Biblical Lament

I have been reading A Sacred Sorrow: Reaching Out to God in the Lost Language of Lament by Michael Card.  Job, David, Jeremiah, and Jesus all cry out to God in their pain, when they face crushing problems.  You know Jesus was a "Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Is 53:3). 

Tears and sorrow, pain, and problems are part of the human condition.  They cannot be sidestepped.  At times we find ourselves wandering in the wilderness.  Sometimes "wilderness" is called by another name:  illness, injury, war, unemployment, bankruptcy, family breakup, failure, and the list goes on. 

Then we cry and we cry out to God.  Why, God?  Where are you, God?  How will I endure this?  Pour out your feelings. God can handle the unedited version.  Maybe it's time to read the Psalms or Lamentations?

Given a choice we tend to pursue happiness and dream of prosperity.  However, that is not how Jesus experienced life.  "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

Jesus is not surprised by the troubles we face.  He asks his disciples, then and now:  
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24

What burden are you being asked to carry?  How are you coping?  Where or to whom have you turned for help?

I appreciate Michael Card sharing his journey.  We can either focus on the pain and problems or we can seek God's presence, Immanuel, God with us, no matter what.  God does not promise to fix, to heal, or to solve whatever problem weighs us down.  He does promise to be with us to the end of the age.  Anyone who has read stories in the Bible realizes God's people have suffered.  They have lamented.  They have worshipped God in the wilderness.  Persecution, prison, and prayer are described throughout the Bible.  

Lament is the first step towards worship.  In our neediness, we come to know who God is, all that God has done for us, and all that God has given.  Walking with God is the turning point from despair to worship.  God's presence is enough.

Michael Card. Immanuel. July 2, 2017.

Plant Wisdom

Advice from Plant Mom:  "Luckily the Croton Petra is tough, so even if your plant has lost all its leaves, don't lose hope.  I laughed after reading that, as my plant is drooping and wilted.  

We are like puny plants.  We need God's resurrection power.  We trust that God will raise the dead like Lazarus.  We believe that God will will make dry bones live, as the prophet Ezekiel declared.

"Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. Ezek. 37:4

Whenever we face a difficult, desperate, dreadful situation, pray the Holy Spirit's power into it.  We may feel terrified, but we cannot succumb to despair. We must learn to endure.  We can hold on to one another and to Jesus, who promises to be with us to the end.

Flags & Faith?

Sighting:  Communion Sunday July 4th, communion cups neatly arranged on the narthex table over an American flag decoration?  Hmm, that's different.  Yup, that's dangerous, theologically speaking.  Because as we know, Christ's work on the cross was for all time, all peoples, living in all places.  

"God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Have you noted the latest publishing project, God Bless the USA Bible to be released in September 2021?  Why package the Bible plus U.S. Constitution, Pledge of Allegiance, and song lyrics "God Bless the USA?   Why conflate American nationalism and politics with the ancient, international Christian faith?  This too is dangerous drift, theologically speaking.  

No one country can claim Christ.  God's kingdom was ushered in at the cross where heaven and earth met in Christ.  

Yes, understanding basic Christian theology still matters, profoundly so.

Everyday Christian Education

Governments rise and fall, but God is eternal, immutable, and omnipotent.   Christianity is relevant and unique.  

We know Christians and spiritual seekers are blessed by loving Christian fellowship, growing in the knowledge of Christ, experiencing forgiveness, and relying on Holy Spirit power.  

So how are we to equip Christians for ministry?  How are we to develop the mind of Christ in believers?  How do we present Kingdom living in the here and now?  Life has always been difficult and messy.  People want the real story on how faith works in the everyday of handling anger, doubt, fear, failure, illness, stress...

People are struggling: individuals, couples, families, and congregations.  People are seeking meaning and purpose. Discipleship, listening, prayer, encouragement, hospitality, and service are still very much needed and appreciated.  It's only a question of where, when, and how they are made available in 21st century America.  

Perhaps Christian lectures are passé and outdated?  We learn best by hearing, seeing, doing, and through conversation as in apprenticeships, internships, mentoring, and following wise guides through the unknown.  

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

How will you share life, light, and love in an ordinary moment today?

Life Is Messy. Get Real.

Although we make plans, changing circumstances often prevent us from "living the dream."  Life is messy and often harder than imagined.  How are we to experience joy and peace while treading troubled waters?

After a pandemic year of going nowhere, my husband and I took a road trip only to land in the hospital, far from home.  Now the many follow-up doctor appointments.  And of course, family life presents its own problems which spill over into ours.

Are painful, protracted trials portrayed in the movies you watch and novels you read?  The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (which our Crestview book group is reading) asks the question: Would I be better off picking a different life from the one I am actually living? 

The Apostle Paul writes many New Testament letters from jail.  Missionary work is tough.  Nevertheless, Paul rises above protracted suffering.  Read Philippians:  joy despite circumstances. What's his secret coping strategy?

We lean on Jesus Christ who gives us strength when we feel overwhelmed and weak.  He carries us through the darkest days.

"I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Phil. 4:12-13

Michael W. Smith. Hang On. Nov. 6, 2014  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piIfA6igo5Y