The Moon Waxes and Wanes, but God’s Presence with Us Does Not

“My salvation shall be forever, my righteousness shall not wane”
 (Isaiah 51:6b NASB).

During the summer I love to sit outside in the evenings and listen to the sights and sounds of nature. I haven’t been able to do that much this summer because it has either been too hot or I’ve been too tired.  But one night a few weeks ago the moon was bigger and more beautiful than I have ever seen it.

When I read this verse in Isaiah I remembered that moon. The moon waxes and wanes in earth’s sight depending upon its astronomical position, but it is always there.  I thought about my view of God.  There are times when I am struggling with a pain or problem and God shines forth in hugeness and greatness like that glorious moon I saw.  There are other times when His presence seems to wane and He is not as visible to me.

But He IS there, just as the moon is there.  God’s salvation - His saving power in my life to bring me through any and everything - does not wane.  I may not see it clearly all the time.  He may be hidden by clouds or my position may be such that He is not visible for a time, but He is always there.

In eternity God’s presence will be revealed completely - more beautiful and bright than the most spectacular moon here on earth.  Until then I treasure the moments when He shines in huge and visible ways to me here.  When His presence seems to wane, I know it is only a passing cloud or my position that is blocking my sight of Him.  Afterward I will appreciate the light and beauty of His presence even more, and hopefully will have grown in the assurance of that presence even during the waning moments of my life.

Prayer: Give me faith to believe You are there when the clouds and darkness of life seem to hide You.  Thank you that Your presence is constant and unchanging, even when my perception of You may wane.  Amen.

Is Our Self-Talk Contributing to Our Pain?

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).

“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).

We all are aware of the fact that we should speak kindly to others, encouraging and edifying them through our words.  But what about speaking to ourselves?  Even though we may not actually speak out loud to ourselves (which I do at times but don’t always want to admit it!), most of us probably do some mental self-talk.  We may not realize how harmful these words can be.

I read an interesting book recently entitled The Gift in You, by Dr. Caroline Leaf.  She gives much scientific information proving that if our thoughts and words have harmful or “toxic” emotions attached to them (such as saying something negative to ourselves), harmful chemicals are released into the body which negatively impact our health.  We hinder our abilities to use the gifts God has given us.  She asks a very thought-provoking question:  “Are you paying attention to what words you are saying and what words you are receiving into your spirit?”

When I examine my self-talk, much of it is untrue and is not based on Scripture at all.  My “deceitful tongue” says, “I can’t do this; This is too hard; I have no purpose; It’s hopeless.”  These words crush my spirit and deny Scriptural truths.  No, I can’t handle my pain and problems alone, but I will persevere through them by God’s power.  I do have a purpose – God created things for me to do before I was even born.  Yes, my life is very hard at times, but God has blessed me with His presence, power, and victory.

Although our self-talk will not completely heal all our physical problems, it does bring benefits.  Aside from releasing positive chemicals rather than negative ones, positive words develop more joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit in us.  We benefit physically and spiritually, and we may become even better at encouraging others as well.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, make me more aware of the words I speak to myself.  Help me speak words that are encouraging rather than harmful, to myself as well as to others.  Amen.

Flourishing Like a Palm Tree Even through Pain

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree”
 (Psalm 92:12a).

One of my favorite trees is the palm tree.  I like them so much because I associate them with warm, sunny weather, and places of beauty and relaxation.

I did some research on palm trees.  Knowing how they will be used in the landscape is an important planting factor.  While some require humidity and heat, others can survive even in frost.  Some prefer full sun while others tolerate shade.  Some grow fast and others more slowly, and they vary in size and shape.  A flourishing palm tree sustains continuous, strong, steady growth because conditions are right. 

One devotional book I read mentioned that in Biblical times palm trees were used for shelter and food and were symbols of righteousness, beauty, and victory. We are probably most familiar with them being used to worship Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Palm trees were connected with places of rest and refreshment in the desert during the Israelites’ wanderings (Numbers 33:9). The branches were also used during the Old Testament Feast of Tabernacles as a means of praise (Leviticus 23:40), as well as for constructing temporary shelters during the Feast of Booths (Nehemiah 8:15).

How can I flourish like a palm tree in my life of pain?  I can be consistent in praising God even on the worst days.  I can grow steadily in my walk with Him, finding my rest and refreshment in Him and sharing that refreshment with someone else.  I can be strong in claiming my victory through Christ even on the days that I fail.  I can continue having faith to believe that regardless of how this earthly body is deteriorating, my eternal perfection is coming.

We are all different, yet we share the same God-given purposes and promises.  Our physical conditions may not be optimal, but we have been divinely planted to flourish where we are.  By God’s grace we can still bear fruit, proclaiming the Lord is upright (Psalm 92:14, 15).

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, give me the faith to believe that Your power and strength will enable me to flourish even through my pain and problems.  Amen.

Staying Plugged in to God's Power

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power”
(Ephesians 6:10).

We recently experienced a severe wind storm called a derecho and were without power for almost three days.  Temperatures in the 90’s and 100’s made the situation even more uncomfortable.

I did not handle those three days too well.  I was thankful for the generator giving us fans and refrigeration.  I also had the option of going to my parents’ apartment to stay cool.  But one thing I did not do was to stay plugged in to God’s power.  I was hot and irritable.  I was frustrated that   I couldn’t be of more help. I didn’t feel like reading Scripture or praying, other than sending up prayers for power to be restored and thanking God for my wonderful husband and a generator. 

Without electricity our modern lives come to a halt – no refrigeration, no email, no cable TV, no air or heat, sometimes no water, and no Facebook J!  In order to benefit from electricity we must be plugged in through electrical wiring.  Otherwise the power is useless.  But what a blessing that power is when we are connected. 

Without staying plugged in to God’s Word and communication with Him, I lose important blessings as well, such as strength for difficult situations, a peaceful, positive attitude, patience, and less anxiety and stress. I didn’t experience many of those blessings because I didn’t maintain an ongoing connection with my power source.

Living with pain and problems is a continual test and life in general brings many additional trials.  I can only survive by God’s power and strength, not my own.  But I must stay plugged in to Him to benefit.  I imagine there will be plenty of other opportunities for me to practice what I have learned.  I hope the next time I’m faced with such a difficulty, I will stay connected with God whether I feel like it or not.  I do hope and pray though that it will be awhile before God tests me again with lack of power in the summer heat! 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You are my source of strength and power.  Give me a willing and obedient spirit to maintain my connection with You, especially through the difficult times.  Amen.

Thoughts on Non-medical Ways to Handle Depression

"He brought them out of darkness and deepest gloom and broke away their chains" (Psalm 107:14).

This is not a typical devotional but I wanted to share this information.  Chronic health problems and life struggles in general can trigger depression, whether it's sporadic or ongoing.   I struggle with depression on a regular basis and am unable to take medication for it.  This has led me to continually seek God for other options in dealing with it.

Of course one of the biggest challenges with depression is that I don't feel like doing anything, so these suggestions do require that I make the effort even though I may not want to. But this is being obedient to God and He will reward the obedience. He never fails to bring comfort and help, although it may not always be immediate.

The plethora of books available on this subject can be overwhelming.  I believe the following suggestions are helping me in this battle, and I pray someone else may benefit from them as well.  Much of this information is taken from the book Depression:  Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness, by Edward Welch.  Putting even one of these suggestions in to practice can bring some victory.

Possible Contributing Factors to Depression

1.     Circumstantial

2.     Chemical
3.     Emotional
4.     Physical
5.     Spiritual

How Depression Can Be for My Good

1.     Teaches me to take every thought captive.
2.     Increases my faith and teaches me that faith can exist without feelings –     feelings don’t define faith.
3.     Helps me focus on eternity.

Non-medical Suggestions for Depression

1.     Read certain Psalms (22, 130) out loud and claim them as my  own. Speaking Scripture is “doing” faith and it becomes evidence of Christ in me.

2.     Evaluate why I am depressed (causes at that time) and see what I am saying to myself and how Satan is attacking God through it.

3.     Remember I am in a battle.  Put on the armor every day and claim God’s love for me every day, whether I feel it or not (speak Ephesians 6 and Psalm 90). 

4.     Learn more about Jesus and imitate Him. I imitate Jesus by doing the next thing – whatever that is at the moment: serving others when I don’t feel like it, loving others when I don’t feel loved or feel hurt, angry, or rejected, not looking for self-oriented purposes but rather God-oriented ones.

5.     Humble myself before God – acknowledge He loves me, knows what’s best for me, and has good plans for my life.  Be on guard against self-pity and complaining.

6.     Acknowledge and confess my sin – a desire to be loved rather than love, selfishness, envy, discontent, lack of faith, etc. Pray for my heart to be free from theses sins.  Keep at my confession until I have inklings of joy and hope.

7.     Remember my purpose.  I am called, forgiven, adopted, given gifts, given a mission, given a future.

8.     When I think, “Why bother?” say “because of Jesus”.  Persevere in fighting depression because God persevered with me.

9.     Talk to my depression.  Fight it rather than listen to it.  Speak God’s truth to it.  I can’t always change the way I feel but I can change the way I think. If I am thinking lies, say, “STOP!”

10.  Realize how much I have already persevered, be encouraged by that, and articulate my purpose and hope.  Pray for the ability to see and believe there is contentment and even joy in long-term, small steps of faith and obedience.

11.  Identify any fears I may have at the moment.  Confess them as unbelief, examine Scripture, and be confident in the love and faithfulness of Jesus.

12.  Remember God created and called me to trust Him and let that trust express itself in loving others.  Ways I can love others even when depressed: thank them, greet them, pray for them, listen to them.

Prayer:  God, Your Word says I have divine power for anything I need for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3), and that includes battling depression and other problems.  Thank you that with You nothing is impossible.  Give me the strength to speak and act in Your power even when depressed.  Amen.

Living Up to What We Have Already Attained in Our Walk with God

“Only let us live up to what we have already attained”
 (Philippians 3:16).

Each summer I have the same struggle.  As I see people enjoying more physical activities and travel, I want to mourn what I have lost. Ungrateful as it sounds, I feel I am missing out on what summer is all about.

The Holy Spirit brings conviction and truth about these negative thoughts.  I work through them and get over it – until the next time.  This verse in Philippians challenges me.

Paul talks about pressing on to receive the prize and then he tells us to live up to what we have already attained.  God’s Word translation says, “We should be guided by what we have learned so far”.  I need to remember what I have learned and the victories God has given me in this struggle before.

We build and move forward on what we learn through experience. In order to cook I must remember what I learned about boiling water, browning meat, etc.  If I had to start from square one with each meal, we wouldn’t eat much!  The same is true in my spiritual life. 

We are all at different stages in our walk with God, but we have all attained something on our journey.  God has taught me many things thanks to His patience, mercy, grace, and love.  When I forget those lessons, God brings opportunities for me to remember.  The sooner I remember, the more I can move on to a deeper spiritual growth and walk with Him.

Summer will never be what it once was for me.  But God reminds me of the truth that one day there will be no losses to grieve, and no temporary earthly pleasure can compare to what lies ahead with Him in eternity.  I want to be thankful for all the blessings I do have.  And as I keep moving forward, I know my heavenly prize far outweighs any loss here on earth.

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for enabling us to learn and persevere in our walk with You.  Strengthen and encourage our hearts to remember and act on what we have learned, yielding our losses to You even as we push on toward what lies ahead.  Amen.

"Letting Go of the "Whys" of Our Pain

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?  The Lord is the everlasting God . . . and his understanding no one can fathom”
 (Isaiah 40:27,28).

One of my weaknesses is in wanting to understand the “whys” behind something before I accept it.  This need to know has created problems in many areas of my life including my relationship with God, particularly where my health problems are concerned.

In his book Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby suggests that God’s refusal, silence, or doing something we don’t understand are not rejection.  They are opportunities for God to disclose to us more of Himself than we have ever known.

I experienced this truth before our recent vacation.  Two weeks before we left I had a bicycle accident which aggravated my back and fibro problems.  I questioned God.  He knew I was being careful and that we had been planning this trip for months.  But God used that experience to reveal more of Himself.  He enabled me to enjoy the trip despite pain and discomfort - an attitude adjustment which I am continually dealing with.  He also worked a huge miracle in allowing me to take a pain medication every day which normally causes severe depression but did not.  God revealed Himself in powerful ways and my faith grew.

On this vacation we were blessed to visit the Billy Graham library in Charlotte, North Carolina.  We saw Ruth Bell Graham’s grave, and I was reminded of something she wrote when questioning why.

“I lay my ‘whys’ before your cross in worship kneeling,
My mind too numb for thought, my heart beyond all feeling:
And worshiping, realize that I
In knowing You don’t need a ‘why’.” 

Rather than questioning God when I don’t understand something in my life, I pray that I will look for new ways He is revealing Himself and His great power through it, and maybe even be thankful that I don’t understand – because He is the Almighty God, and I am not.

Prayer:  Lord, I praise You for being beyond my human understanding.  Help me see my “whys” as opportunities to see new aspects of Your power and grace in my life.  Amen.