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.