To whom then will you compare me,that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:who created these?He who brings out their host by number,calling them all by name,by the greatness of his might,and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.
Why do you say, O Jacob,and speak, O Israel,“My way is hidden from the Lord,and my right is disregarded by my God”?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth.He does not faint or grow weary;his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:25-31 ESV)
What more needs to be said? I read these words, and hope and comfort infuse my soul. This Almighty, Sovereign God is still on His throne; He still cares; He still knows. I just can't imagine life without Him . . .
Plea for Grace -- the earnest cry of a devoted Christ-follower
Friday, April 20, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Sorrow and Grief
"My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word . . ." (Psalm 119:28 ESV)
That has been my prayer since hearing the news yesterday of the Virginia Tech massacre. Even though I'm thousands of miles away, I read the names of those killed yesterday and weep. This tragedy is so beyond understanding.
Today, however, my thoughts turned to the gunman and his family. As the media and bloggers cry out for justice and meaning, do they remember that this young man had a family who is also grieving? His mother and father and sister came from Korea to make a better life in the United States. His sister attended Princeton; his parents still own their dry cleaning store. As people flock to console those killed yesterday, is there anyone consoling these people who must be experiencing a grief and guilt and pain beyond what any of us can imagine?
The news reports state that he was a "loner," "treated for depression," among other things. Was he really as alone as he thought he was? Did anyone befriend him, or did he spend day after day, virtually invisible, with no other relationships other than his oft-played video games?
Was he just so tired of the lonliness and depression and pain that he thought there was no way out? Did his anger at being invisible overtake him? Was it rage that pushed him to commit this heinous act? We will never really know, because he is no longer here to ask. We, like his family, and the victims' families,will only wonder.
Please do not get the impression that I am excusing his behavior. His actions were horrific. So many lives have been permanently changed and affected. However, for those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, the mandate is clear. "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all . . beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord' . . .Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good . . ." (Romans 12:17,19,21 ESV) My heart just broke when I read that some of the Korean students attending Virginia Tech were "staying together" for fear of student retribution. This is not a time to speak hate; to act in hate. This is a time to extend compassion to the victims' families (including the gunman's family) and do what we can to help the survivors and the families and this school and this community heal.
What can those of us who are so far away do?
That has been my prayer since hearing the news yesterday of the Virginia Tech massacre. Even though I'm thousands of miles away, I read the names of those killed yesterday and weep. This tragedy is so beyond understanding.
Today, however, my thoughts turned to the gunman and his family. As the media and bloggers cry out for justice and meaning, do they remember that this young man had a family who is also grieving? His mother and father and sister came from Korea to make a better life in the United States. His sister attended Princeton; his parents still own their dry cleaning store. As people flock to console those killed yesterday, is there anyone consoling these people who must be experiencing a grief and guilt and pain beyond what any of us can imagine?
The news reports state that he was a "loner," "treated for depression," among other things. Was he really as alone as he thought he was? Did anyone befriend him, or did he spend day after day, virtually invisible, with no other relationships other than his oft-played video games?
Was he just so tired of the lonliness and depression and pain that he thought there was no way out? Did his anger at being invisible overtake him? Was it rage that pushed him to commit this heinous act? We will never really know, because he is no longer here to ask. We, like his family, and the victims' families,will only wonder.
Please do not get the impression that I am excusing his behavior. His actions were horrific. So many lives have been permanently changed and affected. However, for those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, the mandate is clear. "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all . . beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord' . . .Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good . . ." (Romans 12:17,19,21 ESV) My heart just broke when I read that some of the Korean students attending Virginia Tech were "staying together" for fear of student retribution. This is not a time to speak hate; to act in hate. This is a time to extend compassion to the victims' families (including the gunman's family) and do what we can to help the survivors and the families and this school and this community heal.
What can those of us who are so far away do?
- open our Bibles and pray, pray, pray
- look around, in our own communities; notice the "invisible" and commit before God to not look "through" them anymore
- teach our children compassion and kindness and civility, and don't allow teasing and hatred and meanness to be an option
- give support (financially, as well as time and energy) to organizations such as the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) who are working tirelessly to remove the social stigma of mental illness and find better, more effective treatments and interventions
- don't allow our hearts to give in to hate and/or apathy. "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. . ." (Ephesians 4:26,27 ESV)
Monday, April 09, 2007
Absolute Surrender
Another one of my "new-favorite" authors is a French Christian named Fenelon (1651-1715). Now, you may say, what can a 17th century teacher have to say that would apply to 21st century living? The longer I live, the more I see that there really isn't anything new under the sun. . .
One of Fenelon's collection of writings is named "The Seeking Heart," and is a collection of answers to questions he received from some of his students and others with whom he encountered. On this Resurrection Sunday, I've been thinking of this one letter in particular. I know that "surrender" may not be a popular concept; in fact, I used to look at surrender as giving up, or just accepting defeat. Surrender to God, however, is giving up; giving up my will, my rights, my demands, to a Sovereign who loves me so much that He gave up His only Son to die a terrible death in my place, and then raised Him from the dead to defeat death once and for all.
As much as the reflections today are on joy and newness and life and resurrection, what I really desired for so many years was peace and calm and security. My life for so many years was marked by chaos and insecurity; I longed for that "boring, ordinary life" that I thought others had but I would never attain. I found true peace and calm and joy, not through my own efforts, but in truly deciding and learning to "Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 Amplified Bible
Fenelon writes. . .
Inward peace comes with absolute surrender to the will of God. You need to come to a simple calmness of spirit which comes from giving up everything to God and having patience with your neighbor. Learn to accept counsel with humility and straightforwardness. This will help you grow closer to God.
The reason you feel so agitated is that you do not accept everything that happens to you with complete trust in God. Put everything in His hand, and offer yourself to Him as a sacrifice. The moment you stop wanting things to be your way, you will be free from so much worry and concern. You won't have to hide anything or make up excuses for anything.
Until you reach this point of surrender, your life will be full of trouble and aggravation. Your talents will torment you. Your religious ideals will condemn you. So give your heart wholly to God and you will find peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
I've found such freedom in being a bondslave. . .and peace and joy and contentment. I pray that you would find such freedom and peace as well.
One of Fenelon's collection of writings is named "The Seeking Heart," and is a collection of answers to questions he received from some of his students and others with whom he encountered. On this Resurrection Sunday, I've been thinking of this one letter in particular. I know that "surrender" may not be a popular concept; in fact, I used to look at surrender as giving up, or just accepting defeat. Surrender to God, however, is giving up; giving up my will, my rights, my demands, to a Sovereign who loves me so much that He gave up His only Son to die a terrible death in my place, and then raised Him from the dead to defeat death once and for all.
As much as the reflections today are on joy and newness and life and resurrection, what I really desired for so many years was peace and calm and security. My life for so many years was marked by chaos and insecurity; I longed for that "boring, ordinary life" that I thought others had but I would never attain. I found true peace and calm and joy, not through my own efforts, but in truly deciding and learning to "Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 Amplified Bible
Fenelon writes. . .
Inward peace comes with absolute surrender to the will of God. You need to come to a simple calmness of spirit which comes from giving up everything to God and having patience with your neighbor. Learn to accept counsel with humility and straightforwardness. This will help you grow closer to God.
The reason you feel so agitated is that you do not accept everything that happens to you with complete trust in God. Put everything in His hand, and offer yourself to Him as a sacrifice. The moment you stop wanting things to be your way, you will be free from so much worry and concern. You won't have to hide anything or make up excuses for anything.
Until you reach this point of surrender, your life will be full of trouble and aggravation. Your talents will torment you. Your religious ideals will condemn you. So give your heart wholly to God and you will find peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
I've found such freedom in being a bondslave. . .and peace and joy and contentment. I pray that you would find such freedom and peace as well.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Be Still, My Soul
Have you ever encountered a time when it seems that you are bombarded. . .physically, emotionally, spiritually? I'm not talking about depression necessarily, or "the blues;" but just circumstances seem exhausting and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. I'm having one of those times right now. . . and it's not a "crisis of belief" period; I KNOW God is there. But the exhaustion doesn't lift; sin and hurt and pain and sorrow are all around; prayer is difficult.
It's at these times that I turn not only to the "hymnbook" of the Psalms, but also to my other hymnbook. These songs offer such comfort, and give me "jump starts" to prayer and to meditation, and remind me continually to ". . .be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks [have a grateful, thankful attitude] in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. . ." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) This hymn, in particular, has been playing in my head most of the day. . .
Be Still, My Soul (lyrics by Katherina vonSchlegel, 1752)
Be Still, my soul; the Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be Still, my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; your God does undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone;
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
When I feel overwhelmed, I can remember that the One who could calm the sea and raise the dead and make the blind see and the deaf hear can handle my present circumstances. He can guide the future just as skillfully as He has guided the past! I can dive into a friend's pain and grief, because in every change God will remain faithful. I can remember. . . this is not the end, this is not forever; and all that is mysterious and incomprehensible now will someday be revealed. Until then, it is enough to know that my God loves me, and "You are good, and what You do is good. . ." (Psalm 119:68)
"Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life." (Psalm 119:49, 50 ESV)
It's at these times that I turn not only to the "hymnbook" of the Psalms, but also to my other hymnbook. These songs offer such comfort, and give me "jump starts" to prayer and to meditation, and remind me continually to ". . .be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks [have a grateful, thankful attitude] in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. . ." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) This hymn, in particular, has been playing in my head most of the day. . .
Be Still, My Soul (lyrics by Katherina vonSchlegel, 1752)
Be Still, my soul; the Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be Still, my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; your God does undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone;
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
When I feel overwhelmed, I can remember that the One who could calm the sea and raise the dead and make the blind see and the deaf hear can handle my present circumstances. He can guide the future just as skillfully as He has guided the past! I can dive into a friend's pain and grief, because in every change God will remain faithful. I can remember. . . this is not the end, this is not forever; and all that is mysterious and incomprehensible now will someday be revealed. Until then, it is enough to know that my God loves me, and "You are good, and what You do is good. . ." (Psalm 119:68)
"Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life." (Psalm 119:49, 50 ESV)
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