Caring God

“The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.” (Psalm 146:9 NLT)

Since the last election, immigrants, single mothers, and children from low-income families have become even more marginalized. This torments me greatly. Why does it not bother every Christian equally?

There have always been subgroups of Christians who have found ways to justify slavery, discrimination, war, and hate. I guess we are not much different from other religious groups in this aspect. Human nature is flawed; thus, our interpretations of God’s will and purpose can also be faulty.

As far as I can tell, we serve a God who protects foreigners and cares for orphans and widows. He doesn’t discriminate based on socioeconomic status, nationality, race, or gender. Instead, He holds the wicked accountable. As His followers, are we implementing His will?

Lilting Lullabies

“When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.” (Exodus 33:22 NIV)

The tornado sirens were blaring. Meteorologists on TV warned listeners to go to their ‘safe place’--either a basement, under the stairs, or in a bathroom on the lowest floor. I hunkered down in the basement with my nervous dog while the storm passed through the neighborhood. Even after the worst was over, I couldn’t sleep. The dog kept pacing, refusing to leave my side. I figured she might be picking up on my anxiety. I coaxed her to her sleeping spot, dimmed the lights, and hummed a little hymn for both our sakes. I pulled a thick blanket over her crate so that she felt safe and cozy. I went to my own bed and lay down again. I prayed for safety and peace. I asked that God would teach me to trust Him. Eventually I felt calmer and drifted off to sleep.

Lord, you are my safe hiding place. You tuck me in and soothe me with lilting lullabies. You soften your glory for my sake. I shall rest securely in You.  

Deep Soil

“Since they don't have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.” (Luke 8:13 NLT)

Every year in the spring, I plant new seeds for my vegetable garden. I start the seeds indoors in seedling trays. Once the weather has warmed up and the seeds have sprouted, I move the trays outdoors and let them get acclimatized to the weather. The seedlings in trays have very shallow roots at this point. They wilt and die quickly without daily watering. Meanwhile, I prepare the soil in the raised beds. I pull all the weeds out and spread a new layer of compost on top of the existing soil. The quality and the quantity of soil are important. Deep soil allows more water retention and promotes growth. Once I transplant the seedlings, they continue to need regular attention until they develop deep roots. Once the plants are well established, they are much more resistant to drought and wind.

Similarly, our cumulative experiences of God can become the soil where faith is nurtured; both quantity and quality matter. Distractions can be like weeds--taking up space in our life. They have to be pulled out regularly. Each trial adds a new layer of compost, promoting intimate knowledge and dependency on God. Deeply-rooted faith is much more resistant to testing and temptations. It is anchored in trust, strong and unwavering, bringing glory to God in all circumstances.

Morning Manna

“When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground.” (Exodus 16:14 NLT)

This morning, I woke up earlier than usual to run. As I headed down Peaceful Drive, the sun was just peeking over the grove of trees to the east. The dew on the grass looked like sprinkled sugar. It reminded me of the above scripture verse about manna from heaven.

As I run, my mind usually wanders from one topic to another--things I need to get done, concerns about my loved ones, prayers for neighbors as I pass by their homes, questions I have for God...

Lord, what are you going to do about such-and-such situation?

When will it get resolved?

What is my part?

“Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day.” (Exodus 16:4 NLT)

Every morning, God provided heavenly sustenance to the Israelites while they wandered through the wilderness. They were given just enough for each day, nothing more. I, too was being given just what I needed --strength, wisdom, and grace for today--as well as essential lessons about the necessity of daily dependence on God.

Penciling in Your Plans

“You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21 NLT)

Until recently, my family used a paper calendar for our schedule. We would write certain things like work schedules in pen, while tentative plans would literally be penciled in. This allowed us to make changes easily. These days, since we use an online calendar, I have resorted to putting question marks next to plans that are flexible or subject to change.  

I am tempted to fill up every hour of every day with my agenda. I have many things I need and want to do. However, I have learned to put question marks around all my plans, to be open to God’s purpose, and to remain flexible to whatever the Spirit brings throughout each day.

Lord, may I remember to always pencil in my plans and yield gracefully to any changes you deem necessary.

Training the Mind

“Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” (Psalm 144:1 KJV)

I hope to run a marathon someday.  Right now, 26.2 miles seems like a formidable distance, especially considering my age. In my experience, every new goal feels insurmountable at first. Yet, consistent training and perseverance lead to incremental improvements.

I have another aspiration. God has taught me many lessons over the years. I would like this wisdom to penetrate deep into my soul and transform me. Yet, even that which seems like common sense is difficult for me to implement. I continually fall, fail, and become frustrated. Perhaps I should approach this goal like training for a long distance race--practice regularly, aim for incremental improvements, learn from setbacks, allow time for recovery, prepare for the hard parts, push through fatigue, rehearse pulling myself out of despondency, and refuse to give up...

Lord, you train me to fight fairly and well. I rely on your strength and enduring patience. Show me how to apply Your wisdom to my life.

Owning your Own

“For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:5 NLT)

When a business venture is owned by a group of investors, everyone feels a sense of ownership. If one of the partners makes a bad financial decision, it affects the rest of them, too. Thus, they are likely to make amends for the troubled partner’s mistakes.

Similarly, when we get overly involved in other people’s affairs, we can end up feeling responsible for their choices. Oftentimes our intentions are good; we want to help someone out who obviously needs some assistance. Before long, we notice that they are digging themselves into a hole, and we are merely handing them a bigger shovel. At this time, if we notice either guilt or resentment creeping in, it’s a sign that we have moved from ‘helping’ to taking partial ownership of their issues.

When a loved one is in trouble, it is difficult not to get involved. Their conduct affects your peace; thus, you may get entangled in their issues. However, if you are continually rescuing them from the consequences of their choices, well into their forties, it’s not helpful. This is not to say that we should ignore those in need; just refrain from taking responsibility for their decisions.

Bread

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh." (John 6:51 NLT)

The earth’s population keeps growing while its environmental health continues to diminish. Sustainability has become the holy grail of agriculture. We keep looking for novel ways to feed ourselves--seaweed, edible insects, zooplankton. However, humans have yet to come up with a feasible method of satisfying  world hunger.

Jesus offers Himself as our life bread, our eternal sustenance. Yet, we continue to focus on our scarcity. We struggle and compete with each other, diverting our attention from God. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are lost, hungry, and scared. The Lord provides us with manna. We must search for this daily bread, the spiritual nourishment that sustains life. We must fill ourselves with it. Nothing else can satisfy our souls.

Lord, I am relying on You to satisfy my hunger, for You are my eternal sustenance.

Picking Off Cockleburs

“When my anxious inner thoughts become overwhelming, your comfort encourages me.” (Psalm 94:19 ISV)

Cockleburs, spiny seed pods of the Xanthium plant, are common in our area. These prickly seeds cling to animals and humans so they can propagate in new areas. When I get back from a walk with our dog, I usually find a few on my clothes and stuck to the dog’s fur. I try to pick them off before we get in the house, or else they spread to the furniture and carpet, which can be even more irritating. After a long hike, I sit on the porch with our dog, gently picking off one cocklebur at a time, while brushing her fur.

Bothersome thoughts are a lot like cockleburs. At first, they snag onto the periphery of our minds; if left unattended, these worries propagate and spread, becoming even more problematic. When our anxieties become overwhelming, our Lord sits by us, picking off the prickly seeds of irritation, soothing our souls.

Lord, when I feel tormented by the cares of this world, I shall come to You.  I know you will pick off my fears, one by one. Your attentive ministrations bring me relief and encouragement.

Spiritual Success

"It's not possible for a person to succeed - I'm talking about eternal success - without heaven's help.” (John 3:27 MSG)

If given the choice between material success and spiritual progress, what would you choose?

I must confess that many of my prayers are centered on earthly aspirations--conflict-free relationships, financial stability, physical health, and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, I’m not alone in this. Many of us see faith as a means to an end, not as a goal unto itself.  

I see a similar mentality in many high school students. They care more about finishing their assignments and passing their tests than about learning or retaining the information. From their vantage point, high school gets you to college, college gets you a job, and a job gets you all the other stuff you want in life. Learning is a means to an end, not a goal unto itself.

Unlike worldly accomplishments, spiritual progress cannot be measured; thus, it is devalued. In a culture where self-reliance is seen as ideal, dependence on God is often reserved for times of desperation. Faith calls for trust, and learning to trust God requires Divine help. The Spirit of Truth becomes our tutor, sitting beside us, using our experiences as teaching opportunities, pointing out valuable lessons throughout life.

"Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth." (Psalm 25:4-5 MSG)

Spiritual Stagnation

“Whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever!” (John 3:36 MSG)

A few years ago, I got a Fitbit fitness tracker that measures my movement and heart rate. Before this, I assumed I was ‘active enough’ since my days were often busy with daily chores around the house, running errands, and walking the dog. But after I got the Fitbit, I realized that unless I was intentional about exercising, my activity level was still in the sedentary category. During many of my routine activities, my heart rate remained ‘out of zone’--too low to count as exercise.

I wonder what my day would look like if I had a spiritual fitness tracker? I study my Bible, go to church, volunteer, pray, listen to Christian music, and read Christian books on a regular basis. While all this activity may make me seem like a spiritual person, in reality, my heart might still  be ‘out of zone.’ I could be spiritually stagnant on the inside, while appearing active on the outside. Unless I can trust God and remain in His presence, all my endeavors amount to very little significance.

Jesus, I want to remain constantly connected to You throughout my day. Help me to entrust everything to You. Teach me to make every step count.

Spirit Born

“You must be born again.” (John 3:7 NIV)

The day of your birth is easy to remember. One day you were part of your mother; the next day you were part of the world. Spiritual birth is a lot harder to pinpoint. It’s a lot like the stages of waking up in the morning  --you notice the light streaming in, know it is time for you to get up, but indulge the urge to pull the covers over your head and snooze for a while longer. The Spirit remains dormant until we are ready to wake up. This is not something that can be forced or controlled.

"This is the crisis we're in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.” (John 3:19 MSG)

We can remain under the covers of darkness, enwrapped in illusions of control, unconscious of God. Until...something invisible moves within us. What a blessing when the Spirit in us wakes up to the God-light around us! Like a bud slowly blooming in the morning light, we are finally able to reveal our true beauty and essence.

Stud Finder

“Many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn't entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were.” (John 2:23-24 MSG)

Jesus knew not to entrust His life to humanity. He knew that we were inherently unstable.

When installing a cabinet on a wall, it is imperative to anchor it to the stud behind the drywall. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of time before everything comes crashing down. Humanity is a lot like drywall or plaster. We can bear a bit of weight, but not too much. Thus, relying on other human beings or anything conceived by human minds is short-sighted and unwise.

Lord, behind the facade of our human lives, You hold up everything substantive. Teach me to seek You and anchor my weighty concerns upon You and only You.

Not Ready

“This isn't my time. Don't push me." (John 2:4 MSG)

Jesus is at a wedding with His mother. The wine has run out. Mary expects Jesus to do something about it. Jesus doesn’t feel ready to launch himself to the public.

Having been at both ends of this situation, I can identify. I have been the pushy mother who thinks it’s about time for her son to show the world what he’s got. I’ve also been in the position of feeling ill-equipped and unready to follow what God has called me to do.

“She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it.” (John 2:5 MSG)

Jesus asks the servants to fill the empty ceremonial vessels with water. Water was not what was needed at the time, and it must have taken some effort to go get water. The servants obey; they don’t question the rationality or the feasibility of the plan.  Jesus transforms the water into wine.  

Our lives are often like these ceremonial receptacles. We can fill them with what we want or what God wants. It might not seem to make much of a difference at the time. However, obedience matters. It is a sign of trust and receptivity. When we live by God’s word, when we confidently follow His instructions, He transforms our emptiness into His intended purposes.

Lord, I often feel empty and unprepared. Help me to trust You and do Your will. Fill me; change me; use me.

Advocate

“We have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ...” (1 John 2:1 NLT)

Walking with someone on a bed of roses can be more enjoyable than accompanying them on a bed of thorns. Certain jobs like party planning, entertainment, tourism, etc. seem more pleasant than being a hospice worker or an attorney. Even personal relationships are much more pleasurable when we are celebrating weddings, graduations, or a job promotion, rather than when we are supporting someone through a divorce, unemployment, or serious illness. Yet, bonds that are welded in fire are enduring. When we are yoked together in suffering, when we accompany someone through the dark phases of life, when we share each others’ burdens--we experience a higher level of intimacy. This same principle applies to our relationship with Christ.

Jesus speaks up for us when we need an advocate and a friend. He stands by us despite our sinfulness--in prosperity as well as scarcity, in tranquility as well as adversity. Our Lord is always with us. In times of tribulation, we can either fixate on our grief and disappointment, or turn to the One who walks with us and bears our burdens. Intimacy with Christ is forged in these fires of affliction.

Jesus, You are my advocate and constant friend. You speak up for me, and defend me in times of persecution. You hold my hand through the darkest valleys and rejoice with me when I reach the light-filled peaks. Every experience brings me closer to You. You want me to know You and rely on You. Teach me to love You as You love me.

God is Dependable

“Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.” (Hebrews 10:23 MSG)

I was at the UPS store trying to mail an application for a visa. I had been working on these forms for weeks. The package included several irreplaceable, original documents. I had already paid for shipping and return. When I walked into the store, I was the only customer. This should go smoothly, I thought to myself. Well...it didn’t. The young clerk seemed inexperienced. She called the manager up from the back several times. He was grumpy and impatient. I felt nervous leaving such valuable documents in their hands, but I had no other choice. They slapped a few labels on the envelope and handed me a tracking receipt. It was out of my hands now.

Unlike the UPS clerks, God is dependable and capable. Yet, I am hesitant to hand things over to Him completely. As long as I have a choice to hang on and manage things on my own, I attempt to do so. I have trouble  relinquishing control.

I must learn to trust God with my burdens. He knows what He’s doing.  When I take my concerns to Him, I can be sure that it will be handled properly. His promises are my tracking receipt. I can hang on to them for reassurance. Every prayer will be sealed and delivered at the appropriate time.

Lord, you are trustworthy. I shall commit every concern to You in complete faith. I will keep a firm grip on Your promises while I wait patiently for Your perfect timing. Thank You in advance.

Morning Prayers

“Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3 NLT)

Lord, every morning I come to You. Yes, I am still groggy, and I get easily distracted, but my heart desires to spend time with You. I pour out my concerns and wait to hear from You.

Spread your protective covering over my loved ones. Wake us up to Your light. Guide us today and every day. Help us to patiently wait for your directions. Reveal Yourself in ways we may recognize. Speak to our hearts in a language we can understand. When we are distracted, hold on to us.  Do not let us stray from Your side. Teach us to trust You. Flood us with Your love, so that we may experience You fully and be satisfied.

God with Us

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NLT)

What are your fears?

What causes you to feel discouraged?

I am plagued by several recurrent negative messages:

--You are not good enough.

--It’s just a matter of time before things fall apart completely.

--People will abuse you if you let them.

--Love hurts.

Fear is often a tangled mess of half-truths and legitimate concerns. It’s tough to differentiate between delusions and reality. Like viruses on your computer, certain lies can be hard to remove even after you have recognized them as harmful. Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones is not easy.

When I get into a funk, my mind can go into an endless loop of self-sabotaging messages. In order to pull myself out of this yucky place, I remind myself of a few truths:

--God is with me, no matter what.

--God is in control.

--His grace is enough.

--God’s power works best in my weakness.

Disrobe

“Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.” (James 5:16 MSG)

Like many women, I am uncomfortable in swimsuits. So when swimsuit cover-ups became popular, I happily embraced the trend. I have several that look like beautiful dresses. If I am at a beach or pool, I rarely take off this outer garment. I applaud those women who are brave enough to bare their imperfect bodies. I watch admiringly as they swim and bask in the sun.

Even though I am reluctant to bare my outer body, I am learning to strip off the layers of my inner self. I have a circle of friends who are willing to be transparent. We freely share our experiences and wisdom. We are willing to be vulnerable, admit our flaws, and learn from each other. It’s like going to a beach where everyone is ready to disrobe and reveal their imperfect bodies. There is no shame, no pressure to present a flawless image. This makes it easier for everyone to bare themselves and bask in the Son. We confess our faults, fears, and insecurities to each other and pray that we shall be whole and healed.

I Am Nothing

“Do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)

A few weeks ago, I attended a conference with several local speakers. When I walked in, the room was full and the lights were dimmed for a video presentation. I noticed an empty chair near one of the tables in the back. I asked permission to the person next to me before I sat down. During the intermission, several people came up to that table to chat with others near me. I realized that I had sat down near some of the official presenters at the conference. As I was scanning the room for another seat, one of the audience members came up to me and asked:

“Are you one of the speakers?”

“NO! I am nothing,” I blurted out.

He said, “Don’t say that! Everyone is something.”

I wasn’t trying to be humble--it was a gut-level response. This habit of invalidating myself started when I was a child. I can be encouraging and affirming to others, but not to myself. It’s not that I lack self-esteem; I’ve just internalized certain worldly standards about what it means to be significant. It’s hard to hear the whispers of the Spirit above the cacophony of these lies.

The truth is that our worth comes from only one thing: Christ is in us. Thus, everyone has value. Like land that holds underground gold, we all have the potential to reveal Christ. Whether we recognize it or not, the Spirit of God is working on us, in us, and through us. As we yield to Him, our lives become an expression of God, who alone is the source of significance.

I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. (Philemon 1:6 MSG)

Everlasting God

“Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.” (Isaiah 40:28 MSG)

When I was a young mother, my child was my primary concern. My days and nights were consumed by all that I had to do; I had very little time or energy for anything or anyone else. Then a mature friend gave me the following advice: “Someday your children will grow up and move on with their lives; invest in your relationship with your husband--soon, it will be just you and him.” I am at that stage of life now. My only child is grown, and my husband and I are spending a lot more time together. I am glad that we didn’t neglect our marriage while we were immersed in the parenting phase of life.

Someday, everything will disappear--husband, friends, health, wealth, strength...

Then it will be just me and my Everlasting God. He never grows weak or weary. His power and love never run out. He will never leave or abandon me. He knows me inside and out. I will draw near to My Lord, and He will draw near to me. I shall make Him my primary concern. I will cling to the Lord, who is my infinite companion and perpetual  support.

Teaching and Learning

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” (Proverbs 1:5 NIV)

Parenting young children calls for patience and discipline. Every day is full of teachable moments. At home, we try to mold them according to our beliefs and values. During school, we depend on teachers to educate and guide them.

In contrast, guiding grown children requires wisdom and a great deal of faith. Young adults may have a lot left to learn, but they are not very teachable. Their inexperience often leads to complacency and carelessness. It can be quite frustrating to be a powerless parent--to accept that our role has changed.

What are we to do as parents when our children are young adults? We too have a lot left to learn. Just as we handed them over to caregivers and school teachers when they were young, now, we must release them to the Lord. He is the best adviser, friend, mentor, guardian, and Father. We have to trust that God will continue working on them until they reach their full potential.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6 NLT)