Confession: Divorce makes me sad.
Now, before you think that I'm going to jump on a soapbox and talk about the evils of divorce, I'm going to ask that you stay with me. This is not that discussion.
A couple of weeks ago, I found out that one of my employees at work was getting a divorce after just a couple years. Then a couple nights ago, I noticed that a friend whose marriage we celebrated not that long ago was without her wedding ring and husband. Then there was a friends' marriage who dissolved after just a couple months, and another after over twenty years, and another, and another.
I know this is a sensitive subject, and that there are many who will jump right out and say that all these people are sinning. I refuse to be one of those people. I have no idea what the
circumstances are in each of these cases, nor do I want to know. It's really none of my business. All I know is that hearing about divorce just makes me sad.
This is something that I have struggled with for a few years. I don't know why it makes me so sad, but it does, especially since I've been married. So, I've been pondering and thinking and praying about it over the last couple weeks. This is me processing through my thoughts, so if this post seems a little discombobulated, I apologize.
I believe that divorce makes God sad too. But, I think that to him, divorce is a bigger concept than just the dissolution of marriage. While He did create marriage, not everyone gets married. However, everyone is created for relationship and community with others. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God's workmanship, created for good works. Later in that same chapter we learn that we are being joined together, in an all-pieces-make-one-great-place kind of way, to build a dwelling place for God Himself. In I Corinthians, Paul teaches that we are all members of one body. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't think I would be very happy if any of my body members ditched my body. I'm rather partial to all of my parts functioning the way they're supposed to -as part of MY body.
In the Hebrew, the word for divorce (as used in Malachi 2:16) means "to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out". Merriam-Websters Dictionary defines divorce as "separation or severance". I have had friendships that have severed, causing deep pain. I have been involved in church splits that have damaged many hearts and relationships. I have seen teams disintegrate in anger and hatred.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:6, "Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate". We've all heard this verse in wedding ceremonies, but I believe it's bigger than just marriage. He has joined us together with others. We are created to be part of others, to live in unity with His body. It was in the upper room when the disciples were gathered in one accord that the Holy Spirit flooded the room. Jesus said that He and His Father are one, and we are created in their image. We are created for relationship and oneness with God and unity others. And He has promised to be with us, even when it's just 2 or 3 gathered in His name.
Marriage isn't easy. Relationships aren't easy. Unity is not easy. But divorce is painful. Let's be a people who press through the hard times, who fight for our marriages, family, friendships, churches; a people who chooses to love even when it's hard; a people who choose to be in community.
"Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...for there, the Lord has commanded the blessing - Life forevermore." ~Ps 133:1-3
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Expecting the Unexpected
I have a couple different confessions for you tonight, so this might get interesting.
Confession #1: Sometimes I'm pretty dense.
Sometimes God speaks to me through the strangest things. I think He does that because He knows that I'm a little crazy and creative. However, this also lends itself to me missing the fact that God is actually speaking.
Confession #2: Sometimes I get annoyed by the very thing that God is using to speak to me.
This has happened to me twice within the last 3 days. (Gimme a break! I already confessed to being a little dense!) On Monday night, I was at the Rangers Ballpark taking in a great baseball game, and enjoying the finest ballpark cuisine. For me, that means NACHOS with extra cheese and jalapenos. After I had eaten about half my nachos, I found a french fry. Since it was doused in cheese, I just ate it without a second thought. Then it happened again. Another french fry...in my nachos! I was a little annoyed since I didn't order french fries and they didn't belong in my nachos. But, truthfully, I just shrugged and moved on to finishing my nachos. Then tonight, I was out at dinner with my husband. We both ordered 1/2 sandwich with a cup of potato soup. As I was about half way through my soup, I got a bite of chicken. Last time I checked, there is no chicken in potato soup, and so I asked Paul if he had chicken in his soup. Much to my dismay, he didn't have any chicken in his soup. Twice there were food items put together that one wouldn't really put together normally! Weird!
This seemed too random, so I started thinking that maybe God was saying something. What He was saying, I couldn't really say, but I knew He was speaking. Which leads me to my next confession.
Confession #3: I still have limited expectations about what all things God related should look like.
At Bible study tonight, we started talking about being seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2), and all the things that might look like. Then we started talking about Philip and how he was translated, and Jacob and how he saw a ladder into heaven, and Peter, James and John and how they saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain, and those who had visions of the throne room of heaven.
It started my imagination. You see, I believe that God is bigger, more creative, and crazy fun, and that He likes to show His bigness, creativity and have crazy fun. What if He wants us to experience some of heaven on earth? What if He wants to show us the brilliance that is His home? What if He wants us to hear His favorite music? What if He wants to take us on a trip around the world without cars, boats or airplanes?
And as I pondered these thoughts on my drive home, I went back to the unexpected surprises in my food. The french fries were actually good smothered in nacho cheese, and the chicken was a nice addition to my otherwise meatless soup, so I really had nothing to complain about. And what if it wasn't about the food at all, but really about challenging my way of thinking? What if potato soup was supposed to have chicken in it all along? What if God is really trying to teach me to expect the unexpected? Given my history with God, it's completely rational that he would use french fries in nachos to expand my expectations of all that He is. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
"Look among the nations, and watch- Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you." ~Hab 1:5
Confession #1: Sometimes I'm pretty dense.
Sometimes God speaks to me through the strangest things. I think He does that because He knows that I'm a little crazy and creative. However, this also lends itself to me missing the fact that God is actually speaking.
Confession #2: Sometimes I get annoyed by the very thing that God is using to speak to me.
This has happened to me twice within the last 3 days. (Gimme a break! I already confessed to being a little dense!) On Monday night, I was at the Rangers Ballpark taking in a great baseball game, and enjoying the finest ballpark cuisine. For me, that means NACHOS with extra cheese and jalapenos. After I had eaten about half my nachos, I found a french fry. Since it was doused in cheese, I just ate it without a second thought. Then it happened again. Another french fry...in my nachos! I was a little annoyed since I didn't order french fries and they didn't belong in my nachos. But, truthfully, I just shrugged and moved on to finishing my nachos. Then tonight, I was out at dinner with my husband. We both ordered 1/2 sandwich with a cup of potato soup. As I was about half way through my soup, I got a bite of chicken. Last time I checked, there is no chicken in potato soup, and so I asked Paul if he had chicken in his soup. Much to my dismay, he didn't have any chicken in his soup. Twice there were food items put together that one wouldn't really put together normally! Weird!
This seemed too random, so I started thinking that maybe God was saying something. What He was saying, I couldn't really say, but I knew He was speaking. Which leads me to my next confession.
Confession #3: I still have limited expectations about what all things God related should look like.
At Bible study tonight, we started talking about being seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2), and all the things that might look like. Then we started talking about Philip and how he was translated, and Jacob and how he saw a ladder into heaven, and Peter, James and John and how they saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain, and those who had visions of the throne room of heaven.
It started my imagination. You see, I believe that God is bigger, more creative, and crazy fun, and that He likes to show His bigness, creativity and have crazy fun. What if He wants us to experience some of heaven on earth? What if He wants to show us the brilliance that is His home? What if He wants us to hear His favorite music? What if He wants to take us on a trip around the world without cars, boats or airplanes?
And as I pondered these thoughts on my drive home, I went back to the unexpected surprises in my food. The french fries were actually good smothered in nacho cheese, and the chicken was a nice addition to my otherwise meatless soup, so I really had nothing to complain about. And what if it wasn't about the food at all, but really about challenging my way of thinking? What if potato soup was supposed to have chicken in it all along? What if God is really trying to teach me to expect the unexpected? Given my history with God, it's completely rational that he would use french fries in nachos to expand my expectations of all that He is. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
"Look among the nations, and watch- Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you." ~Hab 1:5
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Beauty is in the Eye....
Today, I took an adventure with 3 of my friends. It was a photo adventure (later called "Photo Safari"), in which we hopped in the truck with a full tank of gas, and just drove until we found something we wanted to take pictures of, then stopped. Our adventure took us off-roading, had us hiking through the clay of the Red River, and all over the southern part of Oklahoma.
Aside from getting to spend some much needed girl time and getting out of the city, we got some great pics. But, it was only because we were looking for great photos opps. I had been on several roads in southern Oklahoma before, and, to be honest, hated it. I'm much more of a city girl, and there are no "cities" along the country roads of southern Oklahoma. This time, though, was different. The plot of land with rusted out farm trucks and equipment became art rather than junk. The dried up shore of the lake became an interesting picture. And those dilapidated buildings became historical novelties. All of this simply because we were looking for something different.
It got me thinking (dangerous, I know!). What if we took "photo safaris" in our real-life circumstances? What if the junk pile in our backyard, the shattered buildings of our dreams, the dried up riverbeds of our hopes all held a different kind of beauty? What if we searched out the beauty in those broken places of our lives? Would we be amazed at what we find? Maybe, just maybe, we would experience joy and adventure, rather than hating the journey.
Aside from getting to spend some much needed girl time and getting out of the city, we got some great pics. But, it was only because we were looking for great photos opps. I had been on several roads in southern Oklahoma before, and, to be honest, hated it. I'm much more of a city girl, and there are no "cities" along the country roads of southern Oklahoma. This time, though, was different. The plot of land with rusted out farm trucks and equipment became art rather than junk. The dried up shore of the lake became an interesting picture. And those dilapidated buildings became historical novelties. All of this simply because we were looking for something different.
It got me thinking (dangerous, I know!). What if we took "photo safaris" in our real-life circumstances? What if the junk pile in our backyard, the shattered buildings of our dreams, the dried up riverbeds of our hopes all held a different kind of beauty? What if we searched out the beauty in those broken places of our lives? Would we be amazed at what we find? Maybe, just maybe, we would experience joy and adventure, rather than hating the journey.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:1-3 (emphasis mine)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
When Free Speech Isn't Free
Because I am not a history or legal buff, I can't tell you if our country was the first or if it is the only country to guarantee its citizens the right of "free speech". What I can tell you is that we Americans take this right for granted. We have the right to say whatever we think, whatever we want, regardless of how vulgar or hateful it gets (well, at least in theory-recent "Hate-Crime" laws have hit these rights some).
And while there is so much to talk about regarding the power of our words and how our tongues are the most dangerous weapon we wield, I would like to simply throw out there this one thought: our speech is never free. There are real life consequences, both good and bad, to every word we say. We can't "take it back", and while it's cute, the silly school yard rhyme of "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is simply a lie we teach our children.
I wonder how many of us have masked our critical attitudes and judgmental words with our "right to free speech"? I know I have. I have also used the phrase, "just sayin'" as a follow-up to some harsh words or judgments that I have spoken. I have argued that I have "the right" to my opinion, and have bullied people behind that "right", all in the name of "free speech." I have justified my criticisms, gossip, slander, and anger by citing my "right" to my opinion.
But, what if our "rights" had international and eternal consequences? I have been watching the news out of the Middle East over the last week, and there are so many crazy protests with people being injured, even killed, because of a video that was produced in the United States. While I haven't personally seen the video, I have heard that it is poorly done, and very rude and derogatory toward Mohammed, the prophet of Islam. In our nation, this video producer had every "right" to make this video and to publish his opinions. He has every "right" to believe what he said is true, and to argue his opinions. But what was the cost of that "right"?
On Sunday, my pastor said, "Love is giving up our rights...it's putting others first." If our greatest commandment is to LOVE God with our whole being, and to LOVE those around us as we love ourselves, does that include watching what we say? Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." That word "grace" means "that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness." Can I honestly say that every word that comes out of my mouth affords "joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness"? No, I can't. But I want to.
Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of its fruit." In Deuteronomy 30:19 God says, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life that both you and your descendants may live."
Confession: I don't always choose life.
Father, I want to be a life-giver with speech that is peppered with grace. Like David, I pray that you would "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over my lips."
And while there is so much to talk about regarding the power of our words and how our tongues are the most dangerous weapon we wield, I would like to simply throw out there this one thought: our speech is never free. There are real life consequences, both good and bad, to every word we say. We can't "take it back", and while it's cute, the silly school yard rhyme of "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is simply a lie we teach our children.
I wonder how many of us have masked our critical attitudes and judgmental words with our "right to free speech"? I know I have. I have also used the phrase, "just sayin'" as a follow-up to some harsh words or judgments that I have spoken. I have argued that I have "the right" to my opinion, and have bullied people behind that "right", all in the name of "free speech." I have justified my criticisms, gossip, slander, and anger by citing my "right" to my opinion.
But, what if our "rights" had international and eternal consequences? I have been watching the news out of the Middle East over the last week, and there are so many crazy protests with people being injured, even killed, because of a video that was produced in the United States. While I haven't personally seen the video, I have heard that it is poorly done, and very rude and derogatory toward Mohammed, the prophet of Islam. In our nation, this video producer had every "right" to make this video and to publish his opinions. He has every "right" to believe what he said is true, and to argue his opinions. But what was the cost of that "right"?
On Sunday, my pastor said, "Love is giving up our rights...it's putting others first." If our greatest commandment is to LOVE God with our whole being, and to LOVE those around us as we love ourselves, does that include watching what we say? Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." That word "grace" means "that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness." Can I honestly say that every word that comes out of my mouth affords "joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness"? No, I can't. But I want to.
Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of its fruit." In Deuteronomy 30:19 God says, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life that both you and your descendants may live."
Confession: I don't always choose life.
Father, I want to be a life-giver with speech that is peppered with grace. Like David, I pray that you would "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over my lips."
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Spiritual Whiplash
I've taken a bit of a hiatus - mostly because I caught the latest bug to hit the office, and I have been down for the count. Which leads me to my title.
Last Friday, September 7, I had it so strongly in my heart to pray for Iran, especially Pastor Youcef who was being held in prison for his faith. So I prayed, long and late into the night, before I finally crashed. When I woke up on Saturday morning, my Facebook and phone had blown up with news that Pastor Youcef had been released to his family! Without going into the entire story, it had looked bleak, and Pastor Youcef had a death sentence hanging over his head. In the natural, there was nothing that would indicate he would ever be released, but there it was, a miracle!
My faith soared as it never had. That morning I cried and laughed and praised, and I knew that God could do anything and that He is still working miracles. Then Sunday happened. Sunday, I received a sucker punch to my faith, and got some disappointing news, and later in the week, I got sick. So, there it was...I went from the mountain to valley in 30 seconds flat, and there was some serious whiplash!
A couple weeks ago, I was watching a Texas Rangers baseball game, and during the game one of our Rangers had hit a home run. During his next at bat, the opposing pitcher plunked him smack in the ribs as a message of their displeasure. I seriously felt like this player. I had hit a home run, then got plunked. In the game, our next player came up to the plate and hit a home run, sending a message right back. Can we say "teamwork"? But, then that's a different blog.
On Monday night, I had the privilege of praying with some amazing men and women of God, and one of them said, "I feel like someone in here might be discouraged. Elijah once felt discouraged after a major victory. It's normal, and it will pass." This so encouraged my heart. Apparently, I am not the first one to suffer spiritual whiplash.
In case you don't remember, Elijah was a prophet of God in a country where the king and queen had chosen to worship Baal instead. This made Elijah highly unpopular, as God does not like to share His glory, and did not appreciate Israel choosing another god. After some words, Elijah threw down the gauntlet and challenged King Ahab to send his best prophets of Baal and Elijah would meet them on Mt. Carmel, and there they would figure out who the true God was. It's actually a pretty entertaining story, as Elijah gets a little sarcastic with the prophets of Baal as they cry and pray and beat themselves trying to get Baal to answer. There's nothing like a little trash talk during a competition, right? When it's Elijah's turn, he rubs some salt in their wounds when he dowses his altar with water before calling on God to light it with fire. But, God shows up in a powerful way. Not only is Elijah's altar consumed completely, but all the people fell down and worshiped and encountered the living God. And, as if that wasn't enough, the drought was ended that same afternoon. Within just a couple days, the queen pronounced a death sentence on Elijah's life, and he fled his home and "prayed that he might die". (For the full version, I recommend checking out 1 Kings 18-19).
What's so great about this story is not that Elijah despaired, but that in his despair God spoke to him, and shortly after, he had one of the greatest encounters with the Lord. There was heavenly chiropractic adjustment, and healing for that spiritual whiplash. It was God coming in and reminding Elijah that he was not alone, and there were others to hit the ball out of the park after he got plunked. So, if you're suffering from some spiritual whiplash, be encouraged! You're not the first one. You're not the only one. And it will not last forever. And God is speaking to you, leading you to your next mountain of encounter. Will you hear Him?
Last Friday, September 7, I had it so strongly in my heart to pray for Iran, especially Pastor Youcef who was being held in prison for his faith. So I prayed, long and late into the night, before I finally crashed. When I woke up on Saturday morning, my Facebook and phone had blown up with news that Pastor Youcef had been released to his family! Without going into the entire story, it had looked bleak, and Pastor Youcef had a death sentence hanging over his head. In the natural, there was nothing that would indicate he would ever be released, but there it was, a miracle!
My faith soared as it never had. That morning I cried and laughed and praised, and I knew that God could do anything and that He is still working miracles. Then Sunday happened. Sunday, I received a sucker punch to my faith, and got some disappointing news, and later in the week, I got sick. So, there it was...I went from the mountain to valley in 30 seconds flat, and there was some serious whiplash!
A couple weeks ago, I was watching a Texas Rangers baseball game, and during the game one of our Rangers had hit a home run. During his next at bat, the opposing pitcher plunked him smack in the ribs as a message of their displeasure. I seriously felt like this player. I had hit a home run, then got plunked. In the game, our next player came up to the plate and hit a home run, sending a message right back. Can we say "teamwork"? But, then that's a different blog.
On Monday night, I had the privilege of praying with some amazing men and women of God, and one of them said, "I feel like someone in here might be discouraged. Elijah once felt discouraged after a major victory. It's normal, and it will pass." This so encouraged my heart. Apparently, I am not the first one to suffer spiritual whiplash.
 |
| Elijah on Mt. Carmel, near Haifa, Israel |
In case you don't remember, Elijah was a prophet of God in a country where the king and queen had chosen to worship Baal instead. This made Elijah highly unpopular, as God does not like to share His glory, and did not appreciate Israel choosing another god. After some words, Elijah threw down the gauntlet and challenged King Ahab to send his best prophets of Baal and Elijah would meet them on Mt. Carmel, and there they would figure out who the true God was. It's actually a pretty entertaining story, as Elijah gets a little sarcastic with the prophets of Baal as they cry and pray and beat themselves trying to get Baal to answer. There's nothing like a little trash talk during a competition, right? When it's Elijah's turn, he rubs some salt in their wounds when he dowses his altar with water before calling on God to light it with fire. But, God shows up in a powerful way. Not only is Elijah's altar consumed completely, but all the people fell down and worshiped and encountered the living God. And, as if that wasn't enough, the drought was ended that same afternoon. Within just a couple days, the queen pronounced a death sentence on Elijah's life, and he fled his home and "prayed that he might die". (For the full version, I recommend checking out 1 Kings 18-19).
What's so great about this story is not that Elijah despaired, but that in his despair God spoke to him, and shortly after, he had one of the greatest encounters with the Lord. There was heavenly chiropractic adjustment, and healing for that spiritual whiplash. It was God coming in and reminding Elijah that he was not alone, and there were others to hit the ball out of the park after he got plunked. So, if you're suffering from some spiritual whiplash, be encouraged! You're not the first one. You're not the only one. And it will not last forever. And God is speaking to you, leading you to your next mountain of encounter. Will you hear Him?
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The Other Side
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| Silly Cow - doesn't it see the full pasture it's standing in? |
Do you remember the story of Abraham and his nephew, Lot. Like any great uncle, Abraham agreed to take his nephew, Lot, on a great adventure. Abraham didn't know exactly where they were going, because God just said, "Go to a land I will show you," but he did know that he was going. Lot tagged along and prospered in the journey, as Abraham also prospered, so much so that it came to a point where they were going to have to part ways. Abraham (known as Abram in those days) said to Lot, "If you go left, I'll go right. If you go right, I'll go left," and gave Lot the pick of the land. Lot looked and saw the plushest, most beautiful land on one side and a wilderness on the other, so he did what any noble, humble, grateful nephew would do, and took the wilderness. Ya, right! Lot took the beautiful, plush land and left his uncle with the dry dust of the wilderness. (This story is found in Genesis 13, in case you're wondering).
At first glance, it appears that Abraham got completely screwed, left with "worst" land. I can imagine that Abraham stood there, feeling a little dejected, wondering what God was planning to do with all this dusty ground as he watched Lot take his family, flocks and possessions over to the "other side". As if reading his mind, God speaks to Abraham, "after Lot had separated from him: 'Lift your eyes now
and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward,
and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.'"
How much would that promise have meant had Abraham been standing in the lush green grass with no dust to be seen? God knew that Lot was going to choose the green side, but He still remembered His promise to Abraham. In the midst of the "dusty wilderness", God breathed life. Instead of seeing a barren wasteland, Abraham saw a fruitful land as he reached out for the promise of God.
As you read further in Genesis, you discover that the "beautiful land of the Jordan" and the city in which Lot chose to dwell were destroyed completely, and Lot was left with nothing but his family (and only part of that), while Abraham thrived and continued to grow and prosper.
I think of all the times that I have made choices based on natural appearances rather than God's word, and have been left picking up the pieces. Often times, what I think is best is meaningless compared to the fruitfulness of God's plans. And, just like Lot, I discover once again that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Is 55:8-9
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Ostrich anyone?
Myth: Ostriches bury their heads in the sand.
Fact: When they sense danger and can't run away, ostriches lay down on the ground and
lie still with their heads on the ground in front of them. Since their neck and
head are lightly colored, they blend into the sand giving the appearance of being
buried.
Do you ever have those moments where you just want to bury your head and pretend that there is nothing going on around you? Or you see something coming down the pike, but you want to ignore all the signs and pretend it's not happening? Maybe you want this thing to happen, and you're scared to hope and believe that it's actually coming?
I'm having one of those moments. There are some signs that a long awaited promise may be coming to pass, but I'm scared to believe that the "signs" are real signs and not just the mirages of a thirsty soul. It's so crazy that I actually had a dream in which I said, "I'm scared to ask the question, because I'm more scared of getting a negative answer than I am of not knowing." This is so counter-culture for me, because I want to know everything! I hate unknowns. I want to know every little detail of every day so I can plan every minute. I'm not a big fan of surprises. Knowing all of this about myself, it's crazy that I would actually rather "not know" than ask the question.
I am asking God to just tell me "yes" or "no", but His silence is blaring. Why is it so difficult to hear Him for myself, but so easy to perceive what He's doing in others, for nations, for anything? Could it be I'm too close to the situation? Could it be that my emotions are too invested?
Confession: I'm playing the role of a mythical, head-burying ostrich.
I want so much to believe that God's promises are good and His timing is perfect. I know that for a fact in my head and in my past experience. As I typed that line, this verse from Isaiah 46 just popped in my head:
"Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure'...Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it." (vs. 8-11).
So, there we have it. God is a God of His word! What He says, He will do. Numbers 23:19 tells us that God cannot lie. I can trust Him completely.
Confession Number 2: I can't say that I'm ready to ask the question yet....maybe I'll just be an ostrich for a few more days.
Fact: When they sense danger and can't run away, ostriches lay down on the ground and
lie still with their heads on the ground in front of them. Since their neck and
head are lightly colored, they blend into the sand giving the appearance of being
buried.
Do you ever have those moments where you just want to bury your head and pretend that there is nothing going on around you? Or you see something coming down the pike, but you want to ignore all the signs and pretend it's not happening? Maybe you want this thing to happen, and you're scared to hope and believe that it's actually coming?
I'm having one of those moments. There are some signs that a long awaited promise may be coming to pass, but I'm scared to believe that the "signs" are real signs and not just the mirages of a thirsty soul. It's so crazy that I actually had a dream in which I said, "I'm scared to ask the question, because I'm more scared of getting a negative answer than I am of not knowing." This is so counter-culture for me, because I want to know everything! I hate unknowns. I want to know every little detail of every day so I can plan every minute. I'm not a big fan of surprises. Knowing all of this about myself, it's crazy that I would actually rather "not know" than ask the question.
I am asking God to just tell me "yes" or "no", but His silence is blaring. Why is it so difficult to hear Him for myself, but so easy to perceive what He's doing in others, for nations, for anything? Could it be I'm too close to the situation? Could it be that my emotions are too invested?
Confession: I'm playing the role of a mythical, head-burying ostrich.
I want so much to believe that God's promises are good and His timing is perfect. I know that for a fact in my head and in my past experience. As I typed that line, this verse from Isaiah 46 just popped in my head:
"Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure'...Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it." (vs. 8-11).
So, there we have it. God is a God of His word! What He says, He will do. Numbers 23:19 tells us that God cannot lie. I can trust Him completely.
Confession Number 2: I can't say that I'm ready to ask the question yet....maybe I'll just be an ostrich for a few more days.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Just Float
I've heard it said that if you're drowning one of the best things you can do is to lift up your feet, lay on your back and just float. Apparently a lot of drownings occur because people panic and flail and scream and get a lot of water in their lungs, which makes it difficult to rescue them. This seems silly to me, because most of us are naturally buoyant if we just lean back.
I was thinking about this as I floated in a lake over the weekend. As a DINK (dual-income-no-kids), I'm not really accustomed to living with children, and we were spending the weekend with my husband's family and their children. There was a lot of activity throughout the entire weekend, and when we got to the lake, I took the opportunity to swim out away from the group and just float.
During my float, I made a couple of observations:
1. It's harder to float when boats or jet skis are in the vicinity, but not impossible.
2. It's super refreshing to lay in the water with the sun shining on your face. Not too hot. Not too cold.
3. You hear differently when your ears are under water.
I want to park on number 3 for a few minutes. When we arrived at the lake, we were not the only chill seekers out there. There was a group with their vehicles parked close by blaring the latest country favorites as they played in the water. Then there was the kids in our group, getting giddy while playing in the water. Yet, when I leaned back, and my toes found the air and my ears dipped under the water, all of that was muted, and there was peace. I could hear every breath I took. I could feel every ripple in the water. I was in another world, even for just a few minutes.
Water is often used to symbolize the Holy Spirit, both in Scripture and in many theological teachings. As I was floating in the lake, I wondered if this is what Jesus meant when He said, "All who are weary, come to me and rest." Before my ears hit the water, my face had to turn to the sun, and I had to quit standing on my own. As I quit flailing and trying to tread water, leaned back, and my ears dipped beneath the water, the chaos of the world around me just disappeared. There was peace. There was quiet. There was calm. There was rest, much needed rest.
In that moment, I wondered, "What if, when we're drowning, we turn our face toward the sun, we quit trying to stand on our own, and put our ears into His presence?" How much chaos are buying into simply by keeping our ears out of the water?
I was thinking about this as I floated in a lake over the weekend. As a DINK (dual-income-no-kids), I'm not really accustomed to living with children, and we were spending the weekend with my husband's family and their children. There was a lot of activity throughout the entire weekend, and when we got to the lake, I took the opportunity to swim out away from the group and just float.
During my float, I made a couple of observations:
1. It's harder to float when boats or jet skis are in the vicinity, but not impossible.
2. It's super refreshing to lay in the water with the sun shining on your face. Not too hot. Not too cold.
3. You hear differently when your ears are under water.
I want to park on number 3 for a few minutes. When we arrived at the lake, we were not the only chill seekers out there. There was a group with their vehicles parked close by blaring the latest country favorites as they played in the water. Then there was the kids in our group, getting giddy while playing in the water. Yet, when I leaned back, and my toes found the air and my ears dipped under the water, all of that was muted, and there was peace. I could hear every breath I took. I could feel every ripple in the water. I was in another world, even for just a few minutes.
Water is often used to symbolize the Holy Spirit, both in Scripture and in many theological teachings. As I was floating in the lake, I wondered if this is what Jesus meant when He said, "All who are weary, come to me and rest." Before my ears hit the water, my face had to turn to the sun, and I had to quit standing on my own. As I quit flailing and trying to tread water, leaned back, and my ears dipped beneath the water, the chaos of the world around me just disappeared. There was peace. There was quiet. There was calm. There was rest, much needed rest.
In that moment, I wondered, "What if, when we're drowning, we turn our face toward the sun, we quit trying to stand on our own, and put our ears into His presence?" How much chaos are buying into simply by keeping our ears out of the water?
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.
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