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Category: Encouragement

When Things Settle Down (WTSD)

When Things Settle Down (WTSD)

I’m not old yet, but I’m older than I used to be.  (Yes, I recognize that we can all make that claim.)  What I’m trying to say is that there’s some wear on the tires.  My body isn’t as spry and sleek as it used to be, but along the many miles I’ve traveled in life my noggin has accumulated a bit of wisdom.  Not a lot, mind you, but a little.

For example, I’ve learned that you absolutely should not leave the large tarp you purchased to cover the camping tents at home because there is no rain in the forecast.  In addition, I strongly advise that you do NOT attempt to slip your fishhook past the tree limb … even if you are an expert caster.  I definitely recommend that you clip your toenails before heading out on a long hike, especially if there are elevation changes.  (You may think this to be strange advice, but the day may come when you realize the profound wisdom in those words!)  And you never say never.  Never ever!  That’s just a small sampling of the hard truths I’ve learned through the years.

I’ve learned something else as well.  I’ve learned there is no such thing as “When things settle down.”  The context for the phrase usually sounds like this: “I’ll work on my marriage issues when things settle down (WTSD).”  Or, “I’ll spend more time with my children WTSD.”  Or, “I’ll get back in shape WTSD.”  Or, “Yes, something is definitely not right; I’ll go to the doctor WTSD.”  Or, “I’ll do something fun and relax WTSD.”

Where this nasty phrase really impacts negatively is when it’s used in a spiritual context.  Such as, “I’ll start reading my Bible WTSD.”  “I’ll get back to church WTSD.”  “I’ll work on my prayer life WTSD.”  “I’ll get more involved in ministry for God and more generous in my giving to God WTSD.”

You get the idea.  Only when we arrive in heaven will things finally (and forever!) settle down.  But here on this world, “when things settle down” is a lousy approach to life.

First of all, if one doesn’t set proper priorities, our sinful natures in conjunction with Satan and influenced by the world, will set them for us.  And we can be certain they won’t be in line with what the Lord encourages.

Secondly, there will never be a time when things settle down in our lives. 

Think about it.  From birth … to toddler … to child … to teen … to adult … to middle-aged … to elderly … to death, we are always changing.  As are the realities of our lives.  From nursing … to eating … to walking … to school … to puberty … to higher education … to moving … to occupations … to marriage … to home-ownership … to children … to health issues … to grandchildren … to retirement.  We all meander different paths and experience varied challenges in our lives, but we all share one common trait: our lives are always unsettled.

Certainly in the midst of this pandemic we are eager to reach a day when things settle down.  With God’s blessing, our lives will eventually regain more normalcy.  But even then, there will still be plenty of unsettled matters.  WTSD is an extinct beast; it died off when sin entered the world.

I spent far too many years and waited way too long for WTSD in my life.  I let improper priorities dominate.  I expected to reach the point “one of these days” when life would finally calm down.  I expected circumstances to stop changing sooner or later.  But, of course, life never really calms down and circumstances are constantly changing.  As a result, I missed wonderful opportunities and forfeited peace and joy because I was dealing with unsettledness.

Obviously I’m not advocating we turn a blind eye to significant issues or abdicate our responsibilities.  There are simply times when we must bear down in life.  But my observation is that these times aren’t as prevalent as we tend to think, and our priorities are frequently skewed.  We are typically slaves to the urgent instead of masters of the important.

“When things settle down” is one of Satan’s most common and most effective lies.  He’s used it to coax plenty of souls to their doom.  And he will utilize all his impressive power to ensure that things stay as unsettled as possible in our lives, because he knows how spiritually distracting this can be for Christians.

Our Savior has a different message. His counsel was this:  “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [that have you so unsettled] will be [taken care of for] you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34). 

Yes, that’s a bit of a paraphrase.  But I believe it still fits the context of Jesus’ advice and promise.  So here’s the key: when we settle our hearts and minds on God and the promises of God above all else, then the unsettled won’t unsettle us quite as much.

On Vacation

On Vacation

Are there any words that lift the spirit quite like the words “on vacation.”  As in, “It will be wonderful when we are on vacation.”  Or, “I have our plans made to go on vacation.”  Or best of all, “Finally, at long last … we’re on vacation!”  

I suppose that’s hyperbole.  I’m sure there are other words more uplifting.  But, I would argue, not many!  And especially perhaps now, after enduring so many restrictions recently and being housebound (for work, school, church, shopping, recreation, and many other things!) for so long, the words “on vacation” sound magnificent!

Perhaps you already have some plans in place for a vacation or two.  Or maybe you are just beginning to consider the options for some getaways.  If so, good for you!

Undoubtedly most of us reach a point where we recognize we need some vacation time.  But did you realize that taking a break can actually keep us from “breaking?”  Studies have shown that vacationing generally reduces stress levels and stress related symptoms, as well as heart disease.  (The positive results in cardio health are actually quite significant!)  Other benefits of time away include a decrease in depression, an increase in productivity, and better rest.  And, of course, there are always the memories.

So by all means, if you are able, make a point to go on vacation.  But not from everything.

“Wait a minute,” you might respond.  “You just showed how beneficial vacation time is!”

Let me explain.  Being on vacation from work and other responsibilities is indeed beneficial.  It is restful for body and mind.  However, being on vacation from God’s Word is not.  In fact, taking a break from the Scriptures actually brings unrest for the soul.

There is this fascinating juxtaposition between body and soul.  Breaking from working at our occupations benefits our bodies; breaking from working through God’s Word negatively impacts our souls.  Undying dedication to time in the Bible benefits our spiritual health; unending dedication to time at our jobs brings physical problems.

Consequently, one should definitely provide the body and mind a prolonged rest now and then.  But it is never a wise decision to take a vacation from God’s Word.  Not when one is on vacation.  Not when buried under responsibilities.  Not when relaxing and not when busy.  Not in good times or bad.  Never!

In fact, just the opposite is true.  The more stressed and busy we may be, the more we need the spiritual rest that the Holy Spirit brings us through God’s truths.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to his fellow pastor, Timothy, about the importance of remaining steadfast in God’s Word:  “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of!  … The Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Vacation time for the body – definitely good!  Vacation time for the soul – definitely not good!  So by all means vacation, but do so selectively!

What Is Worship?

What Is Worship?

After a hiatus of 3 months, our congregation will finally gather together to worship again inside our church this Sunday.   3 months!  3 LONG MONTHS!  89 days to be exact, but who’s counting?

Yes, the Bible clearly shows us that the church is people and not a building  (Ephesians 5:25-27).  But there is something undeniably special about God’s people gathering together inside a building designated for the worship of God to worship God.

Consequently, it seems appropriate this week that we focus on worship.  So what is worship?  How does one define worship simply and succinctly? 

A stuffy secular dictionary definition describes worship as “formal or ceremonious rendering of honor and homage to God.”   A somewhat stuffy Christian definition states that worship is “an expression of praise from the depths of our hearts toward a God who is understood through His Word.”  A less stuffy definition summarizes worship as “a focus on love – God’s love for us and others, and our love for God and others.”  Yet another describes worship as “God speaking and his people responding.” 

The people who penned those definitions are undoubtedly wiser than me.  But how would I define worship?

As the folks in our congregation know, I recently took a poll of our people asking them to choose the 5 aspects of worship they were most eagerly anticipating after worshiping at home for so long.  I provided a long list of options from which to choose, but 6 choices quickly rose to the top of the list.

And every selection has one common denominator.  It’s not deep or complicated.  In fact, it’s a very simple trait.  The shared aspect of the most frequently selected items could actually be summarized with the word … “sharing.”  In short, worship of our God is a sharing.  Or more accurately, Christian worship is multiple sharings!

In public worship, God shares with us, we share with God, and we share with one another.  And all that sharing is what makes Christian worship so very special.

So what were the 6 aspects of worship that the St. Paul people indicated they were most eagerly anticipating when we returned to formal, united worship?  The choices were God’s Word, the Sacraments, the songs, being together (fellowship), the Sanctuary (worship area), and “the whole experience.”

Probably not overly surprising choices.  And not difficult to see the multilayered sharing aspects in most of the choices. 

God, of course, does the most and best sharing.  He shares truth, love, faith, forgiveness, salvation, perspective, power, direction and motivation with us in his Word and Sacraments.  Best of all, he shares his Holy Spirit – the Spirit silently and secretly sweeping throughout the Sanctuary, flowing into hearts and firing up faith.  This is profound sharing that descends from heaven.

But we the worshipers share with the One we worship as well.  We share our sorrow over our sins, and our grateful praise for God’s forgiveness.  We share our inmost concerns in prayer.   We share our love with he who showed and taught us love, and our devotion and dedication with a devoted and dedicated God.  We share honor and praise in word and song with the God who is the most honorable and praiseworthy.  We share our all with the One who is All.  This is a sharing that ascends to heaven.

And worshipers share with other worshipers as well.  This is a “horizontal” sharing, and it is no less special than descending or ascending sharing.  Being together is a very underrated aspect of worship.  Rejoicing in the same God and the same truths of God with a congregation creates a unique atmosphere and forges a powerful bond.  Speaking, singing, praising, praying, and communing together – being shared with and sharing – uplifts in ways like nothing else on earth. 

Even the Sanctuary is part of the sharing process!  It lends the altar and the cross on the altar, the baptismal font, the stained glass illustrations of Jesus, and so much more as visuals of God’s love and faithfulness.  It offers the pulpit and the screens where God’s Word is shared, the pipe organ and keyboard which accompanies our music and the vaulted ceiling which amplifies our singing.  The church Sanctuary sets the mood and adds so much to the sharing experience.

“The whole experience” of gathered worship is the ultimate in sharing.  God sharing with us and others; we sharing with God and one another.

Luke’s description of the early Christian Church is striking.  In Acts 2:42 he wrote that the early believers … “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship (translated literally, to “sharing!”), to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  (Yet more sharing!)

It’s not surprising that David wrote, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD’”  (Psalm 122:1).  Nor is it surprising that God’s people would be eagerly anticipating the same thing!

Consider the Birds

Consider the Birds

The birds at our place have it pretty cushy.  We have multiple bird houses hanging from the eaves on the north side of our house.  There are also three different styles of bird feeders – all regularly stocked – in the back yard.  (Four if one counts the hummingbird feeder.)  A birdbath is another provided amenity.  In addition, there is an abundance of trees and bushes for the birds to perch in.  Plus, we don’t own a cat, and we do own a large dog who effectively keeps cats away, but who ignores the birds.

Consequently, we have a fair share of birds flitting about our place.  We regularly notice Turtle Doves (not Mourning Doves, but Turtle Doves!) and various types of Blue Jays pecking up seed on the ground.  Towhees, Northern Flickers and Varied Thrushes are sometimes seen clinging to the feeders.  Grosbeaks make appearances now and then, as do Finches and even occasionally Goldfinches.  Chickadees and Juncos are regulars.  But the most common diners at our seed dinners, by far, are the sparrows.  They are also the boarders at our bird hotels, so it’s natural that they would be the most frequently sighted. 

But then, that’s what I expected when I started catering to the birds.  After all, sparrows are everywhere, right?  As a matter of fact, there are at least 35 types of sparrow species in North America, with 15 of the species living in most areas of the nation.  There are sparrows everywhere.  They are the epitome of commonplace. 

Actually the sparrow population is declining somewhat.  No one is quite sure why, although there are many theories.  Nevertheless, house sparrows are still probably the most abundant bird in the United States, with a population estimated as high as 400 million.  (Which averages out to 1.2 sparrows for every person in the nation.)  Declining or not, that’s a lot of birds! 

Realize that sparrows are found around the world.  I couldn’t find an estimate on what that number might be.  But if 400 million live in the United States, well … yeah, it must be a HUGE number. 

With that in mind, consider Jesus’ words:  “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”  (Luke 12:6-7).

Not one of the 400 million sparrows in our nation are forgotten by God.  Nor does one fall to the ground unless the Lord allows it (Matthew 10:29).  The same is true for the sparrows around the world, however many billions of birds that might be.  Now that’s absolutely astounding!

Jesus adds an interesting side-note as well.  God even knows the number of hairs on our heads!  (For the average person, that would fall somewhere between 100 – 150 thousand strands!)  Now consider that our nation’s population is projected to be 333,546,000 in the 2020 consensus.  That’s a whole lot of follicles for the Lord to keep track of, just in the United States alone!  But still, God’s got the exact count.

Let’s take this concept even further.  A while back two scientists decided to estimate the total number of birds on the planet.  The number they came up with was 200 to 400 billion individual birds.  Compared to almost 8 billion people on earth, this amounts to about 25 to 50 birds per person.  And not one of those birds is forgotten or falls without God’s direction either. 

Same goes for all the animals.  And all the insects.  And all the fish.  And all the people!

The point of sharing all these mind-boggling numbers is not to convince you that God’s got too much to handle.  Quite the opposite!  Rather the point is to demonstrate how magnificent our God is!  This keeping track of the sparrows … and everything else … is routine stuff for the Lord. 

Jesus makes the same point.  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?”  (Matthew 6:25-26).

One of my most dearly loved things is the sound of birds chirping in the quiet of the morning.  Whether home or away, a person can be confident that if he or she is outside, or can hear the outside, then they will hear the birds greet the morning with song. 

The sparrows are constantly chirping.  They are always fed and housed by the Lord, and their very existence is sustained by Him.  They have nothing to worry about, so they don’t.  Instead, the sparrows praise the Lord, their Provider, incessantly. 

Consider the birds.  There is much we can learn from them!

Seeing the Light

Seeing the Light

Seeing the light generally sounds like a good thing.  Of course, there’s the proverbial light at the end of a tunnel.  Most are delighted to see the light of day after a dark night.  And finally “seeing the light” after stumbling about in confusion or a lack of understanding is also considered a positive.

But whether seeing the light is actually a good thing or not depends entirely upon the light that one is seeing.  What if the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train?  What if the light breaking through the darkness is the light of a prowler?  What if the light seen in confusion or ignorance happens to be poor advice or faulty “wisdom?”  The source of the light matters.

The light seen also matters to moths.  Moths and many other winged insects happen to be positively phototactic.  (Phototaxis being the scientific term.)  These type of insects are drawn toward light sources.

Phototaxis happens to be a two-way street.  It’s great when the light seen by the insect is the moon or stars as they apparently aid the moth in maintaining its bearing and sustaining safe travel.  But it’s rather unfortunate if the light seen is a campfire, a hot light bulb, or a glaring headlight on a speeding semi.

It could be said that humans are also positively phototactic.  We are drawn to “light.”  But … what is the source of the light we are frantically circling around?

Make no mistake about it, there are an abundance of “lights” in this world that draw people’s attention.  Charismatic leaders.  The brilliance of science.  The practicality of education.  The possibilities in occupation.  The promises in politics.  The benefits of health, wealth and general success.  Personal pleasure.  Public causes.  And so many more. 

While there’s nothing necessary bad about any of these “lights” in and of themselves, they are ultimately empty, and they leave the seekers of such light empty and dark inside.  Unfortunately, these false lights seem to blaze brilliantly, pulling phototactic people alluringly in.  But there is no authentic light to them.

If these are the primary lights a person is drawn to in life, this becomes a double tragedy.  Not only can these brilliantly bright (but ultimately empty) lights inevitably prove spiritually fatal, but they completely discombobulate lives even before the untimely death.  Like a moth flapping frantically around a porch light and bashing itself repeatedly into the blazing bulb.

How does a discombobulated human circling about a worldly porch light approach life?  Well, deep down they recognize the emptiness and darkness in their soul, and this fosters frustration, fear, distrust, anxiety, anger, grief, hopelessness, hostility and despair.  Consequently they flutter in never-ending spirals of live-for-the-moment activities and driven-by-emotion responses.  Their words and actions don’t need to make sense to anyone else, or even necessarily to themselves, since so much seems senseless anyway. 

In short, the light seekers see and are focused intently on a light, but it’s the wrong light.  And sadly, their light is providing nothing but blindness, headaches, loss of direction and a seemingly meaningless existence.

A horrible thing was done by a Minneapolis policeman to an African-American man.  Suddenly the fear, distrust, anxiety, anger, grief, hopelessness, hostility and despair that false lights foster boiled over in many.  Coupled with the frustrations of on-going racism and pandemic restrictions, pandemonium broke out in cities around the United States.

Most of us simply can’t understand how one wrong, horrible as it was, (or even repeated wrongs!), can make multiple other wrongs right in some people’s minds.  We struggle to relate to the rationale of rioters looting stores and lighting cars ablaze.  How does intentionally attempting to injure innocent people ever make sense?  Is screaming vulgarities ever justified?  Will violence and vandalism quell violence?  Will it remove racism?  It seems to make no sense. 

Why does a moth repeatedly beat its head into a light?  Positive phototaxis.  It sees the light and is inexorably drawn to it, even if it’s the wrong light. 

The reason we don’t understand the rationale of rioters is because we see the real, true and ultimate Light.  Thanks be to God, we have been drawn to “the Light of the world.”  This is no small thing!  Jesus stated that, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).  Translation: in our Savior we have true and abiding light … spiritual light and life … both here on earth and forever in eternity.

In striking contrast to false lights, the Light of the World brings contentment, courage, trust, peace, calm, joy, hope, kindness and confidence.  By the grace of God, we see the Light and our flight through life – and to life – is true.

So as we consider the vandalous and violent mobs in Seattle and other cities, it’s crucial that we not view those involved simply as thugs.  Better that we recognize them as hurting and empty souls chasing after false lights.  They desperately need to see the light … the real Light.

Which underscores the incredible urgency that we, who see the Light and are filled with Light, show and share the Light.  As Jesus himself tells us:  “You are the light of the world.  Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”  (Matthew 5:14,16).

After all, people, just like moths, are positively phototactic.  So shine, Christian, shine!

Idle. Idol?

Idle. Idol?

Much (most even?) of the busyness of society as we know it has ground to a halt.  Shut down and on indefinite hold.  Not happening.  Idle.

Which means many of the typically taken-for-granted, do-on-a-whim resources weren’t/aren’t available.  Not to mention the recreational activities we commonly resorted to for relaxation.  Social distancing definitely distances us from our usual socialness!

I am convinced that the Lord is accomplishing an abundance of “God-things” through this pandemic.  I suspect that at least one of those “God-things” is forcing Christians to recognize the idols they have surreptitiously fostered in their hearts.

When one suddenly can’t do the “usual” he or she has usually been able to do whenever they wanted, or enjoy the activities they usually expect to enjoy, it forces one to take stock.  “What really are my priorities?”  Or perhaps more accurately, “Oh no!  THESE are really my priorities!  These are really my (gasp) … idols!”

An idol isn’t just a statue on a mantle.  More often it is the focus of our heart; the center of our secret adoration; the driving force behind our thoughts and actions.

Chances are that our idols aren’t typically front and center in our hearts where they are easily discerned.  Rather, they likely reside in the back corner of our souls, nestled in the shadows and hidden behind curtains of denial.  We are generally pretty adept at fooling ourselves.

But now a pandemic and the resulting restrictions have brought so much to a halt, yanking the curtains of denial open and shining light into the shadows.  “The idle” has revealed the idols.

So what has “the idle” revealed to me about my idol? 

How transparent should I be?  They say that confession is good for the soul, (and the Bible says it is so), but this is difficult for me to share.  It’s difficult enough for me to wrestle with privately, much less to broadcast.  But here goes:

The idol revealed to me by “the idle” is … baseball.  As in, “Yes, I know the disease is highly contagious and potentially deadly, but you can’t cancel baseball!”

I assure you I was never that callous.  But my heart grieved that my son was going to miss his first high school baseball season, and I was devastated that the Major League Baseball season was postponed and potentially cancelled.  Baseball has been one of my “go to’s” to get away.  The Lord shined some much-needed light into my soul and showed me something I needed to face.

I’m not proud of what was there, but I am thankful that I was able to address it and, with God’s help, reset my priorities into a more proper alignment.

Perhaps “the idle” has illuminated your own idol or idols.  Or maybe your secret god is not affected by the virus?  (That doesn’t mean you don’t have one or two.  You almost certainly do.)  Another sobering thought is perhaps the idol that is revealed may not be your only one.  (I suspect I have a few more lurking in my heart.)

God’s first commandment to us demands, “You shall have no other gods.”  It’s his First Commandment – not only because the Lord wants to stress that he expects to be our only God, but also because we are so inclined to establish other gods in our hearts.

So how do we deal with our idols?  Pages could be written on this.  However, I’ll attempt to keep it simple.  Let’s call the process the “4 R’s.”

We recognize both our false god/s and the real One.  Only the real One belongs in our heart!  “Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”  (Psalm 73:25-26). 

We repent.  We admit our idolatry, we turn to the Lord in sorrow over our sin, and we rejoice in our forgiveness through Jesus.  “The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).  

And finally, we revise our values.  Not just because we have to, but because we want to.  Not just temporarily but, with God’s help, permanently.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ …”  (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).

The true God is in actuality the only God!  He should be the only God residing in our heart as well.  Thankfully, the only true God is also an exceedingly gracious God!

Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness.  Thank you also that through “the idle” you reveal the idol.

I would be extremely interested to hear if you had any idle/idol revelations as a result of our current situation.  Please share!

The View from the Top

The View from the Top

I’ve often thought that a Christian’s life is like a backpacking trip in the mountains.

Backpacking, of course, is where one carries everything they will need for the duration of a hike in a pack on their back.  It’s camping … minus the vehicle and most of the other conveniences.

One can backpack in all kinds of environments: forest, prairie or beaches.  We have a fair share of all of those in Washington.  But the environment that seems to especially draw the backpackers in this state is the mountains.  I believe there’s a reason for that!  (More on this in a moment.)

There’s actually a multitude of reasons a person might choose to backpack.  Perhaps it’s the desire to get away from the crowds.  Perhaps self-sufficiency.  It might be eagerness to overcome difficult challenges.  Or maybe the draw is the joy of time spent with dear family members or special friends.  Maybe backpacking scratches the adventure itch.  Maybe the pull is as simple as providing a much-needed break from normal responsibilities.

But one of the greatest lures … at least for me, and I believe for many … is to be able to enjoy the view from the top.  Consequently, we are pulled to the mountains.  John Muir stated, “The mountains are calling and I must go.”  I (and others!) can relate.

However, in order to enjoy the top-tier views, one must begin below, at a lower level.  That necessitates a lot of uphill trudging to get where a trekker is going.  Keep in mind that one’s load is always heaviest at the bottom!  Not to mention that the hiker is undoubtedly at a higher elevation and the air is a bit thinner than he or she is accustomed.  So a backpack in the mountains typically starts hard, and then gets harder.

Inevitably the uphill slopes begin, and the hike becomes more grueling.  Sometimes one forges up a steep hill only to scramble back down into a valley on the other side.  Which means the hiker has to regain all the elevation he or she lost (and more!) on the other side of the valley!

Of course, there are a multitude of joys along the way: immersion in wilderness; scenes normally not seen; delightful conversations with companions; encounters with wildlife; lovely vistas and relaxing campsites; even unforgettable and life-changing experiences.  These are encouraging, but they aren’t the key reason the hiker is on this journey.  There is something bigger and better, greater and more grandiose, up ahead.

So the backpacker continues to lug his or her backpack ever higher.  Along the way, multiple inconveniences and even crises are encountered: tripping on roots and rocks; mosquitoes and biting flies; the sun beating down and burning one’s skin; rainstorms; thirst; disappointing meals; sore muscles or even injuries; rude people and thieving animals; sweat, dirt, and exhaustion.  Perhaps even a wrong turn or two along the way!

But finally … after lengthy days, many miles and thousands of steps … the backpacker crests a summit, and there is that revelation!  That epiphany!  That goal that the hiker strived for all along the way.  It’s the view from the top!

Now is the time to unstrap the backpack, pull out a water bottle and a tasty snack, find a comfy seat and soak in the scenery.  Was it all that was expected?  My experience is that it’s usually better!  Was the rugged journey there worth it?  Undoubtedly!

I believe that a Christian’s life is like a backpacking trip in the mountains.  It begins rough, and generally gets rougher.  There are many joys along the way, of course, but multiple challenges too.  There are lovely views and relaxing rests at times, but frustrations are common as well.  Our path contains some comfortable walking, and even some downhill slopes.  Yet the trend is always uphill, and sometimes steeply!

But that’s OK, because our goal is the view from the top.  Every step is one step closer to the destination; every obstacle overcome brings us just a bit nearer; every blessing a precursor of what awaits. 

And finally … after lengthy days, many miles and thousands of steps … the believer in Jesus crests a summit, and there is that revelation!  That epiphany!  That goal that he or she strived for all along the way.  It’s the view from the top!  It’s the first gorgeous sight of heaven, and it’s eternal immersion in the grace and glory of God!

Will it be all that we expected?  No.  It will be better!  Will the rugged journey there be worth it?  Oh, most definitely yes!

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine — the best of meats and the finest of wines.  On this mountain he will … swallow up death forever.  The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces … In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.  This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation”  (Isaiah 25:6-9).

Fear Not?

Fear Not?

It doesn’t take a pandemic to create fear, but it most certainly fuels it. 

There seems to be an abundance of fear these days.  One might conclude that it is even more contagious than Covid-19.

Nosophobia is rampant, and thanatophobia is common as well (fear of getting sick and fear of death).  Both of those phobias contribute mightily to agoraphobia and anthropophobia (fear of leaving the house and fear of people), and definitely to enochlophobia (fear of crowds).

Ergophobia is also raising its ugly head (fear of losing a job), and even peniaphobia is making an appearance (fear of poverty) … both of which feed chronophobia (fear of the future.)  This abundance of fear leads to the ultimate fear of all – fear of uncertainty.  (Simply called “anxiety.”)

Fearmongering seems to be the trend … the media feeding out phobias and the people eating them up.  Even some Christians are nibbling on that entrée.

The astute reader will recognize that there is a technical difference between fear and phobia.  Fear is a reaction to an actual danger, while a phobia is an excessive and irrational reaction when no real danger is present.

I am not suggesting that people are reacting irrationally in this pandemic.  (Well, maybe just a little?)  There are certainly very real concerns out there.  Being prudent and careful is the correct approach.  Still, there is no reason for phobias or fear … rational or irrational … in God’s people.

A person could be radically exposed to the virus; someone could be surrounded by the sick and breathe in the bug repeatedly … and they will only become ill if God allows it!  That’s a fact. 

The doctors will tell you that the disease is highly contagious … and I don’t doubt it.  But the Lord isn’t locked into doctors’ dictates.  God our Father will do what he knows is best for his children.  He always does.

Now I am not advocating a fatalistic or cavalier approach to the current situation.  Nor am I promoting carelessness or recklessness.  The Bible makes is clear that we are not to test the Lord.  Rather, I am simply stating that the Lord is bigger than any virus, or layoff, or shortage, or financial challenge.  Or any other difficulty, for that matter! 

We are God’s people, and our God is our Protector and Provider.  He is our Fortress and Shield.  His power encircles us; nothing reaches us unless he allows it.  And if he does allow it, then it’s to bless us in some wonderful way.  That’s his promise!  (Romans 8:28).  Consequently, we have no reason to fear.

The words the Lord spoke to Joshua as he took over for Moses and prepared to lead the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan apply to each of us as well in the midst of the challenges we currently face.   “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). 

Really, when the Lord our God is with us wherever we go, what in the world (literally!) do we have to fear?  To state it more strongly, when the Lord is always with us, we have absolutely no cause to be afflicted by phobias or beset by fear.  Rather, courage is the way we face our days.

So it seems that Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous words are very apropos to Spring, 2020.  “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  (That’s phobophobia, by the way: fear of fear.) 

Fine words from F.D.R.  But I prefer the words of Jesus.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”  (John 14:27).

Fear not?  Yes, that’s right.  Fear not!  The Lord is carrying us.

God’s Got This!

God’s Got This!

“We got this” seems to be a rallying cry during this pandemic.  It’s a good-enough slogan, I guess.  It’s pithy, personal, and persuasive.

I certainly don’t want to downplay any of the wonderful things that the motto might be bringing about; the teamwork, sacrifice and service to others that it may be encouraging.  People need something to rally around in a pandemic. 

However, it must be said: “We got this” is patently false.  The truth of the matter is that we humans got no control over nothin’!  At least nothing significant.  If ever there was a time that our utter helplessness over circumstances was abundantly clear, it is now.

Yet that is always the fallback plan for most people.  The hope against all hopes. The blind confidence.  (The desperate conviction?)  Science … or medicine … or government … or companies … or SOMEBODY! … will inevitably figure out the solutions and we’ll be fine.

And as for God … well, for many he is a non-factor.  Either God’s existence isn’t acknowledged, or if it is, he is marginalized.  People conclude, especially when difficulties arise, that if there even is a god, he’s either lost control or lost interest.

This concept that God’s impact is negligible and we humans control our own fate leaves one rather empty.  Frankly, it’s depressing and terrifying.  Or at least it should be for anyone with even a lick of sense!  However, if someone insists that God won’t or can’t help us, then there is only one other alternative for hope; we humans must trust in ourselves to figure things out.  And we better get it right!

But can we?  Will we?  What if we mess up and make things worse?  There’s a trainload of pressure packed into a godless worldview – especially when the world is in the middle of a pandemic!

In 1952, Ray Bradbury wrote a short story titled “A Sound of Thunder,” set in the year 2055.  In the story a company took folks back in time.  However, they had stringent rules on how the trips were conducted.  Clients must not deviate from those rules to ensure that the future would remain unaffected.  But on one trip a client forgot the rules, and he crushed a butterfly while in the distant past.  When they returned to 2055, things were different.  And all because one butterfly in the past perished, thereby altering the future.

This concept reappears repeatedly in literature and movies.  Humans messed with the past, (or the present), which messed up the future!  Of course, there’s no consideration of God in these scenarios; everything is dependent upon people.

It’s a common premise, but a faulty one.  We humans do not control our destiny.  And rescuing the world is way more than any person or number of people (or even nation!) could presume to do.  As is providing for the world and guiding the events in the world.  People can’t even control the events in their own lives for one day!  Taking it to a larger spectrum is inconceivable.

Providence (providing and protecting) is God’s job!  And thankfully he’s really good at it!  As David wrote, “You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.  How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!”  (Psalm 36:6-7)

Our Lord is always watching … not only the entire world, but even us!  Every day – all day!  And all night too!  (Psalm 121).  God always has a loving plan (Jeremiah 29:11).  He controls all things, bringing both good times and hard (Isaiah 45:6-7), but always for the blessing of his people (Romans 8:28).  We humans can never hope to fully understand God’s decisions (Isaiah 55:8-9), but we know he is always acting in love (Zephaniah 3:17).  After all, he gave us Jesus, our Savior; he will also provide for all our other needs (Romans 8:32).  Yes, even in a pandemic!

The Lord summarizes our situation beautifully in Isaiah: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you (46:4).  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (41:10).

Wow!  That’s some awesome stuff!  Comforting, encouraging and uplifting!  Our God who gave us life will guide us lovingly through life.

So back to the slogan.  “We got this?”  Not so much. 

God’s got this?  Much better!  Yes, he does.  Totally, completely and undoubtedly.  Hear it.  Hold it.  Know it.  Treasure it.  God most definitely has got this, so we’re in very good hands.

Even Me?

Even Me?

We humans have the capacity of character to demonstrate extraordinary things.  And especially Christians!  Things like courage, kindness, commitment, compassion,  dedication, selflessness,  love. and so much more!

We can even forgive others who have wounded us deeply … whether physically, emotionally, or both.  The Gospel can heal our heart and time can ease our pain to the point where we can perhaps pardon even those who have hurt us most and move on with our life.

It’s extraordinary character indeed, and a wonderful gift of God, to be able to mentally maneuver beyond the wrong someone has done to us and settle in a better place!

But many of us, (even Christians, who should know better and do better!), often have one drastic flaw in our makeup.  We might be able to forgive horrible wrongs others have done to us, but often enough can’t bring ourselves to forgive the wrongs we ourselves have done.

We forget to forgive ourselves.  Probably more accurately stated; we refuse to forgive ourselves.  The mistakes we have made are inexcusable … at least in our own minds.  We consider them deplorable, indefensible, unmentionable and unpardonable.

We know Jesus has secured God’s forgiveness for us.  (At least we as Christians should know this, because that’s the recurring theme throughout God’s Word!)  The Scriptures tell us, “… everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43).  This is clear Christian doctrine – the heart of the Gospel and the heartbeat of our faith!

Yet all too often we struggle to forgive ourselves.  And if we struggle to forgive ourselves, the next logical step is to struggle to recognize God has forgiven us too.

To which I ask … how did we get bigger than God?  When did we take over the “allocating forgiveness business?”  Are we somehow and suddenly the king or queen of grace?  The answers are: no, we didn’t … no, we haven’t … and no, we aren’t!  Forgiveness is God’s territory.  Always has been; always will be.

When God writes to us, “Dear children, your sins have been forgiven on account of Jesus’ name” (1 John 2:12), he is writing as the ultimate authority on forgiveness, and he was referring to you and me and all who look in faith to Jesus as their Savior.  That’s full forgiveness, fully provided by God and fully effective!  Signed, sealed and delivered by Jesus … according to the Lord himself.

I’m convinced that our gracious God supplied us with so many vivid illustrations of his forgiveness in his Word because he knew that our “drastic flaw” would be forgiving ourselves.  Guilt would linger in us and harass our hearts; shame would discourage us and foster despair in our souls.  So the Lord was determined to provide us with concrete metaphors of his forgiveness that would be cemented in our psyche.

How does God describe our forgiveness in the Scriptures?  God calls it “forgiving our debts” (Matthew 6:12), “blotting out our transgressions, and remembering them no more” (Isaiah 43:25), “hurling all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19), and “removing our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).  Not to mention the oft-repeated pictures of redemption (bought back), justification (declared not guilty), and sanctification (made pure). 

Sinner, take these lovely pictures to heart, cherish them and pull them out repeatedly to gaze at their beauty yet again!  In Jesus, you are forgiven!

The simple point is this:  God has worked our forgiveness; it is accomplished!  God has spoken our forgiveness; it is fulfilled!  It is what our God and Savior has done and said that matters, and not our point of view.  We might try to conclude that we are forever tainted.  Thanks be to God; he says we are eternally clean!

It is time for us to stop crucifying ourselves; Jesus was crucified for us.  That is more than enough – even for you and me!