I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Psalm 3:5-6
How many times have you gone to sleep with your mind racing, wondering if things were going to be ok the next day? Wondering if you were going to be able to sleep? Wondering if you were even going to be able to function?
David was in a crisis time in his life. He wrote these words while running away from his son Absalom. Not only was he dealing with the heartbreak of his son rebelling against him, but even worse, his own son was trying to kill him. He had become a fugitive in his own land.
How would you sleep if you knew someone was tirelessly searching for you in order to kill you? I don't think I'd sleep very much and certainly not well.
Yet, in the middle of this horrendous time, he could not only sleep, but even say he wasn't afraid of a vast army coming after him. How did he do that? How did he keep from crumbling under the weight of the pressure and the fear?
Because he trusted that the LORD would sustain him. And he was right.
The same Lord will sustain you too.
How does this scripture help you?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Discouragement 2
Lord, You lead me beside still waters. You restore my soul. Psalm 23:2-3
Bad behavior is all over the headlines in these times. Celebrities, actors and athletes who make their living off of the love people have for their talent, unfortunately also live under the glare of the continuous spotlight. And because of that, their every action is followed. And their every misstep chronicled. In detail.
After an incident of bad behavior, many of them have people who begin to work on restoring their image to the public. They may try to highlight good works they've done or they may get them involved in good works so that people can see they are still worthy of the adulation of the public. And so they can still sell tickets.
But those of us who don't the papparazzi following our every step also fall into bad behaviors. Or are victims of someon'e else's. Our hearts sometimes are filled with desperate thoughts or negative feelings.
When these things linger for very long, they can bring us into a state of discouragement. And when we're there, what we really need is restoration; God's hand clearly visible to us and in us.
He promises that very thing when we turn to Him. Not that all the circumstances that brought us to that place will suddenly disappear, but that He will restore us. And if we know our Father is at work in our lives, we can live in hope and not discouragement.
How does this scripture strike you?
Bad behavior is all over the headlines in these times. Celebrities, actors and athletes who make their living off of the love people have for their talent, unfortunately also live under the glare of the continuous spotlight. And because of that, their every action is followed. And their every misstep chronicled. In detail.
After an incident of bad behavior, many of them have people who begin to work on restoring their image to the public. They may try to highlight good works they've done or they may get them involved in good works so that people can see they are still worthy of the adulation of the public. And so they can still sell tickets.
But those of us who don't the papparazzi following our every step also fall into bad behaviors. Or are victims of someon'e else's. Our hearts sometimes are filled with desperate thoughts or negative feelings.
When these things linger for very long, they can bring us into a state of discouragement. And when we're there, what we really need is restoration; God's hand clearly visible to us and in us.
He promises that very thing when we turn to Him. Not that all the circumstances that brought us to that place will suddenly disappear, but that He will restore us. And if we know our Father is at work in our lives, we can live in hope and not discouragement.
How does this scripture strike you?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Relying on God when dealing with discouragement
Not one sparrow will fall to the ground without Me, your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered; therefore, do not fear. You are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-30
Value. What do we value?
Financial security. A job. Good health. Friends. Family. Our possessions. Our hobbies.
Know what God values? You. Above all the things mentioned above. Combined.
Every time you see a fallen bird, let it be a reminder of God's immeasurable love for you.
You are of great value to Him.
What does this scripture say to you?
Value. What do we value?
Financial security. A job. Good health. Friends. Family. Our possessions. Our hobbies.
Know what God values? You. Above all the things mentioned above. Combined.
Every time you see a fallen bird, let it be a reminder of God's immeasurable love for you.
You are of great value to Him.
What does this scripture say to you?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Depression 7
When I cried out to You, the LORD God of my fathers, You heard my voice and looked on my affliction, and my labor, and my oppression. Deuteronomy 26:7
Have you ever been in a conversation, explaining what you consider to be something important, and the people to whom you're speaking just start talking amongst themselves?
Of course. That's happened to us all.
But it still makes us feel foolish, doesn't it? Like what we're saying doesn't matter or the people to whom we're speaking don't care.
In the middle of depression, a person feels alone. They deeply desire to be heard, to think that what they say or think has value or meaning to the people they care about.
Well, here's a promise that every person who has ever struggled with depression needs to hear: when you cried out to God, He heard you. He listens and He cares about your affliction and your oppression.
That means something very important that needs to be imprinted on your soul.
You are not alone.
What does this verse make you think of?
Have you ever been in a conversation, explaining what you consider to be something important, and the people to whom you're speaking just start talking amongst themselves?
Of course. That's happened to us all.
But it still makes us feel foolish, doesn't it? Like what we're saying doesn't matter or the people to whom we're speaking don't care.
In the middle of depression, a person feels alone. They deeply desire to be heard, to think that what they say or think has value or meaning to the people they care about.
Well, here's a promise that every person who has ever struggled with depression needs to hear: when you cried out to God, He heard you. He listens and He cares about your affliction and your oppression.
That means something very important that needs to be imprinted on your soul.
You are not alone.
What does this verse make you think of?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Depression 6
LORD, You will give me rest from my sorrow, and from my fear, and from the hard bondage in which I was made to serve. Isaiah 14:3
Of all the emotions human beings are capable of, sorrow may be the toughest. Because when a person goes into the depths of sorrow, it is very difficult for a friend's kind words or loving actions to bring them out.
And the longer a person stays in sorrow, the more it wears them out.
Emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Our Creator understands that dynamic. And the great thing about that is that He has the power to do something about it.
It may not be immediate, but it will come if we continue to trust Him. Because God never intended for us to live in the pit.
He intended for us to live in His promises.
What is your response to this scripture?
Of all the emotions human beings are capable of, sorrow may be the toughest. Because when a person goes into the depths of sorrow, it is very difficult for a friend's kind words or loving actions to bring them out.
And the longer a person stays in sorrow, the more it wears them out.
Emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Our Creator understands that dynamic. And the great thing about that is that He has the power to do something about it.
It may not be immediate, but it will come if we continue to trust Him. Because God never intended for us to live in the pit.
He intended for us to live in His promises.
What is your response to this scripture?
Monday, July 26, 2010
Depression 5
O God, You are my God; I will seek you early. My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is....Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. Psalm 63:1, 7-8
There are two types of people in this world: morning people and night owls. I have never known anyone who claims they are a mid-afternoon person or an early evening person. Only night owls and morning people.
For those who are night owls, the word 'morning' is almost a curse word. It takes them a while to get rolling in the morning and conversation is not the first thing they want to have.
Yet that is when David would seek God. Early in the morning. Before he got into his day, while the world was still quiet, David sought God.
Is it worth getting up early in the morning to seek God if your body doesn't really want to?
All I know is this: it worked for David. Would it work for me? Would it work for you?
What do you think about this passage?
There are two types of people in this world: morning people and night owls. I have never known anyone who claims they are a mid-afternoon person or an early evening person. Only night owls and morning people.
For those who are night owls, the word 'morning' is almost a curse word. It takes them a while to get rolling in the morning and conversation is not the first thing they want to have.
Yet that is when David would seek God. Early in the morning. Before he got into his day, while the world was still quiet, David sought God.
Is it worth getting up early in the morning to seek God if your body doesn't really want to?
All I know is this: it worked for David. Would it work for me? Would it work for you?
What do you think about this passage?
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Depression 4
Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's sunrise will break in upon us, shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace. Luke 1:78-79
Sunshine. When a person is in the throes of darkness, the last thing that seems possible is sunshine. And yet God makes this crazy, unreasonable, unlikely, improbable, sometimes seemingly impossible promise.
His sunrise will break upon us, shining on those in the darkness.
Does that seem unbelievable from where you're sitting right now?
Believe it. God will make this happen.
One step at a time.
What does this scripture make you think of?
Sunshine. When a person is in the throes of darkness, the last thing that seems possible is sunshine. And yet God makes this crazy, unreasonable, unlikely, improbable, sometimes seemingly impossible promise.
His sunrise will break upon us, shining on those in the darkness.
Does that seem unbelievable from where you're sitting right now?
Believe it. God will make this happen.
One step at a time.
What does this scripture make you think of?
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Depression 3
My offenses have gone over my head, as a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me....I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all day long...my heart pants, my strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it is also gone from me....In You, O LORD, do I hope. You will hear, O Lord my God...Do not forsake me, LORD. O my God, do not be far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord of my salvation. Psalm 38:4, 6, 10, 15, 21-22
Desperation. We've all been there at one point or another. Maybe at many points.
When we're desperate, we often do crazy things. Sometimes stupid things. We may run after unhealthy relationships. Or we may run after an addiction that bring us a momentary diversion from our troubles. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
If there was one person who was written about in the bible that experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, it was David. From the mountaintop of being a king that God blessed to the depths or running away from someone trying to murder him to the seemingly bottomless pit of adultery and murder, David had seen it all. And he wrote those words above.
When he was desperate, he had a rountine he followed: call on the God who is the God of desperate times. Over and over, David cried out to his God. And his God rescued him. Not always immediately. As a matter of fact, not often immediately. But He rescued him.
And God called David a man after His own heart.
Not because David was sinless. But because he was dependent.
How does this scripture strike you?
Desperation. We've all been there at one point or another. Maybe at many points.
When we're desperate, we often do crazy things. Sometimes stupid things. We may run after unhealthy relationships. Or we may run after an addiction that bring us a momentary diversion from our troubles. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
If there was one person who was written about in the bible that experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, it was David. From the mountaintop of being a king that God blessed to the depths or running away from someone trying to murder him to the seemingly bottomless pit of adultery and murder, David had seen it all. And he wrote those words above.
When he was desperate, he had a rountine he followed: call on the God who is the God of desperate times. Over and over, David cried out to his God. And his God rescued him. Not always immediately. As a matter of fact, not often immediately. But He rescued him.
And God called David a man after His own heart.
Not because David was sinless. But because he was dependent.
How does this scripture strike you?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Depression 2
The LORD executes justice for the oppressed; He gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous... Psalm 146:7-8
There are many people on earth that God uses in many ways.
Sometimes He uses family members to deliver a message that we might not hear from anyone else. Sometimes he uses trusted friends to bring comfort to us when we are struggling. Sometimes He uses counselors or therapists to help people who are too close to the situation to be able to be objective.
But make no mistake of who holds the power or does the healing. It is not family members, friends or counselors.
The LORD raises those up who are bowed down. Searching elsewhere for the answers to deep struggles is an exercise in futility.
May God use you and I to be His conduits in bringing peace and comfort to those who are hurting.
And if you are hurting, may God bring you exactly who you need to speak His words, give His hug, express His love or show His direction.
How does this scripture impact you?
There are many people on earth that God uses in many ways.
Sometimes He uses family members to deliver a message that we might not hear from anyone else. Sometimes he uses trusted friends to bring comfort to us when we are struggling. Sometimes He uses counselors or therapists to help people who are too close to the situation to be able to be objective.
But make no mistake of who holds the power or does the healing. It is not family members, friends or counselors.
The LORD raises those up who are bowed down. Searching elsewhere for the answers to deep struggles is an exercise in futility.
May God use you and I to be His conduits in bringing peace and comfort to those who are hurting.
And if you are hurting, may God bring you exactly who you need to speak His words, give His hug, express His love or show His direction.
How does this scripture impact you?
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Relying on God when struggling with depression
LORD, You will be a refuge to the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
One thing that is a mainstay in action movies is the chase scene. While the scenes involving car chases are louder and more testosterone-filled, the chase scenes on foot are far more suspenseful. And in those scenes, the person being chased is always looking for one thing: a place to hide.
You've been at that point in life, right? Me too. The world seems to be caving in, we feel overwhelmed and what we'd like the most is a place to hide. Well, there's a word for that.
Refuge.
A refuge is a shelter or protection from danger or distress. We shouldn't feel alone if we feel that way at different points in our lives because God knew we would before we were even born.
That's why He makes this promise to us in the Psalms: I'll be your refuge. Run to Me. Hide in Me. Rest in Me.
The God of all creation waits to shelter you and me.
What does this passage bring to your mind?
One thing that is a mainstay in action movies is the chase scene. While the scenes involving car chases are louder and more testosterone-filled, the chase scenes on foot are far more suspenseful. And in those scenes, the person being chased is always looking for one thing: a place to hide.
You've been at that point in life, right? Me too. The world seems to be caving in, we feel overwhelmed and what we'd like the most is a place to hide. Well, there's a word for that.
Refuge.
A refuge is a shelter or protection from danger or distress. We shouldn't feel alone if we feel that way at different points in our lives because God knew we would before we were even born.
That's why He makes this promise to us in the Psalms: I'll be your refuge. Run to Me. Hide in Me. Rest in Me.
The God of all creation waits to shelter you and me.
What does this passage bring to your mind?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Conflict 7
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your sins. Mark 11:25-26
Forgiveness. The final frontier.
I'm positive this will come up again and again throughout our study about relying on God. It's a bottom-line essential in our lives.
And pretty easy. Sometimes. Like when someone backs into your car in the mall parking lot. We can let that go (eventually).
Or when we get into an argument with someone. Most of the time we can forgive pretty easily (but not always).
But how about when someone speaks words to us that tear a hole in our soul? Can we forgive them for that?
Or even worse, how about betrayal? Maybe the hardest thing to forgive of all. Someone you love betrays you. They shatter the trust that had been built in your relationship and stab you right in between the shoulder blades. And it crushes you.
That's not an easy thing to deal with. There are no nice platitudes that help. There are no easy VBS answers.
Just one thing we have to keep in mind: our own forgiveness depends on our willingness to forgive others. Even those who betray us.
And that is a powerful motivator. Especially since it has been done before. On the cross.
What are your thoughts on this scripture?
Forgiveness. The final frontier.
I'm positive this will come up again and again throughout our study about relying on God. It's a bottom-line essential in our lives.
And pretty easy. Sometimes. Like when someone backs into your car in the mall parking lot. We can let that go (eventually).
Or when we get into an argument with someone. Most of the time we can forgive pretty easily (but not always).
But how about when someone speaks words to us that tear a hole in our soul? Can we forgive them for that?
Or even worse, how about betrayal? Maybe the hardest thing to forgive of all. Someone you love betrays you. They shatter the trust that had been built in your relationship and stab you right in between the shoulder blades. And it crushes you.
That's not an easy thing to deal with. There are no nice platitudes that help. There are no easy VBS answers.
Just one thing we have to keep in mind: our own forgiveness depends on our willingness to forgive others. Even those who betray us.
And that is a powerful motivator. Especially since it has been done before. On the cross.
What are your thoughts on this scripture?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Conflict 6
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which you shall not see Me, your Lord. Hebrews 12:14
Peace.
Do you ever wonder if we'll experience peace on any kind of broad scale in this life? Will the world ever have total, true peace? I know the answer to that one. No. Not as long as there are believers and non-believers.
How about personal peace? Is that possible for the long term? I know that one too. Yes. But it's tough and it is not attained without deep maturity in our relationship with our Creator.
Here's a touchy one. Is peace in the church possible? I would hope so. But there are big obstacles to overcome. Like ourselves.
Last one. Is it possible to be at peace with all people we come in contact with? This passage is clear that if we don't pursue peace, we won't see God. What would it take for that to happen in our lives?
Maybe a different view of how we handle conflict.
What would that look like for you?
Peace.
Do you ever wonder if we'll experience peace on any kind of broad scale in this life? Will the world ever have total, true peace? I know the answer to that one. No. Not as long as there are believers and non-believers.
How about personal peace? Is that possible for the long term? I know that one too. Yes. But it's tough and it is not attained without deep maturity in our relationship with our Creator.
Here's a touchy one. Is peace in the church possible? I would hope so. But there are big obstacles to overcome. Like ourselves.
Last one. Is it possible to be at peace with all people we come in contact with? This passage is clear that if we don't pursue peace, we won't see God. What would it take for that to happen in our lives?
Maybe a different view of how we handle conflict.
What would that look like for you?
Monday, July 19, 2010
Conflict 5
Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him. 1 John 2:10-11
Blindness has got to be one the toughest things in the world to live with. Have you ever tried to navigate your way through an unfamiliar place in the dark?
Like trying to find the bathroom in a pitch black house in the middle of the night? Or wearing a blindfold?
For the person living in darkness, running into things is a common occurrence. Stumbling over things happens all the time.
So when John says that hatred of another person puts a person in darkness and causes him to be blind, he saying something very significant.
How do we fall into hating someone? And are we fully aware of the devastating consequences of hatred? Hatred can easily cost us our soul.
How does this passage impact you?
Blindness has got to be one the toughest things in the world to live with. Have you ever tried to navigate your way through an unfamiliar place in the dark?
Like trying to find the bathroom in a pitch black house in the middle of the night? Or wearing a blindfold?
For the person living in darkness, running into things is a common occurrence. Stumbling over things happens all the time.
So when John says that hatred of another person puts a person in darkness and causes him to be blind, he saying something very significant.
How do we fall into hating someone? And are we fully aware of the devastating consequences of hatred? Hatred can easily cost us our soul.
How does this passage impact you?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Conflict 4
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Proverbs 26:20
Fuel.
Cars need fuel to be driven. No fuel, no driving. And fires need fuel to burn. No fuel, no burning.
Sometimes, at the heart of conflict are words spoken frivolously by someone who either wants to be in the know or can't stand it when the waters are still. Either way, gossip fuels conflict. There is no way to gossip about someone and for those words to be in a vacuum where the threat of them of spreading doesn't exist.
How many friendships have been damaged or destroyed because someone couldn't keep their mouth shut? How many people have been hurt because someone not only presumed something about another person, but then shared their presumption with an acquaintance?
And worst of all, how many people's souls have been lost by unfair or untrue words spoken about them? How many people have abandoned faith because they were mortally wounded by a person of faith?
Let's remove the fuel that stokes the flames of gossip.
What is your take on this passage?
Fuel.
Cars need fuel to be driven. No fuel, no driving. And fires need fuel to burn. No fuel, no burning.
Sometimes, at the heart of conflict are words spoken frivolously by someone who either wants to be in the know or can't stand it when the waters are still. Either way, gossip fuels conflict. There is no way to gossip about someone and for those words to be in a vacuum where the threat of them of spreading doesn't exist.
How many friendships have been damaged or destroyed because someone couldn't keep their mouth shut? How many people have been hurt because someone not only presumed something about another person, but then shared their presumption with an acquaintance?
And worst of all, how many people's souls have been lost by unfair or untrue words spoken about them? How many people have abandoned faith because they were mortally wounded by a person of faith?
Let's remove the fuel that stokes the flames of gossip.
What is your take on this passage?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Conflict 3
Christ also suffered for me, leaving me an example, that I should follow in His steps...When He was insulted, He did not insult in reply; when He suffered, He did not threaten but committed Himself to You who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:21, 23
The last word.
We all want it. It puts an exaclamation point on the discussion and it proves we won.
Right?
Or are there times we are better served by keeping our mouths shut and not entering into the fray? Even if we are right?
Apparently there are because Jesus did.
The trick is in discerning when those times occur. And doing so in the heat of the moment can be tricky, especially when our emotions are engaged.
My guess is that they occur much more often than I think they do.
What are your thoughts about this passage?
The last word.
We all want it. It puts an exaclamation point on the discussion and it proves we won.
Right?
Or are there times we are better served by keeping our mouths shut and not entering into the fray? Even if we are right?
Apparently there are because Jesus did.
The trick is in discerning when those times occur. And doing so in the heat of the moment can be tricky, especially when our emotions are engaged.
My guess is that they occur much more often than I think they do.
What are your thoughts about this passage?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Conflict 2
The one who is of a proud heart, stirs up strife; but the one who puts his trust in You, LORD, shall be satisfied. Proverbs 28:25
Control.
Our lives ultimately come down to control. It is the thread that runs through everything we do.
Our pride causes us to pursue and demand our way at times in our lives when we should be surrendering control instead of trying to claim it.
And the tough thing is that when we try to grab control, it will eventually lead us into conflict. We'll fight with family, co-workers, neighbors or total strangers to try to gain and keep control of things.
But the biggest conflict by far we'll run into when we try to claim control is with our Creator.
If we don't trust Him with control, we will never be satisfied.
And that is a lonely, harsh place to be.
How does this text inspire you?
Control.
Our lives ultimately come down to control. It is the thread that runs through everything we do.
Our pride causes us to pursue and demand our way at times in our lives when we should be surrendering control instead of trying to claim it.
And the tough thing is that when we try to grab control, it will eventually lead us into conflict. We'll fight with family, co-workers, neighbors or total strangers to try to gain and keep control of things.
But the biggest conflict by far we'll run into when we try to claim control is with our Creator.
If we don't trust Him with control, we will never be satisfied.
And that is a lonely, harsh place to be.
How does this text inspire you?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Relying on God when handling conflict
Be complete, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and, I, the God of love and peace, will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
We enjoy seeing the right thing done. Especially when it is done our way.
So how do we navigate the choppy waters in which two people are completely convinced they are doing the right thing, yet they are 180 degrees apart?
We've all been there. Neither side is going to back down. Both sides know they are right. And so the conflict takes root.
And Satan laughs.
How can we be of good comfort when we cannot be of one mind?
Maybe it starts with the understanding that every issue is not a fall-on-my-sword issue. When we make every conflict a battle that we must win, we will eventually realize a hard truth the hard way:
We may win the battle of the day, but in the process, we are losing the war. Because the bottom line of that mindset is that we lose God's presence and comfort.
What does this scripture say to you?
We enjoy seeing the right thing done. Especially when it is done our way.
So how do we navigate the choppy waters in which two people are completely convinced they are doing the right thing, yet they are 180 degrees apart?
We've all been there. Neither side is going to back down. Both sides know they are right. And so the conflict takes root.
And Satan laughs.
How can we be of good comfort when we cannot be of one mind?
Maybe it starts with the understanding that every issue is not a fall-on-my-sword issue. When we make every conflict a battle that we must win, we will eventually realize a hard truth the hard way:
We may win the battle of the day, but in the process, we are losing the war. Because the bottom line of that mindset is that we lose God's presence and comfort.
What does this scripture say to you?
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Anxiety 7
It is vain for me to rise early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, for You give Your beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2
Sleep. The ultimate victim of anxiety.
Julia commented about it yesterday. We've all experienced it. Fitful sleep for a couple of hours, then wide awake in the middle of the night, thinking about something we can't do anything about at the moment.
Yet, our Creator gives us this great gift of sleep, when we'll put our trust in Him and stop trying to be in control. Or acting like we are.
At the heart of anxiety is a control problem. Right? As in, we want to be instead of God. And so it robs us of what we often need the most; sleep.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrow, but only empties today of it's strength."
So trust. Rest. Relax. Let go.
And sleep.
What does this scripture say to you?
Sleep. The ultimate victim of anxiety.
Julia commented about it yesterday. We've all experienced it. Fitful sleep for a couple of hours, then wide awake in the middle of the night, thinking about something we can't do anything about at the moment.
Yet, our Creator gives us this great gift of sleep, when we'll put our trust in Him and stop trying to be in control. Or acting like we are.
At the heart of anxiety is a control problem. Right? As in, we want to be instead of God. And so it robs us of what we often need the most; sleep.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrow, but only empties today of it's strength."
So trust. Rest. Relax. Let go.
And sleep.
What does this scripture say to you?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Anxiety 6
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:7
Look both ways before you cross the street. Buckle your seat belt. Don't get too close to the edge.
From the time we're born, we have people who are looking out for our safety. And as we grow into adults, we start to look out for our own safety. And that of our children. And the cycle repeats.
Safety is paramount to life. If we are in an environment that isn't safe, we can never relax. We can never let our guard down. And that will drain a person of all energy, enthusiasm, happiness and joy.
However, if we feel safe, then the result is peace.
The real question is, "Is there anyplace in this world that is truly safe?"
The real answer is, "Only one."
In the arms of our Creator.
What is your reaction to this scripture?
Look both ways before you cross the street. Buckle your seat belt. Don't get too close to the edge.
From the time we're born, we have people who are looking out for our safety. And as we grow into adults, we start to look out for our own safety. And that of our children. And the cycle repeats.
Safety is paramount to life. If we are in an environment that isn't safe, we can never relax. We can never let our guard down. And that will drain a person of all energy, enthusiasm, happiness and joy.
However, if we feel safe, then the result is peace.
The real question is, "Is there anyplace in this world that is truly safe?"
The real answer is, "Only one."
In the arms of our Creator.
What is your reaction to this scripture?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Anxiety 5
I have set You, LORD, always before me, because You are at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices. My flesh shall also rest in hope. Psalm 16:8-9
One of the greatest victims of anxiety is hope. Worry steals our hope and replaces it with fatalism. The worst will happen. It is inevitable. And here are all the variations of how bad it will look...
A life without hope will take us to dark places that will tear us down and can eventually numb us.
But all the dark places in the world cannot overcome a life that is filled with hope because of our trust in God.
In other words, Bobby McFerrin had it right. Don't worry, be happy.
Except God's version is no song refrain. It is a deep truth rooted in His love for us.
How does this passage make sense to you?
One of the greatest victims of anxiety is hope. Worry steals our hope and replaces it with fatalism. The worst will happen. It is inevitable. And here are all the variations of how bad it will look...
A life without hope will take us to dark places that will tear us down and can eventually numb us.
But all the dark places in the world cannot overcome a life that is filled with hope because of our trust in God.
In other words, Bobby McFerrin had it right. Don't worry, be happy.
Except God's version is no song refrain. It is a deep truth rooted in His love for us.
How does this passage make sense to you?
Anxiety 4
I have trusted also in You, LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Psalm 26:1
The slippery slope.
We use it as a justification for not doing things and for doing things. But it is rarely used in a positive sense.
It certainly is how sin seems to work. We don't jump headlong into the middle of some sinful behavior or lifestyle very often. The more common route is by taking small step after small step. Then we end up someplace we never dreamed we could be (see the story of Lot).
So to make a statement like "I shall not slide" is not a trite thing. It brings strong imagery to mind. Rock. Immovable. Unshakeable. It is huge. It is what we all want.
And it is promised to us when we make the conscious decision to hand over everything...EVERYTHING, including our worries and concerns to The Creator.
He and He alone will keep us from sliding.
How does that promise strike you?
The slippery slope.
We use it as a justification for not doing things and for doing things. But it is rarely used in a positive sense.
It certainly is how sin seems to work. We don't jump headlong into the middle of some sinful behavior or lifestyle very often. The more common route is by taking small step after small step. Then we end up someplace we never dreamed we could be (see the story of Lot).
So to make a statement like "I shall not slide" is not a trite thing. It brings strong imagery to mind. Rock. Immovable. Unshakeable. It is huge. It is what we all want.
And it is promised to us when we make the conscious decision to hand over everything...EVERYTHING, including our worries and concerns to The Creator.
He and He alone will keep us from sliding.
How does that promise strike you?
Apologies!
I was away from internet connections last week and the phone service was spotty. Was trying to do the blog through an intermittent phone connection and it wasn't working out too well. My apologies! We're back in business now.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Anxiety 3
Casting all my care upon You, for You care for me. 1 Peter 5:7
Letting go. That maybe one of the most difficult things in life to pull off.
It is easy to talk about; as a matter of fact, if we're not careful, our sayings about worry can almost come off as platitudes.
Let go and let God. Don't worry, be happy.
So it is important that we remember that when God asks us to cast our cares on Him, it is no small thing He asks of us. Letting go requires deep, deep trust. Deep trust.
But the payoff is something so great, yet so ellusive that we rarely experience it.
Peace.
What are your thoughts on this passage?
Letting go. That maybe one of the most difficult things in life to pull off.
It is easy to talk about; as a matter of fact, if we're not careful, our sayings about worry can almost come off as platitudes.
Let go and let God. Don't worry, be happy.
So it is important that we remember that when God asks us to cast our cares on Him, it is no small thing He asks of us. Letting go requires deep, deep trust. Deep trust.
But the payoff is something so great, yet so ellusive that we rarely experience it.
Peace.
What are your thoughts on this passage?
Friday, July 9, 2010
Anxiety 2
When I said, my foot slips, Your mercy, O LORD, held me up. Psalm 94:18
We all know someone who is an uber-rule-keeper. They have some inner sense that everything has to be perfect. That it CAN be perfect.
Truth is, we all have wrestled with that at times. Some of us are just worse than others. Maybe much worse.
The problem with the uber-rule-keeper personality is that it trumps mercy.
And having a strong sense of mercy is essential to properly handing our worries over to God.
Mercy and legalism cannot co-exist. And I choose mercy every time. At least I really want to.
How about you?
We all know someone who is an uber-rule-keeper. They have some inner sense that everything has to be perfect. That it CAN be perfect.
Truth is, we all have wrestled with that at times. Some of us are just worse than others. Maybe much worse.
The problem with the uber-rule-keeper personality is that it trumps mercy.
And having a strong sense of mercy is essential to properly handing our worries over to God.
Mercy and legalism cannot co-exist. And I choose mercy every time. At least I really want to.
How about you?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Relying on God when struggling with anxiety
I have trusted also in You, LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Psalm 26:1
Trust.
One of the easiest concepts in life, but one of the toughest realities. How do you trust someone you don't know? Or how do you rebuild trust in someone who has betrayed you?
Here's the cold, hard fact: When dealing with the topic of worry, trust is foundational. You can't overcome anxiety without trust. Deep trust.
There are very few people on this planet that we will completely trust. And we do so with the understanding that, as much as we feel secure in that trust, it could still conceivably be broken.
Not so with God. And that is the first step in changing our lives regarding worry.
What is your reaction to this scripture?
Trust.
One of the easiest concepts in life, but one of the toughest realities. How do you trust someone you don't know? Or how do you rebuild trust in someone who has betrayed you?
Here's the cold, hard fact: When dealing with the topic of worry, trust is foundational. You can't overcome anxiety without trust. Deep trust.
There are very few people on this planet that we will completely trust. And we do so with the understanding that, as much as we feel secure in that trust, it could still conceivably be broken.
Not so with God. And that is the first step in changing our lives regarding worry.
What is your reaction to this scripture?
Anger 7
Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27
Grudges.
A fantastic way to kill relationships is to hold grudges. And grudges are exactly what Paul is talking about in this passage.
When we carry our anger overnight, overnight turns into days, days turn into months and months turn into years.
So a great way to avoid giving grudges a foothold is to handle anger in the day. Don't give Satan any opportunity to begin damaging or destroying relationships. God is honored when we protect the things money can't buy.
What is your reaction to this passage?
Grudges.
A fantastic way to kill relationships is to hold grudges. And grudges are exactly what Paul is talking about in this passage.
When we carry our anger overnight, overnight turns into days, days turn into months and months turn into years.
So a great way to avoid giving grudges a foothold is to handle anger in the day. Don't give Satan any opportunity to begin damaging or destroying relationships. God is honored when we protect the things money can't buy.
What is your reaction to this passage?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Anger 6
A wise man fears and departs from evil, but the fool rages and is reckless. The one who is quickly angered deals foolishly...The one who is slow to anger is of great understanding, but the one who is quick-tempered exalts stupidity. Proverbs 14:16-17, 29
Hair-trigger temper. How many people do you know who are described by that phrase?
Here's one of the problems with that: anger is a powerful control mechanism. It is a sometimes effective means of getting what a person wants and a sometimes effective way of ending a conversation.
However, it comes at a great price. It leads us into evil. It damages and destroys relationships. And even worse, it damages and destroys our reputation and witness.
What are your thoughts on these proverbs?
Hair-trigger temper. How many people do you know who are described by that phrase?
Here's one of the problems with that: anger is a powerful control mechanism. It is a sometimes effective means of getting what a person wants and a sometimes effective way of ending a conversation.
However, it comes at a great price. It leads us into evil. It damages and destroys relationships. And even worse, it damages and destroys our reputation and witness.
What are your thoughts on these proverbs?
Monday, July 5, 2010
Anger 5
Put off all these: anger, wrath, malice...seeing that yo have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Me, the One who created you. Colossians 3:8, 10
There are certain times in life when we get the opportunity to start over. Moving from one city to another. Going to a new school. Starting a new job. Getting out of prison.
Fresh starts are crucial in life. We have to have the opportunity to hit the reset button and start over because we so often find ourselves having slid into habits that are destructive or routines that are mundane.
Or maybe sometimes we need to start over because we've allowed anger to rule a part of us.
The Apostle Paul tells us that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. He says the old is gone and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
It is the ultimate reset. And it is available anytime, anywhere that we make the decision to put the old person off and rededicate ourselves to living a life of purpose for Christ.
What reaction do you have to this scripture?
There are certain times in life when we get the opportunity to start over. Moving from one city to another. Going to a new school. Starting a new job. Getting out of prison.
Fresh starts are crucial in life. We have to have the opportunity to hit the reset button and start over because we so often find ourselves having slid into habits that are destructive or routines that are mundane.
Or maybe sometimes we need to start over because we've allowed anger to rule a part of us.
The Apostle Paul tells us that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. He says the old is gone and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
It is the ultimate reset. And it is available anytime, anywhere that we make the decision to put the old person off and rededicate ourselves to living a life of purpose for Christ.
What reaction do you have to this scripture?
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Anger 4
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life... Philippians 2:14-16
The fast food restaurant didn't get your order right. You asked off for vacation, but at the last minute, your boss said you had to work. Your book order was delivered two days late.
Complaints.
Your family doesn't get along with their family because of a big fight a few years ago. You didn't see the call the way the referee did. You don't interpret a scripture the way someone else does.
Arguments.
And at the root of both? Anger.
Paul has a really good reason he calls us to not get pulled in to complaining and arguing.
It severely damages our witness.
Our call is to be shining stars in a dark world that lives without the hope of Christ. And we can't do that if we let anger lead us.
What are your thoughts on this reading?
The fast food restaurant didn't get your order right. You asked off for vacation, but at the last minute, your boss said you had to work. Your book order was delivered two days late.
Complaints.
Your family doesn't get along with their family because of a big fight a few years ago. You didn't see the call the way the referee did. You don't interpret a scripture the way someone else does.
Arguments.
And at the root of both? Anger.
Paul has a really good reason he calls us to not get pulled in to complaining and arguing.
It severely damages our witness.
Our call is to be shining stars in a dark world that lives without the hope of Christ. And we can't do that if we let anger lead us.
What are your thoughts on this reading?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Anger 3
Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20
Ratios.
We've all heard the old adage that God gave us one mouth and two ears and we'd be wise to speak and listen in that ratio.
Really, that's not bad advice. Because the slow to speak part of that equation helps keep anger in check. It is when we react first, then think second that we get into trouble.
But the biggest lesson of this verse may be the realization that unchecked anger causes us to drift further and further away from God.
And that is a ratio we want nothing to do with.
What speaks to you in this scripture?
Ratios.
We've all heard the old adage that God gave us one mouth and two ears and we'd be wise to speak and listen in that ratio.
Really, that's not bad advice. Because the slow to speak part of that equation helps keep anger in check. It is when we react first, then think second that we get into trouble.
But the biggest lesson of this verse may be the realization that unchecked anger causes us to drift further and further away from God.
And that is a ratio we want nothing to do with.
What speaks to you in this scripture?
Friday, July 2, 2010
Anger 2
The discretion of a person defers their anger, and it is to their glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11
You get cut off in traffic. You are insulted by a co-worker. You are ignored by the person you held the door open for. These things are relatively easy to let go of (well, maybe...).
But how about the bigger things? The battles you need to make sure you win? When, in the heat of the moment, you believe your anger is justified. Been there?
Me too.
Solomon says we are better off to let things go. To decide ahead of time that we are not going to become angry when we are mistreated. Or insulted. Or ignored. Or worse.
This doesn't start with a decision made in the heat of the moment. It starts with a decision made when we wake up in the morning.
How does this passage help you?
You get cut off in traffic. You are insulted by a co-worker. You are ignored by the person you held the door open for. These things are relatively easy to let go of (well, maybe...).
But how about the bigger things? The battles you need to make sure you win? When, in the heat of the moment, you believe your anger is justified. Been there?
Me too.
Solomon says we are better off to let things go. To decide ahead of time that we are not going to become angry when we are mistreated. Or insulted. Or ignored. Or worse.
This doesn't start with a decision made in the heat of the moment. It starts with a decision made when we wake up in the morning.
How does this passage help you?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Relying on God in dealing with anger
A soft answer turns away anger. But harsh words stir up anger....A furious man stirs up strife, but the one who is slow to anger calms strife. Proverbs 15:1, 18
People who work in the customer service side of retail are usually taught two things: you are going to encounter people who are angry and they are always right.
The old adage, "The customer is always right," is not right. We all know that sometimes the customer is dead wrong.
But that's not the point.
The point is in how we treat people who are angry. We can make the situation enormously worse or we can start the healing process.
All by the way we respond when someone is angry.
What are your thoughts about these two scriptures?
People who work in the customer service side of retail are usually taught two things: you are going to encounter people who are angry and they are always right.
The old adage, "The customer is always right," is not right. We all know that sometimes the customer is dead wrong.
But that's not the point.
The point is in how we treat people who are angry. We can make the situation enormously worse or we can start the healing process.
All by the way we respond when someone is angry.
What are your thoughts about these two scriptures?
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