Poisonous Root

"Make sure there is no man or woman,

clan or tribe among you today

whose heart turns away from the LORD our God

to go and worship the gods of those nations;

make sure there is no root among you that produces

such bitter poison.

When such a person hears the words of this oath

and they invoke a blessing on themselves,

thinking, 'I will be safe,

even though I persist in going my own way,'

they will bring disaster on the watered land

as well as the dry."

It seems harsh.  The heart of God is relationship, so when sin damages a bond between members of the body of Christ, I am to lovingly pursue reconciliation.  The process laid out in Matthew 18:15-20 requires community involvement.  There is always the risk that my thinking is selfish so if I seek the godly counsel of others and they agree, I avoid the risk of pursuing my own agenda.  There is also the risk that I form a mob to come against my brother or sister so my heart must be bent on reconciliation, not retribution or revenge. 

If all the required steps have been taken and still there is no agreement, then the offending child of God must be treated as an outsider, removed from the fellowship of His people.  Why would God require such action when He is a God who goes after the lost sheep?

The answer is found in today's passage.  While God is merciful and gracious, He is also holy.  His concern is for the sanctity of His people and He knows how easy it is for us to go astray.  We, like sheep, tend to wander, especially if those around us are compromising  (Isaiah 53:6).  Consequently, God warned His people in today's passage of the prideful heart that thinks he's safe even in his disobedience and defiance.  This line of thinking pollutes the holiness of God's people and puts the whole Body at risk of turning away from the Lord and His ways.

What poisonous root do I tolerate in my life?

Sin

A mistake.

A misstep.

A blunder.

An error.

It's easy to minimize sin, labeling it as something other than what it is: defiance toward holy God and His holy ways.  I often do this when I don't want to face the facts.  Sin is destructive and dangerous.  When I allow an area of sin to remain in my life, I am putting my own desires above God's.  I am placing my own pleasure higher than God's plan for my life.  I am making a mockery of the sacrifice Jesus became on the cross.

When I downplay the sin of which God has convicted my heart, it is as if I am spitting in the face of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He bore the wrath of His Father, an unimaginable nightmare of the worst kind, to conquer sin for His people.  Why should I then invite it in, growing comfortable with the very thing that requires death as a punishment?

If I am to remove such a poisonous root in my own life, I must be careful to not tolerate sin.  When God opens my eyes to my tendency to gossip, for example, and I sense His gentle nudge as I begin to share with a friend a tasty morsel disguised as a prayer update, I would be wise to stop the flow of words immediately.  

Or if God reveals my issue with fudging the truth to avoid conflict and I'm on the verge of using the destructive tactic once again, I would be wise to instead speak the truth in love, pointing all involved in the disagreement to the common ground of the Gospel (Ephesians 4:15).

Or for the time when God makes clear my inclination to indulge in worldly entertainment that dishonors His holy name and desensitizes my heart, I would be wise to take every step necessary to avoid such temptations.

I am at risk of cultivating a poisonous root that could infect the Body of Christ when I become comfortable with sin in my life.

Self-Sufficiency

When my daughters were young, my goal for them was that they would become self-sufficient and independent.  I envisioned them going out into the world and earning success in whatever field they pursued.  As they grew, however, my relationship with God matured and I learned more about Him and His ways.  

Soon I discovered that He doesn't want me to rely on my own strength at all, nor does He care for me to go after selfish pursuits.  Instead, His desire is for me to be dependent upon Him for all my needs and to pursue righteousness and His kingdom. Boy, did I have it backwards (Matthew 6:33, 2 Timothy 2:22, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)!

I live in a world that preaches self-sufficiency.  I am bombarded with messages that tell me to overcome, that I can do whatever I put my mind to, and that I can pull myself up by my own bootstraps.  Basically, I'm told that I have what it takes inside of me to reach the stars.

In reality, there is nothing good within me and relying on myself is kind of like the blind leading the blind.  If I really want to succeed in life, then, I will need to seek God with all of my heart, waiting on Him and His provision (Jeremiah 29:11-13, Isaiah 40:31). He holds the key to unlock the blueprint for my life, so I will never find a sense of purpose until I come into a relationship with Him, letting Him take the lead.

That means I will need to diligently turn away from my own desire to be the master of my own destiny and turn toward my true Master. I will need to fight the urge to make things happen and instead wait on His perfect timing. I will need to stop looking for escape routes and solutions and start fixing my eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).

I am at risk of cultivating a poisonous root that could infect the Body of Christ when I rely on my own strength and understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Sense

I ignored the advice offered by several godly people because it didn't make sense to me.  After a couple of years, a friend spoke the same wisdom but this time I paid attention because she also provided additional enlightenment.  I never recognized the value of the advice until it made sense to me.

I struggle with obeying without understanding.  If something doesn't make sense to me, I tend to balk.  This is a problem when it comes to my relationship with God.  I'm kind of like the African impala who has an innate ability to jump great heights, but only if it can see where his feet will land.  If I only do what makes sense to me, I miss out on many of the blessings that come with obeying a God whose ways are unfathomable (Isaiah 55:8-9).

It takes faith to blindly go where God is leading.  In fact, I would even say this is the definition of faith; stepping forward without knowing where the path will lead me. Hebrews 11:1 gives a great description of faith.  "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" (NLT).

To boldly follow God's lead when He calls me to take a risk means I must believe He knows what He's doing even when I can't see a foot in front of me.  Other times He may inspire me to go beyond my own natural abilities, volunteering for a job that is outside my normal parameters. Then there are the times when He sends a hailstorm of trials and tribulations, challenging me to trust Him to guide me through the onslaught.

I am at risk of cultivating a poisonous root that could infect the Body of Christ when I limit my faith to only what I understand.

Poison is deadly and ruthless, infecting all who come in contact.  When I become comfortable with sin, take on an attitude of self-sufficiency and rely on my own common sense, I am allowing a poisonous root to take hold in my heart.  When I do so, I am placing the Body of Christ at risk.  Therefore, it is in my own best interest as well as that of my brothers and sisters that I guard against such corruption.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my heart open to God, allowing Him to examine every nook and cranny.

When do I stubbornly refuse to turn away from sin?

How am I relying on my own common sense instead of trusting in God's higher ways?



Originally published on February 12, 2014

Not Yet Revealed

"Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord,

and the word of the Lord

was not yet revealed to him."

1 Samuel 3:7 AMP

Samuel.

The boy awoke with a start.  What was that? he thought. Someone called my name.  It must have been Eli.  The lad had grown used to this new routine, serving the Lord in the temple, learning under the watchful eye of the priest and father-figure.  Eli must have summoned me.  He quickly rushed to his side.  "Yes, sir, what is it that you want?"

"I didn't call you.  Go back to bed!"

That's strange, I was sure I heard him call my name, Samuel thought as he made his way back to his pallet.  As soon as he drifted off to sleep, it happened again.

Samuel.

This time the boy jumped up, making his way to Eli's bed.  "I'm here, sir, you called me?"

"No!  I didn't say a word!  Now settle down and get back in bed."

As his young charge settled back on his cot, he wondered if he was hearing things.  Maybe I was dreaming.  This thought comforted him and he relaxed, closing his eyes.

Samuel.

There it was again!  This time I'm sure I heard my name!  Running to Eli's side, confident he had been summoned.  "Yes, sir, here I am as you called."

Finally, it dawned on Eli.  "It is not I who is calling you, Samuel, but the Lord.  Here is what you must do.  The next time He calls your name, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'"

Samuel could hardly believe his ears.  The Lord our God, maker of heaven and earth, is taking the time to speak to me, his humble servant?  (dramatized from 1 Samuel 3:1-10)

Samuel was young and inexperienced, not familiar with the ways of the Lord.  As a result, he didn't recognize God's voice.  Similarly, I won't be able to distinguish His voice from all the others crying out to me until I know Him for myself.  How can I become so intimate through faith in Jesus Christ with the God of the universe?  Here are three areas on which I can focus.

Fastidious

His attention to detail boggled my mind.  He sure does take his job seriously, I thought as I watched the man work.  It didn't seem that important to me, but my boss during the summer that I worked as his assistant revealed how earnest was his attitude toward his job.  I guess that's why he gets paid the big bucks, I sarcastically thought as I refiled some forms I had misplaced.  He doesn't miss a thing!

While performing conscientiously at work may result in a pay raise or a promotion, adopting this attitude in my relationship with God has an even greater reward. When I take God and His Word seriously, my bond with Him will grow stronger.

Take David as an example.  He was not the most upright character, after all.  He was a murderer whose infidelity and conniving ways got him into quite a bit of trouble (2 Samuel 11).  Despite his evil behavior, however, he went down in history as a man after God's own heart.  Why?  God knew that David would do what He asked him to do.

Do I take God as seriously?  It's easy for me to give myself a pass, easing my conscious by telling myself that I'm too busy, or I've got too much on my mind, or that nobody's perfect.  While it does take time and effort that uses my limited brain power to devote myself to doing as God says, my own lack of fitness is not an excuse.  You see, it's not so much about performance but more about my heart.

When I am conscientious regarding God and His ways, I'll pay close attention to what He is speaking to my heart instead of brushing Him aside as unimportant.  Just because I have a million other things to do doesn't mean I can ignore Him as He impresses upon me His will.  The woman who needs a listening ear, or the child who craves a tender touch, or the frustrated worker who could stand a bit of compassion will all benefit from my willingness to be used by a loving God.

When I take God seriously, I'll also find I'm able to do much more than I could ever imagine.  Even though I am weak, God never grows tired and His resources are unlimited(Isaiah 40:28). Therefore, if I love God enough to pay careful attention to His commands, I'll find that it won't take as much energy as I feared to forgive a friend who wounded me deeply, or to respond in love, or to extend an olive branch.

When I am fastidious about paying attention to the details of God's Word, I will discover the thread of grace that runs through each phrase of scripture.  His grace is what saves me, but it also is what enables me to live a holy life as He has called me to live (1 Peter 1:13-16).  With man this is impossible, but when I stay connected to Him as my lifeline, all things are possible (Matthew 3:26). Taking Him at His Word means I'll believe He can use even me, despite my weaknesses.  Then, I will witness His power at work in my heart, transforming me into the likeness of His Son (Philippians 1:6).

Taking on a serious attitude toward God and His ways will result in a closer bond with God as I learn to take Him at His Word.

Compliant

When my daughters were younger, there was one out of the four on whom I could count to always do as I asked.  Therefore, I had to be careful not to take advantage of her compliant attitude, piling more duties onto her responsible shoulders than I did on her sisters.  Her willing spirit made her my go-to girl.

I will find that if I take on the obedient attitude of my daughter when it comes to God, my bond with Him will grow stronger.  God pays more attention to my heart than to my outward appearance, my behavior or the show I tend to put on for others.  Therefore, my softness toward Him is what matters most.  The reason why I do things is what He notices more than what I am doing.  A contentment in my own skin makes more of a difference to God than all the effort I can put into trying to be who I think He wants me to be.

My willingness to respond to God's calling on my life reveals a heart devoted to Him.  My stubborn insistence on doing things my way exposes my focus on my own selfish plan.  The former is an obedient heart, the last a rebellious one.  Only the first will please God (1 Samuel 15:22).

It isn't as bad to let God have His way in my life as I may think it is.  God knows me better than I know myself because He made me for His purposes.  Therefore, if I let Him lead, submitting to His headship, I will experience peace as things flow in the way He meant for them to function.  

Furthermore, God is a good God who can be trusted with my heart.  He has my best intentions in mind and only allows things into my life that will further my growth, improve my character, and mold me into the form He created me to take (Romans 8:28-29, Romans 5:3-5, Isaiah 64:8). Therefore, if I give in to Him as the Master Potter, I will find myself becoming the woman He created me to be.  None of this will happen, however, without my cooperation (Romans 12:2).

Taking on a compliant heart toward God will result in a closer bond with Him as I learn to obey Him without question.

Single-Minded

I watched the vessel dip and bob in the rough water, threatening to capsize as a large wave crashed over it.  The tiny craft was completely at the mercy of the mighty sea, unable to control it's fate.  Even though I knew it was only a toy, I felt sorry for the little boat.

I can be just like that little ship, tossed about by the waves of the bathtub where four rambunctious toddlers played.  When I doubt God's sovereignty, fear the unknown, or hesitate to trust Him fully, I become as unstable as that toy (James 1:5-8). Instead of casting off in faith, I hold back, clinging to my moorings, afraid to enter into the fray.  When I take God at His Word, trusting in Him and Him alone, however, I'll surge forward with confidence, knowing that God will take care of me.

Single-mindedness means I will always point to Jesus as the answer to every problem (John 14:6, Revelation 21:6). It also means I'll put all my eggs into His basket, believing that nothing else will truly satisfy (John 4:14). Having such a strong sense of purpose also means I won't doubt when God is leading me into the unknown, instead walking forward with the assurance that the Lord goes before me (Judges 4:14).

When the doubt creeps in, invading my mind like an unwanted intruder, I can remind myself of the truth of who God is, refocusing my thoughts onto what will please God (Philippians 4:8).  When fear rears its ugly head like a monster bent on destroying the peace of my heart, I can turn my attention away from what scares me and onto my Warrior God (Exodus 14:14). When my own sense of insecurity threatens to be my undoing, I can remind myself Who is my strength (Psalm 46:1-3).

Taking on a single-minded focus on God and His omnipotent power will result in a closer bond with him as I learn to trust Him solely.

Maybe I don't recognize God's voice because I don't know Him as intimately as was His design.  Therefore, if I become fastidious in my study of God and His ways, take on a compliant spirit, and develop a laser-focus with Him as my target, I will find my bond with Him growing stronger.  Then He will be able to reveal Himself more clearly to me, and I will recognize that still, small voice as belonging to Him.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can submit myself to God, letting go of the fear that cripples me and the doubt that holds me back.

When do I feel like I'm being tossed about like that toy ship in a bathtub full of little ones?

How do I rely on other solutions instead of putting all my faith in Jesus as the only answer?


Originally published on April 11, 2014

Sounds Good to Me

"In those days

there was no king in Israel.

Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

Judges 17:6 ESV

It seemed like a good idea at the time:  Go to college, earn a degree and see what happens.  The problem is, I didn't even consult the Master Planner.  Instead, I did what seemed right to me.  I guess it wasn't surprising since I lived my life based on what sounded good to me.  If I wanted to participate in a certain activity, there was nothing to hold me back as long as I felt comfortable doing it.  If a boy expressed interest in me and told me I was beautiful, I gave my heart to him because it felt right.  If a thought entered my mind, I examined it fully from every angle since I lacked any kind of filtering system.  You see, I was my own god for many years after I made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ but I failed to submit to His Lordship until I was well into my adult years.

I guess my life might not be so different from your life.  I can see it was also very similar to Micah's.  He lived during the time of the judges and did what seemed right to him;  He set up his own shrine in his home and ordained his own son to be priest.  Instead of following God's instructions for proper worship, he did things his way. He meant well; doesn't that count for something (Leviticus 8-10)?

It's easy for me to take on this same attitude, thinking that as long as I'm trying to worship God, it doesn't matter how I do it.  Let's see what God says.

Living Sacrifice

Hands held high.  Bodies swaying back and forth.  Eyes closed.  Worshipful expressions on the faces of the people. The voice of the worship leader gently prodded, "Let it go. Let God have His way with you right now in this place."  The people responded, each doing what seemed like it might look like they were worshiping God.  Meanwhile, the Lord was paying no attention to the outward appearance.  Instead, He was concerned with the hearts of His people, especially after they piled into their cars and headed home (1 Samuel 16:7).

It's easy for me to think that worship is what takes place on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings when I gather with other believers to sing praises to my Lord and Savior.  While this is a form of worship, if I truly want to revere and adore my Maker, I must look to scripture for instructions.

The Lord tells us clearly in Romans 12:1 how to truly worship Him.  He said through the Apostle Paul that, in light of everything He has done for me, I can give my entire life, totally surrendering to Him and His plan as a form of living and holy sacrifice to Him.  When I do this, I am worshiping God not just with my lips or in the way that seems right to me, but I am giving Him what He wants most: my heart.  

This means I will let go of my desire to control the details of my life, to decide which way I want to go, to make up my own mind as to how I will spend the time, money and gifts He has given me.  Instead, I will freely turn the responsibility of managing my life over to Him, letting Him control the ins and outs of my life, allowing Him to lead me down the path He has laid out for me, and giving Him Lordship over the resources He has so generously bestowed upon me.

I have my own idea of what worship looks like based on what I see around me, but if I want to do what is right in God's eyes, I must pay attention to His design for worship.

Pure Religion

There is much pressure to conform to my religion.  I feel guilty if I miss a Sunday at church.  I don't feel comfortable spending the money I should be tithing.  I beat myself up if I slip and let a curse word fly when I'm frustrated.  I just can't seem to live the way I think I should be living.  I would never tell anyone, but I secretly wonder what good this religion is if all it does is heap a heavy burden on my shoulders.  I already have enough to worry about!

Does this sound familiar?  It's easy turn Christianity into a set of rules to follow, a mold to which I must conform, or a way of living I think I need to mimic.  Instead, Jesus died a horrible death, emptying Himself of His divine privileges in order to make it possible for me to have a relationship with the One who loves me perfectly (Philippians 2:6-8, Romans 5:10, 1 John 3:1a).

Consequently, it is my relationship with a loving and merciful God that is most important (Luke 10:38-42).  Instead of trying to follow a set of religious rules, then, I can simply follow Him (Matthew 11:28-30). As I fall into step with Him, I will find that He changes my heart, giving me a desire to do things that please Him (Philippians 2:13).  As a result, my religion will begin to morph into something more in line with what God has in mind.

Instead of feeling pressure to go to church and listen to the Bible being taught, I will take in His Word as if it were life itself, letting it cut out the parts of me that don't line up (Hebrews 4:12).  Instead of doing service out of obligation, I will discover a passion for helping the widows and orphans God places in my life:  It will be a joy to help take care of their needs  (James 1:27).  Likewise, instead of trying so hard to clean up my language out of duty, I will find that I want to honor God with my words and to stay separate from the ways of the world which resonate deeply to my sin nature (James 1:26-27).

I have an idea of what religion looks like based on a set of rules, but if I want to do what is right in God's eyes, I will have to instead focus on my relationship with Him.

Obedience

At this time of year, many people decide to give something up for Lent.  It might be a certain habit, an indulgence, or an activity each offers as a sacrifice.  Whatever is surrendered, the idea is to give it up for 40 days before Easter as a symbol of turning back to God.

While this can have some real spiritual impact, for most people it is a temporary sacrifice made out of obligation.  The hope may be that the fast will last for the rest of their lives, but nearly all who give something up for Lent go back to their old ways once Easter rolls around.

Samuel, the prophet and final judge of the nation of Israel, delivered a message from God to Saul when he similarly tried to give a sacrifice as a way to earn God's favor before an important battle.  Instead of obeying God's instructions to the "t," however, Saul tried to use the offering as a sort of talisman, hoping that it would result in God's stamp on approval of him as king before he entered into combat. Saul wanted the power God wields without wanting God Himself.  Samuel set him straight, telling him that, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22).

Instead of trying to give something up for the sake of giving it up, then, I would be better off paying attention to His Word and yielding to His work in my life.  When I sense His gentle prodding to forgive a sister who has wounded me deeply, it would please Him most if I let go of the hurt that is eating me up inside (Ephesians 4:32). When I know He is telling me it is important to wait on His time, I would give Him pleasure if I stopped my forward progress to give His plan a chance to work out in my life (Isaiah 40:31). When I read in His Word that love is more important than any of the gifts I can use in His name, opening my heart to let His love flow through me would put a smile on my Father's face (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

I may be tempted to make sacrifices to prove the seriousness of my faith, but if I want to do what is right in God's eyes, I would be better off putting my efforts into obedience.  

I am not so different from Micah, the Old Testament character who tried to worship God in a way that seemed right to him.  When I do what is right in my own eyes, however, I am not pleasing God.  If I want to give Him pleasure, then, I must offer my life as a sacrifice, focus on growing closer in my relationship with Him, and make obedience my greatest desire.  In these ways I'll stop doing what sounds good to me and start doing what truly is good in God's eyes.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop following a form of religion that leads nowhere.

When do I follow a list of rules instead of my Father who loves me?

How am I more focused on a religion instead of my relationship with the Lord? 


Originally published on March 31, 2014

Hannah's Heart

"So in the course of time

Hannah became pregnant 

and gave birth to a son.

She named him Samuel,

saying, 'Because I asked the LORD for him.'"

1 Samuel 1:20

Her life was far from a fairy tale.  In fact, I would say that Hannah lived a difficult life that was filled with suffering.  She was childless in a culture that revered and valued motherhood.  Making her situation even more challenging was the fact that the poor woman was favored by her clueless husband in a home shared by two wives, setting her up for much abuse.  You see, the other woman with whom she split her husband was quite fertile but possessed a cruel nature and never let an opportunity pass to unmercifully provoke her, always keeping her own infertility constantly before her.

I can't think of a more strained existence than the one lived by Hannah.  How did she deal with such circumstances?  In a way from which I can draw much insight and wisdom in how to face my own struggles.

Godly Priorities

When I first met the man who would later become my husband, I only knew about him what I could observe from the little time I spent with him.  As time went by, we began to hold long conversations on the phone, talking about what was going on in each of our lives, sharing our dreams and revealing childhood memories.  Still, I only knew a fraction of what made the whole person.  

Once we got married and started living life together, however, I began to really get to know him.  I discovered his quirky ways, learned more about his views on life and also unearthed some quite annoying habits.  It wasn't until I invited him into the intimate parts of my life that his true character was revealed.

Similarly, I can read the Bible and find out quite a bit about the Lord.  My spare time can be spent in listening to sermons and classes taught about the God I desire to know.  It is not until I invite Him into the intimate parts of my life, however, living life in tandem with Him that I find out His true character (Revelation 3:20, Psalm 34:8).  This is the kind of relationship Hannah enjoyed with the Lord.  She knew Him intimately, as evidenced by her prayer found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

While leaning on Him during her hard times, Hannah learned that He was her strength, a Deliverer who is holy and can be counted upon.  She also found out as she relied on Him that He is a righteous Judge and is filled with knowledge, the only One who is sovereign over all things.  As she walked with Him she realized that putting all her hope in Him would never disappoint and that He was her mighty Warrior, always faithful to fight her battles for her.

With such knowledge gained by living in relationship with the Lord, she was able to put all her faith in Him, turning to the One she knew would understand even when no human around her did.  

When the going gets tough in my own life, I can learn a lesson from Hannah and get to know the God who is my only true hope.

All In

She gave up the very thing she wanted most.  Many years were spent yearning for a child, and when God finally granted her the joy of being a mother, she gave the precious gift back to God.  In a pure act of spiritual dedication and commitment to the Lord, Hannah was willing to let go of her most valued earthly possession.  In her mind that was committed to the Lord, the greatest evidence of her gratitude to Him was for her to give that which she had wanted most back to the One whom she valued even more.

Jim Elliot once wrote in his journal that, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."  Hannah knew a little something about such kingdom values.  The things of this world will pass away no matter how tightly we clutch them.  On that great day when I enter into glory and taste what Jesus has prepared for me, I will finally realize the foolishness of going after the things of this world.  It is then that the insignificance of what I once thought was earth-shattering will become apparent. 

Hannah lived with this perspective in the here and now, fully giving her life to the Lord.  She understood that her connection to God was what would last, giving her complete and utter joy.  Everything else, even the child she so desperately desired, could not bring such fullness as could her bond with the Lord.  Therefore, she was willing to let go of everything else and live with abandon to Him.

I, too, can live such a life.  I can hold onto my worldly possessions with an open hand, being willing to let them go, believing that what Jesus is preparing in heaven far surpasses anything I can obtain in this world.  I can also commit my loved ones to the Lord, letting Him be the One to change their hearts, protect them from evil and guide them down the path that leads to life.  Instead of fretting over their position, I can confidently place them in the hands of Him who loves them even more than do I.  It is even possible for me to let go of the dreams I have always held close to my heart, placing them for safe keeping in the hands of the One who can make them come true in a way that honors Him.

When the going gets tough in my own life, I can learn a lesson from Hannah and fully commit my life to the Lord who loves me perfectly.

Anti-Anxiety

There was nothing pleasant about her life.  Worry and stress were a regular part of each day.  Would she ever taste the joys of motherhood?  What if what Peninnah said was true, what if her life was meaningless without children?  Why would God bless such a mean-spirited woman with so many children and give her none?  

Instead of dwelling upon all that was difficult, however, Hannah knew the truth found in Philippians 4:6-7.  She poured out her heart to the Lord, sharing all that grieved her so deeply.  She didn't withhold even the ugliest thoughts, instead revealing them to the One who knew her intimately and loved her still.  As she did so, peace flooded her soul, guarding her mind from destructive thoughts and her heart from despair (1 Samuel 1:16-18).

The same is true for me.  Instead of focusing on what is distressing in my life, I can hand it all over to the Lord, unloading my burdens upon His shoulders.  As I do, I will find a sense of well-being and serenity replace the familiar feelings of apprehension and fretfulness.  

While it is easy for me to analyze my situation, coming up with dozens of possible solutions in my mind, trusting God to reveal His perfect plan in His own time will replace my sleepless nights with peaceful slumber.  In place of looking for possible alternatives to my seemingly hopeless condition, I can share my disappointments with the One who is able to do so much more than I could ever ask or even imagine (Ephesians 3:20).  Instead of looking for plausible answers, I can watch for the mind-blowing solution the God of the impossible brings about, to His own glory (Luke 1:37).

When the going gets tough in my own life, I can learn a lesson from Hannah and place all my anxiety on the One who delivers unfathomable peace to my soul.

There is no doubt that Hannah was dealt a rough hand with which to play.  Instead of whining about the difficulties that marked her life, however, she took the time to know on an intimate level the One who created all things, fully committed her whole life to Him, and trusted Him with her most confidential thoughts.  In these ways, I too can retain godly priorities, totally commit everything I've been given to the God who loves me, and work against the anxiety in my life by living authentically before Him.  In these ways I'll develop the heart of Hannah.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep God in the loop of the ins and outs of my life.

When do I hold onto things that hold no heavenly value?

How am I trying to handle things on my own instead of trusting God to solve my problems for me?    

Originally published on April 8, 2014

God. . .or not?

"There the Danites set up for themselves the idol,

and Jonathan son of Gershom,

the son of Moses,

and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan

until the time of the captivity of the land.

They continued to use the idol Micah had made,

all the time the house of God was in Shiloh."

Judges 18:30-31

It seemed like a good idea at the time.  After all, I didn't know any better.  My husband and I put together the pieces in the way we thought the bookshelf should go.  Without the instructions, we relied on our own experience of assembling kits, our background in using bookshelves and our opinion of how the finished product should look.  After we completed the product we discovered several "extra" pieces.  Obviously, our idea of how the shelves should be put together was different than what the creator of the furniture had intended.

This is similar to what happened to the tribe of Dan.  Without a godly leader to teach them the ways of God, they relied on what seemed right to them.  They ended up, then, with something that was different from what God intended.  They had a form of godliness but it wasn't of God (2 Timothy 3:5). It looked like a legitimate religion and made them feel good, but they failed to seek God Himself, nor did they desire to know Him personally.

Not surprisingly, I often make this same mistake.

My Wisdom

I used my own rationale, reasoning to myself that if I followed the game trail I would be able to more easily negotiate the wooded terrain.  What I didn't take into account, however, was the direction of travel.  Deer don't mind if they wander through a neighbor's pasture or trespass onto land that belongs to someone else.  Their only focus is to get from point A to point B.  I, however, had a different goal; to explore the 10 acres of wooded land my family was considering purchasing.  As a result, I got lost.

While it made sense to my way of thinking to follow this meandering path as a way to find my way through the dense forest, it didn't turn out very well in the end.  I suddenly found myself in a cow pasture I didn't even know existed and I had to trek through a herd of cattle before making my way to the road and circle back around to where I started.  Doing things my way was unsuccessful.

This is similar to what happens when I rely on my own insight, using my past experiences, background and reasoning to determine what I should do.  The path I choose takes me far away from God.  Consequently, if I want to do things God's way, I had better let Him lead.  

This means placing my confidence in the Lord's wisdom, believing that He has a way through my present circumstances that I know nothing about.  When I turn to Him, placing all my trust in His way, He will show me what I need to know when I need to know it (Proverbs 3:5-6).

It reminds me of the markers that indicate the borders of our property.  In order to find the boundaries, I would only need to locate those markers buried a few inches under the ground.  Without them, I don't know where my yard stops and my neighbor's begins.  All that it takes for me to discover the property line is to locate those markers that have already been positioned.

Similarly, God has laid out a race for me to run, a way for me to go, a path for me to take (Hebrews 12:1).  There is no need for me to figure out by myself what I should do with my life.  Instead, I need only seek out the Lord and, according to His timetable, He will unveil the markers that make His way clear (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

I follow my own form of religion when I rely on my own understanding instead of seeking God's plan.

My Power

In my own strength I could only get the seat out to the van from where it was temporarily stored in our garage.  Without my husband's help, though, I couldn't lift it into the vehicle and maneuver it back into place.  I possessed the will to do so and I could see how the latches on the bottom of the seat were designed to clamp into the anchors mounted on the floor of the van.  Without an outside source of power, however, I didn't have the strength to accomplish the task.

This is similar to my walk with the Lord.  I may think I know what needs to be done, or I have an idea of how things should go according to what I can handle, but I limit myself to what I can naturally do.  For instance, I may reject the idea that I could speak to a group of people because I get too nervous.  Instead of relying on the God who made my mouth and can enable me to deliver His message, I only go by what I think I am capable of doing.  In this way I limit God by my own weaknesses (Exodus 4:10-11).

Other times, I think that this is not the time to start the ministry God has placed on my heart.  After all, I reason, my life is too busy right now; I don't want to spread myself too thin.  Unfortunately, what I am failing to realize is that if God gave me a job to do, it is His strength that will accomplish the work, not my own.  Therefore, it doesn't matter if I'm poured out until I'm empty because God's power never runs out (Isaiah 40:28-29).

Then there are the times when I limit God to what I think I'm able to do.  Instead, God has amazing things to show me where He will prove that His arm is not too short (Numbers 11:23).

I follow my own form of religion when I limit God to what I can do instead of remembering that His power within me is able to accomplish far more (Ephesians 3:20).

My Love

Despite my efforts, the duck pond I excavated as a child drained quickly.  No matter how much water I added to the hole, it promptly drained out, leaving my ducks nowhere to swim.  This reminds me of my own ability to love; it is shallow and easily exhausted.  God's love, on the other hand, never runs out (1 Corinthians 13:7, 13, Psalm 136).

If I attempt only the acts of kindness that are within my own shallow ability to love, then, I am refusing to give God free reign to love.  Instead of letting His perfect love flow through me uninhibited, I kink the hose, cutting off the stream.  I manufacture a counterfeit religion based on my own ideas of love.

This happens when I put pressure on myself to respond to the cranky clerk with a soft answer, knowing it will turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). If she keeps pushing my buttons, however, my own well of love will soon grow dry and I'll snap, giving her a piece of my mind.  Instead, a genuine ability to love will only come forth when I surrender my desire to be treated with respect and let God show me the hurt that lies beneath her harsh words.  Then, as I take on the Lord Jesus Christ, He will respond through me with a level of compassion and understanding she has never before experienced (Romans 13:14).

Sometimes I attempt to love those who have been forgotten.  As I distribute the meals to the homeless, I smile warmly, attempting to show them how much I care.  Soon, however, I tire of the exercise and want to get back to my side of town. Instead, if I were to let God have His way, letting go of my own agenda, I'd soon find a genuine desire to personally get to know each person passing through the line, discovering a new-found acceptance of them as His image bearers.

I also make up my own form of religion when I try to reach out to my neighbors by a sense of obligation, knowing I am to be salt and light in a dark world.  Every time I hear the foul language spring forth from their mouths, however, and see the way they neglect their children, my efforts to show kindness draws to a close.  If I were to give up my tendency to point out their flaws, however, and simply let God remind me how much they need Jesus just like I do, I would not be able to fathom the compassion that flows out to them.  

I follow my own form of religion when I attempt to love others in the way I think I should instead of letting God perfectly love them through me (1 John 4:7-8).

While I may think it ridiculous that the tribe of Dan worshiped an image and thought they were doing right, I often set up my own form of religion and think it honors God.  Unfortunately, when I rely on my own wisdom, power and love, my attempts are proved a fraud.  If I want to follow God, I must do it His way.  Otherwise, I will find myself following a god that is not at all the One I seek.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stay true to what God teaches in His Word.

When do I rely on my own understanding to try to negotiate the potholes of life instead of depending on God?

How am I making up things as I go instead of following the path God has marked out for me?


Originally published on April 2, 2014