Discouraged Again

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” –2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

It happened again. I got lost. Then I drove around in circles until tears came to my eyes. By the time I found familiar territory and a road leading to my new home, I'd vowed to either move back to the old one or never leave the inside of the new one again. Of course, once I actually arrived at my new home, I realized that neither option was truly a possibility. I started the afternoon being discouraged that I'd become discouraged again.

Eventually, however, I admitted that I needed to spend some time talking to God about the hurts of my morning. I curled up on the couch with my favorite cozy blanket and told God all about my day. I confessed my frustration and discouragement. Then I asked Him to help me hang onto a more positive outlook next time--knowing that there would be a next time, unless I held myself to the rash promise to never leave the house again.

You know what God showed me during that time of prayer? Sometimes I'm just too hard on myself. Perhaps you’re the same way sometimes. We expect ourselves to be more than human and to respond to every crisis with a perfect attitude. But God is still at work, and we’re still maturing children in His eyes. That means the next time we feel discouraged, instead of becoming even more discouraged because of our discouragement, we should turn to God first for comfort, for hope, for strength, and for that promised eternal encouragement. Eternal encouragement: it never runs out! God will offer it as often as we need it; He truly understands.

Thanks for strengthening my Spirit, Lord. Let's try this again! Amen.

Our Strong Tower

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” –Proverbs 18:10

When our family lived in the Netherlands, one favorite place to visit was the castle ruins in Valkenburg. Situated on the highest hill in town, this castle must have been a challenge for foes to reach. Holes in the walls allowed archers to shoot those enemy soldiers who were able to make the climb before they could enter the fortress-like structure. The walls themselves were wider than my husband is tall, making infiltration nearly impossible. One final advantage for castle dwellers was an extensive maze of underground tunnels through which they could escape. Enemies who were unfortunate enough to find the entrance from the castle into these tunnels would quickly find themselves hopelessly lost beneath the ground.

If ever you are feeling alone and vulnerable, don’t hesitate to call on God’s name. He is a strong tower of safety, and you won’t even need an underground tunnel system for backup. The enemy cannot get through God. Resting in Him, you are safe.

Father, I thank You for the security that comes from knowing Your name. I come to You. Amen.

Dwelling in God's House

“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.” –Psalm 84:4

It was our second Thanksgiving in Kansas City, and some new friends who had just moved into the area invited Mike, Justin (not quite two), and I for dinner. As we entered their home, I sensed the presence of joy--abundant, contagious, emanating-from-the-walls-themselves joy! I didn’t have to look far to discover where it came from. The whole house was full of pictures, knick-knacks, handcrafted pillows, and more all proclaiming love, praise, and thanksgiving to God. I learned that this couple had endured significant hardship before beginning this new life, but had chosen to praise God continually for all the good things in their lives in spite of the bad from their past. Even their baby’s name proclaimed gratitude to God the Giver. As a result of their choice to praise God instead of pitying themselves, God blessed their home and family with joy, a joy which seemed to bounce off them to touch and encourage everyone they met.

Praising God brings the blessing of bliss. Continuously praising God is like dwelling in His house, basking in His presence--wherever you are! Choose to live with God today. Praise Him and discover real joy.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name” (Psalm 103:1). From morning until night, through good and through bad, whatever may come, and wherever I go, all my life I’ll praise You, for You are God and I love you! Amen.

Book Review: Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain

This is one of those rare books that I just want to go out and purchase several copies of to give to people I know. The pages were overflowing with helpful and encouraging information. As I went about my days after reading portions from the book, I found myself, several times, recalling passages to apply them to different circumstances I would face or to share the ideas with friends. Practical information that’s easy to remember—signs of a well-written book.

The authors identify seven struggles all people face: injustice, rejection, loneliness, loss, discipline, failure, and death. They devote four chapters to each, defining the problem, giving examples (both modern and biblical) of people who have dealt with these, and showing how God can use the pain of the struggle to bring spiritual growth and blessing in His time. I especially enjoyed their interpretation of the Bible stories, showing God’s work for good behind the scenes in familiar characters’ lives.

Each four chapter section ends with a summary of the major points (for clarity and quick reference) and questions to help readers prayerfully seek the truth of their situations and apply the concepts to their lives. The authors help readers understand that when they trust God, knowing that there is a purpose to any pain He allows in their lives, they can continue on with anticipation and hope.

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain is the collaborative effort of psychiatrists Paul Meier, MD (founder of the Meier Clinics) and David L. Henderson, MD. I had heard of Meier, but never read anything of his before. I wasn’t disappointed. I’m happy to recommend this book.

Trip Tip #5: Keep Moving

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” –Isaiah 40:31

I think most of us know that when someone is suffering extreme cold, struggling not to freeze to death, eventually that person will stop caring and choose to go to sleep. That pleasant sleep, however, quickly leads to death. To survive, the person must make every effort to stay awake as long as possible, to keep moving—even if just a little—hanging in there until rescue comes.

To the Christian, discouragement is just like that extreme cold. We struggle to move forward, to stay on the path, to keep our eyes on the goal. But if circumstances are harsh enough, we may wonder what it might be like to stop caring, to stop trying, to lie down and go to sleep once and for all. We’re facing the temptation of complacency, the overpowering desire to step off the path, take a nap, and let Jesus go on without us. Giving in is just as deadly to our spiritual lives as physically falling asleep in extreme cold.

The remedy is the same as well, with one significant difference. The one suffering physically hopes for rescue that may come in time. Spiritually, however, our hope is sure. Jesus will provide the strength we need to endure no matter how long the trial goes on. And He will always rescue us from spiritual troubles in time. The Bible is full of His promises on this point. Start by considering Isaiah 40:31 (above). Then go to www.Biblegateway.com or your favorite concordance and search for keywords such as strength, endurance, hope, and faithfulness.

When we’re tired, we must keep moving. We keep talking to Jesus whether or not we hear His voice. We keep studying His Word, claiming promises as we go. We obey God’s teaching and continue to serve in love. We stay on the path and look heavenward. If all we can manage is a step or two a day, we know that step or two will be enough. Renewal is coming. Just keep moving in certain hope.

On Fitness and House Cleaning

Over at the Internet Café on Thursday, they were discussing ways to do housework “all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). I wasn’t able to participate in the conversation; it was a busy day. But I’ve been thinking about it just the same. Here are a few random thoughts:

We all have our likes and dislikes when it comes to chores. My biggest challenge is keeping up with the floors. Once I told my husband, “Let’s just cover them with sawdust and tell people they are meant to be dirty.” I was only kidding, but I suspect he and the boys kind of liked the idea.

I’ve learned a few tricks that make the job more enjoyable for me. First, I’ve discovered that 20 minutes of sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming burns as many calories as walking a mile does. Woo-hoo! I’m not cleaning when I do the floors; I’m working out! It's all a matter of perspective, don't you see? After I run, before I clean up myself, taking care of my floors makes an amazing cool-down. Or, if I have to cut my work-out short, like I did today, cleaning floors helps me feel more like I reached my goal for the day.

Second, I’ve learned that sweeping has a calming effect on me. The Swiffer is fast if I choose to use that, but sometimes a good old broom and dustpan can be a soothing form of relaxation therapy.

And third, just as I worship and pray when I run, I can worship and pray while I sweep. I picture my family in each room I work my way through. I pray for their health, spiritual life, decisions to be made, and whatever else the Holy Spirit brings to mind. I can continue along these lines when I dust, too! Knick-knacks can be monotonous, but praying for those who gave them to me makes the job more enjoyable.

A verse I like to remember when I’m cleaning house is “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). God likes things in order. I like things in order. My family appreciates it when things are in order. This gives meaning and purpose to all housework. Multi-tasking with a workout, relaxation, and a time of prayer is a bonus for me.

Passing the Baton

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” –2 Timothy 1:3

It's hard to leave spiritual children behind. We feel responsible to help them grow in the Lord; we worry that they'll fall away without our help. It's even harder to leave unsaved family and friends. It’s tempting to wonder how they'll ever find their way to God without our guidance.

God's bigger than that, though. If He's called you away, He's got someone else in line to pick up where you leave off. Maybe it will help to think of your loved one's life as a baton in a relay race. Perhaps God used you to lead that person to Christ. When you move, He has someone else in place to grasp the baton just in time. That person may show your loved one how to study the Bible or encourage that person to attend church regularly. At some point in time, God will send someone else to witness to the unsaved or mentor the growing Christian, carrying that person ever closer to Christ.

At whatever point in time you complete your length of the race, you can rest with a clear conscience. But don't just walk away. Continue to cheer your loved one and the remaining baton carriers with prayer. (You can do that wherever you are, and even if you and your dear friend lose touch.) When the final runner crosses the finish line, the whole team can cheer!

Okay Coach. Your plan is always best. I've done my part, so now I'll pray, with thanksgiving, for those who take my place. Amen.

Sunday Favorites: Embracing Change

I realized something one morning not too long ago. It was one of those startling light bulb moments. Sometimes—really, it’s true!—sometimes I do like change.

No way! I’m the girl who lives for routine and whines as I brag about moving four times in four years. There’s no way I like change—it’s something God has to drag me through.

Isn’t it?

Not always. Did I say that? No way!

Realization dawned when I looked at the thermometer on our clock and rejoiced that it said 36 degrees. (Now that in itself is a miracle! You’ve come a long way, California girl.) Thirty-six degrees means I can get out the sweaters, big blankets, and cozy winter clothes. Leaves are changing; there’s frost on the lawn! I’ve been waiting all season for autumn to come. Thought this southeast climate would never change.

Ouch! There’s that word again.

I think God must like change, too. He created the seasons. He made the plants and animals able to adapt to them, each in their own way.

Come to think of it, He sent His Son that people can change, too. I’m pretty sure that’s His favorite change. Mine, too! That’s one time when change is always very good. Repent means turn around—that means change direction, head for Heaven! God looks and sees that that is good.

Some changes are difficult, discouraging, sad, devastating. Others cause people to throw out the welcome mat, celebrate, rejoice! But most do a bit of both, I think. Change is a mixed-emotions event. How we handle it depends on where we set our eyes: on the present, not the future or the past. Healthy acceptance is adapting to what is here instead of fearing what may come or clinging to what must go.

So instead of fearing winter (as I used to do when the leaves began to turn), I’ll enjoy wearing warm, cozy clothes and prepare for the holiday season. Instead of longing for the way things used to be, I’ll rejoice in the blessings of now. They are there—always—no matter how harsh the change. God won’t let us rot in ruts; changes come our way for good.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven . . .” –Ecclesiastes 3:1.*



Originally published at Wildflower Thinking on October 29, 2008.

*See Ecclesiates 3:2-8 for the poetic list of events that have their own season and time.

Thankful Thursday: For Placement

I truly believe that the key to contentment is learning to praise and thank God in all circumstances. Doing this accomplishes two things:

• It shows trust in God’s wisdom and control.



• It opens our eyes to the positive side of life, allowing us to see God’s hand at work in and through all situations.

I had a startling insight in Bible study yesterday. I tried to share it, but it was so big and so new that I couldn’t quite express it right. I hope my class caught at least a glimpse of the idea:

God, the perfect parent, places each of us, at birth, at the perfect starting point for our unique, individual needs. That doesn’t mean our parents or circumstances at birth are perfect—in fact, because this is a fallen world, most are far from it—some to an extreme! Yet our placement at birth in time and location is not random. It is not left to chance. God intentionally places us in the perfect starting place, where we’ll be most likely to come to Him, accepting Christ as our Savior and journeying toward Heaven where we’ll enjoy eternity with Him.

We can’t say that some people are lucky and some aren’t or that God loves some more than others. No, no, no! God loves every one of His children and wants what’s best for each. Believing this, we can trust Him with and through everything that life throws our way.

This is a hard truth—and yet it is true. This I know.

God loves us. He wants what’s best for us. He places us where we need to be to find Him and serve Him and enjoy Him through eternity.

That’s something to be thankful for.

Thank You, Lord, for Your wisdom, sovereignty, and unfailing love. Thank You for putting us where we’re most likely to find You and for sending Your Spirit to help us do just that. You are worthy of our worship and praise in all situations. Only You can manage all this. I stand in awe once again. Amen.

Friends and Allies

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” –Proverbs 17:17

At first glance, Proverbs 17:17 seems to be telling us that brothers are born to fight with each other. Raising three boys, I sometimes think this is true. But what the verse is really saying is that siblings are there to stick by each other and help each other through trouble--not to cause it.

When I was growing up, no one was allowed to pick on my little brother except me. I’ll admit I picked on him as much as any good big sister should (and perhaps a little more), but anyone else who picked on him felt the heat of my wrath. I couldn’t beat up the neighborhood bully, but I made sure he suffered through many heated-evil-eye-stares, delivered by myself and my best friend.

Moving from place to place, your children will need each other more than other siblings do. Teach them to keep each other company while waiting to make new friends. Coach them to watch out for one another as they explore their new environment together. Encourage them to love at all times like the best of friends and, during times of adversity, to lean on the brother- (or sister-) hood they were born into. Then pray that God will work the miracle in their hearts that will enable them to do this. As it says in Psalm 133:1,

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”

Amen!

Heavenly Father, help my children to live as friends, to serve each other faithfully in times of trouble, and to live together in unity throughout their lives. Thank You, Lord--for blessing them with each other. Amen.