"I can do it!"
She is three and wants to be in charge of the universe. Her mantra is repeated over and over to anyone trying to help her.
And I back away for a moment, watching a reflection of myself. Even though I do not loudly insist with an adorably pouty chin, my stubbornness mirrors hers.
I hide the words in my heart, whisper them heavenward.
"I can do it. I've got this. See how much I am doing?"
If I wait for her to struggle long enough, she will finally plead, "Help me, Mommy!" And of course I do. I've been waiting for her to ask, watching with patience and longing to offer what I have to ease her frustration.
See, I love to help her. It is a joy to show her the way. Yes, even if she's refused me seven times seven.
Is this how God feels about me?
Phrases from a well worn book draw me to truth. Put childish ways behind you. Put to death the deeds of the body. Come to me. Ask and it will be given. Be renewed day by day.
Rest. Repeat. .
Try on my own.
Fail.
Let him help.
Watch in awe as an old dream dies and a new one is born.
I am thankful he is always only a "Help!" away.
Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 AMP)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV)
God, may I turn to you instead of trust my own ability. May I see the freedom in letting go. May I unclench my fist so that you can take what little I have and give it new life. Amen.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Then and When
What was I worried about ten years ago? What was I concerned about this time last year? Why was I stressed last week?
It is hard to remember.
How did God provide for me ten years ago? Who did he send to comfort me last Spring? What blessing did he surprise me with merely a week ago?
Have I forgotten these as well?
It is hard to trust that God will comfort me and provide for me in the future if I cannot look back and see the pattern of his love, sewn straight over my heart.
This is why I write. This is why I reflect on and thank him for all he has done for me so far. And I look ahead with assurance that he will not stitch outside the lines.
His love started before I was even born. He knew sin would come into the world and made a plan to send a deliverer, his son Jesus, who suffered so I would not have to. He knew that I would need guidance so he sent the Holy Spirit and inspired wise men to write down his words for me to read someday.
He knew what each day of my life would hold before one of them came to be.
Through the years, he has revealed his love, truth, and grace to me in different ways. I see the pattern of his love through the people he has brought into my life, the unexpected blessings, and the amazing "coincidences".
Still, he holds me firmly in the palm of his hand. Why would I doubt that will continue until my final breath?
So, I look behind me, then glance ahead. And I remember: the almighty "I AM" will walk beside me in love until I meet him face to face.
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139:1-6,15-16 NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday
and today
and forever.
(Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
Everlasting Lord, thank you for reminding me of how lovingly you have guided me through the years. Remind me on days when I am worried that you are always beside me and you always act in love. You took care of me then and will take care of me when... Amen.
It is hard to remember.
How did God provide for me ten years ago? Who did he send to comfort me last Spring? What blessing did he surprise me with merely a week ago?
Have I forgotten these as well?
It is hard to trust that God will comfort me and provide for me in the future if I cannot look back and see the pattern of his love, sewn straight over my heart.
This is why I write. This is why I reflect on and thank him for all he has done for me so far. And I look ahead with assurance that he will not stitch outside the lines.
His love started before I was even born. He knew sin would come into the world and made a plan to send a deliverer, his son Jesus, who suffered so I would not have to. He knew that I would need guidance so he sent the Holy Spirit and inspired wise men to write down his words for me to read someday.
He knew what each day of my life would hold before one of them came to be.
Through the years, he has revealed his love, truth, and grace to me in different ways. I see the pattern of his love through the people he has brought into my life, the unexpected blessings, and the amazing "coincidences".
Still, he holds me firmly in the palm of his hand. Why would I doubt that will continue until my final breath?
So, I look behind me, then glance ahead. And I remember: the almighty "I AM" will walk beside me in love until I meet him face to face.
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139:1-6,15-16 NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday
and today
and forever.
(Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
Everlasting Lord, thank you for reminding me of how lovingly you have guided me through the years. Remind me on days when I am worried that you are always beside me and you always act in love. You took care of me then and will take care of me when... Amen.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
It is Possible Not to Worry
IF
Jesus tells me that I should not worry:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
And everything is possible with God:
With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26b NIV)
THEN
It must be possible not to worry.
But the message is contrary to what I hear both outside the church and, unfortunately, sometimes inside the church.
It is acceptable to worry.
It is a given that I will worry about the future.
It is my duty as a parent to worry.
It is the opposite of trusting God. It keeps me from experiencing peace.
God, help me to trust you in all things. Show me the areas that I have not given over to you yet, the places I would rather control in my own time. Help me hold on to the truth that it is possible not to worry. Amen.
Jesus tells me that I should not worry:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
And everything is possible with God:
With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26b NIV)
THEN
It must be possible not to worry.
But the message is contrary to what I hear both outside the church and, unfortunately, sometimes inside the church.
It is acceptable to worry.
It is a given that I will worry about the future.
It is my duty as a parent to worry.
It is the opposite of trusting God. It keeps me from experiencing peace.
God, help me to trust you in all things. Show me the areas that I have not given over to you yet, the places I would rather control in my own time. Help me hold on to the truth that it is possible not to worry. Amen.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Looking Directly at the Son
I catch a glimpse of the sun before the clouds once again take over. It's presence is scarce when the snow flies for what seems like months on end and mixes with the slush already on the ground. I have been missing the warmth and smile as it kisses my cheek.
"Don't look directly at the sun," an adult cautions. The warning comes across the years of my memory.
But I want to look at the sun. It has been too long absent from my life. It's commanding presence beckons me to take a peek.
Don't look directly at the sun. Wise advice to follow, to some extent. In life though, what I think the world needs most is to look directly at the son, or more importantly, to not take our eyes off of the son.
When my eyes are on Jesus and his love for me, I am confident in who I am. I do not have to perform in order to prove my worth to those around me.
When I look at Jesus, I see he is beside me through the trials of my day. I can have peace when the chaos around me screams the loudest.
When my eyes remain on Jesus, I do not worry about tomorrow. I trust that he will give me what I need when I need it the most. He does not always give me answers but he always gives me himself - and that is enough.
So, look at the son. Study the son. Bask in the warmth of the son. Ask him what he thinks about you. And smile the next time the sky shines in radiance.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 NIV)
Lord, I want to keep my eyes on you and not on the world around me or the circumstances that change. Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
"Don't look directly at the sun," an adult cautions. The warning comes across the years of my memory.
But I want to look at the sun. It has been too long absent from my life. It's commanding presence beckons me to take a peek.
Don't look directly at the sun. Wise advice to follow, to some extent. In life though, what I think the world needs most is to look directly at the son, or more importantly, to not take our eyes off of the son.
When my eyes are on Jesus and his love for me, I am confident in who I am. I do not have to perform in order to prove my worth to those around me.
When I look at Jesus, I see he is beside me through the trials of my day. I can have peace when the chaos around me screams the loudest.
When my eyes remain on Jesus, I do not worry about tomorrow. I trust that he will give me what I need when I need it the most. He does not always give me answers but he always gives me himself - and that is enough.
So, look at the son. Study the son. Bask in the warmth of the son. Ask him what he thinks about you. And smile the next time the sky shines in radiance.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 NIV)
Lord, I want to keep my eyes on you and not on the world around me or the circumstances that change. Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A Fresh Start to the Day
The commercial was brilliant. Relaxing at a kitchen table, a man drank juice while discussing what his day would hold with the individuals who would (hours from now) cause him stress. News of a flat tire, an encounter with an annoying neighbor, and a missed deadline later in the day was met with a strangely positive response. How would he be able to face it all with a smile? He started his day with the right drink. Cue the catchy jingle and fade to black.
All it takes is starting the day with a drink of juice, huh? Wouldn't that be nice.
But what if all it takes is starting the day with a drink? A drink of pure living water.
When I connect with the very source of life first thing in the morning, I handle stress differently. When I gaze for a few moments at the face of sacrificial love, I face unexpected challenges with more patience. When I ponder the immense power he holds in his hands, I worry about what the day holds less and am able to rest in peace.
With the opportunity to change the course of my day in this way, do I always begin in worship? I wish I could say yes. I am learning to seek him first because I see things more from his perspective and react in a way that is honoring to him when I do.
Plus, it's cheaper than stocking up on fancy juice.
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. (Psalm 59:16 NIV)
Jesus answered her (the Samaritan woman), “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water... Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:10, 13-14 NIV)
He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. (John 7:38 AMP)
Wonderful counselor, source of living water, thanks for the reminder of how important it is for me to start my day with you. I want to face the unexpected events of my day with a heart full of your love. Amen.
All it takes is starting the day with a drink of juice, huh? Wouldn't that be nice.
But what if all it takes is starting the day with a drink? A drink of pure living water.
When I connect with the very source of life first thing in the morning, I handle stress differently. When I gaze for a few moments at the face of sacrificial love, I face unexpected challenges with more patience. When I ponder the immense power he holds in his hands, I worry about what the day holds less and am able to rest in peace.
With the opportunity to change the course of my day in this way, do I always begin in worship? I wish I could say yes. I am learning to seek him first because I see things more from his perspective and react in a way that is honoring to him when I do.
Plus, it's cheaper than stocking up on fancy juice.
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. (Psalm 59:16 NIV)
Jesus answered her (the Samaritan woman), “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water... Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:10, 13-14 NIV)
He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. (John 7:38 AMP)
Wonderful counselor, source of living water, thanks for the reminder of how important it is for me to start my day with you. I want to face the unexpected events of my day with a heart full of your love. Amen.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Worry While Waiting
I type when I feel I have been given something to say. I usually wake up with an idea in my head and an excitement builds until I put it into words. This month has been different, quieter than usual. It's not that God has been silent or distant, but I have not sensed a pull to act.
So I wait.
And I discover my anxiousness comes from wanting to do things in my own time, which is almost always NOW. I formulate a plan for how I want something to go or embrace a vision of my own creation only to forget: what is of God must come from God. It cannot come from me. If I run with what I want and ask him to bless it, it will not be the same as hearing from him what I need to do and acting upon it. And often in those situations, I give myself credit for the outcome.
Wait. Why is obedience in this area so hard? It does not produce tangible results, results I too often hang my value upon.
Waiting is hard, but in the stillness I can hear God's direction better than when I am constantly doing. Listening to him, waiting for a green light is not unproductive. It is right where he wants me, growing closer to him.
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10a NIV)
Be silent, and I will teach you wisdom (Job 33:33b NIV)
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:31 NASB)
God's timing is perfect. I may not know why I am asked to wait, but I choose not to worry about getting something done that was never from him in the first place. I will wait in expectation for his green light before joyfully moving forward.
God, teach me contentment right where you have placed me now. You ask me to seek your face and listen to your truth. I know you have big plans. I trust you with the timing. Amen.
So I wait.
And I discover my anxiousness comes from wanting to do things in my own time, which is almost always NOW. I formulate a plan for how I want something to go or embrace a vision of my own creation only to forget: what is of God must come from God. It cannot come from me. If I run with what I want and ask him to bless it, it will not be the same as hearing from him what I need to do and acting upon it. And often in those situations, I give myself credit for the outcome.
Wait. Why is obedience in this area so hard? It does not produce tangible results, results I too often hang my value upon.
Waiting is hard, but in the stillness I can hear God's direction better than when I am constantly doing. Listening to him, waiting for a green light is not unproductive. It is right where he wants me, growing closer to him.
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10a NIV)
Be silent, and I will teach you wisdom (Job 33:33b NIV)
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:31 NASB)
God's timing is perfect. I may not know why I am asked to wait, but I choose not to worry about getting something done that was never from him in the first place. I will wait in expectation for his green light before joyfully moving forward.
God, teach me contentment right where you have placed me now. You ask me to seek your face and listen to your truth. I know you have big plans. I trust you with the timing. Amen.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Not a Resolution, a Realization
This year I am going to walk confidently in the realization that I am REDEEMED. I will look at myself the way Jesus does, not with condemnation, but with love.
LOVE.
He accepts me as I am while encouraging me to draw closer to him. I will accept my faults while allowing him to guide me in better decisions.
I will not worry about what others think of me. Their judgements, vocalized or not, do not change who I am in Christ. Their opinions can fade in the light of the King of Glory.
But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
REDEEMED.
My redeemer, guide me this year deeper and deeper into your truth. When I look in the mirror, remind me of who I am and whose I am.
"Redeemed" by Big Daddy Weave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFC76Z_2oC4
Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV, Isaiah 44:22 NIV
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)