“What is God doing in your life right now?”
Years ago when my husband and I were newly wed, we got involved with these “radical” Christians who would ask such questions of us. Caught off guard, I probably pulled something off the top of my head rather than admit, “I don’t know.”
“I don’t know what God is doing in my life right now” doesn’t sound very spiritual, does it?
Maybe it’s not fair to catch people off guard with such a question, but it certainly is thought provoking, and we all could probably spend more time thinking about God’s role in our life.
Looking back over the years, I am astonished – truly amazed – at how God has worked in my life. Astounding acquaintances and inexplicable events have taken place and have led me down paths I never imagined. They have changed me, shaped me, and grown me into who I am today. I can see now that even though I may not have realized it at the time, and even through some difficult, challenging situations, He always had a plan; He always was at work in my life. This knowledge gives me perspective that those who do not know the Lord could not possibly have.
Problems that used to send me into a tizzy are now so much easier to shrug off. Is God up in Heaven pacing nervously and wringing His hands about this problem? Of course not! If He doesn’t worry, why should I? I need only to ask, “Father, help me to see your hand in this situation – your perspective, your solution.”
There have been times I’ve gotten off the path of His plan for me – free will allows that. Have there been regrets and consequences? Absolutely. But God’s love is so persistent, He never stopped calling me back to Himself – back to where He could continue doing good things in my life.
When we’re trusting Him and seeking Him, we can confidently assume that He’s always at work in our lives, helping us know Him better and to be transformed into His image.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Basking in the Son
Due to the lack of sunshine in the past several weeks, there’s been a recent outbreak of crankiness and the blues and lots of the blahs. It seems to me that nearly everyone’s on the verge of cracking. Either that or they’re exclaiming, “Just let me SLEEP!”
Every time the sun pokes out its head – usually for only a few minutes at a time – those of us indoors rush outside to bask in its rays, lifting our faces to let it penetrate our souls. Isn’t it amazing how this light source has such an effect on our emotional and physical well-being? People start smiling, humming and stepping lightly. We know whatever’s been bothering us is going to get better, because . . . there’s the sun.
We need sunshine!
I’ve often thought to describe the feeling of experiencing God’s presence, but words elude me. It struck me recently that experiencing God’s presence feels very similar to stepping into the sun – especially after days of gloom – where He fills us with His warmth, and wellness infiltrates our being, lifting us beyond any anxiety or despair.
In fact, the Bible compares God to the sun, saying, “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right (Psalm 84:11; NLT).
We’ve seen what a struggle it is to remain joyful and optimistic when the sun is hidden behind gray skies, but just as the sun is never really gone even though we miss its rays when it’s hidden behind the clouds, God is always with us, and He invites us to enter into and enjoy His presence any time.
Psalm 16:11; You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Every time the sun pokes out its head – usually for only a few minutes at a time – those of us indoors rush outside to bask in its rays, lifting our faces to let it penetrate our souls. Isn’t it amazing how this light source has such an effect on our emotional and physical well-being? People start smiling, humming and stepping lightly. We know whatever’s been bothering us is going to get better, because . . . there’s the sun.
We need sunshine!
I’ve often thought to describe the feeling of experiencing God’s presence, but words elude me. It struck me recently that experiencing God’s presence feels very similar to stepping into the sun – especially after days of gloom – where He fills us with His warmth, and wellness infiltrates our being, lifting us beyond any anxiety or despair.
In fact, the Bible compares God to the sun, saying, “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right (Psalm 84:11; NLT).
We’ve seen what a struggle it is to remain joyful and optimistic when the sun is hidden behind gray skies, but just as the sun is never really gone even though we miss its rays when it’s hidden behind the clouds, God is always with us, and He invites us to enter into and enjoy His presence any time.
Psalm 16:11; You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Busy People
Busy is a four-letter word. It’s easy to get caught in the busy trap. Sometimes I have so much going on that I’m left feeling stressed out, exhausted, and truly concerned that I’ll end up friendless in my old age because I don’t make time to spend with the few friends I have now.
But I know I am not alone.
In spite of what we may think, God never intended for any one person to do everything. Most of us need to think carefully about how we spend our time. We have to learn to say NO to some of the “opportunities” that come our way and examine the activities we’re currently involved with to determine which ones are really necessary and what things can be eliminated.
Before we can do this, we must search our hearts and invite God to help us see why we’re driven to do so much. Once we understand what need is being met through our busyness, we can let the Lord meet that need. He can and will meet every need in a way that will bring us peace, not stress, fulfillment, not frustration.
We have to admit that we can never do enough. There will always be some other cause to which we can donate our time. There will always be someone else who wants us to get involved. There are people sitting on the sidelines doing nothing because everything’s already taken care of; they aren’t needed. If we stepped down and didn’t do everything, someone else would have to take our place. And once we’ve given that up, we must resist with all our strength the urge to get our hands back in there and take over because “only we know how to do things right.” Those sitting on the sidelines will need to figure things out, just as we once did. We’ll give advice if asked, but otherwise, we’ll bug off!
Let’s go out and play with the kids and have lunch with that friend we’ve been neglecting. Let’s have a movie night with our sweethearts, or pour ourselves a cup of something hot to drink, wrap up in a big afghan, and cuddle up on the couch with that novel we’ve been meaning to read. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.
Gotta go now, it’s time for my hour-long bath!
But I know I am not alone.
In spite of what we may think, God never intended for any one person to do everything. Most of us need to think carefully about how we spend our time. We have to learn to say NO to some of the “opportunities” that come our way and examine the activities we’re currently involved with to determine which ones are really necessary and what things can be eliminated.
Before we can do this, we must search our hearts and invite God to help us see why we’re driven to do so much. Once we understand what need is being met through our busyness, we can let the Lord meet that need. He can and will meet every need in a way that will bring us peace, not stress, fulfillment, not frustration.
We have to admit that we can never do enough. There will always be some other cause to which we can donate our time. There will always be someone else who wants us to get involved. There are people sitting on the sidelines doing nothing because everything’s already taken care of; they aren’t needed. If we stepped down and didn’t do everything, someone else would have to take our place. And once we’ve given that up, we must resist with all our strength the urge to get our hands back in there and take over because “only we know how to do things right.” Those sitting on the sidelines will need to figure things out, just as we once did. We’ll give advice if asked, but otherwise, we’ll bug off!
Let’s go out and play with the kids and have lunch with that friend we’ve been neglecting. Let’s have a movie night with our sweethearts, or pour ourselves a cup of something hot to drink, wrap up in a big afghan, and cuddle up on the couch with that novel we’ve been meaning to read. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.
Gotta go now, it’s time for my hour-long bath!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
All This and Coffee Too
Readers who communicate electronically will most likely identify with lists of questions we receive in order to let others “get to know us better.” Like you, I’m often called upon to respond to such questionnaires. Recently, in answer to the question “What is the one thing you cannot live without?” I replied “COFFEE!”
I was joking of course. My life would not cease to exist if I never had another cup of coffee (maybe), but do you ever stop to ponder what you can and cannot live without?
Aside from the obvious – we all need food, clothing, shelter, etc. – what do we need?
In the tenth chapter of Luke, Jesus told Martha that her sister Mary understood the one thing that was needful. While Martha worried about making sure everything was taken care of and tending to many details, Mary demonstrated her faith by sitting at the Lord’s feet learning all she could from Him. She forgot about everything else that “needed” her attention when she was in His presence.
Matthew 6 talks about the things we need in this life and makes it clear our Heavenly Father knows we need these things (Mat. 6:32), but once again we’re reminded that only one thing is needful. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mat. 6:33).
I return to this topic again and again, because most of us (including me) can’t seem to hang on to the knowledge that we need God. We need to seek Him and to know Him. We need to put everything else aside and label it “rubbish.” We need to sit attentively at His feet, willing to learn from Him and receive everything He has to give us.
And then, He promises us, we will have everything else we need – like coffee.
I was joking of course. My life would not cease to exist if I never had another cup of coffee (maybe), but do you ever stop to ponder what you can and cannot live without?
Aside from the obvious – we all need food, clothing, shelter, etc. – what do we need?
In the tenth chapter of Luke, Jesus told Martha that her sister Mary understood the one thing that was needful. While Martha worried about making sure everything was taken care of and tending to many details, Mary demonstrated her faith by sitting at the Lord’s feet learning all she could from Him. She forgot about everything else that “needed” her attention when she was in His presence.
Matthew 6 talks about the things we need in this life and makes it clear our Heavenly Father knows we need these things (Mat. 6:32), but once again we’re reminded that only one thing is needful. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mat. 6:33).
I return to this topic again and again, because most of us (including me) can’t seem to hang on to the knowledge that we need God. We need to seek Him and to know Him. We need to put everything else aside and label it “rubbish.” We need to sit attentively at His feet, willing to learn from Him and receive everything He has to give us.
And then, He promises us, we will have everything else we need – like coffee.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Hangin' with the kids
As I write this column Sunday evening, I’m very tired. My kids were around this weekend, and I let them keep me up far too late. Even though I knew I’d suffer for it the next day, I couldn’t pull myself away from them as long as they wanted (or were willing) to spend time with me. I love to hear their stories, whether they’re reminiscing about their childhoods or filling me in on what they’re doing now. Even if we’re only watching a movie together, I love being in the same room with them, having them near by.
I would feel bad if my children came to see me only out of a sense of obligation. I hope that they want to spend time with me.
If I as an earthly parent delight that much in my children’s company, imagine how much our perfect heavenly father delights to spend time with us.
This is a point I think most of us tend to forget. We think of our “obligations” as Christians: I should go to church; I should pray; I should read my Bible, and so forth. We forget that God is our Father, and He very much wants to spend time with us. (1 John 3:1a; “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”)
The God of the Universe has brought us into an intimate, parent-child relationship with Himself! Perhaps because it’s such an immense thing to grasp, we’re always losing sight of it and need to be reminded.
As children we learned “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so” – a simple yet profound truth that we tend to forget as adults.
Let’s be sure to nurture that relationship with our heavenly Father, because it is the most fulfilling bond we’ll ever experience.
I would feel bad if my children came to see me only out of a sense of obligation. I hope that they want to spend time with me.
If I as an earthly parent delight that much in my children’s company, imagine how much our perfect heavenly father delights to spend time with us.
This is a point I think most of us tend to forget. We think of our “obligations” as Christians: I should go to church; I should pray; I should read my Bible, and so forth. We forget that God is our Father, and He very much wants to spend time with us. (1 John 3:1a; “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”)
The God of the Universe has brought us into an intimate, parent-child relationship with Himself! Perhaps because it’s such an immense thing to grasp, we’re always losing sight of it and need to be reminded.
As children we learned “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so” – a simple yet profound truth that we tend to forget as adults.
Let’s be sure to nurture that relationship with our heavenly Father, because it is the most fulfilling bond we’ll ever experience.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Come to Me
There was a man on his way to the throne of God. He carried several bundles of “baggage” with him, and as he traveled, he dropped them one by one, hoping to rid himself of them before He reached God’s throne. As he came closer to the throne, he suddenly stopped. He hung his head in shame and did not continue his journey because, alas, he still carried some of the bundles and was too ashamed to come before Almighty God.
Then there was a second man, also on his way to the throne of God. This man too was heavily laden with many bundles of baggage. However, rather than ridding himself of the baggage as he progressed toward the throne, he paid no attention to his burden. Instead, with steady determination and a firm forward gaze, he pushed onward to take his place before the Lord.
He came before the throne of God and saw an alter between him and the Lord. He said, “I’m sorry, Lord. I have nothing to offer you but my problems – my anger, my insecurities, my … sin.”
The Lord nodded toward the alter, and without hesitation, the man piled his burdens there, where they were consumed in holy fire, and he breathed deeply the sweet air of freedom.
Are you like the first man, trying to clean up your act before you come to the Lord? Or are you the second man, saying, “Here I am, Lord. Take me as I am with all my baggage, all my problems. I’ve carried this heavy load long enough, and I can’t take one more step unless you take it from me”?
You know what God’s going to say, don’t you?
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Mat. 11:28–30).
Then there was a second man, also on his way to the throne of God. This man too was heavily laden with many bundles of baggage. However, rather than ridding himself of the baggage as he progressed toward the throne, he paid no attention to his burden. Instead, with steady determination and a firm forward gaze, he pushed onward to take his place before the Lord.
He came before the throne of God and saw an alter between him and the Lord. He said, “I’m sorry, Lord. I have nothing to offer you but my problems – my anger, my insecurities, my … sin.”
The Lord nodded toward the alter, and without hesitation, the man piled his burdens there, where they were consumed in holy fire, and he breathed deeply the sweet air of freedom.
Are you like the first man, trying to clean up your act before you come to the Lord? Or are you the second man, saying, “Here I am, Lord. Take me as I am with all my baggage, all my problems. I’ve carried this heavy load long enough, and I can’t take one more step unless you take it from me”?
You know what God’s going to say, don’t you?
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Mat. 11:28–30).
Golden apples
I was checking this year’s sparse apple crop on the trees in the backyard the other day. It’s disappointing to see how few we have in comparison to last year’s crop. I’m guessing I won’t get more than two or three pies out of those apples, and that’s a shame, because we love apple pie!
Proverbs 25:11 tells us, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” I might have a disappointing apple crop, but what I do have is worth gold to me, and that’s you, my readers who encourage me. I want to use this week’s column to thank those of you who thoughtfully make the effort to tell me you appreciate this column. Whether you’ve emailed me, sent letters, or stopped me on the street, your exhortations mean so much to me.
Without your remarks, I don’t know if anyone is following the column, and I get discouraged. I feel silly admitting that because, as I tell myself, I’m writing for the Lord, not seeking man’s approval.
But the truth is, if you’re a writer, you need an audience. And if your audience never responds, you feel your efforts are fruitless. Aha! You see how this is tying in with the apple trees and “words aptly spoken”?
All kidding aside, everyone needs encouragement, and our Heavenly Father knows that. Verses like Ephesians 4:29b tell us, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” And 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”
Encouragement. It’s a gift that costs nothing but has great value.
I hope you have people in your life who build you up along life’s journey. If not, let God Himself encourage you with His Words of life: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
Proverbs 25:11 tells us, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” I might have a disappointing apple crop, but what I do have is worth gold to me, and that’s you, my readers who encourage me. I want to use this week’s column to thank those of you who thoughtfully make the effort to tell me you appreciate this column. Whether you’ve emailed me, sent letters, or stopped me on the street, your exhortations mean so much to me.
Without your remarks, I don’t know if anyone is following the column, and I get discouraged. I feel silly admitting that because, as I tell myself, I’m writing for the Lord, not seeking man’s approval.
But the truth is, if you’re a writer, you need an audience. And if your audience never responds, you feel your efforts are fruitless. Aha! You see how this is tying in with the apple trees and “words aptly spoken”?
All kidding aside, everyone needs encouragement, and our Heavenly Father knows that. Verses like Ephesians 4:29b tell us, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” And 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”
Encouragement. It’s a gift that costs nothing but has great value.
I hope you have people in your life who build you up along life’s journey. If not, let God Himself encourage you with His Words of life: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
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