adoration as we consider the mercy and grace given to use from God at the birth of the Christ.  And in our restless longing may we not grow weary in our spirit; for the Son of Man will come again- though not as a babe born to a virgin, but as the Rider on the white horse coming for his bride.  May we  rejoice this season in the fulfilled promise of a Savior as we continue to wait in hopeful expectation of what is still to come.      

The Light of Life

*This post was published in this month’s issue of Faith on Every Corner Magazine. Please check out this amazing (and free!) online magazine at faithoneverycorner.com

It’s impossible to imagine the wonder of Christmas without the brilliance of thousands of twinkling lights.  In fact, the lights are one of my favorite parts of the season.  As a child, I loved riding in the backseat of my grandparents’ car at nighttime as we drove around our small town ohhhing and ahhhing at all of the festive lights.  And without a doubt, our church’s Christmas Eve candlelit service was my favorite service of the whole year. I loved the sense of awe and majesty those candles commanded.  As an adult, I still look forward to the cozy glow of the lights from our living room Christmas tree.          

Until recently I just assumed the lights were part of the holiday season in that they marked this unique time of the year; that they were nothing more than pretty decorations and tradition.  And maybe they are those things.  But for those who know Christ, perhaps they serve as a reminder of the essence of Christmas- a reminder that light has come into the world.  

The first 5 verses of the gospel of John give us incredible insight into the person of Jesus Christ.  It is in this passage we learn the baby who was born in Bethlehem is the eternal Word and the creator of all things.  And not only that, but all things were created for him!  He himself was the life and light of men, unable to be overcome by darkness.  

A few chapters later Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” (John 8:12).  He spoke these words during the Festival of Booths, a celebration commemorating God’s faithfulness to the Israelites during their time of desert wandering after the exodus.   During this festival, God’s provision of a fiery cloud at night would have been remembered:  

 “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night,” (Exodus 13:21).   

What Jesus claimed here was simply incredible.  He said that he was the light; the light to which the pillar of fire pointed.   

The glory of God had been in that great cloud night after night.  Later, His glory filled the tabernacle and eventually the temple:

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34)

“Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.” (2 Chronicles 13b-14)

This glory returned in Jesus who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).  Imagine.  The glory of God in the face of a baby.  The glory of God laying in a manger.  

And this glory forever shines brightly in the face of Jesus Christ.  “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6). 

This light is spiritual life in Christ who raised us from our spiritual deadness.  It is the light of our salvation.  For as Colossians 3:1 states, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” 

This is the light we celebrate this Christmas season.  

700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah wrote these words: “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”   Praise God that this has been and continues to be so!  May we give thanks now and always for the glorious light that entered the world as a newborn child; the light that now sits at the right hand of the throne of God; the light that will reign forevermore.

No Shadow of Turning

On account of being a morning person I’m usually the first awake and the first to step foot out of bed.  Morning is by far my favorite part of the day.  (To those of you rolling your eyes right now, just bear with me here!) Although I enjoy starting the day with a good run or some other workout, what I really love is being the one to “open up the house.”  After the sun begins sharing its morning rays, I love turning the blinds and throwing open the curtains all throughout the downstairs.  Equally, once the sun has set I’m the first one to “close the house” by again turning the blinds and pulling the curtains shut.  

As I thought about this quirky daily ritual I began thinking about the significance of light, darkness, and shadows.   

I’ll admit, shadows have always confused me a bit.  I remember having great difficulty on a standardized test question asking about the shape of a shadow being cast when the sun was at a particular angle.  So…yeah, not my strong suit.  But what I do know is this: light is needed to create a shadow; but light does not (and cannot) have a shadow itself.  Perhaps this is what Thomas Obadiah Chisolm was thinking about when he penned these beautiful lyrics in the 19th century: 

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.  

No shadow of turning with thee.  What a beautiful way to describe God’s unchanging nature.  However, we cannot credit Mr. Chisholm as the original author of this truth.  That honor belongs to the brother of Jesus.   

In verse 17 of the first chapter of James we find these words: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”  

This one verse is so rich and full of truth!  How often we forget that God is the Father of lights and is light Himself.  1 John 1:5 says, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”  What a comfort it is to know we serve a God who is completely pure and holy!  

Scripture also provides several passages about the glorious light abounding from the presence and glory of God: 

“Then the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the Lord’s glory,” (Ezekiel 10:4).

“His brightness was like the light;  rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power,” (Habakkuk 3:4).

Furthermore, He alone will be the source of all light in the glorious City of God.  The prophet Isaiah wrote of this when he said, “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory,” (Isaiah 60:19).  Likewise, the book of Revelation tells us, “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.  And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb,” (Revelation 21:22-23).

Truly, God is light and in him is no darkness at all.  There can be no shifting shadows of His character, and no damper placed on His glory.  From everlasting to everlasting only the pureness of His radiant holiness abounds.  

What a beautiful truth to cling to in the midst of this troubled world.  And when the darkness of doubt creeps into our heart and minds, we can heed these words from the Father of heavenly lights, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6).  Indeed.  He is the great I AM, who was and is and always will be.  There is no shadow of turning within Him, and just as He is, forever He will be.  This beautiful knowledge is a gift of rest for His children.  For as James also reminds us, every good and perfect gift is from above.  

This week as I go about my daily “opening and closing” of the house, I will use it as an opportunity to meditate on the truth of our one true and unchanging Light.  I pray you will do the same.

The God of All Comfort in Depression

 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”  (Psalm 42:11)

Disturbed.  Turmoil.  Downcast. These are words often used in association with an emotional crisis.  Words used to express a state of distress or despair.  Over the last 14 years, countless clients experiencing depression have come to my office in search of a remedy.  It’s interesting that these clients have varied in age, skin colors, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, and have had vastly different histories and experiences.  And yet, there seems to be a common denominator…something King David knew full well.

King David, the mighty warrior who slayed Goliath and Israel’s most triumphant king, experienced times of great sadness.  In the above verse he inquires: Why is my soul so cast down?  and Why so disturbed within me? It’s the same questions my clients ask, and it’s the same questions you and I have asked ourselves.

So what is the common thread?  We find our answer when David exclaims, “Hope in God.”  Indeed, lost or misplaced hope is the commonality of a downcast spirit.  Placing our hope in the things of this world- beauty, money, fame, status, approval, careers, relationships-  only leads us to feel disappointed, disillusioned, and dissatisfied.  Abandoning hope all together leaves us even worse.  

But when we shift our focus to God and meditate on His character, we find peace and satisfaction for our souls.  And how much more so when we look to our Living Hope, Jesus Christ!  In this world we will have trouble (John 16:33).  We will experience times of sadness, and even depression.  But Jesus assures us he has overcome the world and is preparing a heavenly home for those who are in Him.  This, and only this, is our glorious hope and the ultimate remedy for a downcast spirit.

Questions: 1) In what have you been placing your hope? 2) How have the things of this world failed you, or lead you to despair? 3) Read 1 Peter 1:3-4.  What steps can you take each day to fix your mind on our glorious and living hope? 

Prayer:  Dear God, forgive me for seeking the things of this world to bring me what only you can.  Thank you for your unconditional love, your abounding faithfulness, and for the gift of your son, Jesus.  Father, I praise you for the hope of our salvation and for your promise to never leave us.  May your Holy Spirit prompt my heart to remember these truths at all times.  In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

The God of All Comfort in Anxiety

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Phillipians 4:6-7)

A restless mind, jittery legs, and trouble breathing.  These are just a few manifestations of anxiety.  Anxiety runs the gamut of diagnoses in the DSM-V, and includes everything from Unspecified Anxiety Disorder to Generalized Anxiety Disorder to phobias.  For some, it may look like excessive worry about the future or fear of failure.

Isn’t it amazing then that the Apostle Paul (empowered by the Holy Spirit) tells us to be anxious for nothing?  This hardly seems possible!  Yet, we know with God nothing is impossible- nothing is too hard for Him!  I love that in the midst of this difficult command He doesn’t just leave us hanging.  Instead, He gently instructs us how to free ourselves of anxiety.  

Right before we are told to “be anxious for nothing,” we are also told to rejoice in the Lord always (v.4).  Rather than focus on the circumstance at hand, we are to rejoice in the person of God.  Focusing on His attributes and times of past faithfulness is the breath of fresh air needed when anxiety overwhelms us.  

Paul then says, By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  This is an amazing invitation to cast all of our worries on Him- to pour out our hearts to the God of the Universe!  He is our Father who loves us, and He invites us to pray with thanksgiving in our hearts.    

The result of this instruction? The peace which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Peace.  The longing of every anxious heart and mind.  What a wonderful promise given to us by God in His Word.  In our anxious moments, may we quickly remember to rejoice in God with a spirit of thanksgiving as we seek Him in prayer.  Then, we will have peace. 

Questions: 1) When are you most prone to anxiety?  2) List specific traits of God (or past instances of His faithfulness) to focus on when feeling anxious.  3) What do you need to bring to God in prayer today?  Write them down and pray through these.  Thank Him for His goodness and love!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the invitation to come to you with all of my anxieties.  You are a God of grace and mercy and you are so good to me.  I rejoice in who you are and praise you for your unfailing love.  Thank you that through Christ, your peace can dwell in me richly.  In his mighty name we pray, Amen. 

(Un)Stuck in a Moment

I’m just going to go ahead and say it: I love the 90’s.  The years of 1994-2000 were my adolescence. (Proud member of the class of Y2K right here!)  That means I get super nostalgic about things like flannel shirts, baggy jeans and t-shirts, clogs, Friends, hacky-sacks, disc-mans, and 90’s alternative rock.  Give me some Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, or Pearl Jam any day of the week.  And also U2.  After all, they were the band of the millennium.  Now, I know their albums Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby were the height of their awesomeness but I’m also a fan of their 2001 album All That You Can’t Leave Behind.   

On that particular album there is a lesser known song called Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of.  If you’re unfamiliar, it’s worth the 4 minutes and 33 seconds of listening time.  But in case you decide to forego the youtube search, I’ll clue you in to the main idea: the song is directed to someone going through a rough time, someone who (as the title mentions) feels stuck.  The song then concludes with these lyrics: 

“And if, and if the night runs over, and if the day won’t last; And if your way should falter, along the stony pass; It’s just a moment, this time will pass.”    

I think this is the same message Axl Rose was also going for when he sang: 

“Nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain.”  

Like Bono and Axl, I would like to offer a personal insight when it comes to some stuck moments- as in those moments filled with complaints and self-pity.  Perhaps there’s a way to move those moments along with both a little more tempo and purpose.

I was having such a moment a few weeks back.  In the midst of it all I knew I was being petty and ridiculous.  But still.  I was in a mood and the thoughts just kept coming.  At first I tried to tell myself how awful I was being and made an attempt to focus my mind on something else.  

That didn’t work. 

If anything, it just made me feel angrier.  So, I figured I could either keep trying to talk myself out of being petty, or give myself some minutes to wallow in my self-imposed misery.  

I made the conscious choice to wallow. 

However, this choice was made with a full understanding that I was not meant to stay in that place of petty resentment; that those minutes could exist, but only for an allotted time.  I looked at the clock and gave myself 8 minutes to think all of my ridiculously selfish thoughts. 

Two interesting things happened next, the first of which was this: after the first minute I didn’t really feel the need to take 7 more.  Strangely, after I gave myself permission to dwell, it just didn’t seem necessary to do so.  

Second, shortly after the taken minute I was able to reflect upon where my thoughts were coming from.  What emotion or need was driving all of this?  

Turns out, I was having a moment of jealousy and insecurity.  I absolutely recognized the need to lay down my pride.  But I also recognized that what I really wanted- and maybe needed- was affirmation from friends.  And that became my prayer: for God to forgive my jealous heart and to help me lay down my pride; to remind me that I am immensely loved by the King of the Universe; and to provide, as He saw fit, the words of affirmation I desired from others. 

That prayer was like a giant sigh of relief and the key to becoming unstuck.

What I meant as an 8 minute gripe session, He meant as a moment to teach me about who He is.  These moments left me thanking God for His gracious love for me, even when I am most unlovable.  It left me overwhelmed by His patience and amazed by His compassion for my emotions and needs.  But most of all, it caused me to praise Him that His purposes prosper above my own.  Truly our God is the God of every moment.

S’mores and Beyond: A Camping Tale

I want to go on the record to say that I fully acknowledge stereotypes are just that- stereotypes.  Most often, they aren’t reflective of reality.  

However.  

Sometimes circumstances provide evidence for the establishment of said stereotypes.  Packing a vehicle for a one night camping trip with 5 women is one of them.  

Everything from the number of group texts regarding who was bringing what, to the crazy amount of clothes and gear crammed and overflowing in the back of an SUV was classic.  (It’s possible there were also a few randomly stashed bottles of wine in there as well.)  I just smiled as I watched my husband lovingly bite his tongue when it was my turn to stuff my things into the vehicle.  And I’m still laughing at the memory of my friend saying, “I don’t know how we could’ve brought less!” as we headed for the highway, ready for camping adventure.    

I have to be honest; I was a little hesitant going into the trip.  After all, we were tent camping in Michigan in early October…and I hate being cold.  But some things are worth the cold, and this was certainly one of them.   (I’ll give my husband some credit here because he was emphatic that I not back out!)  I’m so glad I listened to him.  Had I not, here’s what I would have missed: 

1)  Some really great food- including a fantastic doughnut.  If you know me at all you know that I love to eat!  And I really love doughnuts.  So when the first stop of our trip was a quaint pumpkin patch, I was beyond pumped to see a sign for homemade doughnuts and apple cider.  And oh man!  I’ve had some good doughnuts in my day, but this was by far the best ever!  Later that night we also had a truly first rate camping dinner made over the fire.  Everything everyone contributed was superb.  In and of itself, the food was great.  But as we all know, the enjoyment of food is only intensified by the company you share it with.  Which leads me to my second point…

2)    Laughter and camaraderie. This probably goes without saying, but the conversation was constant and covered everything from parenting and careers to music, food, social media, and everything in between.  I loved that we could go back and forth from light-hearted trivial topics to real life problems so seamlessly.  That kind of camaraderie is such a gift and I’m beyond blessed to have these women in my life.  They are intelligent, funny, hard-working, loving, and genuine.  They’re also the kind of women who encourage and inspire me to do great things. 

Speaking of which…

 3) An epic hike.  Sometimes hiking trails turn out to be a little longer than you think.  And sometimes it’s also possible to get lost on those longer-that-thought trails.  What we thought initially would be a 5 mile hike turned into well over 13 (possibly 15, depending on who’s watch you consider most accurate).  I will say, a unifying factor in our friendships has been the love of exercise in general, and running in particular.  Thankfully, we have all cultivated the physical and mental stamina produced by long distance training and racing.   So when a 2 hour hike turned into 3, 4, and then 5 hours, I found it pretty impressive that we were all physically capable of this task (especially considering the serious hills involved).  But even more, I was proud of our ability to stay calm and positive throughout the entirety of the hike.  Although dinner was started a little later than originally planned, I’m so glad this was our story to share- and laugh about- together.  

In summation:  If you ever get invited to a girls-only camping trip…Go!  Without hesitation.  And by all means, bring an ax (no matter what your husband says or how ridiculous it may seem).  But most importantly, stay present and enjoy every moment, even if it includes a crazy detour; I guarantee you and your friendships will be better for it in the end.