JUST STOP IT!

I have an alter ego.

Her name is Negative Nora.

Actually, I have two alter egos.  Nora has a twin called Nervous Nellie.  She can be quite annoying, but today we're talking about Nora.

Sometimes she takes up residence inside of me.

And sometimes I don't even know it until "The Hub" says, in the kindest way, "You know, I just can't listen any more right now.  I'm worn out."

It's true.

Negative thinking is burdensome...to the thinker and the listener.

I have to admit, sometimes when I feel compelled to air out my feelings, to share my heart, Nora has a tendency to take over the conversation.

And she has a bad habit of reciting a litany of negative things.

You know, stuff like this:

"It's a beautiful day, but I have a terrible headache."

"This is a pretty dress, but it'll probably make me look fat."

"Thanks for doing the laundry, honey, but you hung up my shirts backwards."

(Yes, I have said that to my husband.  My southpaw, left-handed husband.)


I think you get the gist of how Nora thinks.

She sometimes says good stuff, but always adds that negative spin at the end.  Yup, Nora's thoughts always have a *but* attached to them...


So, I was talking about this with a dear friend the other day (you know who you are out there!!), and we tried to figure out two things – 

1) How have we fallen into this pattern of thinking and speaking?
2) How do we get out of it?

One thing we agreed on was the idea that the whole attitude of joy has to be intentional.  

Some people are just happy-go-lucky by nature.  Not me.  I tend to be a grumpy-go-gloomy, glass-half-empty (there's a glass??) kind of girl.  So, joy is not something that bubbles up inside of me because of my innate sunny temperament.

And, we also agreed that gratitude has a lot to do with joy.

If Nora and Nellie, negativity and nervousness, are twins – then their counterparts have to be Joy and Gratitude.

I'm a bit dismayed that I'm going to have to work on being joy-full.  It seems counterintuitive, in a way – to work at something positive.  But, when Nora lives inside of you, sometimes it does require intentional work to silence her.

I know this is true because often when I've been told to "count my blessings," my first reaction is to grumble, "I don't want to count my blessings.  I want to be in a bad mood."

Oooo, Nora is a stubborn girl.


My friend and I also talked about what we think might be causing this current negative slant on life.  We thought of several commonalities in our lives.  Middle-age angst, family situations, stressful upheavals, aging parents, health challenges, etc – you know, the general *stuff* of life that plagues us all in one way or the other.

But we also acknowledged that negativity can become a habit, a comfortable way of thinking and speaking that can insidiously become 
second-nature if we're not careful.  

Like I said, Nora can become a very comfortable companion, very quickly.  


So, in an effort to try to change our way of thinking and speaking, we came up with four tangible things to ponder and work on:


1) Say Scripture out loud

My Bible Study group is currently doing Beth Moore's study, "Breaking Free." Every couple of weeks, we listen to a video of Beth's teaching.  Last week she said several things that really spoke to me.  But one that stood out was the fact that the enemy of our souls cannot read minds.

Therefore, it is crucial to say things out loud.

And, there is nothing more powerful to say than the words of God Himself.

Jesus used Scripture to fight the devil in the wilderness.  And if you notice, they had an out-loud conversation.

Jesus quoted Scripture with His voice.

There is something powerful that happens when the Word of God is spoken.

So, my friend and I agreed to start our days by saying something from the Bible – OUT LOUD – thereby letting the enemy know exactly where our focus is first thing in the morning – and also confirming that focus in our own hearts.

Try it, it's quite effective!

(Bonus: Nora doesn't like this.  It tends to keep her quiet…)


2) Make a take-along compilation of Bible verses

You could use post-it notes, or attach verses to a key ring, or get one of those little boxes that has pre-printed Bible verses on little cards.  I'm going to use one of those spiral-bound notebooks of index cards, and write a verse on each card.

I'm going to concentrate on verses that speak about fear.  

Because in my life, Nora and Nellie are constantly talking to each other.  And when I'm afraid, I'm more negative – and when I'm negative, I'm more afraid.

Then, I'm going to take that little notebook with me wherever I go.  It's going to be my not-so-concealed weapon as I battle the forces that strive to make me negatively ungrateful and fearfully un-joy-full.


3) Change the order of your sentences

I confess, this is not an original thought.

My dear blogging friend came up with this idea, and it's an amazingly effective tool.  (I couldn't remember her specific post, but here's her blog link).

This helpful hint encourages one to reverse the order of negative or fearful sentences.

Here's a couple of examples:

I know the Lord is with me, but what if that horrible thing happens?

New version:  That horrible thing could happen, but I know the Lord is with me.

It's a beautiful day, but I have a terrible headache.

New version:  I have a terrible headache, but it's a beautiful day.

I trust the Lord, but I'm so very scared.

New version:  I'm so very scared, but I trust the Lord.


There's a few reasons that I love this practice:

First, it acknowledges the negative thought – denial doesn't help when dealing with negative feelings.

However, it doesn't give the negative thought precedence – the positive thought takes center stage.

And finally, it subtly tweaks our thinking.  It steals the negative *but* and puts a positive spin on the ensuing *but* statement.


Old math: Positive thought – negative *but* = Negative outlook
New math: Negative thought + positive *but* = Optimistic outlook


Thoughts lead to feelings, and feelings lead to behavior.

But there are several psychological theories that posit that the opposite can also be true – that by teaching one to change their behavior, they can then influence their thoughts and feelings.

My paraphrase: "Fake it 'til you make it."

For instance, research performed over the past few decades suggests there could actually be a benefit to producing a fake smile.  According to many experts, smiling may not only be an outward manifestation of a happy feeling. It may actually be able to cause a happy feeling.

Try this sentence-tweaking with some of your negative thoughts and statements.  

See if it makes a difference…and plaster on a fake smile, too!

You just might find yourself feeling more joyful.


4) Stop at the comma

OK, so, sometimes it's really hard to stop a negative thought or feeling.  I totally get that.

But, we can stop short of expressing it.

You see, Nora loves inserting her negative *but* after the comma.

Example: It's a beautiful day, BUT…


Honestly, isn't it time to shut Nora up?

It's probably going to take some time and practice and discipline to change my negative approach to life, but in the meantime, I don't have to "share the wealth" of my negative thinking with everyone I know and love.

For instance, it would probably be just fine to stop that comment to "The Hub" at, "Thanks for doing the laundry, honey."

Ahem.

It's been years since I saw the movie, "The Lion King."  But I remember one scene when Rafiki, the wisest mandrill I've ever known, is leading Simba through the jungle.  At one point, he turns quickly to Simba and says,
"Stop!  Shhh…"

Growing up, my sons used to tease me in the middle of me ranting, or regaling them with my worries, or offering unwanted meddling, by looking at me and quoting Rafiki.

Honestly, isn't it time that I do the same to myself?

Isn't it time that I stop at the comma and make it a period instead?!

"Stop!  Shhh…"


I have a feeling that this *stop-the-negativity-and-refocus-on-joy* process is going to take some time.

I'm fighting my temperament, I'm battling my sinful nature and the enemy who loves to inflame it, and habits are hard to break.

Not to mention the fact that Negative Nora is a chatty sort of girl.

But, I want to change.

And perhaps that is the beginning of all good things…

 The cares of my heart
are many,
but
your consolations
cheer my soul.

(From Psalm 94:19)

Synonyms for *intentional*: deliberate, voluntary, willful, designed, done on purpose, intended, meant, planned, purposed, willing


"Stay alert!  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9, NLT)

"'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10, NIV)

"For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man.  The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood].  Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying...every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, AMP)

"Let his faithful people rejoice...and sing for joy on their beds.  May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands..."
(Psalm 149:5-6, NIV)

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the...soul...and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

"...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father..." (Ephesians 5:18-20, NASB)

"We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed...we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.  For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-17, AMP) 

(Notice the *new math* – with the positive *but* statements!!) 

"Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ?  Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...[No]...in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]." (Romans 8:35-37, AMP)

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." 

(Philippians 4:8, NLT)

"Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I say it again – rejoice!" 

(Philippians 4:4, NLT)

Has Negative Nora moved into your neighborhood?

Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, ENCOURAGE ME MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, STILL SATURDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WATERPROOF???

Pitter-patter.

That's how it began.

With the innocent, quiet sound of tiny raindrops gently tapping at our tent.

Until…

Let me tell you the story.


Last week, desperately needing some time away, "The Hub" and I decided to spend five days and nights camping in Joshua Tree National Park.

Might I just say that our version of camping involves an air mattress, sleeping bags, and a tent.

Yes, I'm rather proud of myself, proud of the fact that at 61 years of age, I'm still willing (and able) to *rough it.*  I think that deserves a round of applause…

(Go ahead.  I'll wait…)

On Monday and Tuesday, we decided to go exploring.

There are some interesting places to see.  

Joshua Tree was an area where quite a bit of mining took place in the late 1800's, early 1900's.  One day we trekked to a site where two wooden structures are still standing, and mining equipment lays abandoned.

We hiked. 

Uphill.

A very steep hill.

The next day we ventured forth to explore the ruins of an old ranch site, a stamp mill for processing ore, and a dam built to harness rainwater.  (The water level was waaaay down – the drought continues in our water-starved state).

We hiked.

Through a desert.

A very hot desert.

Yes, both days the temperatures soared into the 90's.

As I trudged along – soaked in sweat, tired, thirsty, hungry, achy, and a bit dizzy – I pondered the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.  How vulnerable He must have been when Satan appeared to Him.

Forty days.

Let me tell you, after two days I was done.

But that is a post for perhaps another day.

Today I'm talking about water.


OK, so Wednesday we decided to just hang out at our campsite.  I did word puzzles and read a great mystery book.  "The Hub" read books about Joshua Tree, and cut up firewood.

That night, after some restful hours around the campfire, we retired to our tent to sleep the night away.

Uh, yeah.

That didn't quite happen.

Sometime in the middle of the night, I awoke.  And somehow in that twilight state of *not-quite-asleep-but-not-quite-awake,* I became aware of a tapping noise.  As I gradually reentered consciousness, I realized what I was hearing.

Rain.

I woke up "The Hub" so he could help me close all the vents in the tent.

While we were doing that, we kept seeing flashes of light and hearing distant rumbling.  Being the adventuresome twosome that we are, we decided to go outside.

Boy oh boy!  Am I glad we did!

We stood under the protection of the popup tent that we use for shade…(and in this case, rain!).  And for over an hour, "The Hub" and I watched the most spectacular thunder and lightning storm we have ever seen!

Giant forked lightning flashed every 4-5 seconds, all around us, lighting up the surrounding landscape like a strobe light, and lingering in our vision like rays from the sun.  This was followed by booming thunder, mostly far away, but some so close that the loud crack made me jump.

Fortunately, I am not afraid of thunderstorms.

I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my mother told me as a young child that it just meant that God was rearranging His furniture, and testing to make sure His lights worked!

What a display!

It was awesome, in every sense of that word – astonishing, beautiful, breathtaking, impressive, magnificent, stunning, wondrous.

You know, lately I've been pining (whining?) over the fact that I can't see God – not in real, actual, physical ways.

This night, I think He appeared in all His power, glory, and majesty – and said out loud to me:

HERE. I. AM.

Yup, it was really something to behold.


Around 3:30 AM, we decided to go back to bed.

And that's when the *fun* began.

Once we were all settled again (or so we thought), a strange thing happened.

Drip.  Drip.  Drip.

"The Hub" asked me, "Did you feel something?"

"No," I replied.

But then I did.

And, upon turning on the lantern, we discovered the problem.

Our "waterproof" tent was not…

You see, many tents come with a rainfly – (In basic terms, a fly is a tent without walls, and generally used for keeping out moisture – such as condensation or rain – while people rest or sleep).  

Our tent did not come with a rainfly because it was advertised to be waterproof.

Right.

Like lo-fat ice cream is advertised to be diet-conscious.

Fortunately, "The Hub" is always prepared!  

And this trip he had thoughtfully brought a (truly) waterproof tarp that he quickly jury-rigged over our sieve-tent abode.

Problem solved.

It took me a long time to fall back to sleep.  And as I lay there, I got to thinking about the whole idea of being waterproof.

And that made me think about Noah.


God instructed Noah to build an ark.  

And contrary to popular opinion, he did just that.  

In fact, Noah did everything that the Lord commanded him to do.  And yet, there was one thing that God did not ask Noah to do.

He didn't ask him to close the door of the ark.

Have you ever noticed that one small, but oh-so-crucial detail in the story of the flood?

God had led Noah step-by-step in all his preparations.  And now, just before the tempest began, He didn't finish by saying, "OK, Noah, now it's time to lock the door."

No, this task He reserved for Himself:

"And the LORD shut him in."  (Genesis 7:16, ESV)


Obviously, God had Noah and his family firmly in His grasp.  

And it was He, the great I AM, who was going to ensure their security.

Their safety in the flood was not going to depend on themselves.  

Rather, their protection was going to be dependent upon The One of whom it is said, "…and what he shuts no one can open."  (Revelation 3:7, NIV)

Noah and his family, and all that God had deemed to enter the ark, could rest in peace.  Through the long days and weeks and months of waiting, they were all perfectly safe – right in the center of God's will and provident protection.

God completed Noah's work by hemming him in, covering him round about with divine guardianship.

Is that not a sweet image?!

Now yes, God protected Noah from the rage of wicked men.  But He also preserved him from the violence of the mighty floodwaters.

God indeed made Noah waterproof.


Can we not apply this familiar story to our own lives?

Can we not find comfort in the sure knowledge that we are also hemmed in by a loving and protective God?

YES!

Divine defense.

I all too often lose sight of that concept.


Last week I talked about the incident when Moses and the Israelites found themselves trapped between the onrushing armies of Pharaoh and the impassable waters of the Red Sea.

And while I was reading that familiar story, I noticed something I hadn't really thought about before – these words (which I've underlined in context):

"Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp.  The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.  The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps." (Exodus 14:19-20, NLT)


When danger was present, what did God do?

HE. MOVED.

He moved between the people He loved and the forces of danger.

He stood behind them, and watched the enemy camp Himself, keeping it at bay –

".…the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night." (vs. 20)


Do you see what God did here?

He did just exactly what He did for Noah!

He stood between His beloved children and the onrushing rage of enemies – (wicked people, wicked forces in the unseen world).

And, He also protected His people from raging waters.

(Notice that God made Moses and His people *waterproof* as they walked through the Red Sea!)


Dear friends, this is also what God does for us!

He literally *has our backs* when it comes to everything that menaces us.

He stands against the forces that threaten to overpower us.  He stands against persecution and the enemy attacks that threaten to overtake us.  He stands against the raging waters of life that threaten to overwhelm us.  

He hems us in with His loving Presence, guarding us against all that would come up against us.

He protects us.

We are not asked to rely on ourselves – we do not need to "shut the door" – for we are held by the only One on whom we can truly depend, the only unfailing and unchanging Person we know – God Himself.

HE shuts us in.

HE stands behind and between.

HE makes us *waterproof* against the floods of life, in whatever form they come.


"And the LORD shut him in."

Yes, it is He, the great I AM, who ensures our safety and security.

He has provided the door for us to enter into His salvation, and He has closed it firmly behind us.

"'I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved…'" 
(John 10:9, NKJV)

(Matthew Henry's commentary: "…and so when he brings a soul to Christ, the salvation is sure: it is not in our own keeping, but in the Mediator's hand.")


You know, that night in the tent I learned a lot.

And I was once again reassured that even in the midst of intense and furious and violent storms, that no matter how strongly they assail me, I am safe and secure in the everlasting arms of the Lord.

The One who shuts me in forever.

The One who makes me *Living Water-proof.*

God made the earth
by His power.
He founded the world
by His wisdom,
and stretched out the heavens
by His understanding.
When He thunders,
the waters in the heavens roar.
He makes clouds rise
from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning
with the rain
and brings out the wind
from His storehouses.

The LORD on high
is mighty.

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

From the hymn, "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms," (Showalter and Hoffman, 1887)



"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock." (Matthew 7:25, NASB)

"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." (Proverbs 10:25, NIV)

"…blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit." 
(Jeremiah 17:7-8, NLT)

"The eternal God is your shelter, and his everlasting arms support you.  He will force your enemies out of your way…" (Deuternomy 33:27, GOD'S WORD)


"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].

I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!'

For He will save you…

He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions,
And under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.

You will not be afraid of the terror of night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But danger will not come near you.

Because you have made the Lord, [who is your] refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

No evil will befall you…

For He will command His angels in regard to you,
To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

They will lift you up in their hands,
So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone.

[The LORD says]:

'Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him;
I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never].

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him…

And I will let him see My salvation.'"

(From Psalm 91, AMP)



Had any *floods* lately?  How does God make you *waterproof*?!



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, LOOKING UP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

AT THE RED SEA - A POEM

Ever feel like you're stuck?

Like you're in a season of life when nothing makes sense?

When hardships and struggles and fears threaten to overwhelm you?

And you just don't know what to do?

Yeah, me too.

Lately I've felt like I'm in a sort of *holding pattern* – trapped in an anxious and edgy state of mind, feeling all sorts of turbulent emotions, and seeing nowhere to turn and no way to escape.

So, as I was contemplating what to write about this week, I remembered a poem that I had written several years ago.

Ah, the search began.

I ventured down into the pile of unpacked boxes, cache of pack-rat treasures, storage room to look for my notebook full of poetry.

I'm happy to say that I located it right away – (you see, there is a method in my madness!)

I reread the poem, and realized that God once again used the words to speak to my heart, right now, right where I am.


You see, when I wrote the poem I was contemplating a decision.

And I just didn't know which way to turn – what to do, where to go – and I couldn't figure out when and how to do it, if I was even supposed to do it in the first place.

I thought of Moses and the Israelites, standing at the Red Sea.

Looking behind, all they could see was the quickly-approaching armies of Pharaoh.

Scary.

Looking ahead, all they could see was the impassable waters of the Red Sea.

Daunting.


Here's the scene in Scripture:

"The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh's army – all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops.  The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore…As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them.  They cried out to the LORD…" 

(From Exodus 14, NLT)


I can relate.

The sense of impending doom, the panic over the surrounding circumstances, the urgent cry to the Lord…

And the anxious waiting for Him to DO. SOMETHING. NOW.

Of course, we know how the story ends.

God did arrive, He did act, and He saved the Israelites – defeating the Egyptian forces in rather stunning fashion.

But there were *those* moments…

Moments on the shore, when doubts crept in and fear threatened to overtake the bravest of hearts.

Nervous moments of waiting.


I'm not facing a decision today, but I am facing life.

And lately, I have to admit, I've felt like Moses and the Israelites.

Trapped between a Pharaoh of fear and the daunting Red Sea of circumstances.

Waiting for God to show up and DO. SOMETHING. NOW.


So, I share this poem today, and hope that it brings encouragement to you.

For, no matter what we face, the Lord is indeed there with us.

Waiting to move…



AT THE RED SEA

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

I know You've led me
through troubles in the past,
But why, oh why
can't those victories last?

So here I am
hoping to rejoice,
For all I want
is to hear Your voice.

Just to know
which way to go,
Just for Your presence
within me to grow.

I want my heart
to follow Your will,
But Lord, I cannot
make myself still.

You know all I want
is just to obey,
To do only and everything
that You say.

So I wait for You
to appear at this sea,
To make Yourself known
to come here and calm me.

Speak to me, Lord
show me the way,
Lead me, guide me
hear me as I pray.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

Wait just a moment
What do I hear?
A rumbling, a tumbling
I feel God coming near.

There's an unmistakable
quaking in my heart,
I think the Red Sea
is about to part!

So I stand on the shore
and wait for dry land,
I wait for the arrival
of God's powerful hand.

I wait and I wait
and I wait some more,
And yet I'm still standing
on this daunting seashore.

Oh Lord, I say
as I fall to my knees,
Why aren't You answering
any of my pleas?

Then, miracle of miracles
my face in the sand,
I finally feel
the stirring of God's hand.

Oh yes, there is something
that God wants to move,
it's my desire to control
that He seeks to reprove.

I am the sea
that He wants to part,
The immovable obstacle
is within my heart.

Oh God, I am yielded
once again to Your will,
For You are the only One
who makes my heart still.

So shake me and shape me
for I want to obey,
And rest in the promise
that You know the way.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Marveling, grateful
that of course You see me!


© Sharon Kirby
March 26, 2010 (revised October, 2015)



Move me, Lord...

When I'm stuck
between a rock and a hard place,
God will lead me.
His rod and His staff
will comfort me.
And I will find my way
home. 

REMEMBER THE STORY AGAIN...


"They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?...'

But Moses told the people, 'Don't be afraid.  Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.  The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.  The LORD himself will fight for you.  Just stay calm.'

Then the LORD said to Moses, '...Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea.  Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.  And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites.  My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.  When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!'

Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp.  The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.  The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night....

Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind.  The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land.  So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

Then the Egyptians – all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers –chased them into the middle of the sea.  But just before dawn the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion.  He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive.  'Let's get out of here – away from these Israelites!' the Egyptians shouted. 'The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!'

When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the LORD said to Moses, 'Raise your hand over the sea again.  Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.'  So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place.  The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers – the entire army of Pharaoh.  Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.

But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides.  That is how the LORD rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day." 

(From Exodus 14, NLT)



"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],
A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,

Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. 

God is in the midst of her...she will not be moved;
God will help her when the morning dawns.

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. 

'Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.'

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]."

(From Psalm 46, AMP)



"'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.'" 
(Isaiah 43:1-3, NLT)

"'Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.'" 
(Isaiah 43:19, KJV)

"'Be strong and courageous...It is the LORD who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.'" (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, ESV)

"'...[For] lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:20, AMP)




If you're between *Pharaoh and the sea,* are you letting God move you?




Linked with:

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE, SHARING HIS BEAUTY

(I'll be linking up with other blog hops next week!)



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

PREP WORK

Medical tests, screenings, and procedures.

Gotta hate 'em…

Gotta…well…gotta hate 'em.

There are times when I feel like my body is a car – a little dinged up, scratched here and there, creaking and squeaking, running on empty, with fading paint and a seriously sagging bumper, and (quite often) in desperate need of some work on the chassis.

Hence, the need for periodic tests, screenings, and procedures.

And some medical stuff requires prep work ahead of time.

Like drinking foul-tasting concoctions that make you glow in the dark, or injecting radioactive stuff, or consuming inordinate amounts of water, or fasting (are you ever hungrier??), or having various body parts poked, prodded, or probed.

And, without a doubt, there will be some form of undressing involved.

Yeah.

OK, so I remember having a CAT scan several years ago, which required drinking some awful stuff that I was told would taste like cranberry juice. (Why do they always say that?  NOTHING you have to drink EVER tastes like anything palatable.  It's like saying they've flavored motor oil with a little bit of vanilla – "It'll taste like an ice cream sundae…")

Then, after placing me in the CAT scan "donut" thing, I had to have an injection of contrast dye.  A very kind nurse hooked me up to an automatic injection system, and warned me that I might feel "a little bit warm" as the dye entered my circulation.

Uh huh.

I felt the warmth fire begin to flood my veins at the same exact time that my stomach completely flipped.

Without warning…well, you know what happened.

My boys love this story.  They still tell the tale of Mom "baptizing" a machine worth several hundred thousand dollars, which was – in their terms – epic.


So, last week I had a fun little romp in Medical Land.

I did not have my best time.

Fortunately, all things turned out well…but it got me thinking.

(After all, what else are you going to do while waiting to be p, p or p??)

Sometimes the prep work is harder than the procedure.  

It takes time, it's tiring, it can make you uncomfortable, sometimes it hurts, and mostly, you just can't wait for it all to be over.

I think it's a lot like life.

We know there's something else coming – an afterlife, an eternal destiny.

And so, in many ways, this life is but a prelude, an intro, a preface.

This life is but prep work for the real thing.

And it can take time, it's tiring, it can make us uncomfortable, sometimes it hurts…and some days, you just can't wait for it all to be over.

But, just exactly what is God trying to accomplish during our journeys through this earthly life?

For if God does not waste anything (He doesn't), and if He has a purpose in everything (He does), then He is definitely up to something.


Here's what I think:


1) He's allowing us to participate in the sufferings of Christ

At first glance, I'm sorta like, that's OK…I'm good.

But I'm convinced that there's a deeper purpose to our suffering, especially when we are persecuted for the Lord's sake.  Therefore, we should count it as a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus.  For in some way that we'll never fully understand now, I believe that this suffering prepares us for future joy, and future glory.

From Charles Ellicott's commentary:

"Such a recognition of the meaning of suffering, such a rejoicing in suffering now, is a sure means to rejoicing in glory also hereafter."

"…be very glad – for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." (1 Peter 4:13, NLT)


2) He's making us look like His Son

Again, don't you sometimes wish God was OK with us *sorta* looking like Jesus?  That *pretty good reflections* were good enough?

Because the alternative is God working on us, reshaping us, pruning off the dead stuff, and polishing the rough edges.

OUCH.

But God, though He does not condemn us for our sin if we believe in His Son, also does not leave us in a state of "good enough."  He desires to continue His work of transformation and renewal, always working toward the perfection of His righteousness in us.

We won't see the completion of His work on this side of heaven, for sin will always tarnish, but the refining process will change us for the better, and better, and finally, for the best.

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)


3) He's providing time for us to reach others

This world has a ticking clock…

And in my opinion, it's rapidly approaching midnight.

We are told in God's Word that the world will end one day.  And though we do not know the exact time, we can recognize the beginnings…

Jesus said: "All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."
(Matthew 24:8, ESV)

I believe that we are seeing the labor pains of the beginning of the end.

And so, time is short, and people are still lost – but God is giving His people time to reach them for His sake.

We have the knowledge of the Truth that will save people – the truth that will help them, in this life and the next.  And it is incumbent that we do our very best, with the Lord's help, to spread His tidings of good news and great joy.

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient…not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." 
(2 Peter 3:9, NASB)


4) He's giving us opportunities to earn rewards

Does it seem counterintuitive to you that we work for rewards?

The Bible is clear that we cannot earn our way to Heaven.  We can never do enough, or be enough, or strive enough, or perform enough to leap across the great divide that sin brings between God and us.

We are admonished against a works-based salvation.

I get that.

But what's so wonderful to me is that God does indeed promise rewards.

And I personally think it's OK to go after them!

This life offers unlimited opportunities to *store up our treasures* in Heaven. There is absolutely nothing wrong in looking forward to receiving the Crown of Life.

And there is something wonder-full in thinking about the reward of our Master saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." 
(Matthew 5:12, KJV)


5) He's weaning us from this temporal life

It's hard to let go of this life.

After all, it's all we've ever known.

I don't know about you, but the enemy really taunts me with the fear of death.

I know where I'm going – but the father of lies is a master at insidiously wiggling anxiety into my thoughts and emotions.

Death – the Big Unknown.

And it is scary – Jesus Himself had quite a battle facing it in His own life. (Remember sweating like drops of blood?)

And yet, God would have us do exactly that – face death.

Face it with confident hope and blessed assurance.  Face it bravely with a conqueror's heart.  Face it with hallowed anticipation.  Face it with the One who died to save us, and rose again to purchase the guarantee that we will never truly die.

Weaning us from this life requires surrender.  It requires a relinquishment of our need to control.  It requires that we let go.  For if we cling to this life, we will lose it.

But if we give it up, for the sake of the One who sacrificed everything for us, we'll find it…

…and keep it forever.

"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…" 
(Philippians 1:23, NIV)


6) He's placing a yearning and longing in our hearts

I think C. S. Lewis said it perfectly:

"If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world." (Mere Christianity)

This life is full of hardship.

This life is not for sissies.

And those of us who know there is something better on the other side, will often find ourselves longing for release.

Haven't you all had those moments when it seemed like life stood still?  When it seemed that every perfect emotion was captured?  When you found yourself captivated by a sense of timeless purity?  Moments when peace was tangible, and you felt transcendent?

Haven't you found those moments to be excruciatingly fleeting?

And haven't you wished that you could hold on to them forever?

We can't – not yet – and that is why we yearn.

In his book, The Journey of Desire, John Eldredge sums it up this way:

"Should the king in exile pretend he is happy there?

Should he not seek his own country?

His miseries are his ally; they urge him on.  Let them grow, if need be.  But do not forsake the secret of life; do not despise those kingly desires."

God created us with a deep longing for Himself.

He has given us a restless state of heart that can never be completely satisfied with earthly things or people.

And we spend our earthly journeys living in the exquisite tension of *in-between.*

That's OK.

We're supposed to feel that way…for we are but pilgrims, on our way home.

"…He has planted eternity in the human heart…" (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NLT)


7) He's preparing us for eternal service

The Bible isn't clear on the details of what we'll be doing in eternity.

I used to worry that I'd be bored.

I mean, really, how much harp-playing is enough?!

But, how silly to think this way.

God is so creative, so multi-faceted, so omniscient, so wise, so unfathomable – how could we possibly think that He could ever be boring??

And why would He ever subject us to infinite boredom?

I believe that we will worship Him in every way possible – unhindered, finally, by the shackles of sin.

Might He also have work for us to do?

Fulfilling, joyful, easy, productive, satisfying, worship-full work?

I wonder sometimes…

Will He continue our spiritual gifts from this life?

Will the singers sing, and the musicians play, and the writers write, and the painters paint, and the teachers teach…and on and on and on?!

Whatever He's got up His sleeve, we can count on one thing – it'll be even better than what we can think or imagine.

And it will all be for and to the glory of God!!

"…and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion]…" (Revelation 22:3, AMP)


So yeah, this life is prep work.

It takes time, it's tiring, it can make us uncomfortable, sometimes it hurts, and mostly, we just can't wait for it all to be over.

But, though it's not always pleasant, this earthly *prep work* is accomplishing good things, better things, best things – forever things.


And so, we'll persevere…

All their life in this world
and all their adventures
had only been the cover and the title page...
Now at last they were beginning
Chapter One
of the Great Story
which no one on earth has read,
which goes on forever,
in which every chapter
is better than the one before.

C. S. Lewis
"The Last Battle"

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." 
(Psalm 90:12, NIV)

"'If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.'" (Matthew 10:39, NLT)

"So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.  For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."  (2 Corinthians 4:18, NLT)

"For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]." (Philippians 1:20, AMP)

"So we do not lose heart.  Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, ESV)

"If a man dies, will he live again?  All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come." (Job 14:14, NIV)

"I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13, NLT)

"'Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.'" 
(John 6:47, ESV)

"…Christ has been raised from the dead.  He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died." (1 Corinthians 15:20, NLT)

"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.  Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another.            

My heart faints within me!" (Job 19:25-27, NASB)



How's your *prep work* going?!



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY,  UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, FINDING STABILITY, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, LIVING PROVERBS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"