Have you ever had that begging prayer experience, when you want something so badly, that you plead in earnest for God to bring about the outcome you desire? You wait, you wonder, you hope. Then, instead of relief and happiness, you are given the opposite of what you asked. Disappointment drops a lead weight of discouragement upon you. What can you do? How can you climb that mountain of hope ever again?
Hope in God, peace in Him, joy reigning no matter life’s circumstances, is something that is cultivated over time spent with Him. Like a farmer who drops a seed into the ground, he doesn’t walk away with heart’s desire that fruit will grow. He waters, fertilizes, and weeds the area. In our spiritual worlds we must also nurture our relationship with God in the same manner. Growing absolute trust in God, and in His ways for us, is only sustained through time spent with Him.
Even Jesus began His day on earth by going somewhere to spend quality time alone with His Father. When the hour had come to be arrested and crucified for your sins and mine, Jesus felt every human fear and dread that you and I feel (Hebrews 4:15-16). In great anguish He uttered a begging prayer, pleading with His Father to bring about another way to go through what was to come. We find this insightful event recorded in Matthew 26:39, “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying. ‘Oh My Father, if it’s possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'” Jesus asked with great hope, but He was able to say with all His heart, “not as I will, but as You will.” How could He do that, knowing what was about to happen? He could have run away. He could have summoned legions of angels to His rescue. He did none of those things. Instead, He trusted His Father, and He was not disappointed with the ultimate outcome.
Jesus, man as well as God, cultivated His relationship with His Father. He did that in the same way as any of us grows a strong relationship with anyone. We spend time communicating with the person. Without communication there can be no close relationship. Jesus didn’t wait for emergency moments to talk with His Father. Due to His daily talking and listening to His Father, He was able to trust whatever the outcome would be, even in His most dire moment. It can be the same for you and me.
As we are now beginning a new year, let us be determined to deepen our relationship with God. Let us nurture sweet communion with Him. In doing so, we will most assuredly gain all the hope and joy and peace and strength to face anything this next year brings to us. Never forget, Jesus is our everything to get us through anything. Getting through the “anythings” of life is only made sweeter, peaceful, and courageous when we have first tended to our relationship with Him, just as the farmer does with the seed.
New Year’s Day celebrations brings about many resolutions for the next year. Some are going to get more healthy — lose weight, start running or exercising, turn away from fast food. Others are going to be better at saving money, controlling a quick temper, or be more patient. The list goes on as to New Year’s resolutions. I used to make them but gave up years ago, because in just a matter of days, I would forget what it was that I had resolved to do!
For many, it’s hard to think of a fresh start in the new year, because old, familiar, and unwanted problems loom large. Health concerns are unchanged. Finance is a worry that won’t quit. Grief surfaces at surprising moments. How do we make a new goal when old troubles keep kicking us in the gut? How do we even pray when we feel downcast and fearful of what tomorrow may bring?
There is an answer in God’s Word that tells us, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27 ESV). Many times in life I have personally found these words to fill me with comfort and hope. We don’t know what tomorrow holds for us. We don’t know how to get out of present troubles, we don’t how to shorten our days of grief — but the Holy Spirit within us knows. He represents us to the Father. He intercedes for us. He knows what we need and when we need it. The Father and The Son love us immeasurably. Together the Holy Trinity are always watching over us, always guiding us along the way, always comforting us in dark days, always loving and loving and loving and loving.
This new year may we each one be quick to come before the Lord in all our difficult moments, sitting still in His presence, whispering a simple, “help,” then waiting in His sweet presence until His own peace and precious care brings solace to troubled minds. Then, when hope resurrects, praise Him for His ever helping guidance, because praise lifts us out of a valley of despair, and onto a mountain of great hope.
May blessings of hope and peace pour upon you throughout this new year.
Christmas. A season that brings delight to many, but frustrations and sadness, too. Frustrations may come in the lack of finance to purchase gifts, even food for some. Sadness may come in the empty chair around the table, once filled with a loved one now departed. In the midst of our personal struggles, our inward melancholy, there remains available to us the Hope of the World. This hope is named Jesus.
This hope is described in His many names. Here are a few: Advocate – I John 2:1, Arm of the Lord – Isaiah 51:9, Author of Eternal Salvation – Hebrews 5:9, Bread of Life – John 6:32, Chief Shepherd – I Peter 5:4, Counsellor – Isaiah 9:6, Deliverer – Romans 11:26, Door – John 10:7, Glory of the Lord – Isaiah 40:5, Holy One of God – Mark 1:24, The Just One – Acts 7:52, King of Kings – I Timothy 6:15, The Way, The Truth, The Life – John 14:6, Light of the World – John 8:12, Morning Star – Revelation 22:16, Resurrection and Life – John 11:25, Rock – I Corinthians 10:4, Savior – Luke 2:11
Whatever you need today; whether hope, peace, joy, purpose, direction, forgiveness, look no further than Jesus. He is the answer because He is the only Holy One, the epitome of Love. He came to be the Savior of the world which the world in all its unholiness does not deserve. Even so, He is calling today because He loves you. Go to Him. If you already know Him, He will be your everything to get you through anything. If you don’t know Him, He will come to every earnestly seeking heart, and He will forgive. He will grant you a life with hope as never before that promises life after death with Him in blissful eternity. I hope you choose Jesus, for then you will find hope and peace and purpose. It would be the best Christmas ever.
I remember when I was in the 5th grade a spelling bee was announced. I decided that I wanted to win. I told my mother my desire. What did she do? She opened a dictionary and we began to practice together. I would study the words and then she would test me. Finally the day came. One by one pupils missed a word and were told to take their seats. I can still remember that feeling of excitement when I stood next to a boy in my class; just us two left in the spelling bee. A word was given. He misspelled it. I was given opportunity to spell it correctly. I did. Oh what joy!
All of us in life pursue goals. Certificates of graduation from High School. Diplomas when finishing university. Promotions when reaching levels of work proficiency. Awards for talent and skills exhibited. It’s such fun and confidence building to achieve a goal. It’s even better in our spiritual world.
The Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God Himself has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Following God’s path for us on earth can be hard. Paul is an example of that when he reminds us that for following His faith he was arrested, falsely imprisoned, beaten, ship-wrecked, and suffered days of hunger and exhaustion. Even so, in the midst of all that he could also say, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength“ (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV).
Every child of God is promised eternal life where no tears or sorrow exists, but we can also receive the wondrous prize of hearing Almighty God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). We will receive rewards for remaining faithful to Him on earth. Of course it’s difficult at times. Throughout the ages Christians have been ridiculed, imprisoned and killed.
Running our race to win the rewards promised is not easy, but oh, it is worth it! Indescribable joy awaits us. Just keep running, and let us encourage each other in our races. Just as my mother took time to help me practice to win the 5th grade spelling bee, let us encourage each other to do the same. God made us members of the body of Christ. The hand needs the foot and the mouth needs the head (I Corinthians 12:15-26). We all need each other to more effectively run our race. It is the sweetest joy to encourage, bear another’s burdens, stand with another in difficulties, speak soothing words, assure prayers are said on another’s behalf.
Let us all run to win the prize that awaits, and let us share in the joy of assisting each other to run and never give up.
We’ve all heard parents say to their children, “Not now,” or “absolutely not!” Maybe you’re a parent and have said those words yourself. I have a memory of about 25 years ago concerning a cousin. It was the Christmas season. She came to see us with her little girl who was about five at the time. My father had asked the little girl what she would like for Christmas. She gave her answer to which her mother replied, “I told you, you are not getting a chainsaw for Christmas!” I laughed more at the mother’s adamant response than I did at the little girl’s request. It’s a memory that still makes me laugh out loud today when I think of it.
Of course the little girl was not going to get a chainsaw for Christmas. She obviously didn’t understand it was a ludicrous and dangerous request. She’s all grown up today with children of her own. I have a feeling she no longer desires a chainsaw, but if she did, she’s old enough and mature enough now to own one. Sometimes it’s the same in our spiritual worlds.
Oh, the times we have begged God to do some particular something or grant us this one request. He always answers prayer. Sometimes He says yes. Sometimes He says wait. Sometimes it’s an absolute no. We always want a yes answer, but like my little cousin desiring a chainsaw for Christmas, it’s not always best.
I’m sure we all agree that for any relationship to grow there must be trust. It’s the same in regard to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We must trust that He always has our best interests in His heart of love. Also, keep in mind that He has a different plan for each of us. Some of those plans require that He gives things to us or allows certain situations in our lives in order to best carry out those plans. He may say no to me and yes to you or vice versa. Does He love one more than the other? Of course not. The Lord assures us with His Words in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Sometimes His answers are disappointing to us. When I was a teenager I remember that some of my friends could stay out as late as they liked. I had a curfew. It was disappointing at times. Today I’m so thankful I had those boundaries. What love my parents showed me in setting up such a safety net. Our Heavenly Father loves us even more. There are boundaries. There are “no” answers. We may not understand, but we can always know, His love for us is deeper than the oceans and higher than the skies.
When He says no to our chainsaw requests, just bask in His love and say thank you Father. A thankful heart builds trust. When we trust in the One who loves us immeasurably, contentment grows, no matter the answer He gives.
We all know that our attitude affects our feelings and behavior. A positive attitude brings about inner peace; a negative attitude adds to frustrations and inner turmoil. Is there anything we can do to develop a consistent, positive attitude, no matter the chaos that may be going on around us? Absolutely! I actually grasped this concept after watching the film Pollyanna. I like the old version staring Hayley Mills. Many of you will be familiar with this well-known classic.
In the story, a child named Pollyanna changes the outlook of an entire town by teaching them the power of being glad. In one scene she tells the story of how her family, being missionaries, had received a surprise package. She had so hoped to receive a doll, but instead, by mistake, she received a pair of crutches. “That’s when I learned the Glad Game,” she told her listeners. “What’s there to be glad about a pair of crutches?” one astonished woman asks. Pollyanna replies, “Well, I could be glad that I didn’t have to use them.”
The notion of developing a glad or thankful heart is mentioned all through God’s Word. You no doubt have your own favorite verse about being thankful. Mine is found in I Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Our Heavenly Father, in His vast love for us, desires that we have that “feel good all over” feeling no matter what aggravation or sadness may knock on our doors. Of course we perceive these emotions, but neither frustration nor grief need overcome us. Instead, we may, with the help of the Holy Spirit within every child of God, rise above. How? Simply by practicing the art of being thankful. Playing the Glad Game is profitable to each one of us.
I have a cousin who shared a great thought this week. She suggested — everyday think of something good that has happened. Then write it down and put it in a jar. At the end of the year you can be reminded of all the blessings that took place in your life that year. I thought, one can call it the — “Count Your Blessings” jar. That’s not a bad way to begin playing the Glad Game.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving in the hearts of Americans. May everyday be a thankful one for each of us. A thankful heart makes for a thankful attitude which brings peace to fill the most hurting places within.
There is an interesting story found in Luke 18:35-42. We read that Jesus was going on His way and a crowd was following. Imagine the noise. People talking among themselves, hundreds of feet shuffling forward, sounds of laughter and varying levels of conversation. In the midst of all this noise, a blind man, who had been sitting on the side of the road, begins shouting. He was trying to be heard above the clamor of the crowd. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those near him tried to shush him but he continued to shout. Jesus heard and Jesus came.
In the exchange that followed, Jesus asks the man what he wants. The man answers, “Lord, I want to see.” Jesus heals the man, restoring his sight. Once he walked in darkness, but one touch from Jesus and he walks in the light.
It’s no different in our spiritual worlds. While we know Jesus still heals today, the greater healing is of the heart. To be physically whole but spiritually dead is not a full life. When we are spiritually alive, then whatever happens in our physical worlds is received with strength, courage, peace, and joy that comes from God Himself. It is a peace and joy that the world cannot give. Only God can give such gifts to us. He gladly gives to all who seek Him.
We live in a dark world filled with crowds of tumult, anxiety, stress, and fear. Like the blind man, we, too, may shout or even whisper, “Jesus, help me,” and He will gladly come. He will speak soothing words into all your hurting places. He will replace any foreboding with tranquility. Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do to give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Upon first reading one may understandably reason, how can I keep myself from being troubled? It just happens. Yes, but when worry comes, we don’t have to stay that way. Like the blind man who could not see, we who are blinded by the troubles of the world can call out, and He will answer. He will give His own peace that shines His light into our fretful hearts, and guides us through the rocky places until we walk on smooth ground again.
We don’t have to merely survive the darkness of this world. Remember the words found in Romans 8:31 & 37. “What shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?…In all these things we are more than conquerers through Him who loved us.” Are you troubled today? Don’t sit in the darkness of worry. Call out to Jesus. He will come. He will comfort. He will heal the wounds of your heart.
A few days ago we had a beautiful, sunny autumn day, a pause from much rain. Our dog, Jack, and I were strolling along wooded paths and expanses of green fields. Yellow and bronze leaves covered the ground in places. Sitting on a park bench was a young mother with her toddler nearby. He was looking for pretty leaves. When he found one he would take it to his mother who lay them gently on the bench. I took note that while his back was turned, the mother would reach behind the bench, find a leaf, and place it on the ground in front of her. Her little one would turn and find the leaf. A big smile came across his face as he picked up the treasure. When he presented it to his mother she praised him for his discovery and thanked him for his gift.
I smiled, too, and thanked our Heavenly Father for all His gifts to us. Everything we have is because of His provision. When we take what we have and offer it back to Him, for His glory and use, it makes Him smile, too. What a lovely relationship to seek and find and give back. Most of us are familiar with the verse in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
As I watched the leaf scene with the mother and child, the joy of both giving and receiving was clear. We must know how to receive graciously, for the giver is blessed with great joy when we do. We must also know how to give and to do so with gladness of heart, for when we do, the joy we get back is far greater than mere words can express.
In saying the above I am reminded of the greatest gift of all. Jesus gave His life to pay the penalty for our sin. When we receive that gift, oh what joy! When we pass on the Good News of that gift to another and they receive it, too, the joy comes back to us in double measure.
May we each be gracious in the joy of receiving, and be blessed to overflowing in the ecstasy of giving.
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