When the storms rage

"But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit.
You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading!
Hear my cry for help!”
Yes, you came when I called; you told me, “Do not fear.” - Lamentations 3:55-57

There is something beautiful and reassuring about the knowledge that God comes to our rescue. He hears all of our prayers, and he chooses to answer in his time. 

“Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child.” - Unknown

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I will not be afraid

"I will not be afraid!"

What a statement to make. Even in the midst of very difficult times, we are left with 2 choices: either we can allow our fear to overwhelm us or we can remember to trust in God's great promises. 

The writer of Psalm 118 confidently sings:

  “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” - v.6

Which one will you choose today?

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Feed your faith

Max Lucado writes: “Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will starve.”

This is an interesting take on living as a follower of Jesus. What do you make of this? 

It makes sense in many ways, because if we allow our fears to run away with us, them they can cloud our view of Christ. In what ways do we allow our anxiety and fears to move us away from a deep faith in God's work in our lives?

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18

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I have had enough!

"Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said." - 1 Kings 19:3-4

These words of Elijah stopped me in my tracks this week. How often do we feel like Elijah felt on that day? We come to the end of our tether and there is so much going around us, that we just want to scream: I Have Had Enough!

Elijah's story was obviously very unique, but I think we get it! We can relate to his sense of desperation and despair. What do you do when you reach this stage in your life? Is crying out to God an option for you, or do you try and shoulder everything alone? 

Elijah realised that he had come to the end of his human strength and so he was forced to lie down and let God take over. And God lovingly restored him and nudged him back onto the path again.

2 Corinthians 4:8 - "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair..."

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A great fear for all of us?

What is one of your greatest fears?

Tim Keller suggests that one of our fears could be: to be known, but not to be loved! His words may make a little more sense, when we read them in the context of his full quote.

“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial.
To be known and not loved is our greatest fear.
But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.
It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretence, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” - Timothy Keller.

Is this perhaps what drew people to Jesus? When they encountered him, they sensed that they were fully known and loved. What do you think?

Romans 8:15 - So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.

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How can we sing?

Singing is often connected to a state of joy - although not always, but it is a lot easier to raise your voice when you are feeling joyful. Zephaniah urges God's people to sing and shout aloud, despite their present circumstances. He says: 

"Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm." - Zephaniah 3:14-15

As if Zephaniah hears the question from the people, "why should we sing", he gives them a few reasons why they must lift their voices:

1. The Lord has taken away your punishment
2. God has turned back our enemy.
3. God is with us.
4. We don't need to fear anything anymore.

As you contemplate the words of Zephaniah, may you know the peace of Christ upon you.

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Simply Absurd!

 

"It is simply absurd to say you believe, or even want to believe, in Him, if you do not do anything He tells you." - George MacDonald

Nineteen century preacher and writer George MacDonald had an incredible way with words. In just a few of his quotes we get to see the depth of the man, as well as his remarkable faith. Here are a few examples of his thinking. It is my prayer that these words would inspire us all to live Godly lives, especially as we begin to move into the season of advent.

Forgiveness unleashes joy. It brings peace. It washes the slate clean. It sets all the highest values of love in motion.

God is nearer to you than any thought or feeling of yours... Do not be afraid.

Deuteronomy 4:7 - "For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him."

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When I am afraid

If you have ever felt afraid, then these verses from Psalm 56 are for you. David reminds us to shift our focus from the things that make us afraid, to the One who has conquered ALL things.

"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
I praise God for what he has promised. 

 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?" - Psalm 56:3-4

Rudyard Kipling - "Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears."

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Don't let yourself be disturbed!

 

Have you felt yourself becoming restless and disturbed lately? It could be down to a lot of different reasons, but we can easily become anxious and worried about many things. Life is complex and we are facing may tough situations all around us. 

When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, he encouraged them not to be afraid. He says to them in John 14:1 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and also trust in me."

In the Complete Jewish Bible, the verse reads like this: "Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in me." I like the variation in this translation because it really speaks to me. 

I pray that whatever you may be facing at the moment, that you would Trust in Jesus, and allow God's Spirit to keep your heart from becoming too anxious and disturbed.

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How do we get rid of fear?

How do we get rid of fear? 

This is an interesting question, and I am sure it has many different answers, but what thoughts come to your mind?

After reading the following verses from 1 John 4, I thought of a possible answer:

"And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So, we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love." - 1 John 4:17-18

In my mind, I imagined how fear can take hold in our hearts/minds and we struggle to find ways to get rid of it. Perhaps we could think of all kinds of solutions to try and chase fear out of our lives, but John proposes something else. If we allow the love of God to fill our lives, then this 'perfect love' will expel the fear that has taken up residence in our hearts. 

As we come to embrace the all-surpassing love of Jesus, fear begins to be replaced by a quiet contentment and trust in the redeeming love of Christ.

Thought: The way to expel fear from our hearts is to invite more of God's presence to fill our lives. What do you think? 

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Courage doesn't always Roar!

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow." - Mary Ann Radmacher

As I came across this quote this morning, I was reminded of how the disciples must have been feeling in the days after the Resurrection. They were feeling afraid and uncertain, yet Jesus was making them feel more and more at peace with the new 'normal.'  He was not going to leave them alone or unequipped for the task that lay ahead. 

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” - John 20:19-21

Thought: As we go into the post Easter season, let us remember that our strength and courage comes from the Spirit of Jesus. 

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Children of God - we are no longer slaves, but family!

One of the most profound statements made in the New Testament is that all people can become the children of God. Paul writes this in Romans 8...

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." - Romans 8:14-17

In modern times these words don't seem to have the same impact as they would have had on the first hearers of the Good News. In a time when only people of Jewish descent were seen as the children of God (sons and daughters of Abraham), Paul invited all people to open their hearts to the Spirit and to become heirs of God.

May you be encouraged by these words today - we are children of the living God.

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Here is the world - Beautiful and Terrible things will happen. Don't be Afraid.

 

Frederick Buechner passed away this week at the age of 96. He was a remarkable preacher, theologian, writer, novelist and so much more. His words will live on long after he has been laid to rest. I would like to share a few of this thoughts with us today. May they inspire us all to live fuller lives.

"Go where your best prayers take you."

“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.”

And this one, which I used in a blog a few months back...

“Life is grace. Sleep is forgiveness. The night absolves. Darkness wipes the slate clean, not spotless to be sure, but clean enough for another day’s chalking.”

May Frederick rest in peace.

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Be strong; do not fear

In preparing for a message today I was drawn back to Isaiah 35. There is something profound about these words of hope:

"Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts,
Be Strong, do not fear." - v.3-4

I am sure that these words are meant for some of us today. If you have a moment please read through the entire chapter - it will be a blessing to you.

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Survivng the heat

Today has been a rather hot February day. Hot weather impacts us all in different ways, but it tends to make many people lethargic and it saps our energy. And it is not just humans who feel the impact. Taking a quick look at our dogs, I see them lying all over the house, enjoying the coolness of the floor. 

In the midst of the hot weather, this verse came to mind:

“But I will bless the person who puts his trust in me.

He is like a tree growing near a stream
and sending out roots to the water.
It is not afraid when hot weather comes,
because its leaves stay green;
it has no worries when there is no rain; it keeps on bearing fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8

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Glue or Solvent?

“Fear is the glue that keeps you stuck.

Faith is the solvent that sets you free.” - Shannon L. Alder

John 8:36 - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Romans 8:2 - "...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

I think it is clear which one the Bible is pointing us to! It is now up to us whether we want to choose to be 'glue' or 'solvent.'

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The greatest Fear

What is your greatest fear?

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." - Hebrews 2:14-15 

There are many things to be afraid of, but perhaps our greatest fear is death. We fear death for many reasons, but perhaps the most common are: 

• What really lies beyond the grave? 
• What happens to me in those final moments? 
• Will God receive me into his kingdom?

I don't have good answers for the first two questions, but I believe that Hebrews 2 gives us a great answer to the third question. The actions of Jesus have given us a gateway into a new experience - we don't need to fear death anymore, because their is no other power (i.e. the devil) who has the final say in our eternal future. Jesus has the keys and the power. 

So, where this leaves us is in a place of trusting the answers to questions 1 & 2, in the hands of a gracious Saviour. If I can trust in a God who is merciful, then I can be at peace about what lies beyond this life. 

What are your thoughts?

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No Fear

In 1989 Brian Simo created a clothing brand that became very well known. It was called "No Fear" and part of the appeal came from the fact that most of us desire to live our lives without fear. I remember owning a cool beanie with the No Fear logo on it and there was a part of me that felt more confident every time I put it on. However, this name goes deeper than it may seem. There is something spiritual about having No Fear. 

When the angel Gabriel spoke to Zechariah and Mary, one of the first things he said to them was 'Do not be afraid" - have NO FEAR. I think this is word for many of us at the moment. We can hold onto the promise of God's strength in our times of trial and uncertainty. 

Having No Fear is not about putting on an item of clothing, but rather about reminding ourselves of the great promises of God. 

Luke 1:13 - But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. 

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Do not give in to fear

To mark the beginning of 16 days of Activism in South Africa I wanted to share this beautiful quote from Rosa Parks. As you read this please reflect on your own fears, convictions, ministry and the hurdles you need to overcome.

“I learned to put my trust in God and to see Him as my strength. Long ago I set my mind to be a free person and not to give in to fear. I always felt that it was my right to defend myself if I could. I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear." - Rosa Parks

This made me think about Jesus' final moments again. Was he afraid? Was he tempted to give into his fears? 

If we understand his humanity, then I am sure there would have been a part of Jesus that encountered fear, but at the same time, Jesus would have known the peace that passes all understanding. The Father gave him strength to overcome the greatest challenge in his life.

And God can do the same for us too.

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Radical implications

There are so many radical implications of Jesus' resurrection, for his disciples, but these are the vital paradigm shifts that take place following Jesus' appearances. 

He changes their fear to courage.

He challenges their doubts in order to move them deeper into faith.

He reveals the truth of his bodily appearance in order to remind them that He has not abandoned them.

He reminds them of their call to mission.

He empowers them with the gifts of 'peace' and the 'Spirit.'

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. (Luke 24)

As we reflect on these implications how many of these are still vital for us in our own personal faith?

I would guess that they are ALL necessary for us.

What do you think?

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