Psalm 34:18
(The Message)
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;
if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.
Recently I was thinking about how resilient people are. The human spirit has an amazing capacity to recover and move forward, sometimes against all odds. I think we encounter these kinds of people everyday without even knowing it. Whether it's a child or an adult. That's the amazing part of it. One can experience some sort of trauma or set back and then adjust and cope without most people even knowing about it.
In contemplating all of this, I realized that resilience, while a natural coping mechanism that is created within us, is not actually how we should live. If one is being resilient and/or coping, it must mean there is something there to be resilient from or some reason to be coping...which means there is a need for healing.
Resilience is the opposite of broken. But it is in the brokenness that God is there. Not in the "strength" of resilience and coping. There are so many other scriptures that I could include in this thought, but I think the point is clear. We have to quit being so "strong" and let God in so He can get to the broken parts and heal. And because of our "amazing human strength", that can be a hard thing to do sometimes.
Instead of people feeling like they should be strong and get a grip, they should let themselves be weak and broken...because that's where God is! His strength is perfect.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The Reason Why
2 Corinthians 1:4
New Century Version (NCV)
4 He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.
Ever notice how even scripture can sound so trite sometimes? That is, until it speaks directly to you. Then you find out that there is nothing trite about the Voice of God.
I have asked God "why" about things so many times I have lost count. As is obvious throughout my blog, I am completely human (not perfect) and painfully aware of that fact. Life happens. Sometimes things happen that are beyond our understanding. We wonder where God was or how could He have let circumstances arise...especially if they were out of our own control and not of our own fault.
I still wonder about that. But I do know that God didn't create us as robots...or angels...and so there is some explanation of how...if not why.
Interestingly, the mere mortal human while capable of suffering and pain, feeling it and causing it, is also capable of being used as an instrument of God to bring peace and comfort to another human. While the why question is lingering in my head today, I can also see that there is an answer to it in this scripture. Even if it is just one other person who is comforted...maybe that's a good enough reason why.
Ever notice how even scripture can sound so trite sometimes? That is, until it speaks directly to you. Then you find out that there is nothing trite about the Voice of God.
I have asked God "why" about things so many times I have lost count. As is obvious throughout my blog, I am completely human (not perfect) and painfully aware of that fact. Life happens. Sometimes things happen that are beyond our understanding. We wonder where God was or how could He have let circumstances arise...especially if they were out of our own control and not of our own fault.
I still wonder about that. But I do know that God didn't create us as robots...or angels...and so there is some explanation of how...if not why.
Interestingly, the mere mortal human while capable of suffering and pain, feeling it and causing it, is also capable of being used as an instrument of God to bring peace and comfort to another human. While the why question is lingering in my head today, I can also see that there is an answer to it in this scripture. Even if it is just one other person who is comforted...maybe that's a good enough reason why.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
No Fear?
Matthew 8:26
When I read this scripture, I sort of pictured the scene of the disciples in the boat with the storm going on, frantically asking Jesus to do something about it. (I know I'd be scared!) Maybe I'm the only one, but I've always seen this story as a sort of chewing out by Jesus for their lack of faith. But I look at it a little differently today. I don't think He was chewing them out. Maybe He was surprised that after the things He had already done they were still so easily frightened and lacking in faith. (Does that sound like anyone you know??) I think He was more likely filled with compassion by the weakness they portrayed.
He recognized and acknowledged their fear and lack of faith...and STILL got up and did what they had asked Him to do. He still calmed the storm. It comes to me that our fear does not scare God and our lack of faith does not limit His ability. Even when we are weak and fearful and having a hard time believing...He will still listen and do the work in our lives.
Good News Translation (GNT)
26 “Why are you so frightened?” Jesus answered. “What little faith you have!” Then he got up and ordered the winds and the waves to stop, and there was a great calm.
I am inspired by some particular friends to write today. Thanks to them, I have seen something in the Word that I have never seen before. Maybe I'm just a late bloomer...
Anyway, I've always felt like when my faith is weak, that I hold God back. Like my faith needs to be strong and courageous in order to move Him to do whatever it is I think He needs to do. For a long time I've had this sneaking suspicion that I'm running in circles with this sort of thinking, but haven't felt there was any solution other than to pray for stronger faith.
While probably not a bad thing to do at all...there was a man in the Bible who asked Jesus to help him with his unbelief...there are times in your life that you are so much in the middle of a problem that it is really humanly impossible to have the kind of faith that just flat out takes courage. There are times when things are really frightening. Whether it be sickness, finances, circumstances, emotional/mental struggles...those things can be scary! As humans, we do tend to worry and fret, and yes, we know we shouldn't!
He recognized and acknowledged their fear and lack of faith...and STILL got up and did what they had asked Him to do. He still calmed the storm. It comes to me that our fear does not scare God and our lack of faith does not limit His ability. Even when we are weak and fearful and having a hard time believing...He will still listen and do the work in our lives.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Worth Every Minute
3 John 1:4
Complete Jewish Bible
4 Nothing gives me greater joy than hearing that my children are living in the truth.
As Thanksgiving Day draws near, I decided that I would take a moment to express my thankfulness for my children. So much of what we deal with on a day to day basis can overshadow our appreciation for those closest to us. I am no exception...have you read any of my other posts?!?! It is so easy to get distracted by those pesky daily life problems!
I clearly remember being a young mother with two little toddlers and thinking that those days of diapers and no privacy (bathroom door always open) were never going to end. I thought for a little while that my boys might grow up to be juvenile delinquents because I couldn't get them to mind all the time. I would go to church and spend the majority of the time, it seemed, in the nursery. I would wonder, why am I even here? Why?
Well, this is why. With my oldest son already moved out of the house and my youngest son nearing adulthood, I see them making their own commitments to God and living in truth. I am so proud of those two boys and the men they are becoming. I look back at those days of sitting in the nursery, the worry about whether or not I was doing a good enough job being a mom and feeling like I had lost my own identity, with thankfulness. There was a purpose and it was worth every minute.
P.S. Please note, this is just and expression of my own experiences and feelings, I would like to point out that I couldn't have done it without my one and only, the Father of my Children. I love you!
Complete Jewish Bible
4 Nothing gives me greater joy than hearing that my children are living in the truth.
As Thanksgiving Day draws near, I decided that I would take a moment to express my thankfulness for my children. So much of what we deal with on a day to day basis can overshadow our appreciation for those closest to us. I am no exception...have you read any of my other posts?!?! It is so easy to get distracted by those pesky daily life problems!
I clearly remember being a young mother with two little toddlers and thinking that those days of diapers and no privacy (bathroom door always open) were never going to end. I thought for a little while that my boys might grow up to be juvenile delinquents because I couldn't get them to mind all the time. I would go to church and spend the majority of the time, it seemed, in the nursery. I would wonder, why am I even here? Why?
Well, this is why. With my oldest son already moved out of the house and my youngest son nearing adulthood, I see them making their own commitments to God and living in truth. I am so proud of those two boys and the men they are becoming. I look back at those days of sitting in the nursery, the worry about whether or not I was doing a good enough job being a mom and feeling like I had lost my own identity, with thankfulness. There was a purpose and it was worth every minute.
P.S. Please note, this is just and expression of my own experiences and feelings, I would like to point out that I couldn't have done it without my one and only, the Father of my Children. I love you!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
My Voice
2 Timothy 3:16
(New Life Version)
16 All the Holy Writings are God-given and are made alive by Him. Man is helped when he is taught God’s Word. It shows what is wrong. It changes the way of a man’s life. It shows him how to be right with God.
After a little over a year into this blog, this is not the first time I have contemplated the whole thing and been a little uncomfortable with how it may come across to people. It started out as a way to voice my angst and heartbreak over having my oldest child leave home and go off to college. I soon discovered that there was a certain amount of relief that accompanied the "voicing" and so have continued to use this blog for that purpose.
The regular reader knows that every post starts off with a scripture or two, followed by my particular rambling (thought, feeling and/or perspective) of that moment. I have had the thought throughout that I should post here and there without the scriptures so as not to give anyone the wrong idea. I am not super-spiritual. I'm not a theologian. I claim no special insight or knowledge of the Word.
But...I don't know how to look at the challenges or joys of life without the scripture! It is the lifeline to me. I don't always have it together. Sometimes I look at the footprints in the sand and wonder why God is making me walk it alone. Sometimes things around me distract me from my purpose. Sometimes I cry from hurt and frustration. Sometimes life just seems too hard to handle.
So, while there is certainly a spiritual perspective and application to all of my posts, it is only because I can't do life without the guidance and divine intervention that only God's Word can give. I need reminders of who He is, who I am, and that those are His footprints - I'm in His arms.
(New Life Version)
16 All the Holy Writings are God-given and are made alive by Him. Man is helped when he is taught God’s Word. It shows what is wrong. It changes the way of a man’s life. It shows him how to be right with God.
After a little over a year into this blog, this is not the first time I have contemplated the whole thing and been a little uncomfortable with how it may come across to people. It started out as a way to voice my angst and heartbreak over having my oldest child leave home and go off to college. I soon discovered that there was a certain amount of relief that accompanied the "voicing" and so have continued to use this blog for that purpose.
The regular reader knows that every post starts off with a scripture or two, followed by my particular rambling (thought, feeling and/or perspective) of that moment. I have had the thought throughout that I should post here and there without the scriptures so as not to give anyone the wrong idea. I am not super-spiritual. I'm not a theologian. I claim no special insight or knowledge of the Word.
But...I don't know how to look at the challenges or joys of life without the scripture! It is the lifeline to me. I don't always have it together. Sometimes I look at the footprints in the sand and wonder why God is making me walk it alone. Sometimes things around me distract me from my purpose. Sometimes I cry from hurt and frustration. Sometimes life just seems too hard to handle.
So, while there is certainly a spiritual perspective and application to all of my posts, it is only because I can't do life without the guidance and divine intervention that only God's Word can give. I need reminders of who He is, who I am, and that those are His footprints - I'm in His arms.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Comfort
Psalm 23
King James Version
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not
want.
2 He
maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still
waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Anyone who knows about David knows that when he wrote this Psalm, he knew what he was talking about. Most of us can identify with him in one form or fashion at some point in our life. Whether it is his failures, his sense of injustice or his joy in the presence of the Almighty God.
Sounds a lot like me, in fact. I have failed in more ways than I'd like to think about. I've definitely felt like life has been unfair at times. But, oh, how I have also felt the comfort that can only be felt in the presence of that very same God that David rejoiced in.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Healing Touch
Matthew 14:35-36
English Standard Version (ESV)
35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
My heart goes out to those around me who are in a physical and/or emotional need of healing. When you know someone is hurting, saying, "I'm praying for you" just doesn't seem like enough. And whether someone is healed or not healed, sometimes seems like a mystery.
I read this scripture passage and I felt like a little bit of the mystery involved opened up to me. If we could travel to a particular place and touch a particular thing or person and be healed, wouldn't we? Yes, we all would. We would pay whatever the cost is and go. The people in this story did just that and they received their healing...just by touching the hem of His clothes. I don't imagine that it was a calm line that formed or there was a number to take...when they heard that Jesus was nearby, what I imagine is a mad dash...or crawl...to reach out and touch Him.
I'm sure by now, some of you know where I'm going. I believe we still need to reach out and touch to receive our healing. And just like we can imagine the crowd around Him - the distractions and doubts of life - it may be that we have to scramble and crawl and push our way to His feet.
If you are reading this and you need your healing, of any kind...don't give up. Scramble, push, crawl your way past the distractions until you touch Him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
My heart goes out to those around me who are in a physical and/or emotional need of healing. When you know someone is hurting, saying, "I'm praying for you" just doesn't seem like enough. And whether someone is healed or not healed, sometimes seems like a mystery.
I read this scripture passage and I felt like a little bit of the mystery involved opened up to me. If we could travel to a particular place and touch a particular thing or person and be healed, wouldn't we? Yes, we all would. We would pay whatever the cost is and go. The people in this story did just that and they received their healing...just by touching the hem of His clothes. I don't imagine that it was a calm line that formed or there was a number to take...when they heard that Jesus was nearby, what I imagine is a mad dash...or crawl...to reach out and touch Him.
I'm sure by now, some of you know where I'm going. I believe we still need to reach out and touch to receive our healing. And just like we can imagine the crowd around Him - the distractions and doubts of life - it may be that we have to scramble and crawl and push our way to His feet.
If you are reading this and you need your healing, of any kind...don't give up. Scramble, push, crawl your way past the distractions until you touch Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)