"LORD, I CAN'T HEAR YOU..."

"Could you please speak up?"

Do you ever say that to God?

I think we've all struggled with this issue.  Desperate to follow the Lord's leading, we frantically try to hear God's Voice.  And when we can't, we can end up feeling quite distressed.  

And at times, this distress can lead to paralyzing doubt and deep spiritual discomfort.

The *silence* of God can represent treacherous times.

I have felt it, you have felt it.

Times when you are desperate to hear God's Voice, because You desperately need His guidance.

As disciples seeking to follow Him, we want to know which way to go, which way to turn.  We want to know how to follow Him rightly.

So, how do we do that when we're not "hearing" the still, small voice – but only hearing the stillness?

I can only relate to my own life.

And here's some things that I have learned – (disclaimer…these are only my opinions).

First of all, I don't think God's will is always a matter of Choice A or Choice B.  Sometimes His will can be either direction.  Let me explain.

When "The Hub" and I were thinking about moving, I was crazed with indecision.  Was it God's will for us to move or not?  I cried desperately to hear from Him.  I started trying to interpret "signs" that I saw along the way.  And I felt panicky and unsettled because nothing seemed clear.

But then I realized something.

Maybe God's will wasn't Choice A (go) or Choice B (stay) – maybe God's will would move with me no matter which direction I chose.

I decided finally to just start going in one direction (moving), and prayed that God would be very clear if it WASN'T His will.  I got some confirmation along the way, yes, but I still think God would have been OK if we hadn't moved.

Sometimes the choice is really clear, and God has a definite direction in mind.  But, I think that other times He allows us to use our own discretion and make a decision.

God's will is not thwarted if we choose the "wrong" way – because sometimes I think there isn't really a wrong way. 

The important thing is following God along the way, putting Him first, no matter which fork in the road we follow.

That being said, God is very clear in His Word about certain things. 

VERY. CLEAR.

And we don't need to question His will about those things. 

If Choice A or B is against the teachings and revelation of God in the Bible, then it truly is the WRONG way, for it will be sin.

But if it's not that clear-cut, I don't believe that it's God’s will for us to be mired in inaction.

Ask for His guidance, step out in faith, and trust that God will lead you, as you walk along the way.

That's what I'm counting on. 

I'm counting on Him to be very clear when it matters.  And if I remain close to Him, immersed in His Word and spending time in prayer, seeking the counsel of others, and desiring to follow Him in all aspects of my life – He'll talk if it's necessary.

But sometimes I need to start the walking in order to hear the talking.

So, here's another thing I've learned.

I used to do this thing called "Bible Pick 'Ems" – basically, I would flip open my Bible to a random spot, and read the two pages I'd turned to.  I would do this when I was worried or afraid or awake in the middle of the night with overwhelming concerns and anxieties.

And goodness, how God answered me!

I would read the most appropriate, timely, comforting words.  It never failed.

Until lately…

In the past few months, I have done this in moments of need, and I've not had the same *luck*.

I have asked God for a message to speak to my anxiety, and I end up in the Old Testament.  Which is OK, except I can't count the number of times I have ended up in Kings or Chronicles.

"Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years.  His mother was Zebidah, the daughter of Pedaiah from Rumah."

Uh yeah, not so edifying.

Of course, sometimes I try to *hedge my bet* and open to where I know I'll be in the New Testament. 

Nope, that hasn't worked either.

So, one night in utter frustration I cried out to God, "Why don't You do this for me anymore?"

And yes, I heard from Him.

He said, "Because you don't need it anymore."

That stopped me.

But I've pondered that answer.  And I've realized something.  That God is right.  I have grown in my faith in this past year, and especially in the last few months.  And I don't "need" this anymore.  Maybe it's a bit of a gimmick that I've outgrown.

For the "random" answers that I sought in a "Bible Pick 'Ems" are in my heart instead.  I know the Lord better now.  And instead of settling for a "tweet" – I can rely instead on a whole conversation with Him.  Or in those times of silence, I can trust in the Truth that I know.

He is there.  He knows.  He understands.  And He's got it all under control.

Now here's one last thing that I've learned.

In my almost four years of blogging (I know – I can hardly believe it either!), I have only spoken to two people with my voice.  And of those two people, I have only met one in person.

And yet, I feel like I know so many of you in Blog Land, just as I myself am known. 

How?

By our words.

It's amazing how the written words that we post are actually windows into our souls.  Our personalities come through, as we share our aches and pains, our trials and suffering, our triumphs and our joys.   

Our words communicate WHO we are.

And so, when we feel that God is silent, we do have somewhere to turn.

His Word.

In those hallowed pages, we are offered a profound and meaningful window into the mind and heart of God.  His Presence infuses every page – (yes, even those pages in Kings and Chronicles!)

We can *hear* Him when we read Scripture.

In times when we maybe can't tangibly hear His voice, or when He's silent for a season and for a reason, we can always touch His heart through His Word.

And I have always found that when I read His words, He comes *alive* to me again.

I pray for all of us.  

I pray that we won't become too discouraged when the heavens seem "silent".  For our hearts are certainly in the right place.  A desire to hear the Voice of the Lord is certainly the right path to wisdom and guidance.

And God will honor our prayers for increased intimacy with Him.

But…sometimes when we aren't "hearing" from Him, it doesn't mean He isn't there.

And it doesn't mean that we should become paralyzed in a state of inaction.

Faith calls us to move.

Trust God, He will speak to us when we need it. 

And when He's a quiet partner, we're still walking together.  We're still in communion with Him.

Sometimes silence is a sign of deep and abiding and trusting friendship.

And voices need not be heard to feel the Love.

Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made..." (Romans 1:20, NIV)

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature..." 
(Hebrews 1:1-2, ESV)

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."  (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT)

"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.  And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." 

(James 3:17-18, NLT)

"'If you love me, obey my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.'" (John 14:15-16, NLT)

"They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right." (Romans 2:15, NLT)

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." (James 1:5, NLT)

"Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth..." 
(Psalm 86:11, ESV)

"Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight." 
(Exodus 33:13, ESV)

"Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.  Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you." (Psalm 25:4-5, NLT)

"This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Jeremiah 6:16, NIV)

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." 

(Isaiah 30:21, ESV)

Your turn:  What's your thoughts on *hearing* from God?  And what do you do when He seems "silent"?

(SIDENOTE:  This is a great article on the subject of hearing from God: CROSSWALK)

Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Kathy at ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
Jen at SOLI DEO GLORIA
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Kathy at TITUS 2 TUESDAY
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Julie at FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

MY BIRTHDAY CAKE IS GONNA EXPLODE

OK, sometime in the next few weeks, I am having a birthday.

Before you stand up and give me a *TA DA* – might I just ask you to take into consideration the number of candles on my birthday cake – (and then, please call the local fire department…)

I am turning 60.

Yup, I'm pretty sure that cake is going to explode.

How on earth did I ever get to be this age??

I can remember when I was in my teens, I would calculate how old I'd be if I lived to see the turn of the millennium.  Ooo, I would utter with googly-wide eyes – I'll be 46.

Sigh, 46 sounds so young right now.

I gotta be honest – 30 didn't really bother me.  And 40 was really OK – not so bad.  Hitting 50 didn't faze me too much.  I was a lot thinner, in much better shape, full of energy, and falling in love with "The Hub."

Turning 55 made me pause.  

That number no longer meant just an advisory speed limit, it represented *turning the corner* for me.  Now I was heading down "the other side" of the slippery slope into those middle-aged years.

What kind of a dumb phrase is that anyway?  Middle-aged?  I'm not liking it on principle alone – because if you look carefully, it has the word "aged" in it.


I'm not sure how I really feel about this milestone birthday.  

Usually I'm a big fan of my birthday.  I'm the sort of person that likes a lot of fanfare, a lot of attention.  Cards and gifts and flowers – bring 'em on!! I actually wouldn't mind telling the server at a restaurant that it was my birthday.  Beyond the free dessert, I like the extra attention.

There's this particular seafood restaurant where my sons live that actually makes you put on some sort of outfit and dance around the room acting silly.  Again, I don't think I'd mind doing that.  I did mention that I like attention, right?!

But, this year, I'm not so sure.

Maybe this year I'd like to crawl into a quiet corner and count wrinkles or pluck chin hairs.  Maybe I'd just like to toast this birthday with a glass of Geritol – (remember that stuff?)

Hey, let me tell you that the father of lies is already starting his party early. He's been whispering a lot lately.  Telling me all sorts of negative stuff.  He's brought to mind my aching joints and sometimes-faulty memory.  He's pointed out the age spots and the sagging jowls and turkey neck.  Oh, and it's been really enjoyable being reminded of all the cute little clothes I can't wear anymore (emphasis on *little*).

And most of all, he's tried to convince me that I am past my prime.  Useless and purposeless.  That my dreams are unattainable now, that my goals will never be achieved, that the Lord will pass me over for more vital disciples.

You know, I've almost bought into it all.

But, with greater age I have also gained some greater wisdom.

And he's full of baloney.


At the end of this post, I am including some wonderful words from Scripture about growing older.  And as I read these verses, I was overcome with a renewed sense of God's message and purpose for me – at just such a time as this!

Here's what I learned:

Growing old represents gaining a crown of glory as we live a righteous life.

Experience brings a certain splendor to us – and we should share it with others.

We have a responsibility to proclaim the Truth about God to future generations.

God never leaves us, and He will carry us along when our bodies and spirits grow tired.

God remains our hope for a future in His presence – an eternity guaranteed by Jesus Christ.


OK, that sounds pretty awesome, doesn't it?!

The Lord loves His people, and perhaps never more than when they start to slow down a bit (or a lot!).  For in our weakness, He can become more. His strength can shine brighter in bodies that are aging – for His Holy Spirit can renew our inner souls until we glow!

As prayer warriors, our achy knees can still storm the gates of Heaven.  We can use every ounce of our abilities to intercede on the behalf of others.

We can strive to live like Jesus.  Sometimes growing older affords us the ability to let go of the false enticements of outer beauty, enabling us to cultivate that inner quiet and gentle spirit that the Lord finds so attractive.

And we can pass on Truth.

I like that idea best of all.

For it truly doesn't matter how many years have flipped over on that calendar called life, I'm still needed for Kingdom work!  In some ways, my testimony and witness to the faithfulness of God holds more weight – for I can tell about decades (!!) of His great love and unchanging character.

This world, and perhaps more than ever, the younger generation, needs to hear about Jesus.  They need to hear from the ranks of gray-haired Christian soldiers.  We have a duty to speak.


And so, my birthday this year comes with a mandate to re-focus on what's important.

And what's important is that I have walked with the Lord for almost 57 years. I have stories to tell, and I have a Savior to share.

I still have purpose – and I am still needed.

Oh Lord, may You empower me to do the things that You purposed for me since before the time of creation.  May You grant me the wisdom of experience, and the opportunity to counsel others with the Truth I know about You.  May others see in me the many years that You have walked with me and shaped me.  May I never forget to tell others about Your faithfulness, and the mighty wonders You have done in my life.  May I reflect You more clearly, and glow from within.  May I serve You ever more faithfully.

Oh, and one more thing…

Could you maybe give me enough breath to blow out all those candles???

Put another candle on my birthday cake,
I'm another year old... 

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." 
(Proverbs 16:31, ESV)

"The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old." (Proverbs 20:29, NLT)

"I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and save you." (Isaiah 46:4, NLT)

"O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I've trusted you, O LORD, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth;
from my mother's womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!
My life is an example to many,
because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you;
I declare your glory all day long.
And now, in my old age, don't set me aside.
Don't abandon me when my strength is failing…
God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me."

(From Psalm 71, NLT)


"So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." (Hebrews 12:12-13, NLT)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)



Are you *buying the lie* and thinking you're "over the hill"?  Or will you grab on to God's purposes for some much-needed gray-haired warriors to serve in His Kingdom?!



(True confession: My gray hairs are dyed, but I still think I'm wearing a crown!!)


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Jen at UNITE
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at SOLI DEO GLORIA
Kathy at TITUS 2 TUESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAYS
Crystal at THRIVING THURSDAY
Julie at FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

EASTER WEEK - SAME OLD STORY??

So, yes, here we are at the beginning of Easter week.

And I am sitting in front of my laptop wondering what I can say about these most miraculous events.

What can I say that might be new and fresh and exciting?

And then I realize something – what on earth has happened to make me think the story needs a facelift?

Wow.

But really, isn't this part of the enemy's grand plan?  If he wasn't able to stop the crucifixion in the first place, then let's just spend the next 2,000 years trying to minimize it.

Let's face it, there's not much room in our culture for a Savior anymore.  Most people are too busy chasing the almighty dollar, or seeking their 15 minutes of fame, or doing their best to run faster than old age…

Most people don't have time for Easter week.

I'm not trying to point fingers here – because I know that sometimes I am guilty of this mindset, too.

I can be guilty of sidelining Jesus because He just doesn’t *fit in* sometimes.

This year is different, though.

This year I am pondering it all in a different light.  And I've come up with three lessons, and some questions I want you to ponder along with me.


The first thing that fascinates me about Easter week is how quickly Jesus went from being a hero to a zero.

Today (Palm Sunday) Jerusalem is feting Him as the King.  There is noise and praise and oh-so-much-attention.

And yet, in less than a week, Jesus will spend a lonely vigil in a garden, sobbing with soul-wrenched tears, frightened and exhausted and humbled to death.

What happened?

Well, Jesus became unpopular.  Jesus offended the "powers that be."  Jesus acted like Jesus, instead of conforming to the expectations of the crowd.


Lesson One:

Jesus does not fit into a neat little package.  He doesn't "perform."  He will not be at our beck and call to execute our wishes.  He is no genie.  No, He is the great I AM – and that one fact, that He is God, makes Him unpredictable.

So this is my first question:

Are we guilty of re-making Jesus into our own image – of wanting a comfortable God? 


OK, so here's the second thing that fascinates me about Easter week.  

Jesus didn't have to die.

Oh sure, our sins would not have been forgiven if He didn't.  But think about it – in reality, our sins didn't need to be forgiven.  Oh sure, if our sins weren't forgiven, we could never be reconciled to God and have a relationship with Him.  But think about it – in reality, God didn't need a relationship with us.  He wasn't incomplete without us.

Do you see the theme?

Yes, God did set up a system of sacrifice in the Old Testament – a way to atone for sins.  But, He didn't have to follow that up with a Savior.  Not really.

The plain fact of the matter is that Jesus didn't HAVE to die…

He wanted to.

And God chose to have Him die.

This is what stops me – there is an almighty choice in this matter of the crucifixion.  God didn't have to do anything to restore the relationship that we broke in the Garden of Eden.  He wasn't obligated to clean up our mess.

He wanted to.

Because of a love that we can barely conceive of – a love that wants relationship.  A love that cost Jesus His very life.

You know, if I never do anything else in my entire life except sit at the feet of the Lord and thank Him for this unspeakable gift, I would be complete.


Lesson Two:

Jesus didn't have to die, but He chose to because of His tremendous love for us.  His love cost Him His life.  It was a choice that He made.  Though He could have stopped it at any point by calling down a host of angels, He didn't.  Why?  Because He wanted a relationship with us, though we didn't deserve it.

So these are my second questions:

Why do we lose sight of the tremendous, all-fulfilling love of God? Why do we look for anything else to fill us up?


Finally, this Easter week is holding a new meaning for me as I contemplate it in view of my dad's recent death.

How many years have I gone through all the Easter services and been tremendously blessed by what I hear?   (Don't answer that – you might need a calculator).

But this year, as I look forward to Easter Sunday, I am thinking about the Resurrection in a new light.

The simple statement that resounds in my mind is this:

Jesus didn't STAY dead!

Actually, Jesus tells us that we never really die if we believe in Him.   Our bodies, these paltry earthly tents, will cease – but the real person, the whatever-it-is that makes us *us* – well, that never dies.

My dad died in January.  And after we received the call from the rehab facility that he had passed away, my brother went over.  He said that he got one last look at Dad's face.

I asked him what it was like.  Words like "surreal" and "eerie" came to mind. But he also said something to the effect that though Dad's face looked peaceful, you could tell that he was gone.

That's it, isn't it?  HE was gone – the spirit that was the real Dad was with Jesus.

Does this make sense?

Let me tell you, the whole experience with my dad was, indeed, surreal and eerie.  It's the closest death I've ever known.  And I've spent a lot of time trying desperately to comprehend it all.  But here's the conclusion that I've come to…

Death cannot be understood.

And that is why it's scary – it's the biggest unknown we'll ever face.

But, is it really??

This Easter, I'm finally beginning to understand that it isn't unknown – it's just un-experienced by me.

Jesus told the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with Me."

And I truly believe that is what He says to me, right now, on this side of eternity –

"Sharon, don't be afraid.  I died and I am alive!  One day, the same thing will happen to you.  One moment you will be in your body, and the next moment you will be with Me.  There will be no limbo, no black unconsciousness, no moment that I will EVER leave you alone.  

And because My life-giving Spirit lives within you, you are now living a resurrected life.  You, the real you, will never, ever die.  In life, in death, you are held by Me."


Lesson Three:

Jesus didn't really die, and neither will we.  Dying might be surreal and eerie because we don't understand it.  But it doesn't have to be the big and feared unknown.  Death is only the doorway that will transport us to the Lord's Presence.  

So these are my last questions:

Why do we let our enemy fool us into thinking that death is an ending?  Why do we allow him to torture us with fear about the moment we meet Jesus face-to-face?


Friends, as I enter this week of Easter, I am more fascinated than ever by the person of Jesus Christ.  He is a gold mine of wonder than can never be fully explored.  But oh, the joy in the journey of getting to know Him more and more!

Jesus, the King who doesn't conform to our expectations.  The One who is always an unpredictable surprise.  

Jesus, the Savior who didn't have to die, but chose this way because of Love.  The One who sacrificed everything because He wanted a relationship with us.  

Jesus, the Victor who didn't stay dead.  The One who proved that death isn't a scary ending, but a thrilling beginning to eternity in His presence!


Jesus, the Risen Lord.

Jesus, Only You!

 "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?
He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!" 

"But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.  So they went in, but they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus."  (Luke 24:1-3, NLT)

"They said to each other, 'Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?'" (Luke 24:32, NLT) 

"And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them.  'Peace be with you,' he said.  But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!  'Why are you frightened?' he asked.  'Why are your hearts filled with doubt?  Look at my hands. Look at my feet.  You can see that it's really me.  Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do.'  As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet." 
(Luke 24:36-40, NLT)

"And he said, 'Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.  It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.'  You are witnesses of all these things.'" (Luke 24:46-48, NLT)

"'Don't let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, and trust also in me.  There is more than enough room in my Father's home.  If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.'

'No, we don't know, Lord,' Thomas said.  'We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?'

Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.'" (John 14:1-6, NLT)



As you begin Easter week - what is one new thing you can ponder this year?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Jen at UNITE
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at SOLI DEO GLORIA
Kathy at TITUS 2 TUESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Crystal at THRIVING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Julie at FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at THE WEEKEND BREW
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE POWER OF ONE WORD

Do you have a guess?

It's not what you might think.  Today I'm going to talk about the mighty *yet*...

No, "The Mighty Yet" is not the nickname for the Abominable Snowman, Yeti – that big hairy beast that lives in the Himalayas.

The mighty *yet* is something else entirely…

I am going to talk about a verse that leaped off the page for me just the other day.  (I love when that happens, don't you?!)


A little backstory first.

My mom has decided to put this phrase on my father's headstone:

"Great Is God's Faithfulness"

We all agreed that it would be a wonderful testimony to what we believe.

Yes, God has always been so faithful to our family, and never more so than in the last few days of my father's life.  How we were guided, and comforted, by a God who never lets go.

So, of course, we wanted to also put the Bible reference.  Most of you probably know that this verse is found in the book of Lamentations.

Though no one knows for sure who wrote the book, traditional thought has it penned by the prophet, Jeremiah.  Good ol' Jeremiah, also know as "The Weeping Prophet."

And indeed, the book of Lamentations is a collection of poetic laments for the destruction of Jerusalem.  I thought it might be interesting to look up the definition of lament:

Lament – a passionate expression of grief or sorrow, deep and mournful regret

To me, the word lament means something much deeper, much stronger than mere sadness.  To me it is soul-deep, heart-ravaging sadness.  The kind that is almost a physical presence.

As I thought about this verse, I became more and more intrigued about its placement in the middle of a book about destruction.

I thought more about it when my mom asked me to read it out loud to her.  I told her that I wanted to put it into context, so I read the verses in Lamentations 3 that preceded it (all of these verses are from the New Living Translation).

Lo and behold, that's when it leaped out…

The wonder of a simple word: YET

Here's the words right before verse 21:

"I cry out, 'My splendor is gone!
Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!'
The thought of my suffering and homelessness
is bitter beyond words.
I will never forget this awful time,
as I grieve over my loss."

It would be a good exercise to read the entire first part of chapter 3.  It's a gut-wrenching litany of deep pain, deep sorrow, deep despair.

It's gritty, it's real.

And then, like a beam of light shining brightly in the middle of a dark, dark night, verse 21 arises:

"YET I still dare to hope…"


One simple word, one seemingly innocuous word – YET – but a word that is so much more.

It is a battle cry of faith.  A shout of victory to all the junk that life would bring our way.  A retaliation against the enemy's tactics to beat us down.

A holy *NO* to the temptation to give in and give up.

Yes, *YET* sends the crazy, bold message that IN SPITE of everything to the contrary, DESPITE evidence of hopelessness, INSTEAD of giving in to despair…

I am going to do something wild and unpredictable – something beyond my natural tendencies – I am still going to DARE to hope.

I looked up the word dare:

Dare – to have enough courage or confidence to do something

Yeah, that's what this verse is saying.  Not just that I'm going to hope, but I'm going to still dare to hope.  I'm going to go out on a limb and take a leap of faith, I'm going to risk it all on a moment of trust…

*YET* is a victor's cry!


But is this phrase some naïve, misinformed, foolish rebel's yell?  Does it have any basis for its daring message?

Yup, sure does.

And that's found in the second half of verse 21:

"…when I remember this."

What is "this"?

Verses 22 and 23:

"The faithful love of the LORD never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."

Yeah, that's the foundation for this ridiculously brave statement.

Not the crummy, scary, overwhelming circumstances.  Not the barren landscape of a winter season of the soul.  Not the blight of daily living in a sin-fallen world.

No.

It's not even a matter of MY faithfulness.

The rock-solid foundation is the faith-full-ness of our eternally faithful LORD!  The One who was, who is, and is to come.  The great and glorious and almighty I AM.

It is HIS faithfulness, HIS love, and HIS mercy that gives us the righteous audacity to hope…


I'm paraphrasing these verses like this:

"The thought of my suffering
and sense of loneliness
is bitter beyond words.
I will never forget this awful time,
this wilderness season
through which I am passing,
as I grieve over the things I've lost –
my health, my loved ones, my peace of mind.

(But, take this, oh enemy of mine!!)

YET I still dare to hope
(beyond evidence to the contrary).
No, I will not give in or give up.
Why?
Because I remember this,
(and it is more than enough):

The Lord is faithful,
and His love never ends.
His merciful ways
and His gracious treatment of me
never ceases.

His faithfulness is GREAT, just as He is!
Every morning
I get a new chance to love Him,
to follow Him, to obey Him,
to be washed in the mercy
of His redeeming forgiveness,
and freed from the penalty
of my sins.

Life might strive to ruin me,
YET I will hang on to hope
in my faith-full God!"


Yeah, it's a war cry.

And today, though downtrodden and weak and fearful and tired…

I'm feeling like a warrior.

Today, I will still dare to hold on to hope…

For faith is found in the word – YET…

(I'm raising my fist high as I shout it!!)

Will you join me?

You will be secure, because there is hope.
You will look about you and take your rest in safety.
You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid.

"I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—

    the feeling of hitting the bottom.

But there’s one other thing I remember,

    and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:

God's loyal love couldn't have run out,

    his merciful love couldn't have dried up.

They're created new every morning.

    How great your faithfulness!

I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).

    He's all I've got left.

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,

    to the woman who diligently seeks."

(From Lamentations 3, MSG)


"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
    and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
    and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
    and the cattle barns are empty,
YET I will rejoice in the Lord!
    I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!"

(Habakkuk 3:17-18, NLT)



Fill in the blank with your tough struggle, your suffering, your despair, your loss (your "whatever-it-is" that brings you down)…and then claim the victory!

Though I _________, YET I will still dare to hope.



(Loved this definition of FAITH:  "The leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness..." 2 Timothy 1:5

From The Amplified Bible, latest copyright, 1987)


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at SOLI DEO GLORIA
Jen at UNITE
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Crystal at THRIVING THURSDAY
Julie at FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"