THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS – When Your Heart is Hurting!

Christmas is approaching. Some would say, “It’s approaching too fast!” Didn’t we just put away last year’s decorations?

Christmas is a time of great rejoicing! It’s the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus, God’s greatest gift to mankind.

Christmas is marked by beautiful music and brightly decorated trees. It’s a time of giving and receiving gifts. It’s a time of laughter and delicious food. It’s a time of fortifying relationships by sending and receiving Christmas cards and letters and sharing hugs and endearing words.

But, when you leave the party or the dinner with family and friends, when you leave good company and a fun event, when you head out the door, the emptiness in your heart, because of the loss of someone dear to you, walks out with you. The pain of your loss strikes again!

What can you do? My suggestion is that you go directly to where your pain is fully known and felt. It’s the same place where you’ll find strength, peace and hope. It’s the place where Truth and Love reign. Read Psalm 139 allowing the following thoughts to penetrate your mind and heart:

1. You are loved by your Creator. Psalm 139: 5b-6; 17-18 “You place your hand of blessing on my head.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!  I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!”  

   God loves you with an everlasting love. He thinks about you In the way we would think - often – and good thoughts - about those we love.

2. Your Creator knows everything about you, everything you are going through, everything you feel. Psalm 139: 1-4 “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.”

   Just when you think, “No one can fully understand my grief,” it is SUCH a blessing to remember that there is Someone who really does understand even the deepest part of your grief.

3. He is ALWAYS with you. Psalm 139: 5; 7-10 “You go before me and follow me.” “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.”

   Grief is one of the loneliest feelings you can experience; but, these verses are a reminder that you are, truly, NEVER alone!

4. He feels your grief and hurts with you. Psalm 139: 11-12 “I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.”

   When you are hurting, you often just want to stay in bed, pull up the covers and sink into the darkness of your pain. But, God is desirous to crawl right into the darkness with you, bringing HIS light to soften your pain.

Know His Name

David said this in Psalm 9:10, 11: “And those who know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, O Lord hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.”

It’s so easy in this “hurry up” world to gloss over passages we read in the Bible. However, there’s so much more to learn when we take time to MEDITATE on what God has spoken and man has written, including these two verses. For example, by KNOWING HIS NAME we can begin to know HIM.  And knowing Him leads to being able to trust Him in the situations He directs or permits to enter our lives.

The familiar Isaiah 9:6 provides just a start to knowing what HIS NAME holds for us. Speaking of the Lord Jesus, we read there that “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Going then to the New Testament, we’re reminded in Acts 4:12 “There is no other Name…whereby we must be saved.” Revelation 19:16 says, “On His robe and on His thigh He has a Name written ‘King of kings’ and ‘Lord of lords.’” If what these three verses say about HIS NAME, it would be enough, enough to be able to trust Him. But, there is so much more to HIS NAME. Dear friends, especially in the times in which we are living, take the time to PRAYERFULLY read, ABSORB and LEARN more about what GOD’S NAME means and how what you learn pertains to your particular situation. I believe you’ll find His strength, wisdom and guidance and that will bring you the “…peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension…” Philippians 4:7  

A Personal Promise Just For You

David is called “a man after God’s own heart” in the book of Acts. His relationship with the Lord was deep and personal. Look at how David describes the way He sees God, as recorded in II Samuel 22:2-3.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation.

My stronghold and my refuge;

My Savior, Thou dost save me from violence.” *

[*David was being pursued by Saul who wanted to take his life. God intervened.]

In this text, before every word that David writes to represent God, he writes this word: “MY!” To David, God was not some far off observer of all David was going through. God was real. God was personal. God was all that David needed. David’s testimony was simply, but powerfully, stated.

As the saying goes, sometimes “big things come in small packages.” Note the two-letter word found in the first line of David’s description of God: “IS!” David knew that the Lord IS and EVER WILL be all these things His servant would need.

All Believers can claim that David’s God is our God. The Cross makes this possible.

I encourage you to do something I have done over the years – something I’ve found to be so helpful, so valuable. Read these verses S L O W L Y. And, read them meaningfully, as a prayer from the depths of your heart, even a heart that’s been broken:

  God, “You are MY rock and MY fortress and MY deliverer.

  You are MY God, MY rock, in whom I take refuge;

  You are MY shield and the horn of MY salvation,

  You are MY stronghold and MY refuge,

  You are MY Savior. You save me from violence.” **

[**In the midst of the greatest loss you may ever know, God is able to intervene and see you through it.]

Read on through verse 7. It will make a difference in how you feel about your circumstances as you learn to exchange your pain – for His presence.

The RX for Fear and Despair

We live in a time when reasons to fear and despair abound. National and international concerns, to say nothing of personal challenges, can grab hold of us and leave us with little hope for the present and future. Two Psalm writers shared similar concerns in Psalm 121 and 23.

The unknown author of Psalm 121, was, perhaps, literally looking up at the mountains before him, the ones he would have to climb to get to Jerusalem to worship, the ones that had rough terrain, violent storms and robbers. He was AFRAID and wondered, “Who will help me make this trouble-filled journey?”

David, in Psalm 23, faced the most DESPAIRING of all circumstances – the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

If these writers kept their minds on the circumstances in their lives, it would be easy for them to remain in a state of fear or despair. But, they allowed their eyes to drift beyond their circumstances to find a Resource that could blunt the worst life had to offer them. These men, men just like us, knew where to turn.

Psalm 121 ends with, “My help cometh from the Lord Who made (those mountains and) heaven and earth.” The Psalmist allowed himself to focus on the truth that God’s POWER was greater than any challenge his mountains could present to Him. In Psalm 23, David remembered that God’s PRESENCE was available to him from first breath to final breath.  “…I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.”

Embracing that God’s POWER and PRESENCE are greater than anything we face can dispel any fear or despair that threaten to undo us. Our FEAR and DESPAIR can have the potential to become PRAISE and THANKSGIVING.

Our Plea – His Plan

Perhaps the two most misunderstood verses in the Bible are found in I John 5:14-15. “And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”

When we are in distress, we might read those verses and send up a prayer to God asking for answers in our situation. If you think about it, in doing that, we’re acting like we are the authority figure and God should be our servant. When the answer we’re seeking doesn’t come, or it’s one we don’t like, we can easily feel upset, angry or like God doesn’t care. “Can’t He be counted on to meet my need? I’m not asking for too much – just a logical, sensible understanding of the most profound hurt I’ve known.” We hurt, we grieve, we ask; but then we can easily end up going down a path that can be very destructive to our faith, and, thus, to not even coming CLOSE to meeting the need we have.

Let’s take another look at the passage. It’s easy to miss this piece of it: “…if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us…” (Emphasis mine.) We might think we know what His will includes. Our limited, hurting minds have it all worked out. Certain things are logical, after all. “If I were God, this is how I would handle it!”

But, wait a moment! Think back to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Son of God pleaded with His Father as He contemplated the upcoming agony of the cross. He asked, “Father…remove this cup from me.” It was a reasonable request to avoid the physical and emotional agony He was about to face.  It’s something you and I would feel is a logical request for Jesus to make.

But, that wasn’t all He said. He added, “…yet not my will, but Thine be done.”

At that moment in time, the will of God partnered with the love of God – and, aren’t you glad for that? God’s perfect plan for the redemption of mankind would not, could not be diverted. God, the Father, wanted to redeem you and me from the punishment for our sins. And, He knew best how that would be accomplished.

And His Son? His Son was willing for what His Father’s best would be.

Dear one, the same God Who lovingly refused the plea of His own Son doesn’t always answer your pleas. He still knows best. His purpose in your pain is not always revealed at the moment we ask, if ever. However, that does not mean His love and care for you is diminished. He hurts with you and invites you to accept His will, by faith, just as Jesus did. You can lay your requests at His feet and exchange them, even unanswered, for His grace, strength and plan.

The cost is great. He knows that – just as He knew it about Jesus’ death.

Think About It With Me

This man, Jesus, was falsely accused, tried and sentenced to death by crucifixion after being betrayed by a man HE HAD CREATED who had been with Him for three years. Then there was another follower of His HE HAD CREATED who denied that he even knew Jesus. This, after he had seen all the miracles Jesus had performed right in front of his face. Jesus was spit upon, mocked, beaten and had a crown of thorns placed upon His head by soldiers HE HAD CREATED. Then, worn out from beatings, He was led down a road and placed on a cross made out of wood from a tree HE HAD CREATED. There, He died, not for crimes HE had committed; but, for the sins committed by people through the ages HE HAD CREATED, including you and me.

Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there; for after He died, He was buried in a tomb and three days later HE CAME BACK TO LIFE.

Sounds as tho’ it could be a story made for a TV program or big screen movie. But… it was reality! The very Son of God came to this earth to live among HIS CREATION, demonstrate the love of the Father and pay for the sins of humanity on that cross, AS ONLY HE COULD, because He was sinless.

What He did on the cross ensures our salvation and makes us part of His family when we accept it as being for our very own personal selves. The resurrection ensures that there is a reservation for us in heaven to live eternally with Him.

You may ask, “Is that for real?” In a world of untruths and uncertainties, this story isn’t Hollywood. It’s Heaven-sent. “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” I trust you have made the choice to accept the truth of what Jesus did for you on that cross. If not, why not make the choice right now? Then watch Him work in and through your life.

And, bask in the hope of it all, especially His power over death, and His resurrection. Inherent in these is the certainty of seeing your beloved child again!

Think about that with me, especially in your darkest moments of grief.

Got Fear? Anxiety?

We live in uncertain times. I not telling you anything you didn’t already know. Our hearts go out to the people in Ukraine whose lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own. Fear and anxiety are reflected in the faces of those hurting people – but also in the faces of those close by us – maybe even in the face in your mirror! 

It’s not just today’s world that fills us with fear and anxiety. Because people in ages past struggled with these same emotions, when the Holy Spirit instructed the writers what to say in the Bible, He gave to us all Isaiah 41. God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my Righteous Right Hand.”

Remember, when you need to free yourself of the fears and anxieties of life, there is a refuge:

• “I am with you…” As you and I scurry around, wringing our hands, searching for answers to life’s concerns, the Omnipresent One says we don’t have to face challenges alone. Our God, our Creator, the Lover of our souls, the Mighty One, the Wisdom of the ages, the very one Who is the Author of Peace is with us.

• “I will strengthen you…” Fear and anxiety drain and weaken us. They make us feel like there’s no way we can go on. WE may have no strength to continue – but – HE does and He promises that HIS strength is made perfect in our weakness!

• “I will help you…” Do you feel helpless? Powerless? Hopeless? Without resources you need? Lacking direction? Lacking answers? Are you crying out for HELP???!!! It’s there – in the Person of Jesus Christ Who subjected Himself willingly to being helpless, powerless, hopeless; to denying Himself resources as He hung on the cross with your sins and mine on His Perfect Body! Take your focus off your circumstances and cry out “HELP” to Him.

• “I will uphold you…” The Hand that holds all the power of the universe is able to and longs to uphold YOU, giving you all you need to face whatever comes your way. He can and will, graciously, sustain you.

The times in which we’re living, just as the times of people through the centuries, are filled with very real concerns. BUT – never doubt that they are under God’s control! Rest in His promises. I’ve only mentioned four of the 26,000 promises named in the Bible. He is faithful to keep every one of them!

Peace In Anxious Times

We’re living in a very anxious time. Let’s face it. There’s so much uncertainty, so many demands, such fear… These things can easily bring on anxiety and it robs us of inner peace; even sleep, appetite and energy.  God understands. He foreknew. So, He addressed anxiety through the Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:5-7 to give us great hope in bleak times.

“Let your forbearing spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

“Let your forbearing spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near.” The translation of the word, “forbearing” is actually “gentleness.” What Paul is saying is, in the midst of troubling circumstances, there can be a gentle, confident spirit that can flow through us if/when we focus on the truth that Jesus is coming soon. Our hope is in Him and His coming for us. This life with its troubling circumstances will be gone “in the twinkling of an eye” at the rapture or when He chooses to take us Home.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” The only way anxiety can cease is if we take our eyes off what’s going on around us and put them on the Omnipresent, Sovereign God. Because of Him, we are not alone in our struggles. And, we’re invited to bring ALL our concerns, huge and little, to Him in prayer. But, we are to accompany each concern with thanksgiving. Why with thanksgiving, especially when your heart seems about as broken as it can be? It shows that we know to Whom we are making our requests, the One Who inhabits praise (Psalm 22:3); and that, no matter how God answers our specific prayers, we will be content and thankful with whatever He wisely and lovingly gives us. By the way, I love the Japanese translation of Psalm 22:3: “When you praise God He brings a big chair and sits there.” Isn’t that just what you need when you’re anxious?

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The result of letting go of the trouble and letting God do His work is much more powerful than the anxiety! It’s PEACE! Not the peace of having no struggles. Not the peace that comes from distracting yourself. Not the peace that comes from drugs. It’s not peace produced externally. Those things can only produce temporary peace. Rather, this is GOD’s peace, available to every one of His children, that comes and lasts no matter what’s going on; and it surpasses our finite understanding.

So, take heart. Release your anxious thoughts to the One Who loves you with an everlasting love and is ever present as you walk through the concerns of life. HIS PRESENCE BRINGS HIS PEACE.

“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Thy consolations delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19

2022 – NEW Opportunities/Challenges; SAME Dependable God

2021 certainly had its share of difficulties: COVID continued to take its toll physically and emotionally - many loved ones were sick and/or lost to us. Economic uncertainty and rising prices made quite a squeeze on everyone’s psyche and budget. The crime rate jumped way out of control in major cities - perhaps one near you. It can make us wonder what’s ahead for us in 2022?

Believers in Jesus Christ can rest reassured, as they face the new year, knowing that God has made promises He intends to keep. For instance:

• He loves us. I John 4:9,10; John 3:16

• He has plans for us, not meant to harm us, but to give us a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:21

• He cares for us. I Peter 5:7

• He will give us direction. Proverbs 3:5,6

• He will be our refuge and strength. Psalm 46:1-3

• He is with us – not only in 2022 but for our entire lives. Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5

Knowing these promises, we can face 2022 confidently, no fears about what it may bring.

The Psalmist writes it clearly: Psalm 46:1-23 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.”

Anticipate God at work in, for and through you in 2022.

Joy, Peace, Comfort - Like None Other

What an incredible event took place that first Christmas. Think about it:

• Jesus, the Son of God – born in a stable greeted only by the sounds of animals.

• Bethlehem? A King would typically be born in a castle – not a little-known town.

• Doctors and nurses weren’t present – just a young very-much-in-love, married and amazed couple.

• No dignitaries came – rather a handful of dirty, low-class shepherds.

• Absent also was the Disney type fireworks display – but the angels sang their praises over the shepherds as they attended their sheep and a star shone bright over the stable.

Get the picture? The Creator of the universe and the world, as well as the air we breathe, came to sinful mankind humbly, as He would live His life. He loved and cared for hurting people. He listened to their heart needs. He sacrificed His life bearing the sin and shame of His creation. His love was demonstrated through the Cross and then through life-giving Resurrection.

But it doesn’t stop there, dear friend. Through your acceptance of that love and His amazing grace, He takes up residence in undeserving you and me. If that were not enough, He is also preparing a Home for us in Heaven where we will live with Him forever.

From a cradle to a Cross and, now, His eternal Home, He offers His love, joy, peace and comfort, unavailable by any other means.

I pray and trust you will sense His presence in your heart and mind over this Christmas and into 2022.

Stepping Stones

The book of Zephaniah has three chapters. Each chapter has a “hidden clue” as to how Believers can deepen our walk with the Lord, especially needed as we go through uncharted waters in life.

There is one verse in each chapter that suggests a “stepping stone” so we can reach the goal of deeper trust in and more intimacy with our Savior:

Step One: Zephaniah 1:7 “Be silent before the Lord God……….” It is so very important to set a time aside WITHOUT DISTRACTION to spend quality, quiet time with the God Who created you and has charted out the day in advance for you. Take time to meditate upon a particular portion of Scripture asking the Lord to speak to you about whatever He desires.

Step Two: Zephaniah 2: 3 “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility………” As you seek Him, ask for a righteous spirit and a humble heart. Having these enables us to seek Him with pure motivation, open to saying, with our Savior, “…not my will but Thine be done.”

Step Three: Zephaniah 3:8 “Therefore , wait for Me…….” This is probably the most difficult of the three. We have a tendency to take matters into our own hands because of time pressure, pride, fear or just wanting to get any troubling matter behind us! What we really need to do is take a deep breath; recall and apply the Scripture we just read; and pray and trust that He will provide His insight and His wisdom for that very moment or situation.

Three steps God’s Word gives us to assure His guidance and blessing on the day: Be silent; seek Him; and wait before Him.

David states in Psalm 37: 5, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

Then………..HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

In Prison and... Joyful!

Scripture tells us about many of God’s people who were imprisoned simply because of their outspoken faith. I’ll mention four here:

1. In the Old Testament, we read about DANIEL, a man, literally THROWN into prison, a den of lions, which could have/should have led to his death.

2. Old Testament - JOSEPH was put into prison because of the evil contrivances of people he should have been able to trust.

3. In the New Testament, we read that the Apostle PAUL was imprisoned MANY times because of his outspoken testimony of the crucified, buried and risen Savior.

4. New Testament - Last on this list (certainly not the least) was JOHN. He was placed on a lonely island, Patmos.

Each of these men went through the HORRORS of imprisonment. Not to diminish the pain they experienced, but, each man’s story ultimately had a JOYFUL ending.

Daniel: God’s sovereign intervention in his imprisonment blessed the lives of so many, including the King who’d had him imprisoned.

Joseph: He was released from prison to become second in charge of Egypt and the savior from famine of millions of people, including his own people, the Israelites.

Paul: His imprisonment written of in Philippians 1, led to the salvation of his guards.

John: From that lonely island, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he wrote the book of Revelation.

Your prison and mine, most likely, don’t include a physical jail cell. Our imprisonment might be emotional pain due to the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, a dreaded disease or a longed for desire or dream that has been dashed. The loneliness that can ensue from these and other hurtful circumstances can be a prison in itself.

We would be wise to ask the questions, “How could these men stay strong in their faith during such incredibly hurtful times?” “Is there a common thread woven through their reaction to the circumstances?” If we find answers to these questions, perhaps those answers can encourage us in OUR challenging times.

Two responses, while traveling through painful experiences, can lead us to peace and healing, and even a “joyful ending,” as it did for the men mentioned above.

1. A strong confidence in the love of God. God’s love can overshadow a painful loss. It can comfort and encourage us to know that, no matter what, we are loved by the Creator of this Universe. It can even help us love someone who may have wronged us.

2. A trust in the sovereignty of God. Believing that God is control of all things is a tremendous foundation upon which to build and grow our faith, even in the worst of times, even when the circumstances make no sense at all.

No matter what the hurt is that God has lovingly and sovereignly directed or permitted to enter our lives, we would do well focus our eyes on WHO, rather than WHY. That gives God freedom to work in our circumstances as He did with the men we’re looking at – and it gives us freedom from the prison in which our troubles can so easily place us.

Paul wrote from one of his imprisonments, “I, Paul, the PRISONER of Jesus Christ…” He and Daniel, Joseph and John chose, in their hearts and actions, to be God’s prisoners rather than being captives of their circumstances.

Be encouraged as you walk out of your prison. God is holding the door open for you.

Jump!

PSALM 143 – Listed as: “A Prayer When You Need Help and Guidance”

Unless you never need either!!!

I love to go to the Psalms when I need help and guidance – or when I’m in distress – or when I just need a lift to my spirit.

David is not afraid to tell God exactly how he feels. Being honest with God about our feelings is pivotal to managing them. It’s not like He doesn’t know what’s on our minds, anyway! And, like David, when we express our feelings to God, we can eventually come to the point of realizing that we’ve been talking to the Only One Who can help. Like David, then, we end up in worship and praise. That feels SO MUCH BETTER!

In Psalm 143, verse 1, David says to God, “Hear me!” “Listen to me!” And then, in verses 3 and 4, David proceeds to spill it all out before the Heavenly Father.

In verses 5-8, David does some very constructive, very healing things:

1. He remembers God’s faithfulness in the past.

2. He meditates on God’s mercy, His care and on the plans God had worked out for David in previous situations.

Doing those things helped David take his mind off his concerns. He goes on in the verses that follow in Psalm 143 to make several very clear statements of faith: “I trust You.” “I lift up my soul to You.” “I take refuge in You.” “You are my God.” And, to these testimonies to his confidence in God, David gives God a very direct invitation: “Teach me.” “Teach me to do Your will!”

David surrendered the concerns of his heart and life to God. When we do likewise, we find that God is able to help us face our struggles and provide direction for what’s ahead.

From a book entitled, MOURNING INTO DANCING by Walt Wangerin, Jr., I read:

“When I was a boy… I told people that my father was stronger than anyone else in the world…

So I would go out on the front porch and roar to the neighborhood: ‘My daddy’s arm is as strong as trucks! The strongest man in the world.’ …

In those days a cherry tree grew in our backyard. This was my hiding place. Ten feet above the ground a stout limb made a horizontal fork, a cradle on which I could lie face-down, reading, thinking, being alone. Nobody bothered me here. Even my parents didn’t know where I went to hide. Sometimes Daddy would come out and call, ‘Wally? Wally?’ but he didn’t see me in the leaves.

I felt very tricky.

Then came the thunderstorm…

One day suddenly, a wind tore through the backyard and struck my cherry tree with such force that it ripped the book from my hands and nearly threw me from the limb. I locked my arms around the forking branches and hung on. My head hung down between them. I tried to wind my legs around the limb, but the whole tree was wallowing in the wind…

‘Daddeeeeeeee!’…

There he was…the branches swept up and down, like huge waves on an ocean—and Daddy saw me, and right away he came out into the wind and the weather, and I felt so relieved because I just took it for granted that he would climb right up the tree to get me.

But that wasn’t his plan at all.

He came to a spot right below me and lifted his arms and shouted, ‘Jump.’

‘What?’

‘Jump. I’ll catch you.’

Jump? I had a crazy man for a father. He was standing six or seven miles beneath me, holding up two skinny arm and telling me to jump. If I jumped, he’d miss. I’d hit the ground and die…

But the wind and the rain slapped that cherry tree, bent it back, and cracked my limb at the trunk. I dropped a foot. My eyes flew open. Then the wood whined and splintered and sank, and so did I, in bloody terror.

No, I did not jump. I let go. I surrendered.

I fell.

In a fast, eternal moment I despaired and plummeted. This, I thought, is what it’s like to die—

But my father caught me…

Now, in such a storm the tree which was our stable world is shaken, and instinct makes us grab it tighter: by our own strength we grip the habits that have helped us in the past, repeating them, believing them. We’d rather trust what is than what might be: that is, our power, our reason and feeling and endurance… We spend a long time screaming ‘No!’ …

But always, God is present. God has always been present. And it is God who says, ‘Jump.’”

Light In the Darkness

Many believe we are living in a very “dark” period of time. We long for “light” to shine when our days are dark and foreboding.

I love the way Scripture is so alive and fresh. Reading the same passage many times over doesn’t diminish that. It only underscores the truth that – it’s the LIVING Word. An example of this presented itself to me recently as I was reading in Genesis 1, verses 2-4 say:

“And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water. Then God said, ‘Let there be light; and there was light.’ And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from darkness.”

Please take note:

1. The Spirit of God moved and brought light to overwhelm the darkness.

2. God separated the light from the darkness.

3. That light was not produced from the sun. The sun was created on Day 4. The light God created on the first day was strictly a supernatural, divine light, coming directly from Him.

4. At the close of each created day, we read, “And there was evening and morning.” That’s different than the way we typically distinguish days. We think of each day beginning with the daylight of morning and ending with the dark of night. But, according to God’s Word, a new day  starts in darkness but it ends in the light.*

From the very first chapter of Genesis and throughout the Scriptures, God provides encouragement in any darkness we might experience from time to time. David exclaimed in 2 Samuel 22:29, “For Thou art my lamp, O LORD, and the LORD illumines my darkness.” In Psalm 119:105, we read, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.”

The same God Who created light to overwhelm darkness in Genesis 1 remains able to do the same with any darkness that Believers through the ages, may experience – including you today! Yes, darkness can be overwhelming; but, by His grace and in His timing, light will come. It may come quickly or it may come over a prolonged period of time. That determination is made by God. As we trust Him in the darkness, He reveals His incredible love and grace. And, our faith has opportunity to grow!

The tough question is this: “Until He sends light to illumine the dark times in your life, are you willing to trust God and discover what He wants to teach you about Himself?”

*Based on the creation account, in Genesis, “And there was evening and morning,” on the Hebrew calendar, each new day starts at sunset.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

During times of uncertainty and stress (had any of those days recently?!), it’s always good to turn to the Scriptures. In the Psalms, especially, we find much needed consolation – even direction. The Psalm writers, mainly David and Asaph, wrote so well out of their own difficulties. They wrote Psalms that were actually songs and represented the full range of human emotion: lament and sorrow, triumph and joy and everything in between. The songs they composed helped to redirect their thinking toward the One Who would bring peace, comfort and strength to their troubled spirits. Reading them can help us to do the same.

Through the years, many songs of faith were composed and published in hymnals. God has used them to speak to the hearts of hurting people looking for encouragement and direction through various challenges in life. I love the choruses that we’ve learned over the past many years; however, I find myself going back to those older hymns that are so full of theology, of meatier thoughts that really speak to my soul. One song has especially touched my heart and mind. As a matter of fact, many years ago it was adopted as the theme song for this ministry. You, no doubt, are familiar with “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. You’ve probably sung it many times. I would encourage you to take a very careful and thorough look at the words that you probably know very well. Grab hold of the deep theology in each verse.

For instance, I love the way the song begins: “Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God, my Father.”

”O God” – Oh, the faithfulness of the Creator; the Almighty One Who rules and reigns over the universe, over the kingdoms of this world and, lovingly, over the circumstances that enter the lives of each of His people.

“My Father” - That phrase implies the personal tenderness, love, provision and care of the One Who is available 24/7. Wow!!!

And that’s just the beginning of the hymn!! I encourage you to thoughtfully and prayerfully read through the rest of the words. I believe you’ll come away built up in the Lord and encouraged because it will draw your attention away from the turmoil, the uncertainty and fear that may be assaulting your life. Your eyes will see Him in a new way, not only as your Redeemer, but as your Guide and Provider for the days ahead. You may even find yourself singing in a more meaningful way, “All I have needed Thy Hand hath provided. Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

One last thought. The hymn was written by Thomas O. Chisholm as a testimony of God’s provision in his own life. May it be true of you and me, as well.

Captured By Grace

In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul wrote from a Roman prison, “Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ.”

Here was a man who was clearly captured by the grace of God. Paul knew that it was grace that brought him to a saving knowledge of Christ (vs. 7) and it was grace that would make it possible for him to share the Good News with others (vs. 8), no matter how uncomfortable the situation in which he found himself. Paul knew that, because of God’s grace, he was able to:       

• Live in a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

• Live out God’s purpose “to proclaim the unfathomable riches of Christ.”

• Circumstances didn’t matter – only obedience to God’s call mattered.

• Have 24/7 access directly into the very Throne room of God, Christ’s death on the cross making that possible.

Beginning with Paul’s words in verse 14, we can see the heart of this prisoner as he began to pray: “I bow my knees before the Father.” Paul lived in uncompromising submission to the Lordship of God, giving honor and praise to Him even in the worst of circumstances.

As you continue to read Paul’s prayer, note that it wasn’t for himself. (“God, get me out of this horrible situation!”) It was for the people to whom he was called to minister.

First, he asked God to give them “inner strength.” These were troublesome times. Physical and emotional persecution were overwhelming, unbearable. Paul knew that people needed inner strength and that it could only flow from God.

Then, Paul asked that others could be fully aware of the Christ who indwells the Believer, the Christ Who is the Author of our faith, the Giver of peace, the God of all comfort. 

And, more – Paul prayed that others could know the extent of Christ’s love, always available, no matter what our circumstances according to Romans 8:37-39.

Finally, Paul reminded those to whom he was writing then – and to us now – God’s power is always working in us beyond what we could ask or think.

Paul, through the Holy Spirit, was praying for YOU, my friend. Your heart is broken. Your life has been changed forever. Perhaps you feel like a prisoner to your circumstances, your loss, your grief.

Ephesians 3 was written for you. Read it. Embrace it. Thank the God Who offers you grace for every moment of your day for the rest of your life.

HOPE in the Hurt

In Isaiah 45, God makes a great statement. Actually, it’s such a good statement that He said it twice in two verses, 5 and 6: "I am the Lord and there is no other." Nine words that have so much meaning and give hope to all who are called by and trust in His Name. 

God is in charge! Even decisions made by world leaders are ordained by Him. We scratch our heads at some of the things we see happening at the hands of others, but nothing makes God scratch His head. He is not only in charge, but He takes responsibility. No one can do anything without His direction or permission.

He is in charge of His creation. Everything was created by Him and for Him and for the enjoyment of His people. The incredible sunrises and sunsets we see were made by Him. The mountains, the waterfalls, flowers, trees and, yes, the bugs (even crawling ants and stinging bees and those Lantern flies that drive us crazy because, no matter what we do, we can’t catch them). And, nowhere does He showcase His creation as He does in His most prized creation – humans!  Can you ever get over how fearfully and wonderfully made you are?!?

However, verse 7 of Isaiah 45 goes on to say, "The One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord Who does all these."

"Wait a minute," you say. “I can understand and easily accept the fact that our God of love created the things that bring us delight; but the hard things? Sorry, I can't swallow that.” However, a look at the Old Testament gives clear indication that God permitted, and sometimes even directed, difficult incidents in the lives of His people. Including death. Psalm 66:10-12 states, "For Thou hast tried us, O God; Thou hast refined us as silver is refined. Thou didst bring us into the net; Thou didst lay an oppressive burden upon our loins. Thou didst make men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; Yet Thou didst bring us out into a place of abundance."

The same God Who amazes us with so many incredible sights, sounds and experiences also directs or permits hard circumstances and outright pain to enter our lives. Why would He do that? Many have asked that question and have walked away from God without looking further into the matter. Keep this in mind. God owes no person a reason for what He chooses to do. But, if we take time to look at the character of God, we see that He is holy, wise and, most of all – loving. Look again at the end of Psalm 66:12 “…Yet Thou didst bring us out into a place of abundance.”

Read the words of a favorite song of mine: “God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me. He will be my Guide, hold me closely to His side, with grace and strength for each new day, He will make a way. He will make a way. By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me. And rivers in the desert will I see. Heaven and Earth will fade, but His Word will still remain. And He will do something new today. He will make a way for me.”

Dear friend, in your hurting heart, remember that God doesn’t do ANYTHING without a redemptive purpose, as He did with the death of His Son. And, as you go through the hurt of your situation, He is lovingly by your side to provide all the grace and strength you need.

I pray and hope you experience hope, no matter how painful your situation, because GOD IS IN CONTROL. Oswald Chambers said, “Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him.”

God's Great Love

I have a sign alongside my desk which serves as a wonderful reminder of God's grace and care. It twists  the words of the familiar chorus, "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know." The sign reads: "Jesus knows me, this I love." What an incredible truth that rings loud and clear, straight from Psalm 139.

Think with me about what the saying represents:

God knows me and, even with all the blemishes He sees in me, He accepts me as His very own.

God loves me more than I can comprehend.

God desires to use the gifts He has placed within me.

God invites me to draw closer to Him.

God actively cares about the pain and loss that enters my life.

God remains with me through the "darkness" of my pain and reminds me that He "will never leave nor forsake me."

God is patiently conforming me into the image of His precious Son.

God is preparing a place for me to live with Him for eternity.

These true facts call me to sing the "Doxology" and "Great is Thy Faithfulness” with tear-filled gratitude.

How about you?!?!

Less ... or ... Full

In Psalm 73, Asaph states a question many (if not all) of us face some time in our life. Why do the unrighteous always seem to get away with the wrongness in which they engage so openly? It becomes even more puzzling when we try to live a godly life and still experience grief, pain and even, at times, hostility toward doing the right thing. Asaph expresses it so well in verses 13-14.

"Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence; for I have been stricken all day long and chastened every morning." He goes on to say in verse 16, "If I had said, ‘I will speak thus,’ behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children. When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight…"

Eventually, Asaph comes to a time when He looks away from his own viewpoint and waits upon the Lord for HIS viewpoint. Asaph writes in verse 17, "…Until I came into the sanctuary of God......" What a difference that makes to the Believer.

Coming into the presence of the sovereign, loving, all-knowing and caring God makes the difference. Our perspective changes. The "less" in hopeless changes into "full." (Well, hopeful with one l!!!)

An Amazing Gift

The word the angel gave to Joseph from God in Matthew 1 provided explicit instructions regarding the name to be given to the infant his betrothed, Mary, was carrying. In verse 21 we read, " … you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He Who will save His people from their sins." That's exactly what Jesus did. He became the one and only Savior from sin. It was the fulfillment of a long anticipated prophecy. But then, the angel went further. He stated in verse 23. " … and they shall call His name 'Immanuel' which translated, means, 'God with us.' " That must have been incredible for Joseph to hear. The child he would be raising would be the very Son of God - Savior AND Immanuel - coming in human form to live in Joseph's own house. Little did Joseph know, at the outset of this journey, that this child would be the ever present One Who one day would inhabit the people who invited Him into their lives. Now that's something to "chew" on over this Christmas season.The Son of God living inside of you! Why? To assure you of His love … to give you comfort, strength, direction and grace because of that love. What an amazing gift. I invite you to give Him thanks for the gift that came as a babe wrapped in cloths laying in, of all places - a manger. Who would have ever thought? Probably not Joseph.