THE GOLDEN RULE - LOVING MYSELF??

I know it, you know it.

It comes from the Bible:

"Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you." 
(Matthew 7:12, NLT)

There's also this:

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31, ESV)


I think we're all very familiar with these verses.  And they're so very important.  The whole concept of kindness and sympathy and compassion is integral to who Jesus was, and to who He continues to be.

I believe that He was gentle and patient with people – (except for those Pharisees, but they deserved it!!)

I believe it's how He truly wants us to be, following His example of mercy.

Therefore, I believe that most of us strive to obey these commandments.

However, there's something else I want to talk about today.

And that is the idea of how do we treat ourselves?


In a recent conversation with a friend – (you know who you are!!) – it quickly became very apparent that we are very hard on ourselves.

And I've been pondering that.

If I apply the Golden Rule to myself, what does that look like?

For instance, if I was to treat my neighbor as I've treated myself lately, this is how it would look:

I would tell them they're weak.

I would tell them they're a lousy Christian with little faith.

I would tell them they're overweight, lazy, and unattractive.

I would tell them they're stupid.

I would tell them they can't ever do anything right.

I would tell them they are worthless.

I would tell them that they are alone and abandoned.

I would tell them to give up.


I could easily come up with many other statements.  Very easily.

But, can you even imagine what would happen if I actually did say these things to someone else??

I see lawsuits, and retaliation, and ugly recriminations.

So, really, why do I do this to myself then?

My friend and I talked about times of suffering and discouragement.  We talked about spiritual battles in the midst of these times.

And I believe one of the biggest struggles I face in these *seasons* is not so much turning my back on Jesus.

No, it's refusing to apply His grace to me.

I don't find it terribly difficult to be kind to others who are suffering.  But when the suffering plants itself on my doorstep, I can become downright cruel to myself.

So, here's where I come to the concept of grace.

I even looked it up in Sharon's Acrostic Dictionary:

G ently
R emembering and
A ccepting
C hrist’s
E ternal love


I find myself able to embrace the grace of my Savior as it applies to salvation.  And I am able to pass it on to others most of the time.

But, when it comes to me – nope.  I don't give myself any room to be *human* without an inner dialogue of unkind thoughts – especially when I'm tired or sick, or sick and tired.

I begin to see the enemy at work here.

Sometimes his weapons against those who sincerely desire to follow Jesus become more subtle.

Direct attacks like, "Forget about God" – or "Turn your back on God" – or "Curse and deny God" – those don't usually affect me too much.

But, when the enemy influences my own thoughts, and turns me against myself – well, that's when I essentially turn my back on grace.

I have this picture:

Jesus, reaching out His scarred and loving hands to me, pleading with me to accept the kindness, compassion, mercy, and gentleness He extends to me…

…and me, turning my back on Him and saying, "No thanks, I'm a worm."

Oh yes, it's true, Jesus did save a wretch like me – but it wasn't for the purpose of always having me feel wretched.

And when I am suffering or feeling discouraged and overwhelmed, when I am struggling, it certainly doesn't help to pile on a bunch of internal kibitzing.

I think you get the picture.


So for me, the spiritual battle lies in accepting grace.

In giving myself some room to be sad or mad or discouraged or in pain – without also telling myself that I'm a loser.

Even in these moments, I have to refocus and look at myself through the loving eyes of Jesus.

Jesus, the One who says:

"My grace is sufficient."

"My strength is made perfect in your weakness."

The One who says:

"I love you."


So here's what I say…

Surrender yourself to His grace.

Accept that it applies to you – not just your salvation – but your everyday, often messy, complicatedly human life.

Don't fall into complacency and say, "Oh, it's just the way I am."  That is indeed the other end of the spectrum.  The *flip side* of the lie that the enemy seeks to implant in our thoughts and heart.

But neither wallow in personal negativity and naysaying.

There are times in life when we just need to be kind and patient with ourselves.  To extend to ourselves the same gentleness that we would extend to others.

To apply the grace that Jesus so generously offers and bestows upon us.

To internalize it.

To rest in the knowledge that we're not perfect, that sometimes we're just not doing very well, and that that really is OK.

We need to let Jesus love us, perhaps especially when we find ourselves most unlovable.

He died for our flaws, our faults, our failings.

He does not hold them against us.

Let us do the same.

Sometimes we need to do to ourselves what we would do to others.

Sometimes we need to love ourselves as we would love our neighbors.

And sometimes, we just need to cut ourselves some slack…

…and rest in the grace that has been given to us.


Be gentle, friends, be kind.

And let the Word of God be the words that you say to yourself.

"Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own?  No one…"

(Not even ourselves)

"Who then will condemn us?  No one…"

(Not even ourselves)


Dear ones, if God is for us, who can ever be against us? 

NO ONE.

Oh yes, amen.

HEY, c'mon!

Who couldn't love
a face like that???


The LORD delights
in those who fear him.

"The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love…He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.  For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.  He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.  The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.  For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust." (Psalm 103:8, 10-14, NLT)

"I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.  I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them." (Hosea 11:3-4, ESV)

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.  I will build you up again, and you…will be rebuilt." 
(Jeremiah 3:3-4, NIV)

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?  Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?  No...

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 38-39, NLT)

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, 
gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." (Philippians 4:8, MSG)



What lies do you tell yourself?




Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A NEW TWIST ON AN OLD STORY

Last week, I took a risk.

I admitted to some less-than-pretty emotions.

I talked about those feelings we get when life is overwhelming, and we feel like we're alone.

Yes, I even 'fessed up to asking *the question* that comes to my lips at times - you know the one - "Where are You, Lord?"

First of all, I must take the time to thank all of you who commented.  I was greatly comforted and encouraged by all you had to say.  And, after all, isn't this how the Body of Christ is supposed to work?  Each of us helping the other, being the "Aaron and Hur arms" when a fellow believer feels weak? So, I greatly appreciate each of you.  For helping my shaky legs to once again stand firm.

But, though this is important indeed, it's not the primary reason I'm writing this post.

I'm writing because God revealed something really huge to me.

Now I don't have actual Scripture to back this up, but I truly feel that God imparted this to me, for it has the ring of truth.

He revealed an insight about one of the stories that I shared with you.  The story about when Jesus sent the disciples into a storm, while He initially stayed behind to pray.

(See Scripture reference:  Matthew 14:22-32, NLT)


My first view of this story was that Jesus had left the disciples alone. While they sailed off into the throes of a storm, Jesus stayed behind to pray.

But then, as I pondered this more, I heard the Holy Spirit speak the most amazing thing to my heart:

"Don't you know why He was praying?  He was praying for the disciples."

I stopped as I heard this - and my heart shifted completely.

Do you remember those optical designs they used to have?  Where there were all those dots, and if you stared long enough, and let your eyes blur just a bit, all of a sudden a hidden 3-D picture would appear?

This is what this moment felt like.

Like I had been looking at the story, but totally missing one VERY significant thing.

In the middle of my own storms, I had been focusing on the boat and the waves.

I had been looking at the disciples, and their plight, and at Jesus' initial absence from them.

I had been looking through *disciple eyes*, not through Jesus' eyes.

For in concentrating (wrongly) on the fact of Jesus' absence, I had completely missed something of much greater importance.

Jesus wasn't absent because He was all about His own agenda.  He wasn't choosing "Him" time over helping the disciples.

No, I now believe that He was praying - not absent from the disciples, but very present as He prayed FOR them.

Knowing about the storm.

Praying for them as they entered the storm.

Asking His Father (their Father) to hold them strong in the storm.

And to bring them through to the other side.


No, Jesus did NOT leave the disciples alone, but was doing one of the strongest things you can do for someone facing storms.  He was praying for them.

I'm not sure I can explain the hush, or the humbling, that came to me as I heard the Holy Spirit add these words:

"And Jesus is in heaven, interceding for YOU."

Yes, this is how God personalized the meaning for me.

He showed me that when I look to the skies and wonder, "Where are You, Lord?" - and when I feel alone - I am forgetting one incredible Truth.

Jesus is at the Father's side, and He is my High Priest.


What a reminder to me of His faithfulness!

Yes, not only is He with me in the storms, I happen to think He's also praying for me. 

I was reminded of the time when Jesus said that the enemy had asked to sift Peter, and Jesus said He was praying for him.  I took the liberty of personalizing this:

"Sharon, Sharon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail..."

And this Scripture:

"I do not ask You to take Sharon out of the world, but to keep her from the evil one."


These are powerful messages.  

We are protected and surrounded, dear ones, by the very words and heart of Jesus!

The thought of Jesus, interceding for us before our Father - well, it has greatly increased my sense that we are truly NEVER alone.

Yes, dear Lord, how precious this thought is to me.

Oh, please forgive me for thinking even one second that You had "abandoned" the disciples.  Forgive me for ever doubting that You are with me.

Forgive me for forgetting that You - YOU! - are my High Priest.

That You understand my deepest groanings when in my pain I cannot utter words.

I wish I could adequately convey my feelings.  And how I am still a bit awed by this revelation.  I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.  When God takes a very familiar story and reveals a deeper Truth in it.

A truth that both convicts you and comforts you at the same time.

Yes, it is that.


So, picture this moment.  

Forget the storm for a moment, and picture Jesus, on His knees, praying.

Our dearest Jesus - who was no doubt wearied by His own storms - Jesus praying for those He loved.

And, picture Him perhaps doing the same for US now...

...because He loves us.

Incredible.


Sometimes I am chagrined at how easily I can still look at things so wrong. How easily I can be duped into contemplating lies.  How I have to fight my "self" to get to the Truth sometimes.

And yet, even in this, I am led by the Holy Spirit.

Away from *disciple eyes*, and into the perspective of the Lord.

The One who never fails us, nor abandons us.

Even when we wonder about things - like storms, and waves, and sinking beneath overwhelming circumstances.

Even there, He is there.

And He speaks these incredibly beautiful, amazing, comforting words:

"Take courage.  It is I.  Don't be afraid.  I am here."


Ponder the story anew, my friends.

And rest in the wonder of a Savior who intercedes for us.

Knowing about the storms.

Praying for us as we enter the storms.

Asking His Father (our Father) to hold us strong in the storms.

And to bring us through to the other side.


He will.

This I know...

It was to us
that God revealed these things.
For His Spirit
searches out everything
and shows us
God's deep secrets.

"...but [Christ] holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.  Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:24-25, ESV)

"Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." (Romans 8:34, ESV)

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever..." (Hebrews 6:19-20, NASB)

"So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT)

"But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you...the one who formed you says, 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...you are precious to me.  You are honored, and I love you.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you.'' (Isaiah 43:1-5, NLT)

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed." 
(Deuteronomy 31:8, NASB)

"'And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:20, NLT)



Has God ever revealed a *new twist on an old story* to you?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SO MUCH AT HOME, TELL HIS STORY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, UNITE, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, SHINE, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYS, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, SATURDAY SOIREE, WEEKEND BREW, STILL SATURDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

I'M SORTA MAD AT GOD

Dear me.

Did I just say that out loud?

You know, in my opinion there are some things that people just don't talk about in "polite Christian" circles.  And if you do talk about these things, sometimes you get judged.

And one of those untouchable subjects is feeling angry at God.

C'mon, if you're totally honest, I'll just bet that you've felt it.  But I'll bet you've never mentioned it for fear of incrimination.

From other believers…

…and from God.

(I have that vision of a thunderbolt screaming down from the clouds straight at my head.  Poof, I’m gone).

But, in all honesty, I am sorta mad at God right now.

Why?

Let me tell you.

There is just too much going on in my life and...

...I can't handle it.

Too much anxiety, too much stress, too many decisions, too much heartache.  

Suffice it to say that this year has begun with overwhelming feelings, and a singular inability to sort through it all.

I'm grieving the loss of my father a year ago.  It's been especially painful lately, and I am desperately missing his advice and counsel.

I'm watching my mother slip away.  I'm watching her struggle to do normal life.  And, my siblings and I are trying to make decisions about what's the best next steps to take.

I don't want to go on this journey.

An extended family member is fighting cancer.  Another member is facing major surgery to determine if they have cancer or not.

I've got some personal stuff going on, too – (don't we always?).

Sure, I know that God is there…I just can't feel Him real well sometimes.

And so, knowing that He CAN do something about some (all) of these things, and not seeing Him at work, I'm sorta frustrated.

Like one or two things might be manageable, but the word that comes to my mind right now is onslaught.


So here we are.

When faith butts up against reality.

When we know that God is able to fix things, but defers – for some unfathomable reason that we do not know, and want to know, but He chooses not to reveal it.  When we are desperate for His presence, but He seems kinda silent and distant.

This is why I'm sorta mad.

Like, "Where ARE You, Lord?"


So I am going to focus on two scenes from Scripture – specifically the two times that Jesus calmed a storm – to see if it's OK to feel this way.

(I have not yet seen a thunderbolt…)


Scene Number One – Jesus Calms A Storm:

Mark 4:35-40
English Standard Version (ESV)

Scene Number Two – Jesus Walks on Water:

Matthew 14:22-32
New Living Translation (NLT)


OK, so I want to break down these two scenes, and relate them to my feelings right now.

Scene One:

I notice right off the bat that Jesus is the one who tells the disciples to get in the boat in order to cross to the other side (knowing full well that there's going to be a big storm).  So, like, couldn't Jesus have just "pre-calmed" the storm?  Why push them into the middle of it?

Second thing I notice is that the boat is ALREADY filling up with water when the disciples go to Jesus.  OK, yeah, there might be the lesson that they're coming to Jesus as a last resort, but in my frame of mind I'm thinking, "Why didn’t HE come to them first?"

Third thing, Jesus is asleep?  Really?  Sound asleep??

Fourth thing, I'm not thinking that the disciples tapped Jesus on the shoulder politely, or wiggled His tunic gently.

I'm thinking that they most likely shouted at Him.  Yes, to be heard over the wind and waves, for sure.  But I'm thinking they were probably feeling like I'm feeling right now.  Frustrated that Jesus seemed nonchalant and removed from the dire circumstances.

My paraphrase:

"Hey Jesus, wake up!  How can You sleep when we're about to drown here? Don't you care about us?  Aren't You going to do something?  And honestly, if You really cared about us, why are we having to face this storm in the first place?  And why do we have to ask for You to help us?  Shouldn’t You just do that anyway?"

In other words, "WHERE ARE YOU???"


Scene Two:

I've never noticed this before, but it was Jesus who INSISTED that they cross over ahead of Him, without Him.  Again, it was Jesus who sent them, knowing a storm was coming.

Second thing I see is that Jesus is alone praying.  That's nice.  But, MEANWHILE, the disciples are in terrible straits.  They are both far from land, and far from Jesus.  He has left them alone to battle the waves.

OK, yes, He does come to them.  But He initially comes in a way that they don't recognize Him.  His arrival, at first, terrifies them even more.  Why does He allow them to experience more terror before He reassures them?

Yes, His words are very comforting.

But Peter still puts Jesus to the test.  (I like that about Peter, by the way).

Of course, when he takes his eyes off of Jesus he begins to sink.  (And yes, there's another good lesson there).  But, though Jesus rescues Peter, He still doesn't immediately calm the storm.

Why not?

Why didn't He calm the storm as Peter exhibited a huge leap of faith? Couldn't He have rewarded Peter for a brave move?  Nope.  Jesus let Peter start to sink before He acted.

And the storm wasn't stilled until they got back into the boat.


So, are you reading my undertone here?

A big fat WHY?

Why are we sent into storms?  Why doesn't Jesus come to our rescue right away?

Why do we have to cry out to Him as if we have to "remind" Him of our desperation?

Why does He sometimes allow us to experience terror?  Why does He let us sink a little bit (or a lot bit) under the waves before He does something?

Which begs the question, too, why are there times when He doesn't seem to deliver us at all?

My difficulty in reconciling this with a good and loving God is at the crux of my dilemma.  And it's why I'm sorta mad at God.

Because I want Him to answer this question, and sometimes He just doesn't:

"Lord, why don't You fix what only You can fix?"

(Still no thunderbolt…)



Have you felt this way?

Job did.  Joseph did.  David did.  Elijah did.  Jeremiah did.

I think all of the *pillars of faith* – those tried and true heroes of the Bible – I think they all felt these same feelings at one time or another.

And, lo and behold, I believe even Jesus did too.

"Abba, Father," he cried out, "everything is possible for you.  Please take this cup of suffering away from me." (Mark 14:36, NLT)


Oh boy.

Right there.

Jesus HIMSELF uttered the same words I am crying out.  He felt the same feelings I am feeling.  He felt overwhelmed, assaulted by an onslaught of *way too much.*

He was pleading for a rescue, for a rescue that He knew God could accomplish.

And yet, God did not rescue Him.

At least in the way that Jesus asked for.

The cup did not pass.  The cross still happened.  Jesus still had to die.

But, something else happened in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Something calmed Jesus and fortified Him for the storm ahead – and all this happened in the middle of the storm of angst and terror.

And whatever happened, that's what I want, too.


So I wonder.

What was it?

What changed in Jesus so that He was able to face the terrible suffering with a calmness that superseded the fear?  What gave Him the courage to face His enemies in serene silence?  What strengthened Him and enabled him to bear up under the impossible burdens facing Him?

How did He let go of all the questioning and pleading for God to intervene and fix things?

What did God say to Him?

(Wouldn't you love to have been privy to that conversation?!)

God must have said something that conveyed to Jesus that everything was happening according to plan, and nothing would happen outside of God's purposes.

I'm thinking God must have spoken to Jesus in the most intimate and kind way.   A deeply comforting way.  A gentle and sympathetic way.  A way in which Jesus somehow knew, in the very core of His soul, that His Father loved Him with a deep and enduring love.

And perhaps, in the end, God said the same thing to Jesus that Jesus had said to His own disciples:

"Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid."

And if those words were enough for Jesus to hear in the middle of His storms, if they were enough to give Him the courage to face His storms, then they are enough for me.


You know what?

I'm not mad anymore – (I never really was, anyway…)

In spite of my feelings, in spite of the onslaught – in the middle of my angst and terror – my personal storm is somehow calmed.

And I am stilled by His presence – even though sometimes I can't feel it – because I know the Truth of it.

He is here.

And me of little faith will cling to Him…

…and walk on water.

Even though
I cannot see the mountain,
It doesn't mean
it isn't there.


My help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.


 

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH:


(Job)  "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him..." (Job 13:15, NIV)

(Joseph)  "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done..." (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

(David)  "O LORD, how long will you forget me?  Forever?  How long will you look the other way?  How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?  How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O LORD my God!  Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

But I trust in your unfailing love.  I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me." (Psalm 13:1-3, 5-6, NLT)

(Elijah)  "Elijah was afraid...he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day.  He sat down...and prayed that he might die.  'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life...'

'Go out and stand before me on the mountain,' the LORD told him.  And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain.  It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.  And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.  

When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave." (1 Kings 19:3-4, 11-13, NLT)

(Jeremiah) "I am the one who has seen the afflictions that come from the rod of the LORD's anger.  He has led me into darkness, shutting out all light. He has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long...He has besieged and surrounded me with anguish and distress.  He has buried me in a dark place...He has walled me in, and I cannot escape.  He has bound me in heavy chains.  And though I cry and shout, he has shut out my prayers...He has [left] me helpless and devastated...and made me the target for his arrows...deep into my heart.

He has filled me with bitterness and given me a bitter cup of sorrow to drink...Peace has been stripped away...I cry out, 'My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!'...

But I called on your name, LORD, from deep within the pit.  You heard me when I cried, 'Listen to my pleading!  Hear my cry for help!'  Yes, you came when I called; you told me, 'Do not fear.'''

(From Lamentations 3, NLT)


(Jesus)  "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." (Luke 22:42, ESV)

"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." 
(Matthew 6:10, ESV)

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'  When he had said this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46, NIV)

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"Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.  

Behold, all they who are enraged and inflamed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; they who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.  You shall seek those who contend with you but shall not find them; they who war against you shall be as nothing, as nothing at all.  

For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!"

(Isaiah 41:10-13, AMP)


My Grace Provider, even though I admit I'd rather You just take away this pain in my life, I hear You whisper to me that the grace You will provide for me to endure and emerge from this hurt will be all that I need.

I believe.

--Nancy Guthrie, "The One Year Book of HOPE"



How do you react when God seems far away?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYS, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, TELL HIS STORY, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SO MUCH AT HOME, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, WOMEN WITH INTENTION WEDNESDAYS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYS, BELOVED BREWS, EVERYDAY JESUS, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, SHINE, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, A GROUP LOOK, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND BREW, SATURDAY SOIREE, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE, 



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

I'M WEARING DOWN

OK, so…

Do you think that I'm talking about being worn out, run down, overly tired?

Well, if you are – GOTCHA!

I'm talking about something else entirely, but you're gonna have to keep reading to find out what!  (I know, kinda unfair – but I love a captive audience…)


Winter has hit our mountains!

Cold, cold temperatures.

How cold?  Well, think about daytime highs around 30.  Now, before my Midwest or Eastern visitors scoff at these balmy temperatures (you Polar Vortex survivors, you) – you gotta remember something.  I am a Southern California girl who's lived here all of her life – and I've lived rather close to the beach.

So, I am used to wearing shorts and flip-flops during the winter on occasion.  I am used to high 80's, low 90's heat-waves in January.  I have been known to go to the beach and get a sunburn before March.  A winter coat for me might be a sweater.

From my perspective, mountain California is COLD!

And therefore arises a problem.

How to keep warm?

A challenge indeed.

Propane is very expensive – and it's the only way that forced heating works up here.  Gone are the days of relatively inexpensive natural gas heating.  (I actually miss my old Gas Company bill…).  And so, "The Hub" and I have tried to find the most cost-effective ways to keep warm.

We're getting better at it.  It's our third winter up here, after all.

Last year, we heard horror stories about propane bills that cost more than a small mortgage (hyperbole…).  So, we didn't want to use our central heating too much.

We tried a space heater one month.  Big mistake.  As in HUGE big mistake. As in, $$$ mistake!

Yes, we keep a fire going all day.  But that can add to another bill – the electric bill.  Why?  Because we have this firebox thing – it's not really a fireplace.  Let me explain.  Our firebox has glass doors on it.  So, we put the logs into the firebox, light the logs, and then close the doors.

After awhile, when the temperature rises to a certain degree of heat, an automatic fan goes on which then blows out the heated air through a decorative brass grate.  Nice, but the fan always remains on (using up electricity).

Oh sure, we tried leaving the doors open.  But, for some reason, a firebox doesn't quite work like a fireplace.  Can you say – smoke inhalation?  I knew you could.  So, the doors must remain shut.

Sure, we might replace it someday with a good old-fashioned rock fireplace.  Sometime when we have a few spare thousand dollars lying around.  Maybe after we pay the electric bill – or have the propane tank filled up.

Therefore, in an effort to maintain warmth, and while also trying to be frugal, we have come up with other solutions.

Last winter, we bought an electric blanket, just to take the chill off the sheets before bedtime.

And, we curl up in blankets, and bundle up in warm clothing.

Like my down jacket.

Now do you get it??  I'm wearing "down" – HA!  (Punsters join in with a united groan…)

Yup, wearing my down jacket inside the house might sound foolish to you guys.  But I kinda like it.  Especially on those days when I'm just reading or writing.

Like now.


So, what's my spiritual lesson in this?

Well, first of all, that it's cold outside!

This tired old broken world can be pretty stark sometimes.  Unfriendly, hostile, daunting.  The natural elements themselves can be hard to manage. But sometimes the coldness of people is even worse.

And you know that empty, lonely, hopeless place that our hearts can go to.

We can find ourselves freezing in the separation from that warm fuzzy feeling that we all long for.

Many people turn to many things to fill that cold hole – other people, other pleasures, other places – and sometimes those choices can be very expensive to the soul.

God doesn't want us turning to anything else besides Himself.

But God does understand how we feel.

After all, He made us in His image – and His image is all about connection, intimacy, love.

And, I'm thinking that He's actually given us a pretty good *down jacket* in the form of the Holy Spirit.

The actual Presence of Himself wrapping His arms around us, warming us with His comfort, enveloping us in His peace.


Baby, it might be cold outside – but I am not.

I'm wearing *down*…

…and looking UP!

Button up your overcoat
When the wind is free,
Take good care of yourself
You belong to
Me.

- GOD -

"You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter." (Psalm 74:17, ESV)

"God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend.  For to the snow he says, 'Fall on the earth,' likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour...From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds.  By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast....stop and consider the wondrous works of God...God is clothed with awesome majesty.  The Almighty...he is great in power..." (Job 37:5-6, 9-10, 14, 22, 23, ESV)

"See!  The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.  Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come..." (Song of Solomon 2:11-12, NIV)

"Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew.  Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants."(Deuteronomy 32:2, NLT)

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.  For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace...'" (Isaiah 55:8-12, ESV)

"Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters." (Proverbs 25:13, ESV)



What keeps your faith *warm* in the cold and wintry seasons of life?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, UNITE, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, TELL HIS STORY, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SO MUCH AT HOME, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYS, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, SHINE, BELOVED BREWS, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, A GROUP LOOK, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND BREW, GIVE ME GRACE, SUNDAY STILLNESS



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"