When Others Hurt

I also could speak as you do, if your soul were in my soul’s place. I could heap up words against you, and shake my head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief. Job 16:4,5 NKJV

When we experience difficulty, loss, or grief in any amount we long for someone to come along side us to strengthen and comfort us with their words. Often the ones to do that best are the ones who have been in our place of pain. They bear the scars, recall the wounds, and know the ache. They reach out to us in a way that very few can. It goes beyond mere sympathy or pity. They KNOW how we feel and actually enter into our situation emotionally. With them we feel safe to open up and verbalize what is going on inside us. We know they will not think less of us, label us, or brush us off. We know we will see in their eyes and hear in their words a kindred spirit. They will connect with us in a special way because our story will have traces of their own.

God has been faithful to bring such individuals into my life at just the right moments. While He assures me He will walk through all difficulties with me, He also lets me know He will bring others along side of me to listen, empathize, and speak words of healing to me. I can always tell that they have been where I am at. Their circumstances may have been different but the effects were the same. Because of what God has brought them through, they now walk with wisdom and love. They are willing to open their arms, hearts, and ears to others who hurt. May God bless them and increase their kind on the earth.

I want to join their ranks! Knowing how they have ministered to me, I now want to minister to others. It will require some things. It will mean being open to the needs of others. Allowing God to show me when someone is hurting and being willing to invest the time to hear their story, sense their pain, and speak words that will comfort and relieve. Letting them know I have been where they are at and assuring them they will be okay will validate their feelings and give them hope. I rest in the fact that my past experiences will keep my words from sounding hollow and heartless. Each time I am able to reach out to another individual who is hurting and sense that it is helping will be an opportunity for God to redeem my own story of loss or pain. I will see Him graciously giving me beauty for ashes! They in turn will someday do the same.

Father, thank you for each person who has reached out to me during the darkest times of my life. Their words and actions made a profound difference to me. Help me to now be that to others. Open my eyes, ears, and heart to the hurting, hopeless, and helpless. Amen.

Phrases to Experience and Embrace

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor, He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Isaiah 61:1 NKJV

Jesus is whispering these words to me this morning. I must see Him as the only qualified One to carry out each of these truths in my own life before I can direct others to Him for the same purpose. I use to read through this passage with little more than an appreciation for the poetic sound. The phrases meant very little to me. The intended hope that was housed within their words remained unknown to me. But that began to change several years ago. Slowly but surely He is causing the phrases to come alive to me. Each one is beginning to resonate in me as I experience their full impact. He is not necessarily taking them in order but He is individualizing them for me.


When I read “to proclaim liberty to the captives” I immediately recall His invitation for me to step away from a legalistic, performance based way of living my Christian life. I learned the truth and it really did set me free! Sure, there were fears and tears along the way but the desire for freedom and the assurance of it bringing me into a more intimate, personal relationship with God far outweighed the emotions. It birthed in me the passion to share with others how they too can be free. Now I see that phrase and it brings me joy because God has taken me from captivity to liberty!

A harder phrase to embrace is the healing of the brokenhearted. I see it as a message that is being birthed in me for the purpose of ministering to others. Right now the healing is a slow process that is hard to detect at times and the brokenheartedness is profound. It is painful and confusing in so many ways. Good sounding cliches and bumper-sticker phrases will not suffice. I praise God for the people, books, and music that are powerfully ministering to me. But I am acutely aware of God’s personal, direct involvement each step of the way. When His healing is complete I will be equipped to look hurting individuals in the eye and understand like never before the depth of their pain. As with a broken arm, it does not matter how a heart is broken….pain is pain. I look forward to the day my heart mending is complete and a message of hope and healing is mine to proclaim.

Father, it hurts. I rest in the fact that Your healing hands have not left me for one minute. My hope is in You. Amen.

When Seasons Have Ended

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:39 NKJV

Philip was involved in this eunuch’s life long enough to introduce him to the truths of Jesus Christ. They spent part of a day together as Philip explained a passage of scripture to him. Their meeting ended with this individual being baptized and then Philip was suddenly taken away. The eunuch saw him no more after that point. It was a brief encounter that changed his life! Here is the part of the story that grabs my attention: the man went on his way rejoicing!

I know what it is like to have an individual come into my life and teach me life changing truths about God. It has happened several times over the course of nearly 34 years. Each time I was affected greatly and the direction of my life was forever changed. There always seemed to be a certain pattern followed. God would prepare my heart for what I was about to learn, bring a person along to reveal truth, and I would take in the truth with a deep thirst! To this day, I love when that happens!

Here is the difficulty. Due to issues in my own life, it was often too easy to become enamored with the person God was using. I somehow would see them as necessary to my continued progress and growth. Unaware that their time in my life would be for a season, I would be crushed when it was time for me to move on without them. I wish I could say I readily released myself from them but that would be so far from the truth. It has often been a prying away of my fingers and a relearning of the necessity of it all.

God is gracious and very patient! I see Him awakening in me the realization to trust Him with this process. Under His care I am safe to experience relationships with the people He leads to me. There will be growth and at the right time (when He knows it is time) He will initiate the separation. He knows I’ll cry. He knows I will need to work through some issues. But ultimately He knows that I will resume a walk with Him that will have deepened. I thank Him for the ones He brings and I trust Him when their season in my life is over. When that happens, may I become like this eunuch who went on his way rejoicing!

Father, You know that I love the introductions and cringe at the goodbyes. You know when my heart is engaged and when it is broken. Through it all may I hold Your hand all the tighter. Amen.

Look and Live

But as for me, I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause ~ Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. Job 5:8,9 NKJV

Where we look and what we focus on during the hardships of life is a primary factor in the amount, depth, and direction of our growth in Christ. If we dwell upon the hurts and disappointments of life we will clothe ourselves in garments of bitterness and live within walls of pain. But if we choose to do what Job did and keep our eyes fixed on God we will live out of His gifts of grace, strength, and endurance.

This does not mean the issues will disappear and the effects will not be felt. Job certainly knew how to express the excruciating parts of his life. He left no question that there were times he preferred death over life. Times that his particular suffering was unbearable and indescribable. He grieved his losses and felt the daily physical pain of his body. But today’s passage was an anchor for him. He had made up his mind to seek God, commit his life to God, and review the innumerable acts of God.

Let’s face it! There are times your brain and spirit need a rest from that which would overwhelm. If you do not purposefully choose to direct your thoughts toward God you will find yourself sinking lower and lower mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. God and His Word are the life lines EVERY time! This is not a denial of facts, a burying of issues, or a refusal to face life. It is a safe place to house those facts, interpret and work through the issues, and live life.

In the midst of whatever I may be going through I know these things. The enemy wants to hand me the meaning of everything and that meaning is full of distortions and lies. Now I can choose to listen to him and buy into his interpretations OR I can hold on to the God of grace and allow Him to grow me up in Christ through all of it. While wading through any painful waters of loss or disappointment I must choose to keep my thoughts on what would lift me up rather than what would pull me under. God has provided so many rich experiences and dear people in my life. My choice today is to focus on Him and His ways instead of the individual capsules of painful thoughts that would grow if left unchecked. There are times to do battle with the enemy and my own mindsets and there are times to lift up my eyes and hands to an incredible God who remains my help, strength, and life! I choose Him!!!!

Father, You see each thing that affects me. I am not alone in my pain or my pleasures. Clothe me in Your comfort and surround me with Your grace. I look to You and live! Amen.

The One Who Is At Work In Me

In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. James 1:21 The Message

From the first time I read this verse in The Message I fell in love with it! We live in a house that was once owned by a professional landscaper. For nearly ten years now we have enjoyed the beauty and benefits of his work. All the cultivating, planting, weeding, designing, and decorating by his hands left his mark on our yard and is a continual delight to our eyes as we watch the various flowers and plants come to life each spring.

When I stop to realize that God is landscaping my life with His Word I am in awe. Whether He is planting seeds for later growth, removing weeds of sin as I repent, rearranging the things and people in my life, or just adding special touches here and there, I am learning to trust His skillful hands and tender heart.

Sometimes the seeds He is planting are watered by the tears that have fallen due to loss or disappointment. No matter what He is doing, I have learned to trust Him for a beautiful outcome in the future. With each work He is doing, I am learning to see the necessity of it. Even if I don’t know the specific purpose I can at least look up to Him and agree with Him that it is needful. He is not One to do anything that ends up being wasted or insignificant. Like a treasured painting, each stroke of the brush is intentional and essential.

Each day I must choose whether or not I will entrust myself to the Potter’s hands and the Landscaper’s labor of love. While I know there will be tears at times, I also know there will be laughter. There will be the right blend of rain and sunshine. Sometimes I will walk amidst storm clouds and harsh winds and other times I will experience clear skies and absolute stillness. I leave the weather, the work, and the wonder up to Him who is the essence of wisdom and miracles.

This morning as I head to North Carolina I will review the past landscaping that He has done and the present landscaping that He is doing. It will be a discipline that will build my excitement and expectations for His future gardening. I am the recipient of the work of His own hands.

Father, I yield to Your touch. Nothing in my life is off limits to You. I know You have already planned out every detail of the landscaping to be done. Glorify Yourself through the entire process as I know the end result will far exceed my wildest imaginations. I love You! Amen.

Brought Up As His Own

Mordecai had adopted her and brought her up as his own daughter. Esther 1:7b Today’s English Version

When Esther’s parents had died she was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai, and was loved, cared for, accepted, and brought up as his own daughter. She was his child in every sense of the word and he fathered her from his heart. How like our relationship with our Heavenly Father!

God’s Word says He chose us before the foundations of the world and as His adopted sons and daughters we are being brought up as His children. Not having had a close relationship with my earthly father, this truth about God is ministering to me this morning. He is bathing my spirit in the knowledge of His tender care and affection. Understanding that His love is unconditional and not dependent on what I am doing is the truth God used to start me on this journey three years ago. Everything else has been built on that foundation.

I needed to know the full extent and basis of His love when I began seeking freedom from legalism, when I was asked to resign from teaching over music choices, when I sought employment at the company I now work for, when I asked God to show me His heart in Scripture, and when He faithfully revolutionized my walk with Him. Presently, I need to continually take in the truth of His love as I experience His deeper work in my life and as I ponder what it is He would have me do for His kingdom work. His priority right now is that I learn to live each day embracing the truth of our father/daughter relationship.

So what are the things He is already whispering to me this morning? I matter to Him. He is involved in every area of my life. He is attentive to my needs. He holds my heart in His hands. He values me. He is carving out paths in my wilderness. He is wooing me to Himself. He is achieving His purpose in my life. He is bringing me to the point of finding satisfaction in Him alone. He is teaching me how to abide under the shadow of His wings. This list is like a quilt that He has woven and now places around my shoulders. From it, I take in warmth and comfort!

Someone once shared a Beth Moore quote with me. She said, “Just let God love you enough!” And God in turn says to me, “In your joy or sorrow, in your times of solitude or surrounded by friends, in your waking or sleeping moments, just let Me love you and love on you enough. I am bringing you up as my own daughter. I have no favorites. I hold nothing back. Let the knowledge of this transform you!”

Father, remove any obstacles that hinder me from taking You up on every offer You extend to me. Move Your words from my head to my heart so that I rest as
well as dance in Your presence. Amen.

Knowing What Is Ahead

For I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake. Acts 9:16 NASB

God told Moses he would be leading the children of Israel out of Egypt and yet would meet resistance from Pharaoh. God gave Joseph dreams that revealed what lay in his future. God let David know through the prophet Samuel that he would one day be king of Israel. In today’s verse, we see where Saul is being told of the suffering he would face. These are just a few of the examples that come to mind as I consider the times God let His people know of future opportunities or trials. Many times there wasn’t a lot of detail but enough was given to prepare them for what was in store. Does God still do such things today? You bet He does! I am seeing it clearly done in my life as I wade through a present season of pain. Allow me to share it with you and see if you can relate.

Two years ago, God revealed to me something that would be necessary in order to bring about freedom and a fresh awareness of Himself. At the time, I thought it was a command but now I see it was simply a preview. With that thought in mind, He continued to teach me vital truths about Himself and instill within me necessary character qualities. As the time approached for the actual “test” He got more specific. Within a three day span He showed me that He would be pruning me by cutting away a significant aspect of my Christian life, that I needed to focus on Him rather than the past, and that it was essential to learn the truth of abiding in Him. He even gave me a dream one night that left no doubt in my mind as to what He would be doing and why. I did not realize how vital these things were until the reality of the trial hit! Once I saw what was happening I realized God had been preparing me all along.

He wanted me to see that change was necessary, that His hand was in it, that growth would come from it, and that I would survive! I have learned to call Him a gracious God. As He and I wade through the issues and make the necessary adjustments there is a closeness being formed between us. I sense His interest, involvement, and purpose as He develops in me the trust, obedience, and cooperation that is needful for this season of my life. This is not about behavior modification but rather it is about heart transformation and a renewed mind. All that I have learned about Him in recent years is being reviewed and lived out during my present circumstances.

As I step into another day, I know it will be filled with good moments and difficult ones. There will be tears as well as shouts of joy. The process will be painful but productive. And in the end I will know Him as never before.

Father, You have invested much in preparing me for this time. Wonder is replacing fears and tears as You continue to reveal Your person and Your plan. Amen.

Doing A New Thing

This is what the LORD says---He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:16,18,19 NIV

I find instruction and comfort in this passage today. As I sense major changes in my life, my anchor of truth is knowing God’s hand is in it all. I know that the very things I am going through are either being caused by Him or allowed by Him and that He will not waste any of it. He will bring good, gold, and glory out of it all. He has shown me too much of His heart and character for me to draw any other conclusion. How can I not trust Him?

His instructions for me right now are to forget the former things and to stop dwelling on the past. He knows that if my mind cannot move on with life I will remain in a capsule of pain, disappointment, and sorrow. I will focus on the circumstances of my life instead of the Redeemer of those circumstances. I will stunt any growth, limit my own receptability to His teaching, and miss out on what He is doing. I have to believe that what He has in mind is far better than what He is removing from my life.

His promise and comfort to me is that He is doing a new thing in me. He knows what is necessary in order to bring it about. He says He is making a way in the desert. In order to make a way He is having to remove obstacles…the very things that would block progress. The hard part is experiencing the pain of His removal of what seems like good things. The things that at one time actually helped me to grow in my faith have fulfilled their purpose and would hinder growth if allowed to remain. It seems so final as this season of my life draws to a God-ordained close. That which brought security, safety, and encouragement will quickly become bondage and entrapment if I do not let go of it and take hold of Him.

When I see it as His work and His invitation to follow Him, I am better able take the first steps toward this new direction in my life. He has been gracious enough to prepare me for this time. He knew the day it would all hit me and He also knew I would respond with tears and trust. The tears were appropriate and the trust was necessary. Starting today, I do not want to miss anything He wants to teach me along the way. I sense His delight and excitement over what will soon unfold right in front of my eyes!

Father, I have grown so use to the way things have been. I bring all discomfort and disappointment to You. I reach for Your hand as I open my heart to You. Amen.

All Means All

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJV

I have often looked at this verse and seen it only in context with physical needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. This morning, God is inviting me to broaden my view! He knows that I have needs that go beyond the physical aspects of my life. After all, I not only have a body, I have a soul and a spirit. Some of my needs are certainly external but many are internal. I know this to be true: all means all! God desires for me to see Him as the One who meets not only my physical needs, but my emotional, spiritual, and social needs as well.

Often times disappointment marks my path because I have intentionally or unintentionally placed my expectations upon people to meet my needs. Especially the internal needs. I look to them for acceptance, approval, affirmation, comfort, and love. And I will be honest, it feels wonderful when they are able to give me those things. The problem comes when my needs exceed their ability or willingness to give me what I am craving. The cycle is all too familiar. I sense a need, look to a person to meet it, face disappointment, experience a feeling of depravation and anger, walk in shame for seeing this part of myself, and eventually crumble in a heap. Once again I am confronted with a choice. Continue the cycle or break it!

For me, the breaking of the cycle is only possible as I take my expectations off individuals and place them entirely upon God. It is an act of my will God waits for me to put into words. So my prayer may sound something like this: “Father, once again, I take my expectations off __________ and place them entirely upon You. I release them from my need for them to be what only You can be and do what only You can do. I accept Your words of provision to me. Forgive me for running after my idols of flesh and blood. You are the One who supplies ALL I need and I praise You for that! In Jesus precious and powerful name I pray. Amen.”

It is a prayer that God delights in and honors. Instantly, the chains of dependency on others are broken and raw emotions are healed. Each time the issue resurfaces I will have to choose to take the same steps toward freedom. I joy in such truth! I now invite others who struggle in this area to do what I have learned to do. You will not be disappointed when the expectations are transferred over to the only One who is able to meet them. He is waiting for you to take Him up on His extravagant offer of supply!

Father, this is an ongoing battle for me but You supply the victory every time. Thank you for faithfully teaching me how to apply Your Word to my life. Amen.

An Absolute, Unlimited Offer

For we were slaves. Yet our God did not forsake us in our bondage; but He extended mercy to us. Ezra 9:9 NKJV

Freedom is possible only as we accept the truth about ourselves and the truth about God. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not see themselves as being in bondage to anyone or anything when they said, “We were never in bondage to any man.” (John 8:33) Little did they realize they were in bondage to their own mindsets, heart attitudes, and religious systems. They could not see it therefore they were in no position to admit it and seek freedom from the very One who could give it to them.

Ezra 9 is a chapter of corporate repentance. As priest, Ezra cried out to God on behalf of his nation because of their disobedience. But throughout his prayer the word WE is constantly used. He entered into the truth of his own heart. Yet as He came to God with the list of offenses He also proclaimed the truth about God. God was aware of their bondage and was not backing away. He was graciously extending mercy. He does the same for each of us today.

When we are blind to the areas in our life that hinder us from living in freedom and joy, we are unable to bring them out into the light in order that God would do a work in us. He is extending the mercy but we are unaware of our need of it. We are in no position to receive it or live by it. At that point it remains an unopened gift! Whether the bondage is a habit, a mindset, a sinful act, or something that has been passed down from past generations, God is urging us to acknowledge it and accept the mercy, grace, forgiveness, and help He extends.

This morning, God is drawing me into conversations with Himself. I am aware of the things I need to admit to Him. There are mindsets that are affecting my relationship with others. There are places in my life where I am allowing the enemy to feed me lies and color my perception. There are blind spots that God would have me open my eyes to. None of this is possible to admit if I view Him as anything but a welcoming God. He is ready to hear me and ready to give me the mercy I so desperately need. He has spent the past few years building a foundation of truth about Himself to me. When I read a verse like Ezra 9:9 I now recognize that characteristic as being who my God is and what my God is like.

Father, Your heart is what draws me to You. I hear and accept Your invitation to come to You and receive from You. Thank you! Amen.

Heart Implants

Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem: and has extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD, my God was upon me. Ezra 7:27,28 KJV

Read through the Old Testament and you will find many occasions whereby God put things into the hearts of His servants. It may have taken years for those seeds to come to fruition but with time God brought it all to pass. He cleared away obstacles, crossed the paths of significant people, instilled talents and abilities, orchestrated events, and watched over every detail. His requirement for His servants was step by step obedience. Many could not have told you how God was going to do it, but when they looked back they could see His hand on them as well as on His plan for them.

For Ezra, it was the rebuilding of the temple. For Moses it was leading the nation of Israel out of Egypt. For Joshua it was leading the nation of Israel into the promised land. For Esther it was delivering her people from annihilation. For Joseph it was becoming Prime Minister of Egypt and preserving the lives of many. For Paul it was introducing many to Christ and writing much of the New Testament. The list goes on and on. Although each was a different era and drama I see similarities.

Each had a passion for something. Each went through a time of testing and waiting. Each faced difficulties and what seemed like death to their dreams. Each learned important lessons about themselves and God. Each were linked with specific individuals that played key roles in their lives. Each saw God’s involvement from start to finish. Each fulfilled the very thing God put within their heart. They are my examples. They are my encouragement. They are my guides.

I know the things God has placed within my heart. I feel a camaraderie with my biblical ancestors as I move closer to the fulfillment of those things. I am learning when to put my hand to the plow and when to “be still and know that He is God.” I am learning to develop the skills He has given me while keeping my ear open to His still, small voice. It is a cooperative effort between my Creator and myself. There is still much to do and much to learn but with God’s hand upon me I am strengthened. I may not see the completed picture for decades but in the mean time the path I am on will be rich with lessons and intimate fellowship.

Father, what You have put in my heart is meant to come to fruition and bring You glory. Much is new for me as I follow You. Fulfill Your dreams for me! Amen.

The Basis for Trustworthy Words

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23,24 NKJV

Words spoken to us are only as reliable as the person saying them. All of us can attest to a time in our life when something was said or promised that did not come to fruition. At the time, there may have been sincerity but over time things changed. Somewhere along the line either circumstances or the very heart of the person changed. How painful for the one who trusted what was said to them. Whether it happens in a marriage, a friendship, on the job, or in a church it is imperative that we bury our hearts and trust in God and His Word.

This morning I am being reminded of the faithful, consistency of God. The promises of Scripture do not change because the character of the One who spoke them does not change. He means them as much today as He did when they were first penned and the ink was still damp on the pages of the scrolls. They were not spoken in haste or with the inability to be carried out. Therefore they can be counted upon and trusted. No need to wonder. No need to ask if He still feels the same way toward us. What He said to our ancestors generations ago He says to us today. All that has changed is the audience He is speaking to. I still thank Him for the day I realized His words were meant for my ears as much as for anyone else’s ears. It was then that I could appreciate and accept God’s Word as His personal letter to me!

So when I find myself hurting over the change of heart in others. When the things they told me at one time no longer apply to me. When promises made no longer remain true. I have a place of safety and refuge to resort to. He still holds my hand and guides me with His counsel. He loves me with an everlasting love. Nothing and no one can be counted upon in the same way God can be counted upon. In this life I will face hurts and heartaches but I will also experience the healing touch of the hand that never lets go of me.

I want to experience today’s verse on a daily basis. I want to feel His hand holding mine, sense His guidance, and know that I am continually in His presence. That is security to me. It broadens the picture in my mind of Jesus’ words, “I will never leave you or forsake you. I am with you always.” It shows me God’s loving, consistent involvement and companionship in my life. What a personal God!

Father, there is always risk involved when I trust a person. Some have handled my trust with love and others have not. You alone remain a guaranteed place of safety for my heart. Amen.

Learning How

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. I Peter 2:1 NIV

I read this passage yesterday and my first question to God was “HOW? How do I rid myself of that which seems to be such a part of me so much of the time?” Within the list of things that needed to go, the one that jumped out at me the most and spoke the loudest was envy. I knew the feeling, I knew the reality, and I knew the times it came upon me. I didn’t like it, want it, or need it. And yet there it was! It was a part of me as much as my brown eyes, brown hair, skin, and bones. And now I was faced with a command that showed me God’s view of it. It had to go! But how? There is not a command in the Bible (whether for something to do or not to do) that God will not enable us to carry out. He gives no impossible orders! NONE! He will provide everything we need to walk in freedom and obedience to Him, including showing us how to do it.

The answer did not come right away but it also did not fall on deaf ears. This morning He showed me the “how to.” It came while I read some verses from Psalm 73. Asaph is the writer of this Psalm and his prayer was the answer I was seeking. In 73:2,3 he says, “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” God instantly brought my question back to me and whispered, “That is how you rid yourself of envy. Confess it to Me. Own the truth about yourself. Ask for My forgiveness, cleansing, and transforming work. Draw near and open up.”

This I know! If I ask God a question and He gives me an answer I would be foolish (and unchanged) to not act upon it. So I began to list for Him the people I was envious of. I gave Him the names as well as the reasons. I began to see how the envy was chipping away at my quality of life as well as hindering me from seeing those people in the right light. My confession and repentance opened the door for forgiveness, freedom, and change. While envy will continue to make itself known, I now know what to do to rid myself of it and its effects. God never reveals a truth to me that is limited to one use only. His intent is that I now take what I have learned and use it on a continual basis. He also desires for me to realize that this works on any internal heart issues of which I need to divest myself.

Once again, Father, Your Word has shown itself to be alive and powerful. May I continue to take the questions to You and know the answer through Your Word and prayer. You are my wise Counselor and Guide as I venture through the mine fields of life. Amen.

Fount of the Caller

Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi. Judges 15:19 NIV

We often have no trouble knowing when we are physically thirsty. Our throat gets dry, our voice may sound hoarse, and our energy begins to wane. Samson knew the exhaustion that followed a battle whereby he killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. His thirst was so great he felt he was going to die. One cry to God and a spring of refreshing water was miraculously provided. Oh the change that came about when he took a drink of that water! He drank deeply and the results were astounding. Not only was his thirst quenched but his strength returned and he was revived.

Throughout each day I develop a spiritual thirst. I am familiar with the symptoms. Things start to bother me, my attitude begins to plunge, I react negatively to people and circumstances, I battle emotions and feelings, and internally I just don’t feel well. I use to not know what to do at that point. I simply waded through and waited for something to come along that would perk me up. I did not know the solution lay in crying out to God for a drink! I was in need of my own spring…my own En Hakkore (the fount of the caller).

In Jeremiah 2:13 God told Israel they had forsaken Him, the spring of living water, and dug broken cisterns that could not hold water. I, too, have dug my fair share of broken cisterns. So desperate to have my internal thirst quenched I looked to people, activities, and distractions. What little satisfaction I could derive was usually temporary at best. In doing that I was avoiding the only One who could give me a life changing drink. No longer!

I now turn to Him at the first sign of thirst. With each drink from His spring I too regain my strength and experience a life-giving revival. The drink may be as simple as saying, “God, I am lonely but You are my companion, Meet me here.” Or “God, I am frustrated make me aware of the peace You have already given to me.” Whenever I look to God to quench my thirst and meet my needs I am never disappointed. Thirst is inevitable but it does not have to turn into dehydration. I now know who to run to for every thirst quenching drop of water.

Father, You are my Spring of living water. Throughout today may I drink my fill of You and experience renewed strength and satisfying hydration! Amen.

Deliverance Within

The righteous cry, and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:17-19 NASB

There is not a person reading this that cannot attest to experiencing troubles, a broken heart, a crushed spirit, and afflictions. Without even hearing the stories, Jesus’ own words tell me it is true. He said that in this world we would have trouble but Psalm 34 wraps that truth in hope. As long as we live in this world we will experience pain, loss, disappointment, sickness, distress…..TROUBLE! It is those outward circumstances that so drastically affect our internal world. The effects of trouble in health, finances, relationships, circumstances, etc… can be huge. Whether the trouble is temporary or long term we are promised deliverance. Whether or not the outward deliverance is near, there is an internal deliverance we can experience instantaneously.

There are times in life when we can grieve a loss and be done with it. We can get through a storm and move on. We can live through a difficulty and learn from it. But I want to address the times we seem to be stuck in a capsule of pain that leaves us with a persistent sense of sadness, ache, and hopelessness. We come to the place where the worst part is no longer the trouble but the pain it is bringing about. I was in that place and can attest to God’s deliverance. For me it came in stages but it was well worth it.

In the midst of what seemed like an ongoing battle of emotions, God purposefully removed ALL the human support I would naturally turn to. I could not email anyone, call anyone, or talk to anyone. The words were not there. I couldn’t seem to voice to anyone what was tearing me up on the inside. Books were not helping, music was not helping. It seemed that every prop was gone. That is when I finally cried out to God and said, “What is wrong with me?!” His answer was simply, “Come to Me. Talk to Me.” And I did. It was in honesty and openness with my Creator, Redeemer, and Healer that I was freed from the sadness that had taken hold of me for far too long. NOTHING changed as far as what brought the sadness on. What changed was that it no longer had the effect on me. That which had a hold of me has lost its grip and I walk in welcome freedom!

His intent is that I learn to rely upon Him more and more. What I am finding is that the more I turn to Him, confide in Him, and embrace Him the more lasting and profound the changes are!

Father, I stand in awe and appreciation for what You have done. I am changed! I am free! I am Yours! Amen.

Harmful Or Helpful Mentoring

And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. 2 Chronicles 24:2 KJV

How influential are the people in your life? How much do you depend upon them to keep you aligned with the things of God? Read through the book of Proverbs and you will find verse upon verse that warns of wrong companionships and the wisdom that marks the life of one who is connected with godly people. And yet people can only influence us to a certain point. At some stage in our life, our walk must become so connected to and dependent upon God that we continue in His ways long after the most influential person is gone.

Joash is a reminder to me of the necessity of seeking out an individual relationship with God and allowing Him to carve out my belief system and my life. For if I do not transfer the connection from a person to my Creator I open myself up to a fall. For forty years Joash had an incredible record of right living. He was used of God to repair the house of the Lord. He turned a nation from idolatry back to true worship. His personal mentor was Jehoiada the priest and under his influence he flourished. But when Jehoiada died, Joash listened to the wrong people and spiraled down until his own life was eventually taken. 2 Chronicles 23 and 24 show the amazing rise and tragic defeat of a king who never learned to allow God to be his main influence. While Jehoiada was certainly meant to be a godly influence on Joash, something was amiss.

As one who has had the opportunity to be mentored in my Christian life I know two things. The temptation to cling to the human source and the growth that comes when I finally take hold of God with all my heart, soul, and mind. Until that happens, I am not standing on my own spiritual legs and living dependent upon God. Mentors are meant to point us to God not to replace Him. My mentor knew that and I painfully learned it. It has taken over a year to wade through the issues and learn to take hold of God’s hand. There are still days I want to be under the nurturing care of a mentor. But I know God’s intent is to complete the transfer. My growth depends on it, my relationship with Him depends on it, and my involvement in His kingdom work depends on it. Today is another day of taking the steps that lead to that end.

It is in the experience of isolation that the Lord develops an independence of life and of faith so that the soul no longer depends on the continual help, prayers, faith, and care of others. Then we realize that He has done a new work within us and that the wings of our soul have learned to soar in loftier air. ~ Streams In The Desert

Father, may the only hand I grab hold of with permanence be Yours. Amen.

Continually Connecting

Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come….my praise is continually of You….my mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory all day long….I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:3,6,8,14 NASB

I cannot survive on chance meetings with God. Quiet times in the mornings will not carry me through my day. My needs are continual therefore meeting with my “need Meeter” must be continual. Problems arise, life gets hard, tears fall, frustrations mount, the enemy never rests, and my propensity toward sin is always existent, therefore praise and dependency upon God is a continual necessity. From the time I get up until the time I retire for the evening (and even as I sleep) my connection with God must remain a priority for me. After all, when in the course of a day do I not need Him? When is He not worthy of my praise? When can I afford to do or be without Him? The answer is…..NEVER!

God never intended for any of His children to exist independent of Him. He never tires of hearing our voice, answering our questions, calming our fears, or directing our life. He has no limits to the number of times we can cry out to Him or sit at His feet. Nothing in our life is considered insignificant to Him. I will never reach the point that I just don’t need Him as much. He is as vital as the air I breathe!

With the number of things in my life that change I welcome His continual invitation to me to live in His embrace, His company, and His strength. I simply cannot afford to distance myself from Him. My memory is still fresh with the decades of living otherwise. Times when His Word was rarely opened, prayers were rarely spoken, and practicing His presence was unfamiliar territory. I knew Christ as Savior but kept Him at arms length, not knowing it did not have to be like that!

Now I want God included in every decision I make, every conversation I have, every dream I dare to dream, and every part of my life. No one else is capable of being in all those places with me. No one else can be that attentive. No one else deserves my continual attention and praise! May I go to Him, think of Him, seek Him, and speak of Him non-stop!

Father, You invited me to live life like this. You waited patiently for me to see that. I have been won over by You! Amen.

The Way of Divine Companionship

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 NKJV

This morning the words from the book GOD CALLING got my attention! It was simply entitled “Companionship” and this is what it said…The way of the soul’s transformation is the Way of Divine Companionship. Not so much the asking Me to make you this or that but the living with Me, thinking of me, talking to Me---thus you grow like Me. Love Me. Rest in Me. Joy in Me. David knew the truth of that statement when he penned today’s verse. He looked to God for his path of life, fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore. He was enraptured and enthralled by his Creator and desired to be in no ones presence as much as God’s.

I love relationships and presently that is the one area God seems to be touching the most. Not by bringing special people into my life but rather by distancing me from them or them from me. He is not doing it to be cruel. It is meant to be His invitation for me to experience Psalm 16:11 and His divine companionship. He knows the necessity of one on one time and the growth that will come from it. I see that now, but it has not always been so apparent to me. God has had to do a work in me just to prepare me for this part of the journey.

He had to show me why relationships meant so much to me and why I reacted so strongly when I sensed the loss or absence of a person. He has lovingly shown me areas of insecurity, feelings of insignificance, and the fear of abandonment and rejection. These not only affected my relationship with people, they affected my ability to embrace Him and trust Him to meet my internal needs.

There is no doubt in my mind that God has used people to help me in significant ways. They were His eyes, ears, and hands to me. But what was meant for healing will become a handicap if I do not allow Him to walk me through this new process. Many have walked it before me and I see the results in their lives. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes to growth and maturity in Christ. He sets the pace, direction, and destination of this journey. As I see that and open my heart to it, David’s words will be my testimony of praise. God will see to it!

Father, I haven’t always understood what You were doing. My questions, tears, and thoughts have revealed that. Thank you for doing what is necessary and holding me while You are doing it. Amen.