What to do when one feels spiritually and emotionally exhausted.

Hi there fellow pilgrim and friend. I am always skeptical of people who never seem to face difficulties in their lives. It just seems surreal to me. What I really relate to is when someone of deep faith is able to humbly admit that life doesn't always go according to plan. Honesty and authenticity immediately get my attention. 

In my experience, following Jesus has often been tough. Of course, there have been remarkable times of joy and victory, celebration and peace, but there have also been a fair share of the opposite. I am thankful that during these times I have been taught to cling to God and to hold onto Him for security and refuge. I have learnt that there is no shame in resting in the presence of One far greater than myself.

Listen to these words from Francois Fenelon, as he gives us a pattern for holding onto Christ.

"At times, everything in life seems to be a trial and suffering. Sometimes the cross is so heavy it can neither be carried nor dragged. Then you can only fall down beneath it, overwhelmed and exhausted."

The important thing is where we rest and that we remember to look up from where we find ourselves.

Psalm 62:8 - O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Hiding from evil

"Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers." - Psalm 64:2

It is very easy for us as South Africans to draw a parallel from today's reading, to the recent events of looting and violence in our country. It seems clear that those behind the actions plotted and conspired to bring maximum destruction to our communities. 

So, in light of these events, how do read David's words and what do we make of them? Would this mean that we hope God can hide us from the physical evildoers, or is he asking for protection from the fallout of their actions? Or is it a little of both? It is clear that as Christ-followers we will not be exempt from suffering, but what can we expect from God during these times? 

I realise these are tough questions, but they are on everyone's minds at the moment. Perhaps my response is too simplistic for some, but I want to believe that I can turn to God for help in my time of need and that God will protect me from the 'evil one.' This doesn't mean that I will never face trials or sorrow, but I see it as God's promise to keep my 'soul/spirit/life' safe from the clutches of the enemy. Even in ultimate death I can know that I am in the strong hands of my loving Saviour.

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." - Psalm 17:8

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A Safe-house

I needed to be reminded of these words today. They are just a paraphrase of Psalm 9, but the words rested well in my soul. May they also offer you some encouragement.

"God’s a safe-house for the battered,
    a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
    you’re never sorry you knocked." - Psalm 9:9-10

I pray that we are not sorry for knocking on the door of God's heart.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Where does your security lie?

"Where does your security lie? 

Is God your refuge, your hiding place, 

your stronghold, your shepherd, 

your counsellor, your friend, 

your redeemer, your saviour, your guide? 

If He is, you don't need to search any further for security."- Elisabeth Elliot 

In an age where security is the new buzz word, we are constantly looking for new ways to keep ourselves physically secure. However, we realise that there is still a limit to how much we can protect ourselves. In a spiritual sense, we are also looking for answers as to how we can be at peace and know our faith is secure. Elisabeth Elliot had to face the tragedy of losing her missionary husband when Jim was murdered on the mission field. In the end, she eventually came to a place of peace, knowing that God would be her rock and fortress. 

This is a very challenging lesson to learn and it makes it all the more real when someone has face a crisis in their lives and overcome that crisis by trusting in God. 

What do you feel about Elisabeth's quote?

 

Ø  Isaiah 54:5 - For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Buffalo or Cow?

 

In Rory Vaden's best selling book 'Take the Stairs' he shares a remarkable insight about the behaviour of a Buffalo and a Cow. Actually, to be more specific, it has to do with the way each animal faces an impending storm - they respond in two completely opposite ways.

When a storm approaches, Cows respond in a fairly predictable way - they try to outrun the storm! However, because Cows are not that fast, the storm catches up with them and they end up running with the storm for a longer period - in other words, they maximise their exposure to the hectic storm surrounding them.

On the other hand, the behaviour of the Buffalo is very different. They wait for the storm to arrive and then they charge directly into the heart of the storm. It may seem like a silly thing to do, but in the end, they minimise the time they spend in the raging storm and run through to the other side.

So, the big for us today is this: Which one are you? Buffalo or Cow?
My guess is that most of us are like the Cows, because we don't like storms, conflict or trouble to come our way. In a naive way we think that we can run away from the storm, but it will invariably catch up to us. The Buffalo's amongst us will testify to the pain of the storm, but also that by facing it head on, they were into the clear sooner than the rest of the Cows were.

Interesting don't you think?

Isaiah 4:5-6
Then the Lord will provide shade for Mount Zion
    and all who assemble there.
He will provide a canopy of cloud during the day
    and smoke and flaming fire at night,
    covering the glorious land.
⁶ It will be a shelter from daytime heat
    and a hiding place from storms and rain.

Living in Grace
D3LM3