She was used to the attention of men; married five times and living with a different man now, she was familiar with their ways. She was also very aware of how easily their attention could be turned elsewhere. At one time, she might have considered herself attractive to the opposite sex, but not anymore. If you have been discarded like trash, even once, it is hard to have a positive view of your worth. It's not hard to imagine how she pinned her hopes on each new relationship, thinking "maybe this time I will be loved". It's also not hard to imagine how those hopes dimmed with each rejection.
It only took a couple of failed relationships for the women of the town to begin to turn their back on her. None of them wanted her close to them or their families. What if she decided to go after their husband, or their brother? No--that was too big a risk to take. At first the women were subtle. Every time she sought out their company, they were conveniently busy. The trips to draw water were very quiet for her, and she found herself at the back of the group, listening to the bits of conversation and laughter that drifted her direction. Once or twice, she thought she heard her name--and then she realized they weren't calling to her, they were talking about her. She got the hint, after a while, and began making the trip on her own, and everyone was relieved.
And, that's where we find her. Approaching the well and finding a man waiting there. A man she has never seen before; a stranger--perhaps a traveler. He is clearly Jewish. It would be unseemly for her to talk to him, even with her reputation, and so she prepares to quietly draw the needed water from the well.
"Will you give me a drink?" Jesus asks.
She is startled at being spoken to by a Jewish man, and by the tender tone of His voice. She feels compelled to answer Him, and thus begins one of most powerful stories of redemption in the Bible. By the time this tale ends, she has found acceptance--and along with it, peace and hope. She is transformed, in the space of a single conversation, into a powerful witness for Jesus and His ability to turn ashes into beauty. She is unafraid to return to her village and share her experience with everyone she meets. And the villagers, stunned by the clear change in her, follow her example and seek out the company of Jesus. Many of them also accept Him as their Savior.
Why did they listen to her? Why did they find her testimony compelling? The Bible tells us it is because of something incredible that she said.
"He told me everything I ever did."
Everything? No secrets? Nothing held back? That's what impressed her most. Jesus knew every sordid detail of her life, and His voice was still tender; His expression was still accepting. Her life was an open book to Jesus, yet He did not turn His back on her. Her neighbors hadn't known half of the mistakes she had made, and they couldn't bear her company. Jesus knew everything and still loved her.
That is what I love best about her story. Jesus uses this woman to teach everyone about mercy and grace. What if your life was transparent to everyone you encountered? How would you be treated? I have to ask myself how I would feel if everyone I knew could know my every thought and see each hidden sin. The answer is devastating--I would be rejected and alone.
Jesus knows. Everything.
That knowledge doesn't stop Him from pursuing me and loving me and forgiving me.
That knowledge is why He offered Himself in my place.
That knowledge is my only hope! For if Jesus can know EVERYTHING I have ever thought or done, and still value me--I must be loved greatly by Him. To be loved like that enables me to see myself as He sees me. To be loved like that is to be drawn to love in return.
And, when that happened, nothing in my life was the same again.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Yes, Lord
Dear Lord,
You know how I am struggling, right now, to balance my mornings and make sure my study time/prayer time is not cut short or spent doing things that don't bring us closer together. It is so easy to get caught up in doing my Bible study leader responsibilities that I lose sight of who/what I am studying about!
You lord--all for You and all about You.
To know You.
To hear You.
To obey You.
This is what it means to have You as Lord of my life.
Lately, I have felt You call me to pray. Not just praying during my regular devotional time--other times and other places--to ask others if I can pray with them and for them. To be bold and let others know that I believe in Your ability to change our lives and also change our circumstances. To share that I believe faith in You changes things, and that the best thing is that faith changes people. . . .changes ME!
I want to answer this call because I know You are preparing me for even bigger ways to serve You and honor You. Because, if I can't answer Your call to serve in this small way, and experience what You can do through me, then I will never be ready to say YES to anything else You ask me to do.
All You have asked me to do is pray and to live Your love to those around me through these prayers.
To know You.
To hear You.
To obey You.
And so, I obeyed. I prayed with my co-worker who is grieving over deaths and illness in her family. I prayed with my son over lost scholarship funds. I prayed with my friend visiting her new baby in the special care nursery. Each time I asked them if I could pray with them, my fear of rejection became a bit smaller. Each time they smiled and bowed their head with me. Each time they thanked me for that prayer.
Each time I received the biggest blessing--the blessing that comes from obeying and being filled with a sense of purpose that comes from Someone much greater than me. The blessing of saying #YesToGod.
You know how I am struggling, right now, to balance my mornings and make sure my study time/prayer time is not cut short or spent doing things that don't bring us closer together. It is so easy to get caught up in doing my Bible study leader responsibilities that I lose sight of who/what I am studying about!
You lord--all for You and all about You.
To know You.
To hear You.
To obey You.
This is what it means to have You as Lord of my life.
Lately, I have felt You call me to pray. Not just praying during my regular devotional time--other times and other places--to ask others if I can pray with them and for them. To be bold and let others know that I believe in Your ability to change our lives and also change our circumstances. To share that I believe faith in You changes things, and that the best thing is that faith changes people. . . .changes ME!
I want to answer this call because I know You are preparing me for even bigger ways to serve You and honor You. Because, if I can't answer Your call to serve in this small way, and experience what You can do through me, then I will never be ready to say YES to anything else You ask me to do.
All You have asked me to do is pray and to live Your love to those around me through these prayers.
To know You.
To hear You.
To obey You.
And so, I obeyed. I prayed with my co-worker who is grieving over deaths and illness in her family. I prayed with my son over lost scholarship funds. I prayed with my friend visiting her new baby in the special care nursery. Each time I asked them if I could pray with them, my fear of rejection became a bit smaller. Each time they smiled and bowed their head with me. Each time they thanked me for that prayer.
Each time I received the biggest blessing--the blessing that comes from obeying and being filled with a sense of purpose that comes from Someone much greater than me. The blessing of saying #YesToGod.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The Monkey Jar
Years ago, when I was in my teens, I heard about the monkey jar for the first time. I think, perhaps, it was a missionary speaking about his travels--both the spiritual experiences and the cultural differences that he had learned from. I don't remember where he said he had traveled; I would guess it was somewhere in Asia. I do, however, remember learning how to catch a monkey,
I'm sure you've probably seen monkeys at the zoo. They are fast--they climb, they jump, they cling and they swing--I know I wouldn't want to try to chase one! Actually, no one wants to, and that is the reason for the monkey jar. It's simple really; the trapper places a piece of fruit (that barely fits through the opening) into a jar or clay pot and leaves it out in the open. The monkey is attracted by the scent of the fruit and investigates, finding a sweet offering that is easy pickings. The monkey places its hand into the jar to retrieve the fruit, but then cannot get its hand out of the jar without letting go of the fruit. If only it could open its fist and let go of what seems so important! But, the same greedy appetite that attracted the monkey to the jar, keeps it a prisoner. The trapper can approach the monkey and contain it with a net or a rope because the monkey will not let go of the "treasure" it has found.
I thought of the monkey the other night as I was trying to fall asleep. All evening my thoughts had been consumed with various ideas, concerns, and responsibilities; racing through one "important" thing to do after another. I was primarily concerned about my new role as a leader for my OBS Facebook small group. My mind was filled with questions and ideas and seemed to jump from thought to thought in my enthusiasm about facilitating our study of "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" by Lysa TerKeurst. One minute I was considering Facebook parties and group participation contests and the next minute I was pondering blog topics. As my thoughts careened about my head, I realized the evening had passed and I had not accomplished a thing! My brain was so full of ideas that nothing cohesive was happening. I was so greedy for my own accomplishment that I was trapped by the enormity of my plans. My brain was so full, as I grasped at doing things perfectly, that I could not use it to do anything.
I've felt trapped like that for days. Each day I would open my email or visit the study blog and find something else I needed to do; spinning my wheels doing important things and never getting traction on the best things. I held on tight--doing what I do best--making lists of important tasks and multitasking through the job at hand--striving to do each task as perfectly as possible. I tried to focus on Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek me with all your heart", but it seemed like my "seeker" wasn't working very well. My joy was slipping away and I was feeling panicky.
That changed this morning. I began my quiet time by reading the blog and posting the link for my group, and then I sat down to study. I was working on the questions for chapter two and realized that God wanted to talk to me about how I am taking care of myself and how I set boundaries. He spoke to me about the "junk" in my life--too much time in front of the TV at night, treating myself to the wrong foods because I was stressed out, and the time I was wasting comparing myself to others. These habits have become poison to my body and my soul. God asked me to consider that fact that I am not perfect. He wanted me to realize that I cannot do everything, be everything, experience everything, and have everything; that is greedy--just like the monkey with his hand in the jar. I can't hold on to everything; it's a trap--just like the fragrant fruit. It might seem desirable, but it leads to captivity and death. No, my hands must be opened to let go of the things that are holding me back and they must stay open to receive the blessings God is waiting to place there. I don't get to tell God just how I want things done and I don't get to grab the blessings of my choice, because grabbing leads me right back to the monkey jar of things I can't let go of. My palms must be up and my heart must be open to say "where are You leading and what do You want of me, Lord?"
It's time to say "NO" to paralyzing perfectionism; "NO" to hours wasted on mindless entertainment; "NO" to medicating my stress with food. It's time to take my hand out of these monkey jars and experience the true freedom that comes with obedience.
I'm sure you've probably seen monkeys at the zoo. They are fast--they climb, they jump, they cling and they swing--I know I wouldn't want to try to chase one! Actually, no one wants to, and that is the reason for the monkey jar. It's simple really; the trapper places a piece of fruit (that barely fits through the opening) into a jar or clay pot and leaves it out in the open. The monkey is attracted by the scent of the fruit and investigates, finding a sweet offering that is easy pickings. The monkey places its hand into the jar to retrieve the fruit, but then cannot get its hand out of the jar without letting go of the fruit. If only it could open its fist and let go of what seems so important! But, the same greedy appetite that attracted the monkey to the jar, keeps it a prisoner. The trapper can approach the monkey and contain it with a net or a rope because the monkey will not let go of the "treasure" it has found.
I thought of the monkey the other night as I was trying to fall asleep. All evening my thoughts had been consumed with various ideas, concerns, and responsibilities; racing through one "important" thing to do after another. I was primarily concerned about my new role as a leader for my OBS Facebook small group. My mind was filled with questions and ideas and seemed to jump from thought to thought in my enthusiasm about facilitating our study of "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" by Lysa TerKeurst. One minute I was considering Facebook parties and group participation contests and the next minute I was pondering blog topics. As my thoughts careened about my head, I realized the evening had passed and I had not accomplished a thing! My brain was so full of ideas that nothing cohesive was happening. I was so greedy for my own accomplishment that I was trapped by the enormity of my plans. My brain was so full, as I grasped at doing things perfectly, that I could not use it to do anything.
I've felt trapped like that for days. Each day I would open my email or visit the study blog and find something else I needed to do; spinning my wheels doing important things and never getting traction on the best things. I held on tight--doing what I do best--making lists of important tasks and multitasking through the job at hand--striving to do each task as perfectly as possible. I tried to focus on Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek me with all your heart", but it seemed like my "seeker" wasn't working very well. My joy was slipping away and I was feeling panicky.
That changed this morning. I began my quiet time by reading the blog and posting the link for my group, and then I sat down to study. I was working on the questions for chapter two and realized that God wanted to talk to me about how I am taking care of myself and how I set boundaries. He spoke to me about the "junk" in my life--too much time in front of the TV at night, treating myself to the wrong foods because I was stressed out, and the time I was wasting comparing myself to others. These habits have become poison to my body and my soul. God asked me to consider that fact that I am not perfect. He wanted me to realize that I cannot do everything, be everything, experience everything, and have everything; that is greedy--just like the monkey with his hand in the jar. I can't hold on to everything; it's a trap--just like the fragrant fruit. It might seem desirable, but it leads to captivity and death. No, my hands must be opened to let go of the things that are holding me back and they must stay open to receive the blessings God is waiting to place there. I don't get to tell God just how I want things done and I don't get to grab the blessings of my choice, because grabbing leads me right back to the monkey jar of things I can't let go of. My palms must be up and my heart must be open to say "where are You leading and what do You want of me, Lord?"
It's time to say "NO" to paralyzing perfectionism; "NO" to hours wasted on mindless entertainment; "NO" to medicating my stress with food. It's time to take my hand out of these monkey jars and experience the true freedom that comes with obedience.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Choose the Golden Door
Today is July 4th; a day of barbeques and apple pie; patriotic parades and fireworks. It is a jubilant day here in the USA, and rightfully so. We celebrate the birth of a nation fundamentally different from any other at the time of its conception; a nation that inspired incredible sacrifice by the men and women who founded it and the dreams of countless thousands since that time. At the core of its foundational principles is the freedom of choice. We can choose to speak--or be silent; to assemble with others--or remain alone; to carry a weapon--or to employ other defenses; to worship--or to eschew religion in any form. All of these choices, and so many more, are within our purview each day--so long as we do not choose in ways that invade the rights of others to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
How many empires have been founded on individual choice, rather than on the will of the group? How many great nations have been able to bind the individual sacrifices of many into a whole that defines each person AND the entire nation? While this country celebrates those heroes and their sacrifices, both historical and current, we do not elevate them to the position of royalty. For in that act of setting some individuals as intrinsically superior to others, we deny the basis of our fundamental belief that all men are created equal and all are able to pursue their own course in this world.
In this essential belief, we see the hand of God at work in the framing of this nation. There is nothing more important to God than our freedom to choose. Sin would not exist were it not for our freedom to choose. We would not have hope for the rescue from sin if not for our freedom to choose the price paid for us on Calvary. God will not populate Heaven with those who do not want to be there, or with those who do not love Him. He will not dictate our love or our actions, but He will answer our cry to be rescued when we do choose Him.
I've never visited the Statue of Liberty--perhaps someday I shall have that opportunity--but I have always loved the poem "The New Colossus", by Emma Lazarus, that is engraved on a tablet inside the pedestal:
What a lovely description of the gift offered by this country called The United States of America! You don't have to be someone the world considers "great" to be accepted in this country. We believe you can start from nothing and become anything you choose to work toward. The key to success begins with the "yearning to breathe free".
I challenge you to re-read it and imagine this is the voice of the Savior calling out to those who ache for more than what this world has to offer. Are you tired? Poor? Yearning for freedom? What God offers is His perfect rest, His riches in glory, and His freedom from bondage to sin--nothing in this world can compare! He lifts His lamp beside the Golden Door and invites us, one and all, to enter in.
How many empires have been founded on individual choice, rather than on the will of the group? How many great nations have been able to bind the individual sacrifices of many into a whole that defines each person AND the entire nation? While this country celebrates those heroes and their sacrifices, both historical and current, we do not elevate them to the position of royalty. For in that act of setting some individuals as intrinsically superior to others, we deny the basis of our fundamental belief that all men are created equal and all are able to pursue their own course in this world.
In this essential belief, we see the hand of God at work in the framing of this nation. There is nothing more important to God than our freedom to choose. Sin would not exist were it not for our freedom to choose. We would not have hope for the rescue from sin if not for our freedom to choose the price paid for us on Calvary. God will not populate Heaven with those who do not want to be there, or with those who do not love Him. He will not dictate our love or our actions, but He will answer our cry to be rescued when we do choose Him.
I've never visited the Statue of Liberty--perhaps someday I shall have that opportunity--but I have always loved the poem "The New Colossus", by Emma Lazarus, that is engraved on a tablet inside the pedestal:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame.
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
What a lovely description of the gift offered by this country called The United States of America! You don't have to be someone the world considers "great" to be accepted in this country. We believe you can start from nothing and become anything you choose to work toward. The key to success begins with the "yearning to breathe free".
I challenge you to re-read it and imagine this is the voice of the Savior calling out to those who ache for more than what this world has to offer. Are you tired? Poor? Yearning for freedom? What God offers is His perfect rest, His riches in glory, and His freedom from bondage to sin--nothing in this world can compare! He lifts His lamp beside the Golden Door and invites us, one and all, to enter in.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
One Last Thing
I think I've identified with Martha all my life. For years, every time I would read the story of Mary & Martha in Luke chapter 10, I would think "poor Martha! All she's trying to do is making things perfect for Jesus. Why isn't anyone helping her?"
Yep. I missed the whole point of the story for years.
I cannot remember a time when I didn't have a list of things "To Do" sitting on the counter or tucked into my purse or on my desk at work. Sometimes, I have one in all three places. Occasionally, I will find an old list in my purse and realize there are a couple of things on there I never took care of. That's how my brain works, I guess--out of sight, out of mind. There are weeks that are so full of activities and responsibilities that I'm pretty sure I could not function without a list. The List provides direction, boundaries, and--most importantly--it provides a sense of accomplishment. And, Heaven knows I love to feel I accomplished something!
This is the week before vacation. That's right--tomorrow we pile into the Murano and head out for a 10 hour drive to Pennsylvania. That makes today the busiest day of my whole week, as I clear my desk, tidy the house, do all the laundry, and remember everything I need to pack for the trip. This has also been the week for Vacation Bible School at my church. On top of that, two of the nurses I work with in our office have experienced family emergencies that have necessitated their absence for at least 2 days of the week; the rest of us are "covering" their responsibilities, in addition to our own. And, we had a baby shower at work for one of our business office personnel, so I had food to prepare for that. Just writing all this makes me feel a little stressed!
The thing is, other than a couple of "OH NO" moments, I haven't really felt overwhelmed. Really. I can hardly believe it myself. I may have learned a bit about "Stress-Less Living" during this whole online Bible study!
I realized a couple of weeks ago that this week was going to be packed tight with important tasks and unavoidable responsibilities, so I tried to plan ahead and think critically about what my limitations were.
That's what Mary understood as she sat at the feet of Jesus, and it's what Martha was struggling with. Martha wanted to make everything perfect for Jesus--including herself. That was never going to happen and could only end badly--probably with Martha snapping at servants and family members and crying in her room later over what a failure she had been. I know; I've done that. Her focus on all of the things she could do was being used by the Devil to distract her from the things Jesus wanted to do in her life. That's just how it is with perfectionism. It starts with our activities, but it takes over our heart, and soon we find ourselves trying to become good enough for Jesus.
But, Jesus gently reproved her and redirected her priorities. Her worry over the "many things" was put into proper perspective. He pointed her toward the "one thing" that really mattered.
You know, the Bible doesn't tell us that Martha went back to the kitchen. I'd like to think that she grasped the truth of what Jesus was explaining to her and had a seat right there next to Mary, at the feet of Jesus.
Yep. I missed the whole point of the story for years.
I cannot remember a time when I didn't have a list of things "To Do" sitting on the counter or tucked into my purse or on my desk at work. Sometimes, I have one in all three places. Occasionally, I will find an old list in my purse and realize there are a couple of things on there I never took care of. That's how my brain works, I guess--out of sight, out of mind. There are weeks that are so full of activities and responsibilities that I'm pretty sure I could not function without a list. The List provides direction, boundaries, and--most importantly--it provides a sense of accomplishment. And, Heaven knows I love to feel I accomplished something!
This is the week before vacation. That's right--tomorrow we pile into the Murano and head out for a 10 hour drive to Pennsylvania. That makes today the busiest day of my whole week, as I clear my desk, tidy the house, do all the laundry, and remember everything I need to pack for the trip. This has also been the week for Vacation Bible School at my church. On top of that, two of the nurses I work with in our office have experienced family emergencies that have necessitated their absence for at least 2 days of the week; the rest of us are "covering" their responsibilities, in addition to our own. And, we had a baby shower at work for one of our business office personnel, so I had food to prepare for that. Just writing all this makes me feel a little stressed!
The thing is, other than a couple of "OH NO" moments, I haven't really felt overwhelmed. Really. I can hardly believe it myself. I may have learned a bit about "Stress-Less Living" during this whole online Bible study!
I realized a couple of weeks ago that this week was going to be packed tight with important tasks and unavoidable responsibilities, so I tried to plan ahead and think critically about what my limitations were.
- I was honest with the VBS leader about how much I could participate
- I started my cleaning chores two weeks beforehand
- I signed up for food for the shower that I could make easily in the evening after VBS
- I reminded myself, repeatedly, that I can only do one task at time--so concentrate on the current task and do it right the first time
- I didn't skip any part of my Bible study/prayer time
That's what Mary understood as she sat at the feet of Jesus, and it's what Martha was struggling with. Martha wanted to make everything perfect for Jesus--including herself. That was never going to happen and could only end badly--probably with Martha snapping at servants and family members and crying in her room later over what a failure she had been. I know; I've done that. Her focus on all of the things she could do was being used by the Devil to distract her from the things Jesus wanted to do in her life. That's just how it is with perfectionism. It starts with our activities, but it takes over our heart, and soon we find ourselves trying to become good enough for Jesus.
But, Jesus gently reproved her and redirected her priorities. Her worry over the "many things" was put into proper perspective. He pointed her toward the "one thing" that really mattered.
You know, the Bible doesn't tell us that Martha went back to the kitchen. I'd like to think that she grasped the truth of what Jesus was explaining to her and had a seat right there next to Mary, at the feet of Jesus.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
When We Have No Words
We've all been there. It's that moment when you are in the middle of an important conversation, sharing a very important point, and you can't find the right word(s). Your tongue goes numb and your brain goes blank and the stammering begins; no matter how hard you try to come up with the right thing to say--there is nothing. These moments can come at any time, from a game of Trivia to an interview for a new job.
Sometimes it isn't our brain that can't come up with the right word; sometimes it's our heart. When you visit the family of a sick child in the hospital and they ask you why this has happened to them. When your daughter wants to know why her boyfriend doesn't love her anymore. When you run into a co-worker in the hall on their first day back after losing their Dad. We find ourselves looking them in the eyes, feeling a measure of their pain in our heart, and having no idea what to say.
Sometimes the search for words comes when we are praying. What can we say to God about our problems? How can we describe what we are feeling? We search our hearts for the right words to tell Him what we are thinking. . . .but all that comes out is tears. There is no way to put our feelings into words to pray and we sit there overwhelmed by our circumstances and needing our Father so very much. We feel helpless, but our intercessor is about to step in.
Did you get that?? God knows the mind of the Spirit--they are entwined in the Trinity relationship--and the Spirit intercedes for us as a part of this intimate relationship. No words are needed. The very aching of our soul is expressed to God in a way that is beyond words.
It's time to admit we don't have all the answers to the questions that start with "Why". It's time to take our cue from the Holy Spirit and quit trying to find the right words to comfort those around us who are in pain. It's time to hug them and hold them and listen to them and cry with them and know the Spirit is expressing the groans of their souls to the source of mercy and peace.
Sometimes it isn't our brain that can't come up with the right word; sometimes it's our heart. When you visit the family of a sick child in the hospital and they ask you why this has happened to them. When your daughter wants to know why her boyfriend doesn't love her anymore. When you run into a co-worker in the hall on their first day back after losing their Dad. We find ourselves looking them in the eyes, feeling a measure of their pain in our heart, and having no idea what to say.
Sometimes the search for words comes when we are praying. What can we say to God about our problems? How can we describe what we are feeling? We search our hearts for the right words to tell Him what we are thinking. . . .but all that comes out is tears. There is no way to put our feelings into words to pray and we sit there overwhelmed by our circumstances and needing our Father so very much. We feel helpless, but our intercessor is about to step in.
"The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray , but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26Does is reassure you that even the Holy Spirit doesn't use words to let God know what is in our heart? Our pain, our fears, our loneliness--even the Spirit of God doesn't have the words for what is weighing on us! Just imagine, if you can, the Holy Spirit groaning with the weight of what He carries to the Father on our behalf. We are assured that God hears us because "He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (vs. 27)
Did you get that?? God knows the mind of the Spirit--they are entwined in the Trinity relationship--and the Spirit intercedes for us as a part of this intimate relationship. No words are needed. The very aching of our soul is expressed to God in a way that is beyond words.
It's time to admit we don't have all the answers to the questions that start with "Why". It's time to take our cue from the Holy Spirit and quit trying to find the right words to comfort those around us who are in pain. It's time to hug them and hold them and listen to them and cry with them and know the Spirit is expressing the groans of their souls to the source of mercy and peace.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wounded Warriors
I think God must have a special place in His heart for the men and women who serve our military as medics, physicians, nurses, and their support personnel. Can you think of a more intense, discouraging, and yet rewarding job? They wake up every day knowing that they will spend their day tending to those who are wounded and scarred, in both visible and invisible ways. They carefully apply their healing skills so that they can--return them to the battlefield?? Because, if they do their job skillfully, and their patient recovers fully--which is always the goal--that is what may happen.
God understands their heart; He feels the joy of victory when a medical team does the impossible and saves the life of someone wounded so badly that there seemed to be no hope. He feels their pride when they watch a soldier push through the difficult months of physical therapy. He feels their despair when they recognize the patient in front of them and know that they "fixed" this soldier just months before; did their job so well that they returned him to duty, and now they must tend to his wounds again.
God understands their heart; He feels the joy of victory when a medical team does the impossible and saves the life of someone wounded so badly that there seemed to be no hope. He feels their pride when they watch a soldier push through the difficult months of physical therapy. He feels their despair when they recognize the patient in front of them and know that they "fixed" this soldier just months before; did their job so well that they returned him to duty, and now they must tend to his wounds again.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
This text evokes a powerful mental picture for me. It's not hard to imagine God as healer, especially when we consider the many Biblical stories of Jesus touching the people around him; healing their diseases, straightening their twisted limbs, restoring their vision, and even calling them from death. This Psalm tells us of the tender loving care God uses to heal our wounds. It evokes an image of God as the one who applies the soothing salve, who wraps our wounds with fresh bandages, who touches our diseases and restores us. It also tells us that He knows when our hearts are broken and and He can heal those wounds, too.
God is the Great Physician for all those engaged in spiritual warfare. He patches us up, knowing that He is returning us to the battle. He strengthens us and encourages us when our hearts are broken by the pain that sin causes in the world all around us, and especially close to home. Just like those faithful military doctors and nurses, He knows that He is fixing us in order to return us to the battlefield.
However, He never sends us back alone. We are reassured of His presence in this beautiful passage from another Psalm:
The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. he rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:17-18
God knows the hearts of His wounded warriors. He is never far from us and He will hear us when we call.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)