Archive for Hope
Faith in trials
I love when a book is so good that long after finishing it, quotes from it actually stay with me and come to mind at just the right time. I’m pretty sure the contentment book (as I like to call it) is one of those books. Jeremiah Burroughs had an amazing way of writing with word pictures that bring understanding and help with remembrance. One such quote/word picture that frequently comes to mind when I’m walking through a trial and things around me don’t seem to make sense is:
“Therefore, when reason can go no higher, let faith get on the shoulders of reason and say, ‘I see land though reason cannot see it, I see good that will come out of all this evil.’”
I frequently envision faith jumping on the “shoulders of reason” and pointing the way to the goodness in sight. If you’re going through a trial that you can’t seem to reason through have faith that “good will come out of all this evil,” that the Lord will use it to bring Himself glory and to encourage and sanctify you and those around you.
Romans 8: 26-28 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Clinging to the Unchangeable One
I was recently reminded while reading “Morning Thoughts” by Octavius Winslow of the immutability of God’s promises. As my due date approaches and with it numerous changes, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and fearful of what the future holds. What consolation I find in my heavenly Father who isn’t subject to change. It’s so comforting to cling to the one who’s love and faithfulness go on no matter what. Here’s how Octavius puts it:
“Mutability marks everything outside of God. Look into the church, into the world, into our families, into ourselves; what innumerable changes do we see on every hand! A week, one short day, what alterations does it produce! Yet, in the midst of it all, how good it is to repose calmly on the unchangeableness, the faithfulness of God; to know that no alterations of time, no earthly changes, affect His faithfulness to His people; and more than this: no changes in them, no unfaithfulness of theirs, causes the slightest change in God.”
James 1:16-18 “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”
One Year Closer to Your Eternal Destiny
I have been reflecting on two things lately.
1. There are times in life when our emotions don’t follow our hearts. Although my heart is at peace in the Gospel I’ve been tossed and turned quite a bit recently by changing emotions and feelings. I think for me right now these are caused by pregnancy but I’m sure I’ll experience many different seasons throughout my life when my feelings confuse me. This has made me long even more for my eternal home where my emotions will be all joy and love for my Heavenly Father and those around me – no matter what the day or hour.
2. At the close of 2008 I am overjoyed to be 1 year closer to my eternal home. I’ve been reading more sermons by Jonathan Edwards that have served as reminders that my present home, earth, is a transient place. Every one of us is bound for an eternal home – eternal destruction apart from Christ or eternal life available in Christ.
“The home to which we aspire and for which we pant is not only a promised, it is also a perfect and permanent home. The mixed character of those seasons we now call repose, and the shifting places and changing dwellings we call home, should perpetually remind us that we are not, as yet, come to the perfect rest and the permanent home of heaven. God is the believer’s present home and Jesus his present rest. Beneath the shadow of the cross, by the side of the mercy seat, within the pavilion of a Father’s love, there is true mental repose, real heart’s ease, and a peace that passeth all understanding, to be found even here where all things else are fleeting as a cloud and unsubstantial as a dream…It is enough that I am journeying toward the heaven that is my rest, and that I am one year nearer its blessed and endless enjoyment.” Octavious Winslow (1808 – 1878)
I praise you Father for your grace and mercy that allows sinners like me to find security in your love and eternal plan!!
Pointing Myself To Christ
Recently the burdens I’ve been called to bare have felt extremely heavy. At times I am tempted to doubt God’s promises and wonder if they are too heavy for me. Because of the Lord’s grace and promises I know they are not. I do not write this blog because I’ve somehow figured out how to persevere under trial. I write this blog to remind myself (and hopefully others) of the strength and assurance everyone is offered through Jesus Christ.
In the darkest parts of this valley I often find myself re-reading past posts and it soothes my soul as I remember how the Lord has carried me. I do pray that somehow the Lord will use my journey to point others to Himself but also know that if I’m the only reader it’s helping me to press on.
Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
“Consider him who endured…so that you will not grow weary”
In the midst of a difficult trial I often find that I tend to focus on myself, analyzing the situation thoroughly and repeatedly going over the events in my mind. I have found myself doing this recently as my younger brother Andrew and his wife Laura (and consequently my family) are walking through a dark valley of confusion and hardship. Of course as his sister this trial has caused me much heart ache and it’s been hard to focus on anything else but the pain. Although focusing on these things is ok, I was reminded today through God’s word that if I am to persevere and keep going I must lift my eyes and fix them on something else, Jesus.
2 passages of Scripture helped readjust my focus today. The first, James 1:12, says “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” In my grief I find that shifting my primary focus to the promises the Lord has for me leads my soul to much needed rest and peace.
The 2nd passage motivated me by reminding me that Christ is the ultimate example of perseverance – what better person to focus on? Christ saw doing His father’s will (bringing hope to a hopeless world by dying on a cross) as “the joy set before him” and persevered to the end – despite his torturous circumstances.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
Although these verses don’t take away the pain and the tears completely, they give my heart peace, hope and assurance that there is an end to suffering and that the Lord endured much more than myself in order to ensure this promised end!
Suffering and Death: A Gateway To Unending Joy!
A couple of months ago I finished the book “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn. If you haven’t read this treasure I would definitely recommend it. There are some repetitive parts but overall it has blessed my soul and changed my life on this earth forever. Here’s a quote from the book that, even when you are surrounded on all sides by suffering/death and there’s no end in sight, any Christian can cling to and remember this is only a gateway.
“Anticipating Heaven doesn’t eliminate pain, but it lessens it and puts it in perspective. Meditating on Heaven is a great pain reliever. It reminds us that suffering and death are temporary conditions. Our existence will not end in suffering and death–they are but a gateway to our eternal life of unending joy. The biblical doctrine of Heaven is about the future, but it has tremendous benefits here and now. If we grasp it, it will shift our center of gravity and radically change our perspective on life.” Randy Alcorn
Pregnancy and My Savior
I recently found out that I’m pregnant! Keith and I are rejoicing in this miracle and gift from the Lord. Although we are full of excitement I’ve definitely felt like it’s often been squelched as I’ve battled numerous migraines, intense nausea and even more fatigue than normal.
Yesterday, once again, I experienced the overwhelming sufficiency of God’s word to meet all of my needs. I have been reading through the Gospel of John and in the passage I read yesterday Jesus was addressing His disciples concerning His upcoming crucifixion and future return.
““I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:20-22)
Not only was this a much needed reminder that the extra symptoms I’m experiencing are temporary and that they will be overshadowed by the joy we will experience when our little one arrives, but that my joy will be made complete when my Savoir Jesus returns to take me to heaven.
Whatever you are battling with, remember – this is temporary. Now is your time of grief but if you are a follower of Jesus Christ He is coming again to save you and no one will be able to take away your joy!
Chronic Fatigue + Desire For Organization = Sanctification
I have a burning desire to be organized. Unfortunately my body doesn’t cooperate and I do well to accomplish the basics (laundry, cooking dinner and maybe a clean bathroom every few weeks). Lately I’ve let this frustration take hold of me all too often. I sinfully allow my desire for order in my home to become an idol and find myself anxiety ridden and frustrated even though I don’t have the energy to accomplish more than I’m doing. Lord, help me to be controlled by your desires and not my own and to find contentment in you.
Today I am taking comfort in the words of this hymn by Frances Havergal – thank you Lord for your perfect peace!
Like a River Glorious
“Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace, over all victorious in its bright increase: perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day, perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Hidden in the hollow of his blessed hand, never foe can follow, never traitor stand; not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love; we may trust him fully all for us to do; they who trust him wholly find him wholly true.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, finding as he promised, perfect peace and rest.”
The Beauty of Complete Fulfillment
This quote by Mark Buchanon makes my heart happy! Oh to know the feeling of complete rest and the satisfaction of my soul! Come Lord Jesus, Come quickly!
“Why won’t we be bored in heaven? Because it’s the one place where both impulses–to go beyond, to go home–are perfectly joined and totally satisfied. It’s the one place where we’re constantly discovering–where everything is always fresh and the possessing of a thing is as good as the pursuing of it–and yet where we are fully at home–where everything is as it ought to be and where we find, undiminished, that mysterious something we never found down here….And this lifelong melancholy that hangs on us, this wishing we were someone else somewhere else, vanishes too. Our craving to go beyond is always and fully realized. Our yearning for home is once and for all fulfilled. The Ahh! of deep satisfaction and the aha! of delighted surprise meet, and they kiss.”
Heavens’ Slums?
Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada
Could Lake Louise be considered Heaven’s Slums? Obviously I don’t believe that heaven will have slums but recently I’ve been contemplating the beauty and majesty we will experience in heaven. The more I read about heaven, the more I realize that this world’s beauty won’t even come close to it’s majesty. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been is Alberta, Canada. I’m overwhelmed that the Canadian Rockies are only a “taste” of what’s to come.
Revelation 21:18-23 “The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass. I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”
Humbled In The Chaos
The Lord opened up a wonderful ministry opportunity for Keith and I that involved traveling to FL for a month this summer. Afterwards we visited our families in SC, NC and VA and hosted some friends from out of town shortly after our return. This week we were forced to stay at friends’ houses until our air conditioner could be replaced (it died last weekend). All this to say things have been chaotic and we are craving “normalcy.”
While feeling discouraged/weary this week I was reminded/challenged by 3 things:
1. My home is in heaven. I am WAY too comfortable here on this earth and shouldn’t depend on physical earthly comforts to revive my soul. Only Christ alone can be my foundation and can satisfy a weary soul. No matter what my circumstances bring my soul can be at rest.
2. If I were to heed the advise of Edward’s (see previous post) I would’ve realized earlier that this trial is an opportunity to enrich my soul. I almost “let slip” this season of enrichment.
3. Although I don’t deserve anything, the Lord has blessed me abundantly. I have a place to lay my head while on this earth – unlike Jesus Christ who deserved one but did not (Luke 9:58).
Lord, please help me to use every moment to enrich my soul and to lean on you completely for peace and rest!
Free Song Download – “I have a shelter”
I was recently given a CD called “Come Weary Saints” by Sovereign Grace that has become my latest favorite. It’s full of songs full of encouragement and truth for anyone – especially those in the midst of trials. For more information and a free song download click here.
“For the former things have passed away”
In this world I often feel as if my fight against sin is unending and I feel weary from the battle. In these moments the phrase “for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:5) serves as a reminder to my soul that the end is in sight. Soon we will know what it means to be holy and no longer fight. I wonder what this peace will feel like? Can you imagine how much more energy we will have to glorify the Lord as opposed to being bogged down by this burdensome weight? Come quickly Lord Jesus that we may bask in your Holiness – that which we don’t deserve but which you offer to those who love you!
Revelation 21:1-5 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Not a grain more
The words of Charles Spurgeon reminded me today of the glorious promise that, as 1 Corinthians says, the Lord will never grant us more than we can handle.
“Your trials are assigned by divine wisdom and love. He who weighs the mountains in the scales (Is. 40:12) measures your troubles, and you will not have a grain more than His infinite wisdom determines…Everything that you suffer is the appointment of wisdom, ruled by love.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Overflowing with Hope?
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Are you joyful, peaceful and full of hope? If not, Pray.
As long as we are on this earth and battle against our sinful nature we will have times when we don’t feel full of joy, peace and hope. Although as followers of Christ the object of our hope, Jesus, stands unchanging, our fickle feelings can change in an instant.
I was reminded after meditating on this verse of the importance to pray for joy, peace and hope. I found it interesting how this verse emphasizes the Holy Spirit being the one with the power to fill us. This reminded me of my need to pray that the Lord would continually fill me with Joy, Peace and Hope!
Eternity – The Greatness of God
Recently, as I’ve been meditating on eternity, I have found myself overwhelmed by God’s greatness. Only God is so great that His wonder and greatness could fill eternity. One thing I’ve realized as the Lord has changed my perspective on eternity is that instead of feeling anxious/fearful about going to an eternal place, I should be humbled and amazed that I serve a God who is bigger than time and space and who will take an eternity to reveal His love towards me, His child.
1 Chronicles 29:11 “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;you are exalted as head over all.”
Psalm 93 “The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty. Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.”
Eternity, His Glory and My humility
One of the wonderful joys of Christian living is that we serve a God who delights in us and desires to help us understand Himself better. Over the past year and a half I have experienced this in an overwhelming way. After realizing that my view of heaven/eternal life was quite feeble and even a source of anxiety for my soul, I began to ask the Lord for a better understanding of Heaven. I asked Him to fill me with a deep longing for this place and once again I have been overwhelmed by His faithfulness.
During the process I was extremely humbled as the Lord convicted me that the reason I didn’t long for Heaven was that I didn’t love Him enough. The Lord showed me that a longing for Heaven is actually a longing for His glory and renown!
The Lord is faithfully answering my prayers by growing my love for Himself and His glory (although my love will always be inadequate for such a glorious God!). He has specifically answered my prayers by filling me with a deep longing to live with Him in eternity. I no longer fear the thought of eternity but yearn to be with my Heavenly Father who is the fulfillment of every need I have.
Psalm 108:1-5 “My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.”
Prescription for Perseverance
Once again I have been uplifted and challenged by the words of Octavius Winslow. Here he gives what I’ve named a “prescription for perseverance.”
“How shall I ever fight my way through this mighty host, and reach in safety the world of bliss? By leaning daily, hourly, moment by moment, upon your Beloved for strength. Christ is the power of God, and He is the power of the children of God. Who can strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees, but Jesus? In them that have no might he increaseth strength. When they are weak in themselves, then are they strong in Him. His declaration is, ‘My strength is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Cor. 12:9). Lean, then, upon Jesus for strength. He has strength for all your weakness; He can strengthen your faith, strengthen your hope, strengthen your courage, strengthen your patience, and strengthen your heart for every burden, for every trial, and for every temptation. Lean upon Him; He loves to feel the pressure of your arm; He loves you to link your feebleness to His almightiness, to avail yourself of His grace. Thus leaning off yourself upon Christ, ‘as thy days, so shall thy strength be’ (Deut. 33:25). In all your tremblings and sinkings, you will feel the encircling of His power.”
Unchangeable
As I anticipate spring and the changes to come I am reminded of two things. First, I am constantly changing and so is everything around me. Seasons, circumstances, friendships, trials, desires, battles with sin/temptations, and symptoms are all examples of things in life that change.
Although change can often be wonderful, such as the Lord’s sanctifying work in someone’s life, I am thankful that the God I serve is immutable (my 2nd reminder). God’s unchangeable character is a true source of daily comfort and joy. No matter how I’m feeling or what circumstances I face, God is constant. He is constant in His love, grace, character, promises, truth, justice and mercy. Find hope and comfort in the immutable God!
Malachi 3:6 “I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.”
Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.”
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Hebrews 6:13-20 ” When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
“thoughts of our rest”
As we face the uncertainties and difficulties that life brings, continual meditation on the promised land is sure to bring you joy and peace. Because our hope is sure we can live abundant lives despite our circumstances.
Richard Baxter seemed to understand the weight of the Christian’s hope when he said, “Our liveliness in all duties, our enduring of tribulation, our honoring of God, the vigor of our love, thankfulness, and all our graces, yea, the very being of our religion and Christianity, depend on the believing, serious thoughts of our rest [heaven].”
1 Peter 1:3-5 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
2 Peter 3:13 “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
Revelation 21:1-4 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”
