Oasis

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” (Matthew 11:28-30 TPT)

Oases are lush spots with a water source in the middle of a desert. I’ve never seen one in real life, just in movies. The closest I have come to an ‘oasis’ is on an interstate tollway. If you are driving down a tollway in a rural area, you will notice that there are very few rest areas. The best option for food and fuel is one of the roadside ‘oases’ that are part of the tollway system. These convenient rest stops have fast food restaurants, clean bathrooms, stores, weather information, gas stations, ATMs, and free WiFi. But sometimes you end up driving for a long time without seeing one of these oases. If you get impatient and exit prematurely to find some small town with facilities, you will end up driving miles off course. 

Are you a weary traveler looking for rest? 

Jesus says: “Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.” 

Don’t fall into the temptation of finding your own way and getting off course. 

Wait for God’s refreshment. 

Lord, I come to You with my burdens and weariness. I will find refreshment in YOUR oasis. I will align my life with Yours. Teach me Your gentle ways. You are easy to please. Let me experience refreshment and rest in You. You won’t lay anything that is too heavy on me. Help me to keep company with You and NOT with evil. Then I will learn to live freely and lightly. 

Counting My Chariots

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7 NIV)

One morning, I was ruminating over the various stressors in my life. I could feel my anxiety simmering to a boil. As a coping mechanism, I started thinking of past trials and how much better off I was now to deal with things: I am older and wiser. My child is grown. My faith is stronger. I have a support system. I have more resources than before.

I reminded myself of how much worse it could be: There are people with much bigger problems. In comparison, mine are not so bad. Plus, I have a ton of stuff to be grateful for. I really should be more positive. 

As this mental chatter continued, the following phrase suddenly popped into my mind: 

“Quit counting your chariots!”

What was that supposed to mean? 

I thought my coping mechanisms were wise and therapeutic. But I had wandered off track.  Instead of trusting in God, I was trying to reassure myself with prior experiences of resilience. I was counting my chariots and horses--my strengths, my wisdom, my resources. I was not going to win any battles this way. Neither improved circumstances nor my resources were going to make much difference. God’s character and strength would determine the outcome. I redirected my thoughts. 

It was God who got me through prior trials. 

God is trustworthy. 

I shall solely depend on His grace and love.

 

Trading Junk for Acceptance

“The man replied, ‘It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.’” (Genesis 3:12 NLT)

I tend to cook and eat healthy meals. My diet consists mainly of plant-based, minimally processed, whole foods. I use ingredients and preparation methods that enhance their nutritional value. 

I notice that my family and friends appreciate my cooking more when I serve them meals that are less healthy.  I am not immune to pleasant feedback, so I find myself adding unwholesome ingredients to my recipes when I cook for others. My excuse is that I’m just giving them what they want. I also do not want to be a legalistic food-Pharisee. Each of us has to come to our senses on our own. 

Recently, I have been questioning my motives for this practice. Why would I knowingly cook and serve unhealthy meals to loved ones? 

Am I willing to trade junk for acceptance? 

Like Eve, I have the choice of doing what is right or wrong. My choices may influence those around me, too. Knowingly feeding harmful things to others cannot be good, even though it garners appreciation.

 

Seek and Find

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT)

When my son was young, I probably enjoyed his picture books more than he did. Where’s Waldo was one of my favorite series. This book included intricate illustrations of busy scenes. Hidden in the midst would be Waldo, a character with a red-and-white striped shirt. The whole point was to seek and find Waldo in the chaos. 

I’ve been thinking about these books lately. When I start obsessively worrying about all the obstacles that I am facing, I try to look for Jesus in the midst of the difficulties. When I am anxious about future problems, I imagine Jesus as part of the picture. I know He goes before me. He will neither fail nor abandon me. I shall not be afraid or discouraged. The Lord is always present. When we seek and find Him in the chaos, even suffering becomes meaningful. 

‘I will march out in front of you and level every obstacle. I will shatter to pieces bronze doors and slice through iron bars. (Isaiah 45:2 TPT)

God is Able

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” (Ephesians 3:20 TPT)

I was cleaning out a shelf the other day when I found a list I had made years ago. I had typed up about a dozen dreams that I hoped to accomplish. I had to smile as I reviewed the list. Most of my wishes had not come true, yet I did not feel any sense of regret. Some of what I thought was important back then seems no longer relevant. Some things that I imagined I had power over I now realize I can’t control. Some of the items on the list are still in my heart, but I hold them loosely. If and when God wills. 

Now there are a lot of things that were NOT on that list that have greatly enhanced my life. I didn’t even have the imagination to dream of these things back then. I assume the same is true right now. My current desires are most likely uninspired and copied from the culture around me. I am sure that what God has planned is unbelievably more amazing.

Lord, I shall never doubt your mighty power. You work within each of us, accomplishing infinitely more than our wildest imaginations. Your miraculous power running through us is constantly energizing. 

Strength in Helplessness

 

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” (Matthew 5:3 MSG)

Psychologist Dr. David Lewis did a research study of stress levels for fighter pilots and commuters. He compared heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels of combat pilots in the midst of battle and commuters on the London subway or those driving to work. The results were surprising. Commuters showed higher levels of stress than fighter pilots. Why? While the pilots had a much higher risk of mortality, they felt more in control of their situation than the commuters. Stress is exacerbated by feelings of helplessness.

This resonated with me. During the last two years of the pandemic, I have been mostly homebound. It has not been fun. However, I feel like all the sacrifices I have made thus far have been my choice, and I am grateful to have the agency to make good choices. Recently, I have had a series of difficulties that are outside my power to manage. This feeling of helplessness is much more stressful than the last two years of limitations. 

I am at the end of my rope of self-reliance. I’m too tired to hang on, so I must let go. I have acknowledged my powerlessness. With less of me, there is more of God and His power. This is a blessing. I have invited the Lord into my emptiness. I shall wait expectantly for Him.  I am relying on His strength. 

 

Moving Finish Line

“I have learned to be satisfied in any circumstance.” (Philippians 4:11 TPT)

My favorite part of running a marathon is crossing the finish line. I start counting down the miles I have left about halfway through. How frustrating it would be if the goal post kept changing!

The pursuit of pleasure is like a marathon with no finish line. No matter how much we acquire, accomplish, or experience, we are left wanting more. Have you ever heard someone admit to having enough fame, power, money, prestige, admiration, food, drink, fun, thrills, etc.? 

The Apostle Paul says he learned to be content in any circumstance. His life was marked with afflictions. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned several times. He experienced hunger, thirst, pain, rejection, and hatred. Paul did not base his satisfaction on temporal pleasures. That would be equivalent to running a race with no endpoint. He knew there was no chance of contentment down the path of circumstantial happiness. Thus, he poured out his energy as an offering to God. As he approached the end, Paul could honestly say that he was content, despite all his sufferings.

“My life is being given as an offering for God. The time has come for me to leave this life here. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully.” (2 Timothy 4:6-7 ERV)

The Tale of Two Robes

“He has covered me with the robe of righteousness...” (Isaiah 61:10 ESV)

This Christmas, I got a new robe. It is dark gray and heavy. My old, red robe is softer and more comfortable. I keep both of them on hooks behind my bedroom door. The old robe has been designated as my dog robe--I wear it when I feed, brush, or play with my dog. Afterwards, I use a lint roller to try to get most of the dog hair off this robe, but there is always some fur left on it. Once the dog care is done, I hang up my old robe and put on my new one. Even though my old robe is comfier, I am glad to change into a clean robe free of dog hair. 

“You were taught to leave your old self. This means that you must stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self gets worse and worse, because people are fooled by the evil they want to do. You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking. Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to him.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 ERV)

The Lord has covered me with a new robe of righteousness. However, I’m not ready to renounce my old robe of worldliness. It is familiar and  comfortable. I like to keep it around for messy situations. I try to clean it up and make it presentable, but my weaknesses have become entrenched in the fabric of my old self. The only way to be clean is to take off the old and put on the new. The robe of righteousness feels hefty and unfamiliar. The virtuous life is not easy. It requires changes in attitude, perspective, and behavior. Yet, I know this new self is what I am meant to be--clean, good, and pleasing to God.

Humble Faith

“If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands.” (1 Peter 5:6 TPT)

Be humble in God’s presence. We are not entitled or deserving of anything. Submit, don’t demand. He will eventually lift you up to a good place at the right time. 

“Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 TPT)

Release your worries to God. Rely on Him. Trust Him to take care of everything. No takebacks! 

“Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 TPT)

Don’t ignore evil or pretend it doesn’t exist. Remain alert and aware. Do not numb or distract yourself. Stay sober. Be on guard lest evil sneaks up on you. Stay strong and firm in faith. Remind yourself that others are suffering, too. Trust God completely. 

“And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in his eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, he will set you firmly in place and build you up. And he has all the power needed to do this—forever! Amen. (1 Peter 5:10 TPT)

God will set things right according to HIS will and timing. He will build you up, personally restoring your strength and spirit. In God’s presence you will experience kindness, love, and grace. 

Bad Fuel

“It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 MSG)

 

Impure gasoline can diminish the overall performance of your automobile. Dirt, dust, or water in fuel can clog up the injectors and filters. This results in loss of power and acceleration. Over time, contaminants can cause severe damage to the engine. 

 

Impure fuel can be damaging to our bodies as well. We have trained our palates to crave foods and drinks that are damaging to our health. This seems counterintuitive. Why would we self-sabotage our well-being? Some patterns of behavior become so entrenched in our psyche that we cannot unshackle ourselves from them. 

 

Similarly, bad fuel can be damaging to our souls. When we are propelled by anxiety, pride, greed, resentment, or rage, our spirits become contaminated. It is good to feel, accept, and express our emotions. However, we need to remind ourselves that there are realms beyond our senses. Faith is the assurance that God is working on things outside of our sphere of perception. When we consistently fill our souls with the pure fuel of trust, we are empowered and energized. Our thoughts, choices, and behaviors become saturated with confidence in God’s providence. 

 

Lord, let me operate from a place of trust in You. 

 

Freudenfreude

 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15 NIV)

 

Freudenfreude is the German word for finding joy in other people’s success. 

It is the opposite of schadenfreude--finding joy in the misfortune of others. 

 

Our instinctive reaction to the joys and sorrows of others can be informative. It shows our genuine feelings and reveals the true nature of our relationships. Empathy leads to freudenfreude. When a loved one is experiencing joy, we naturally feel joy. When they are sad, we feel sad. Schadenfreude is a sign of antipathy. We tend to feel a secret glee in others’ misfortunes when we dislike them or feel competitive towards them. 

 

When we share each other’s happiness, sorrows, and hardships, we become invested emotionally. We are more likely to reveal vulnerability to those whom we trust. Trust is built on consistent deposits of attentive listening, empathy, and kindness. This results in empathetic relationships filled with mutual respect, acceptance, and understanding.

 

Lord, Can You Hear Me?

“Jesus gazed into heaven and said, ‘Father, thank you that you have heard my prayer, for you listen to every word I speak.’” (John 11:41-42 TPT)

When I am talking to someone on the phone, I like to hear some sort of response every so often. An ‘um-hum’ or ‘ugh’ will do.  Same thing when I’m texting--even an emoji lets me know that my message has been received. When I don’t get any response, I feel ignored. 

 

Jesus was certain that His Father listened. There was no sign or response to His prayer, but Jesus knew His Father. He was confident in God’s nature. He was so sure that he proceeded to raise Lazarus from the dead after this prayer. 

 

I want to know the Father. I want to trust even when there are no encouraging responses or signs of progress.  I want to be confident in God’s nature. I want to be more like Jesus. 

 

Father, I am grateful that You always listen. Help me to be aware of this truth even when I feel insecure. Remind me that You are at work, even when I can’t see the process. Thank You. 

Not Connected

“You see, my heart overflowed with bitterness and cynicism; I felt as if someone stabbed me in the back.” (Psalm 73:21 TPT)

The other day, I was going for my usual morning run. As I stepped out of my driveway, I heard the following alert on my bluetooth headphones: “Not connected!”  I checked my pockets and realized I had left my phone in the house. I turned around and went back into the house to find my phone. 

I wish I could have a similar alert when it comes to hearing from God. I sometimes wander away and feel disconnected. Certain emotions and experiences such as bitterness, cynicism, despair, anger, indignation, betrayal, dishonesty, bullying, manipulation--all tend to disrupt my receptivity. Any form of distraction and numbing makes things even worse. 

Knowing about these connectivity patterns, I have to be intentional about my thoughts and behaviors, especially during times of crisis. Distractions and numbing may temporarily relieve the pain but are unproductive in the long run.  I must turn back to Christ and reconnect.  I need to remain near to the Source, so that I can hear, understand, and be strengthened. 

“But the closer I am to You, my God, the better because life with You is good.” (Psalm 73:28 TPT)

 

The Big Reveal

 “I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this gracious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Philippians 1:6 TPT)

 

At the end of makeover shows, there is always a ‘big reveal’ where the audience gets to see all the changes. If it is a home remodel, we get to see the newly decorated rooms. If it is a personal makeover, the client models her new clothes and makeup. Up until this moment, we are only shown little glimpses of the process. We can see the experts working on the project, but we don’t see the whole picture until the final moments. 

 

Similarly, when we pray for a person’s transformation, we may not notice any significant improvement for a while. However, we can be assured that God is at work. Restoration and healing may happen out of sight, and the timing might not fit our expectations. Yet, we know that the One who began the gracious work will faithfully continue the process of maturing until the ‘big reveal’ at the end. 

 

Retraining Sensitivity

 “And now, since they’ve lost all natural feelings, they have given themselves over to sensual, greedy, and reckless living. They stop at nothing to satisfy their impure appetites.” (Ephesians 4:19 VOICE)

 

I recently listened to a sermon by Dan Kent on fasting. He made several good points that I would like to share.

 

Pleasure does not equal happiness. Many of us want happiness but settle for the counterfeit high of pleasure. Our bodies know the difference. While pleasure releases a quick dopamine hit, happiness comes from elevated serotonin levels. Serotonin increase is associated with adequate sleep, exercise, connecting with loved ones, eating fruits and vegetables, spending time in nature, meditation, music, practicing gratitude, etc.

 

Hedonism is devotion to pleasure as a way of life. Hedonistic adaptation numbs our pleasure centers over time, reducing our capacity for enjoyment.

 

Addictions can come in the form of food, alcohol, drugs, social validation, gambling, shopping, etc. Addictions are habits that hold us in bondage. The Israelites left slavery in Egypt and wandered through the desert for decades. Similarly, our inner exodus from captivity to freedom can feel like a desert experience.

 

Conforming to patterns of cultural expectations can lead to enslavement. Social posturing and comparison do not lead to happiness. If the way we live is based on how others perceive us, we cannot have authentic relationships. 

 

Most of us have overloaded our senses for so long that our capacity for happiness has diminished. We have lost all natural feelings after giving ourselves over to sensual, greedy, and reckless living. Fasting is a form of voluntary withdrawal from our impure appetites for the purpose of increasing sensitivity. Our cravings might include decadent food, social approval, a constant desire for excitement, stimulation, novelty, noise, material goods, etc.  In order to retrain our senses, we may have to pull back on our excessive appetites for a time period. Then we can enjoy life without being swallowed by the world. 

Wisdom for The Future

 

“Know that [skillful and godly] wisdom is [so very good] for your life and soul; If you find wisdom, then there will be a future and a reward, And your hope and expectation will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 24:14 AMP)

 

I regularly get feedback from readers of this blog saying: “How did you know I needed these words today?” 

 

I write these blog posts several weeks in advance. I send them to a friend who edits them. On Sundays, I schedule all the posts for the week ahead. I am glad it reaches friends and strangers on the day that they need it. The timing is a coincidence...or perhaps a god-incidence.

 

Wisdom is essential for the soul. It is the lifeblood of future hope. Writing down insights is a lot like giving blood. It takes time. There is some discomfort. It can leave you drained and dizzy. Yet the benefits are worth the pain, for you never know who it may help.

 

There are days when my current emotional needs line up with the insights God provided weeks ago. I am as surprised by the timely wisdom as the rest of the readers. It is as if God nudged me to save my own blood before a traumatic surgery so as to transfuse me back with it in my time of need. 

Battling Anxiety

 “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG)

 

Anxiety is my nemesis. It concentrates into a tight ball that remains stuck in the base of my chest. It gains energy by worrying, ruminating on the past, and fixating on the future. It robs me of joy and peace. I can’t ignore it. I need to displace it by paying attention to higher things. 

 

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (Philippians 4:8-9 MSG)

 

I shall not worry. Instead, I shall shape my concerns into prayer. Lord, I am surrendering all the situations that are making me anxious into your capable hands. I am waiting for your peace and wholeness. Jesus, come displace the worry at the center of my life. Help me to fill my mind with things that are true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious. Teach me to fixate on the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse; the best, not the worst. Make everything work out according to your will. 

Go About Your Business

“And you? Go about your business without fretting or worrying. Relax. When it’s all over, you will be on your feet to receive your reward.” (Daniel 12:13 MSG)

 

My days are filled with activities. I cook, clean, run, read, write, pray, and connect with loved ones. There are days when I am too anxious and exhausted to do much of anything. Yet, I go about my business even when I don’t feel like it. 

 

I often confuse my daily busyness as a business. This is flawed thinking.

 

We are all called to partner with God in His business. This work is done in a higher, often invisible realm. God’s sphere of influence is universal. His holdings are vast. In order to equip us in our work, God gives us His Holy Spirit. The Counselor comes alongside us as we work--explaining, training, and encouraging us. Much of what is going on in the earthly realm is not ours to manage. Everything, however, is within God’s transforming power. Thus, we are instructed not to fret or worry but to peacefully go about our God’s business in complete confidence that He is in control.

 

Going Through the Battle

“This is what the Lord says to you: Don’t be frightened or terrified by this large crowd. The battle isn’t yours. It’s God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15 GW)

 

We know that all battles belong to God. But what’s our role? Are we soldiers or generals? Are we in charge of logistics, provisions, or weaponry? What are we supposed to do? 

 

“You won’t have to lift a hand in this battle; just stand firm...and watch God’s saving work for you take shape. Don’t be afraid, don’t waver. March out boldly tomorrow—God is with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:17 MSG)

 

We are NOT in charge of anything. We are not meant to figure it all out by ourselves. Whatever we do--there will be some hardship, some disappointment, some lessons, some joy. This is the nature of battle. 

 

Our part is to stay in position and listen for directions. Trust in God. Don’t be afraid. Don’t waver. Stand firm. Be bold. Keep reminding yourself that God is with you. 

 

The Almighty God is dependable. He is in charge. He is trustworthy. He is always present. Even when we have exhausted all of our resources, even when we are cornered, outmanuevered, and overpowered by evil, even when we are at our wits’ end, the Lord knows what to do. He is our helper, our healer, our hope. He is the source of unconditional peace. This is the nature of God. 

Faith Filter

“You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.” (1 Samuel 17:45 MSG)

 

I like to take pictures of my dog, natural landscapes, and food that I prepare. My favorite part about taking pictures on my cell phone is the ease of editing. I zoom in, crop, and add filters that enhance the photos. My favorite filter, ‘sunshine’, brightens almost any image and smooths out the shadows. 

 

When the Israelites were battling the Philistines, the soldiers looked at the logistics. The opposition had a giant warrior named Goliath. He wore impenetrable armor. He had huge weapons. David looked at the circumstances differently. He zoomed in, cropped out the peripherals, and added a faith filter. David didn’t diminish the danger. He saw the size of the giant. He noticed the sword, the spear, and the battle-ax. None of this scared him. David knew he would not have to battle the giant on his own strength. He had God on his side. David didn’t let his plight color his faith. Instead, he looked at his circumstances through the filter of faith. 

 

We all face scary giants at some time or another. If we can apply the filter of faith, we are able to gain clarity. God’s light brightens our perspective and minimizes fear. We are not expected to handle anything on our own. For scripture says: “The battle belongs to God.” (1 Samuel 17:47 MSG)