My Greatest Fear - What's Yours?

What are you most fearful of?   What is it that gnaws at you … keeps you awake at night?  Maybe it is a lifelong fear or maybe it is something that you are dealing with or facing right now.

Hold that thought – we’ll come back to it in a moment.

Second question – Who or what defines your reality?

How we feel – Our emotions can define our reality in many ways.   Feeling “in love” is awesome!  Feeling “unwanted” – not so much.  Our emotions often distort our reality in such a way that we make foolish decisions and have suffer the consequences later.

What we think – Our minds – reason – defines our reality.   Most of the time, I fall into this category.  Never been much of an overly emotional guy – so I rely on my brain – my intellect – what I can perceive.   Honestly, this is more reliable than emotions – but even it has its limits.   No matter how smart or perceptive you are, you are limited to the knowledge you have – and you don’t know everything. 

What others say -  Believe it or not, there are plenty of people that will define your reality for you.   They are quick to give advice.  They will tell you how to live your life, what you should do, what you should think and even what you should believe.   Some are well meaning and other’s, not so much.

What God says – It would stand to reason He would be the most stable (no wildly vacillating emotions), logical (He knows everything), trustworthy (He does have your best in mind) source to turn to.

Now – back to the first question – What is your greatest fear?

Right now my greatest fear is not being able to provide for my family by doing what I love to do – teaching/preaching/helping people both here and internationally.

So – let’s work through this using my fear as an example.  

What defines the reality of how I respond to this fear?

How I feel – I am terrified.   I am embarrassed after providing for my family for years, but now I am not because of my own foolishness.   If I go by how I feel – I am a failure.  

What I think – I have come up with all kinds of plans, manipulations, and ideas of what to do.  I have always been a fixer – helped fix churches; helped fix people or helped fix situations.    I am good at it – part of having an analytical mind/eye and a firm grasp of God’s Word.   But truth be told – I can’t fix this.  “That way you would have faith because of God's power and not because of human wisdom.” 1 Corinthians 2:5 (CEV)  

What Others Say – We both know that we can find someone who will tell us what we WANT to hear.  They make us “feel” better, but really won’t speak truth in our lives.   There are many that have encouraged me.  There are those that have abandoned me.  And there are a few that just wish I would disappear so they won’t ever have to be reminded of my existence again.  If I listen to some, I should just go on like nothing happened.   If I listen to others, I will spend the rest of my life with my head hung low in shame.   Again – some people are well meaning, some have selfish motives and a few are just ungodly.

Which leaves me with this:  What Does God Say about my situation?

God always deals with sin.  When He does, He always offers forgiveness, hope and restoration after there is repentance.   Now consequences of that sin may remain, but that is for God to determine, not man.

This is the process that is on display when David is confronted with his sin in 2 Samuel 11-12.

• David is confronted about his sin by Nathan
• David immediately confesses his sin to Nathan and to God
• A pronouncement of judgment from God is spoken by Nathan as well as a pronouncement of forgiveness  -  part of that judgment is near term other part long term
• The near term judgment from God is the sickness/death of the child conceived with Bathsheba.
• David begged God to spare this judgment, spare the child – stopped eating for days while laying prostrate on the ground.
• God chose not to respond to David’s prayers and the child died.
• Upon hearing of the death of his child, David got up, bathed, put on his royal robes and went into the Tabernacle and worshipped God.
• Afterwards he went to the Palace and ate.   
• His advisers were amazed.   He did not respond how they thought he should.
• David replied, “I asked God to intervene. He chose not to. There is nothing I can do that will change the past.”  (my paraphrase)
• After that, even knowing the long term consequences Nathan told him would follow his household because of his sin, David got up and started living his life again.   God blessed his life – even blessing David, while never removing the long term judgment He had placed on him.  There was much left for David to accomplish in life.  God had not given up on him.

There is a time for everything.  I realize that things in my life, my ministry may never been the same.  I cannot go back and change things.   However, I will not dress in sackcloth and simply mourn at my loss for the rest of my life.   I am at the time where it is a time to eat, to worship and get on with life.   There is much left to accomplish in life.   God has not given up on me.

So as to what God says about sin after repentance?

Micah 7:18-20 (NIV)  Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.  You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.  You will be true to Jacob, and show mercy to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our fathers in days long ago.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NLT)  For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)  So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Alright – What does God say about providing for my family?

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)  And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)  Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Philippians 4:4 (NLT)  Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

So the question is, where will I look for guidance to face my fears?  What will I place my confidence in as I wake up for another day or face another challenge?

Psalm 42:5 (NLT)  Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior.

Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)  Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.  Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)  The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

Romans 8:6 (NLT)  So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)  For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Romans 4:20-21 (NLT)  Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.  He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT)  Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.

Isaiah 42:16 (NLT)  I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 58:8 (NLT)  “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.

Romans 15:13 (NLT)  I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now – this is important.   Please understand – I am still struggling.   Knowing “this” and doing “this” are two totally different things.    I know what God’s Word has to say, but I still “feel” “think” and “listen.”   So even in my faith – I vacillate.   

I am like the man in Mark 9 who tells Jesus, “I believe, but help my unbelief.”

So – I have to constantly remind myself of the promises of God.   It is transforming my mind.  I must be constantly reminded – constantly readjusting my attitude and expectations.

Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)  And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

So now … I work, I plan, I reason, I listen but ultimately, I KNOW that I am totally dependent upon God and His timing to provide for my family.  It starts with me ingesting His Word into my mind.   It starts with prayer.  It starts with seeking Him in all I do.   It starts in serving Him as I seek to provide for my family each day.  When it starts with Him - there is a peace. When it starts with my emotions, my intellect or others - there is no peace until I stop and seek Him.

Psalm 119:49-50 (NLT)  Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope.  Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.

Romans 15:13 (NLT)  I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)  We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Please pray for me … I believe – but I need the Lord to help me with my unbelief.

Now …. What was you greatest fear again?   What does God say about it?

Am I a Self Righteous Jerk?

Am I a Self-Righteous Jerk?

Are most of the Christians you know … well … jerks?   Most the world seems to agree with you.  It seems we are perceived that way.

I enjoy being challenged – really being challenged to be authentic in my life.   I am not always successful at all.  But I strive to be honest about what I am and what I am not.  I am a sinner through and through – I, in no way, deserve the grace and forgiveness that God has given me.  I didn’t earn it.  And I have failed miserably enough to taste of His goodness and forgiveness.  However, there are some that have never (in their eyes) failed.   And seemingly don’t need much of God’s grace and forgiveness.  They are righteous in their own eyes … but not very loving in the eyes of others.

I have recently been reading, Why Nobody Wants to Be Around Christians Anymore: And How 4 Acts of Love Will Make Your Faith Magnetic by Thom & Joani Schultz.  I have been challenged by this book and thought I would pass part of it off to you.  This is an extended quote from the book.

Recent research makes a pretty clear case that Christians are no longer highly regarded. We’re not known for our love for one another— or anyone else, for that matter. We’re known more for what we’re against than what we’re for. And it’s not the fault of some marginal-but-vocal group of media-hungry extremists. The finger of blame points in one direction: the majority of Christians. In their book UnChristian, authors David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons reveal startling research that shows 87 percent of Americans view Christians as judgmental. And a whopping 85 percent of Americans consider Christians to be hypocritical.

Ask yourself: Do I enjoy being around judgmental, hypocritical people?   We sure don’t.

Christians say they look to the Bible to guide their attitudes and actions, but, unfortunately, most of them are picking the wrong biblical examples. A recent study conducted by The Barna Group (a Christian organization, by the way) revealed that just over half (51 percent) of “self-identified Christians in the U.S.” have the same hypocritical and judgmental attitudes and actions portrayed by the Pharisees in the New Testament. (The Pharisees were those nasty, self-righteous religious leaders with whom Jesus was regularly at odds.) In contrast, Barna found that only 14 percent of self-identified Christians— a mere 1 out of 7— live out the attitudes and actions associated with Jesus.

Let that sink in for a moment. If you took a checklist of the Pharisees’ values versus Jesus’ values, more than half of today’s Christians would fall squarely in the Pharisee camp. And only 1 in 7 Christians could be described as living according to Jesus’ example.

Below is an excerpt from The Barna Group’s research showing how the researchers determined whether Christians aligned more closely with Jesus or the Pharisees. Take a couple of minutes to honestly consider how you have lived out these attitudes and actions in your life during the past year.

The 10 research statements used to examine Christ-likeness include the following:

Actions like Jesus:

I listen to others to learn their story before telling them about my faith.

In recent years, I have influenced multiple people to consider following Christ.

I regularly choose to have meals with people with very different faith or morals from me.

I try to discover the needs of non-Christians rather than waiting for them to come to me.

I am personally spending time with nonbelievers to help them follow Jesus.

Attitudes like Jesus:

I see God-given value in every person, regardless of their past or present condition.

I believe God is for everyone.

I see God working in people’s lives, even when they are not following him.

It is more important to help people know God is for them than to make sure they know they are sinners.

I feel compassion for people who are not following God and doing immoral things.

The 10 statements used to assess self-righteousness (like the Pharisees), included the following research items:

Self-Righteous Actions:

I tell others the most important thing in my life is following God’s rules.

I don’t talk about my sins or struggles. That’s between me and God.

I try to avoid spending time with people who are openly gay or lesbian.

I like to point out those who do not have the right theology or doctrine.

I prefer to serve people who attend my church rather than those outside the church.

Self-Righteous Attitudes:

I find it hard to be friends with people who seem to constantly do the wrong things.

It’s not my responsibility to help people who won’t help themselves.

I feel grateful to be a Christian when I see other people’s failures and flaws.

I believe we should stand against those who are opposed to Christian values.

People who follow God’s rules are better than those who do not.

You know what it feels like to be rejected. It hurts. Deeply. Condemnation and finger-pointing have never made anyone feel valued or appreciated. You also know what it feels like to be loved. Maybe it was by your parents or a sibling or your spouse or your partner or your best friend. You’ve most certainly been loved completely and unconditionally by God. It’s quite the opposite from feeling condemned.

What would you rather have people know for certain about you as a Christian? That you’re a self-righteous judge? Or that you’re a fountain of God’s overflowing love? There’s one way God sends his love— his grace— to those people in need. Through us. Through Christ’s body here on earth. If Christians aren’t spreading God’s love, no one will.

My Commentary

As I read those diagnostic statements about Jesus Attitude vs a Pharisee’s Attitude I found myself in both categories. 

I do find it difficult to be around people who constantly KNOWINGLY do the wrong things.   Proverbs is replete with example of people who befriend fools – people who continually and knowing do things that are destructive and wrong.  There has to be a balance somewhere … and I struggle trying to find that balance.   Hopefully, when I am confronted with such a person again, I’ll remember these things and ask God’s Spirit to guide me rather than just walking away and moving on to someone easier.

I also find it difficult to help someone who doesn’t care enough to make an effort to help themselves.   Not CAN’T help themselves, but rather have no desire to seek a new direction, take steps or make changes to improve their lives.  I know that I can’t do it for them.   I also know that there are different “seasons” in lives where people are more willing to make changes than others.   Again – when I am confronted with such a person or situation again, I will ask God’s Spirit to guide me rather than just throwing up my hands and thinking, “Well they got what they deserve.”

The Christian Value statement is puzzling to me.  I believe that we are to uphold God’s standards.  I think the problem is that we have shown more love to the “Standards” than we have to the people.  There is nothing wrong with speaking and standing for the truth, but we must speak the truth in love!   Ephesians 4:15

In closing.  Be honest with yourself.  Most self-righteous people have a problem doing that.   It is too hard.  It is too unnerving.  So they will probably blow this post out of the water with some self-righteous indignation and be justified with themselves.   But maybe, just maybe, God’s Spirit has spoken to your heart and brought some things to your attention.

John 13:35 (NLT)  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

I’ll write more as I make my way through the book.

God As A Refuge

Before you read further – honestly answer/ponder these questions.

Where to you turn for relief?

When the world closes in – what do you “escape” to?

Where or to what do you turn for strength in times of trouble?

What do you place your hope – your confidence in?

The Psalmist tells us the God is available as a Refuge.

Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT)  God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.  Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude

There are several words used in Psalms that are translated “Refuge.”  Here is just a few – but it provides a great word picture as to what is available for the person that follows God.

Biblical Definition of Refuge

Place of Protection – Psalm 11:1

Place of Help in Troubled Times – Psalm 46:1-11

Place of Safety – Psalm 91:2

Place of Hope and Trust – Isaiah 25:4-5

Description of Refuge in Psalm

Psalm 62:5-8 (NLT)  Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.  My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.  O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude

Observations:

Psalm 62:5 (NIV)  Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

“All that I am” - totality.    A double minded man is unstable in all that he does.   James 1:8

“Wait quietly” – lack of panic – a peaceful confidence

Why a peaceful confidence?  “For my hope is in Him”

Psalm 62:6 (NIV)  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

“He Alone” – Again no split allegiance – No plan B

“Rock” – strength                       

“Salvation” – deliverance, aid, victory

“Fortress” – Defense, refuge, high tower

“I will not be shaken” – stability in unstable times

Psalm 62:7 (NIV)  My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

“Salvation and honor depend on God” – God is where our defense – our strength lies.   What does your salvation and honor depend on?

Psalm 62:8 (NIV)  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah

“Trust” – Confidence, security

“Pour out your hearts” -  let your heart – your understanding gush out to Him.

“God is our Refuge”

Why Don’t We Run to this Refuge?  Why Do We Resist is So Much?

This “Refuge” is available to anyone who follows God.   Honestly, this Refuge is available to those who are living in rebellion against God too!   It is there – it is available.  Then why don’t we instinctively utilize the refuge that God has provided?

I don’t know your reasons – but here are mine.   I think I can fix it myself.   Rather than depending on God – I depend on my intellect – my wits – my experience – my “wisdom” – my talent …. You get the idea.   It is not that I think I am smarted than God – it is just that I choose a path that I think is best and jump into action without looking to Him first.  It may not be a bad path – but seldom if ever is it the best.

I resist being dependent.   I know that we a followers of Christ have a head knowledge that we are dependent on God for everything – but we also believe that we can “handle this” or “endure this” on our own.   So rather than run to the “Refuge” that God provides, we stay out and battle, work, solve, endure, scheme and live out of our own power rather than find the peace and power God provides.

1 Corinthians 2:5 (NIV)  So that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

And then we wonder why we are so frustrated and defeated by life.   We wonder why we are always dominated by the circumstances of life rather than confident through them.   Could it be the very thing we pray for has already been provided by God?    Peace – Security – Rest – Confidence all found in God’s Refuge?  

Why don’t you enter in to the Refuge God is offering?

How Can We Run to the Refuge?

Entering in His Refuge is a state of mind.  It is an attitude.   It is a focus.    It is a choice.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)  Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We change the way we view and handle life by taking time reading His Word.   I know … I know …. You have heard it a million times – read the Bible!   But it is true.   Why?   The Bible is God’s Resume.   It is His track record.   It tells you what He has done.  It tells you what He will do.   It gives you understanding how He has designed life to be lived.   If you don’t have a version of the Bible you understand – find one!   There are many out there that are true representations of the original languages but are written in ways you can understand.  

Spend time reading about Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).   Spend time reading wisdom literature (Proverbs and James).   Spend time reading the lyrics to songs written about God (The Psalms).  The only way you can learn more about God is to read about Him and ask Him to speak to you – to reveal Himself to you.

Bring ever thought captive   2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

We have a choice as to what we think about.   We have a choice as to what we focus on.   Choose to think about Him – His greatness rather than the difficulty of your circumstances.  Entering the Refuge may be as simple as a whispered prayer saying, “God I can’t – it is all up to you.   Help me God.”   (God likes short prayers)

Another way to enter into the Refuge is to Sing!!!  Sing about His Love!   Sing about Him!

Psalm 59:16-17 (NIV)  But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Why do we Sing?

Sing to remind ourselves of the goodness of God

Sing to remind ourselves of the closeness of God

Sing to remind us of what God has done and what He wants to do

Sing to express our heart’s cry to God

Sing for He is worthy of our songs

God is waiting.  When you are overwhelmed – when you need His Protection – His Strength – His Direction – Call to Him.   Focus your mind – your thoughts on Him.   Sing to Him.  Sing about Him.  Enter the Refuge.   Trust Him.

The Sanctuary

There are times I find myself bitter, envious, angry in life. 

Honestly, I know it is wrong – but still – I find myself there.  Sometimes – often times – it is because I am suffering the consequences of my own stupidity.   I knew what I was doing was wrong – but still – rather than repent and turn away – I stayed.   And sin always – always – destroys.  And when suffering the consequences of my sin – the destruction – it is easy to become bitter and angry and myself.

Other times it is easy to be jealous of other people.   Nicer homes, cars, lives – it looks like they have all the things I want – but just can’t have.   And so, jealousy and resentment raise their ugly heads in my life.

The Psalmist said as much.

Psalm 73:3-10 (NLT)  For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.  They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.  They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.  They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.  These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!  They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.  They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.  And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.

First Thought:  These emotions – these thoughts lead to life of instability.

Psalm 73:2 (NLT)  But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.

Feet slipping and losing footing are pictures of instability.  Compare that with Psalm 40:2  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

Not only that – these emotions lead to a flawed perspective of reality.   Everyone else is being blessed and I have it horribly!   I’m even being punished by God!

When we are in the midst of bitterness, envy and jealousy we simply can’t see or think straight.  We are totally self-deceived.  What doesn’t reinforce our skewed perception of reality is simply tossed aside or ignored.   You don’t think that other people – even those that seemingly live charmed lives – don’t have their own struggles and have to fight their own demons?

Not only that, the Psalmist not only underestimates the struggle of other, he overestimates his own spirituality! 

Psalm 73:13-14 (NLT)  Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?  I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.

A pure heart? Innocent?   How self-righteous!  His heart was filled with jealousy!  He was ungrateful for what God had given him!  He was unstable in his life!  He was torn up inside!  How many people are spiritually self-deceived in their own lives because of anger and bitterness?

Psalm 73:21 (NLT)  Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.

BIG THOUGHT – Ultimately, the Psalmist was blaming God for not living up to what he thought God should do.   He looked to his “evil” neighbors and they were being blessed with material things while he was – in his own humble estimation – living for God but not being blessed by God.

Have you ever been in a place where you thought God wasn’t living up to His part of the bargain?  Now I know you and I would never say this – but it goes something like this:

Ok God – I’ll follow you.  I’ll go to church, give, serve and try to clean up my life.  I will do my best to live a good Christian life.   And in return here is what I expect you to do.  Give me a good job.  Answer my prayers.  Make my children behave.  Make sure I have plenty of money.  And most of all – make sure I never suffer much.   And God - when that happens I’ll be sure to give you all the glory!  AMEN!

Again … most of us would never say that … but isn’t that how we feel many times?   We have our wish list – our expectations of what God should or shouldn’t do.  And when He doesn’t live up to our expectations – when we see others living the life we want – then we blame God and become angry, bitter and disillusioned. 

Second Thought:  It all changed … but how?

What changed the Psalmists thinking?   What changed his perspective?  What moved him from bitterness to joy, from disillusionment to peace, from instability to stability?

Psalm 73:17 (NLT)  Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

The Psalmist went into the sanctuary of God and everything changed.

The Sanctuary - Where you come in contact with God.  

The Sanctuary - Where we see God for who He is and see yourself for what you really are.  

The Sanctuary - Where you truly Worship God.

The Sanctuary - Where you begin to see “life” how God sees “life.”

So how do we hear from God?   Through God’s Word – the Bible.   Through God’s Spirit in our lives.   Through Godly counsel that point our attention back to God and His Word.   Through Songs that teach and remind us of who God is.

It all changed when the Psalmist took his focus off of everyone else – took his focus off of himself – and turned his focus on God.  It was only then that his outlook changed.

Notice – there is no record of his situation changing.  But his attitude changed – his outlook changed – how he viewed himself and others changed – and most importantly – how he viewed God changed.

Third Thought – Where is his confidence now?

Psalm 73:23-26 (NLT)  Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.  Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.  My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

His confidence is now in God.  Why?  

He realized he belonged to God.  God holds him by his right hand.   Security.

He realized God would guide him to an amazing future.  Direction.

Knowing that changed everything.  No matter what God would be the strength of his heart and God would hold him forever.

The Psalmist – and you and I – are totally responsible for our attitudes.  We are totally responsible for how we perceive “life” around us.  We can respond with bitterness, anger, jealousy, all of which will eventually destroy us.  Or we can respond to “life” by keeping our eyes focused on God.   Trusting Him even when it doesn’t seem like He is active, working in our lives or our circumstance.

Lord – rather than becoming bitter and resentful because of what you are doing in other places – help me to keep my focus off of others and onto you.  Help me – remind me that I belong to You.  You are aware of everything in my life and you are at work to bring beauty out of ashes.

Lord – rather than engaging in a pity party because of the suffering in my life.   Suffering from my own choices, the choices of others, or the chaotic suffering of life – help me to get my focus off of poor pitiful me and to focus on your care, your love, your transforming work in my life.

Lord – while I can’t always choose what makes up my life – what will come my way – I can always choose what I spend my time and energy focused on.   Help me to spend time in the Sanctuary every day focusing on You.

What Am I Really Seeking?

What Am I Really Seeking?

Psalm 27:7-9 (NIV)  Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

Thought One:   What Am I Really Seeking?

Rather than seeking God – how many times am I seeking answers, or relief from consequences of my own actions, or direction, or emotional/physical healing or any number of other things?

Is there anything wrong with seeking those things?   Absolutely not – all through scripture we are commanded to seek such things from God.   However, when we seek these more than we seek Him, then it indicates an imbalance.

We value what God can give us more than we value Him.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Interesting Hebrew word for “Seek” here.   Hebrew word used here (baqar) literally means to plow into. David passionately desired to observe the Lord in His dwelling place, to meditate upon Him, to investigate Him. Simply put, David’s foremost priority was to know God. This is the desire of the true worshipper: not to receive something from God but to know God.

Honestly – I am not for sure that describes me most of the time.   I don’t necessarily seek God first – I am more interested in what I think I need.   So I go to Him and ask Him for it.   Rather than “plowing into Him” I am trying to plow into a solution for my problems.   My eyes aren’t focused on Him – they are focused on what is around me.

Question to ask myself through the day:  What am I really plowing into?  What am I really seeking?

Thought Two:  Can God – Would God hide/reject/forsake His own child?

Psalm 27:9 (NIV)  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

Remember – this the Old Testament – before Jesus came and gave His Life on the Cross, rose again, ascended to the Father and then sent the Holy Spirit to indwell His Followers in Acts.    In the Old Testament the Spirit of God came to specific people, in specific instances then the Spirit of God was removed.   However, in the New Testament – Early Church – Acts 2 – God sends His Spirit to live in every follower of Jesus.   His promise is that His Spirit will remain in them to guide, to comfort, to instruct in harmony with the Word of God.   So for a Follower of Jesus today, God’s Spirit cannot be taken away.

Hebrews 13:5b (NIV)  God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

However – I must admit – I feel like God or His Spirit is nowhere near at times.  I have felt abandoned and forgotten by God at times.   Especially recently – feeling an overwhelming darkness and abandonment by God because of choices I made knowing they were the opposite of what God intended.

So if God says He is there – He hasn’t abandoned me – but I don’t feel Him – don’t sense Him – can’t find Him – call out to Him and hear nothing – why is this?  How and I supposed to respond?

What causes me to miss God’s Presence in my life?  Honestly, right now I am totally overwhelmed by the circumstances - of my own making – in which I find myself.   I am terrified – embarrassed – fearful – humbled and broken.   In the darkness it is difficult to see anything.   I feel God is nowhere to be found – feel the He has given up on me – feel unworthy of even being associated with Him.  Those are my feelings – but the fact is the scriptures – His Word – the Bible paints a totally different picture.

God’s Word says to “Fear Not” – over 365 times in the Bible – “Fear Not” – why?  He is there – He knows – He understands – He has forgiven and He will restore.    But I don’t feel that way at all.

God’s Word says “His love is Unconditional” – Nothing can separate me from God’s Love.   Nothing.  (Romans 8:38) – But I don’t feel that way at all.

God’s Word says “He will bring something good – something that honors Him – out of my mess.”  (Romans 8:28)  Nothing I did caught God by surprise.  Long before anyone else – He knew the stupidity of my actions.  Sin always destroys – but God has promised out of that destruction to bring something beautiful out of it.   But I don’t see that right now – and feel that anything good is so far away I can’t even dare dream about it.

Which brings me back to my first thought.   Maybe rather than seeking relief, direction or comfort – I just need to “plow into Him” and in His Time, He will provide all I need.

That is much easier said than done.   I struggle – I struggle to believe what God says over what I am experiencing right now.    It is a struggle between peace and desperation.   It isn’t a one-time decision – it is a moment by moment battle – a fight within my heart and mind.   God it is so hard.

However, look at what David says at the end of Psalm 27.

Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)  I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Dare I really believe that?   I will see God’s goodness in my life while I am still alive?  Can I really trust Him and wait?  I want to run and hide.   I so want to give up and just disappear.   I want to find a way to “fix” all that I broke.   Dare I simply trust God?  Dare I trust Him to give me the strength to bring my emotions and thoughts to a place of waiting for Him?

He is transforming my life.   God it hurts.   But I will trust you.   It is all I have.   Help me believe it is enough.

God – I am terrified.  There is so much pain, embarrassment, destruction in my life that I don’t sense you at all.   I feel like I have lost everything – even you.   It is so dark – so overwhelming – that I can’t feel anything but desperation.   But God – you said not to fear – you still love me and you will take my mess and make something beautiful out of it.   I want to believe that.   I want so much to “plow into” that – please help me.  Help me to seek you.  Let you speak to me through your Word – though your children – though your Spirit.   God please help me to trust you.

God – please be with those who are in the same place I am.  Help me in the darkness of this room to simply whisper “He’s Here – I don’t see Him either – but He said He’s here.”   God please help me to help them.