Archive for This world
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.”
A New Definition of Perfection
My friend Kristen posted about a wedding sermon in which the pastor gave this definition of perfection. I’ve been meditating on this for weeks now and when I feel overwhelmed by my sinfulness I am encouraged and motivated. Instead of getting down and focusing on how impossible it is to reach perfection this side of eternity I’m reminded to actively pursue God rather than dwell on myself.
p.s. Warning: if you spend any amount of time reading Kristen’s blog, you will be inspired. She is an amazing example of perseverance in amazingly difficult circumstances!
Living in dependence upon Him – A blessed place
Often times in this life the Lord uses difficult situations and trials to keep us dependent on Himself. In my own life my battle with chronic illness has kept me depending on Him for strength and grace for each day. I was reminded of the ways the Lord uses this for His glory as I read a section in the contentment book this week.
“Perhaps God see’s it better for you to live in a continual dependence on Him, and not to know what your condition will be on the morrow, than for you to have a more settled condition in terms of the comforts of the creature. Do but remember what we spoke of before, that Christ does not teach you to pray, ‘Lord give me enough to serve me for two or three years,’ but ‘This day our daily bread.’ This is to teach us that we must live upon God in a dependent condition every day for daily bread.”
Burrough’s then uses Israel as an example of those in a dependent, yet blessed, condition as the Lord chose to settle them in the land of Canaan (in contrast to Egypt) where they would be completely reliant on God for water. He writes “the land of Canaan depended on God for the watering of it with showers from Heaven, but Egypt had a constant way of watering the country, that did not so much depend on Heaven for water, but upon the river Nile, which at some certain time overflowed the country. Knowing that the watering of there country depended upon the river and not upon Heaven, they grew more proud.” Canaan never knew for sure when they would have water and lived in dependence upon God for there lives.
Why does God view this state of dependence as a better state? Because His people are to live by faith and to rely on Him for everything. When we live in dependence upon God our souls are actually in a better place than when we rely on ourselves. Sometimes it’s hard to see times of weakness and trial as “blessed states” but when we truly evaluate our souls we will find this to be true. What trial is keeping you dependent, yet blessed?
Psalm 25:8-9 “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”
Psalm 147:6 “The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.”
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.”
Are you eating wind to satisfy your hunger?
Once again I’ve been humbled and challenged by the words of Jeremiah Burroughs. If I lived every moment in captured by this truth my heart would be saved a lot of heartache and confusion. In what ways are you “eating wind”?
“My brethren, the reason why you have not got contentment in the things of the world is not because you have not got enough of them–that is not the reason–but the reason is, because they are not things proportionable to that immortal soul of yours that is capable of God himself. Many men think that when they are troubled and have not got contentment it is because they have but a little in the world, and that if they had more then they should be content. That is just as if a man were hungry, and to satisfy his craving stomach he should gape and hold open his mouth to take in the wind, and then should think that the reason why he is not satisfied is because he has not got enough of the wind; no, the reason is because the thing is not suitable to a craving stomach.”
“Strength From Another”
I’ve been reading Jeremiah Burroughs‘ book “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” and have definitely found it to be a jewel! I was recently reminded of one of the awesome privileges of the Christian life as he talked about how Christians are given strength from outside of themselves for every circumstance/trial. Here’s part of the quote that encouraged me and reminded me of the source of my strength.
“But a Christian finds satisfaction in every circumstance by getting strength from another, by going out of himself to Jesus Christ, by his faith acting upon Christ, and bringing the strength of Jesus Christ into his own soul, he is thereby enabled to bear whatever God lays on him, by the strength that he finds from Jesus Christ.”
Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 40: 28-29 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
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!
Prudence – Concerning the Soul
I recently came across this quote by Jonathan Edwards while reading his sermon titled “Pressing into the Kingdom of God.” It served as a great reminder that each day and every circumstance is an opportunity given to me by the Lord to enrich my soul. I was reminded that even trials are opportunities to “Press into the Kingdom” with all my might. I was convicted as I reflected on my shortcomings and often nonchalant/selfish attitude about my day. I pray this quote would do the same for you.
“If you would have spiritual prosperity, you must exercise prudence in the concerns of your souls, as well as in outward concerns, when you seek outward prosperity. The prudent husbandman will observe his opportunities; he will improve seedtime and harvest; he will make his advantage of the showers and shines of heaven. The prudent merchant will discern his opportunities; he won’t be idle on a market day; he is careful not to let slip his seasons for enriching himself; so will those that prudently seek the fruits of righteousness, and the merchandise of wisdom, improve their opportunities for their eternal wealth and happiness.”
“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.”
Our main concern – Eternity
Sometimes in this life I get so distracted, living as if I own my time and disregarding what God’s word tells me about eternity. The truth is we are all bound for an eternal place, whether it’s heaven (life with Christ) or hell (suffering without Christ).
In his sermon “The Many Mansions” Jonathan Edwards explains that eternity should be our main concern here on earth. “Therefore let it be your main care to secure an everlasting habitation for hereafter.” God’s word tells us that if we repentant of our sins and follow Jesus Christ we will live in eternity with Him – this is the greatest gift we could ever ask for! Which eternal dwelling are you headed for?
John 3:35-36 “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
I Thessalonians 4:16-18 “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
“My yoke is easy and my burden is light”
I am almost finished with the book “Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of Rest” by Ed Welch and have been continually challenged and encouraged. The book has been such a timely reminder to me of the importance of talking with the Lord about our burdens. I so often carry an unnecessary load of concerns throughout my day when I am called to lay them at the feet of my Lord and allow Him to carry them for me. What a blessing it is to serve a God who cares and wants to know about our fears and concerns!
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 Peter 5:5-7 “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Motivation to Persevere
There are so many reasons to cling to Christ in the midst of trials. One reason I was recently reminded of is that when we trust in the Lord, whatever the circumstances, satan is defeated and Christ is glorified.
James Montgomery Boice speaks of this in his commentary on Romans when we writes,
“For when you do the right things, God is glorified and Satan is shown to be a failure. This victory is complete in itself. It does not need to be added to. Nothing can diminish it or take it away. Moreover, every victory for us like this is a promise of victories yet to come. Every act of good in this life is a victory and points to Christ’s final victory. Every quiet triumph of faith over fear and pain in the hour of death is a victory, a defeat of Satan, whose ultimate but ultimately ineffective weapon is death…It points to the final victory of the resurrection. All trust in Christ points to faith in his return, when Satan and his angels will be totally destroyed. This is the great and final victory. It is for this that we both long and wait.”
If you are feeling weary in battle remember this promise, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
Contentment in Tragedy?
Because we live in a fallen world we will inevitably face difficult circumstances. Sometimes we may even face unimaginable tragedies. During such times contentment will look very different from the contentment we are called to in day to day life.
In the midst of hardship and deep loss contentment doesn’t say “thank you Lord for this trial” rather it says something like “Lord, I know you’re in control and that you have a plan and part of that plan involves my good.” Contentment in tragedy is rooted in ruthless trust – trust in Jesus Christ who loves us, desires our best, and who has promised to return and take us to heaven.
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.”
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
