On Track

“God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 1:8 MSG)

When life is going according to our plans, we feel like a train that is chugging along smoothly on its track. Yet, we have all experienced the derailment that comes with disappointment and heartbreak. Many of us reach out to God in prayer--asking Him to set us back on track. We are hoping that God places us right back on the path that we have laid out, according to our own desires and ambitions.

However, God may have a completely different track laid out for us. It may curve away from our intended route, taking us in a completely different direction. This can be disorienting and depressing. BUT God does not expect us to figure it all out by ourselves. He does not abandon us. He comes alongside us, keeping us steady and on His track--until everything works out according to His plans.

Inner Being

“I pray that he would give you, according to his glorious riches, strength in your inner being and power through his Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:16 ISV)

A home requires regular maintenance and upkeep on the outside and inside. Every few years, water heaters, a/c units, plumbing, gutters, windows, roofs, carpet, appliances, furniture, etc. will have to be fixed or replaced. Sometimes we renovate our homes because they no longer fit our vision. These external changes are much more noticeable and, thus, appealing. For example, investing in a kitchen remodel feels more rewarding than spending time and energy to clean out mold in your ductwork. Some tasks can be done on our own, and other jobs might require help from an expert.

Most of us are eager to keep up our external appearances. We diet and exercise to maintain our looks. We pursue careers that will bring us wealth and respect. We adhere to societal rules in order to retain acceptability. We spend an inordinate amount of effort on the Outer Being while neglecting the Inner Being.

Our Inner Being is our true self--an intricate synthesis of our character, consciousness, and spirit--and  this Inner Being needs regular care and maintenance. A certain degree of inner work can be done by each individual. Introspection, contemplation, personal accountability, breaking harmful habits, and avoiding negative influences are within our jurisdiction. Yet, we can only do so much on our own. Eventually, we reach a point when we have to call for help from a higher power. Our inner being is empowered to its full potential only through the Spirit of God. We can pay attention to our Inner Being and notice what is broken. We may even be able to start the process of renovation, but only God can completely restore us to wholeness.

Self Eclipse

“Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God.” (Romans 8:5-8 MSG)

Focusing on our circumstances never leads to true peace. When our situation seems difficult, we worry; when conditions seem favorable, we have an illusion of peace. Our perspectives are skewed by our experiences and our influences. Thus, the emotions and attitudes that we develop are usually distorted as well.

Circumstances, emotions, and other influences can easily divert our focus, looming like mountains, blocking our view to what is beyond. We become cut-off from divine light. We need to move out of the shadows, change our perspective, and refocus our attention on God. Our concerns must fade into the background; our mindset must align with His will; His Spirit must become our essence.

When Self eclipses God, we are shrouded in darkness. When God is in the forefront, we are suffused by light.

Inner Transformation

“Only love effects true inner transformation, not duress, guilt, shunning, or social pressure.” (Richard Rohr, Breathing Under Water)

When someone we care about exhibits destructive behavior, most of us try to fix them. We remind them of their responsibilities, express our disapproval, manipulate them with guilt, coerce them with ultimatums, exert social pressure, withdraw support, or avoid their company. We call this approach ‘tough love’, because it’s tough for everyone involved. Sometimes this approach can bring about superficial changes. However, only unconditional love can lead an individual to inner transformation.

I have seen marriages that were rocked by infidelity, alcoholism, and financial difficulties restored to wholeness. I have witnessed young people with addictions and behavioral problems develop into functional adults. In all these cases, the individuals could sense that they were unconditionally loved and accepted. This level of love requires divine grace.

I have also noticed that some people never seem to change. They are not able to sense love even when it is present. They are often coated with impenetrable barriers of self-loathing, insecurity, or self-absorption. Love can only lead to transformation when it can be received.

Lord, soften our hearts so that we may perceive your love.  

Transitions

“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life...” (Ephesians 4:22 ESV)

“When we go to school we make a passage from life in the family to life in the larger community.  When we get married we make a passage from a life with many options to a life committed to one person. When we retire we make a passage from a life of clearly defined work to a life asking for new creativity and wisdom.  Each of these passages is a death leading to new life. (Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey)

Transitions are difficult because many of us are not ready to give up our old ways of life. When we move from one place to another, we still cling to old friends and pine for our favorite haunts. When we get married or have children, we are reluctant to give up our independence and embrace our new responsibilities. Even after we retire, we remind ourselves and others of our old professional identities of past productivity and significance.

Those of us who have had horrible experiences are more eager to move on. But most of us pick and choose what we like from our old lives and try to incorporate it into our new lives. When we keep one foot in each phase, we cannot commit to growth. Occasionally, a crisis thrusts us out, closing the door completely on our former life. These forced transitions can be devastating. It’s best to allow some time for adjustments between phases. Some people are able to move on quickly, while others need more time. Trying to push a loved one through a passage when they are scared or reluctant is next to impossible. Each of us has to move forward according to our own internal pace.

Eventually, we all die to our old selves. We bury our past. God’s grace transforms us. We emerge from the tomb when we are ready. We embrace our new life.

Antidepressant Verse

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4:13 MSG)

Whatever I have...

Take an inventory of your current circumstances. What do you have? What do you NOT have? Maybe you have a great many blessings. Maybe you also have some disappointments and fears. Perhaps, like me, you have a tendency to focus on negative thoughts. This is as dumb as intentionally watering the weeds in our gardens instead of the vegetables.

Wherever I am...

Each phase of life comes with its own set of trials. Childhood comes with dependence, young adulthood with confusion, middle age with deterioration, and old age with sickness. Changing locations--whether by switching careers, moving to different places, or starting new relationships--will not negate our feelings of powerlessness.

I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am...

We are not defined by our circumstances but by God who makes us who we are. This goes for our loved ones too. We can trust God to mold each of us and direct our lives as He sees fit. No matter what our situation, we can get through anything if we are aware of Christ’s presence and strength within us.

Nothing but the Truth

“What is truth?” (John 18:38 NLT)

There are many things that are beyond our sensory perception. Some of us may question the vastness of the universe beyond our solar system, because it is immeasurable and incomprehensible. Truth exists whether or not we understand it fully.

Truth is pure--without embellishments, flavoring, or garnish. It is like a raw vegetable straight from the garden that still has its  skin and seeds. It can be unpalatable and indigestible to most of us. Thus, we peel it, take the seeds out, slice it, cook it, and add spices to suit our taste.

Religion is man’s attempt to make truth user-friendly. Truth, in its purest form, is difficult for most people to stomach. Thus, we have learned to modify and codify it to suit our cultural mores. At its best, religion makes truth more accessible to the masses. At its worst, it is a highly processed, overcooked, oversimplified, overgarnished version of the truth.