One delightful (and relatively easy) way to remember biblical concepts, celebrate God, and include our God-given creative side is to compose an acronym. (Perhaps you remember the process from elementary school?)
Start with a word, phrase, or even a short sentence. Write or type it vertically. Use each letter to begin another word, clause, or phrase (composed horizonatally).
For example, the letters P.R.A.Y. can remind us to:
And as we experiment with various words that fit our desired outcome, we’re planting concepts deeper into our consciousness where we’re more likely to remember them.
Of course, we want to make sure those concepts reflect biblical truth. I like to include a correlating scripture reference with each line. The research benefits my spirit also.
Recently in my reading I came across a familiar phrase to describe God, “beyond comprehension,” and decided to tackle an acronym that explores the question: In what ways does he surpass understanding?
Below you’ll find a celebration of the transcendence of God, reminding us just how glorious he is.
He is:
BEYOND COMPREHENSION!
B eautiful in his perfections (Psalm 27:4)
E arnest in attending to our needs (Psalm 23:1-6)
Y earning for relationship with us (Isaiah 30:18)
O mnipotent over the universe (Psalm 103:19)
N ourishing our souls with trustworthy truth (Psalm 19:7; Matthew 4:4)
D eclaring his glory through all that he has made (Psalm 19:1)
C ompletely loving of all, with no exceptions (John 3:16)
O mniscient of all things (Job 37:16)
M indful of each of us, every moment (Psalm 139:7-12, 17-18)
P atiently waiting for us to respond to him (2 Peter 3:9)
R ighteous in all his ways (Psalm 145:17)
E xceedingly merciful (1 Peter 1:3)
H oly in splendor and glory (Psalm 96:7-9)
E ternally faithful to his people (Psalm 100:5)
N urturing of his children (Isaiah 40:11)
S upremely inventive as Creator of all things (John 1:3)
I nfallibly wise (Romans 11:33)
O mnipresent in every place (Psalm 139:7-10)
N ear to all who call on him (Psalm 145:18)
We’d do well to remember:
“There is no perfect life, no perfect job, no perfect childhood, no perfect marriage, and no set of people who always do what you expect them do.
“What we do have is a perfect God who is able to lead us through this imperfect life with unfailing strength, impeccable wisdom, and infinite love [1].”
“May we see him as he is, the God of eternal excellence. May we stand in awe of Him [2].”
‘Ever watch home-makeover shows? I especially enjoy those where designers and their teams tackle old, dilapidated wrecks, with the goal of preserving as much original charm as possible.
And while they describe the process, you can hear the passion in their voices for the work they do.
Often they must remove dumpsters full of garbage, old appliances, and demolition refuse. Substandard wiring and plumbing have to be replaced, and sometimes even the foundation needs shoring up.
The designer also searches the home for such treasures as original doors, old fixtures, or hardware that can be restored.
Some walls are covered with faded, grimy wallpaper, causing a depressive atmosphere. What a difference when the paper is removed and replaced by a pastel shade of paint. The room radiates cheer.
For weeks the team repairs, rejuvenates, and re-beautifies in order to “return the home to its former glory.”
And when the project is complete, the previous eyesore is transformed into an eyeful of delights: refinished floors, gleaming woodwork, glittering chandeliers, and more.
A house that once appeared ready for the wrecking ball has been revived, ready to stand strong for another hundred years.
Like the attentive designers overseeing such projects, God too is an attentive Designer, overseeing projects of his own: you and me.
Although we may not be so dilapidated that we’re dreadful wrecks of humanity, all of us have to admit: there’s the grime of sin dingy-ing up the walls of our souls.
There may also be a sense of outdated faith because we’ve not paid much attention to God lately. Or we need the Designer’s help to remove substandard habits in favor of those that revitalize our spirits—less screen time and more scripture time, for example.
Genuine transformation only happens when we’re immersed in the grace and truth of God’s Word.
Denise J. Hughes, Deeper Waters, 215.
The Bible has much to say about our Designer’s work. For example:
Our Designer Revives
As you read that verse, do you hear the passion in his voice? Imagine: The God of heaven desires to dwell within us. Our part is to invite him to do so, with a repentant and humble heart.
Then, as he moves in God breathes new life into our spirits—new life that includes unsurpassed peace and pure joy through his Son, Jesus [1].
That’s not to say we never experience discouragement, pain, or crisis. But as we rely upon God, he shores up our foundation of faith and strength.
One morning years ago I confessed to my early morning prayer group that ongoing frustration at school plagued many of us on the faculty. Betty prayed for me.
Minutes later as I drove to school, God took my breath away with his artistry as shimmering sunbeams reached heavenward from behind great billowing clouds.
It seemed the glory of God was right there, just beyond that cloud bank. And I could almost hear him say, “You’re going to be fine—I’m right here to help you!”
I felt revived and ready to face the day.
Our Designer Restores
He restores my soul.
–Psalm 23:3 ESV
On a tour of antebellum homes in Charleston, South Carolina, we watched an artisan painstakingly remove layers of old paint from an intricately-carved fireplace surround–paint so thick it had obliterated the full beauty of the design.
Over our lifetimes, we can accumulate layers of erroneous thinking, harmful habits, and guilt. Underneath, however, are the people God created us to be–people intricately designed for purpose, to reflect “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,” and intended to enjoy his shalom[2].
Our Designer Renews
Be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
–Colossians 3:10b NLT
No doubt, when homeowners plan extensive renovations, they choose their designer carefully, wanting someone who’s congenial to work with, helpful, and trustworthy.
Imagine a designer who’s also encouraging, patient when faced with dozens of questions, and respectful of everyone. Such conduct wields positive influence on those around her.
One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor.
–Proverbs 12:26a ESV
Our Creator-Designer manifests all the above-mentioned traits and more. As we spend time with him through His Word, we find ourselves growing to be like him in our thoughts and attitudes, actions and reactions.
The decision had been narrowed down to two schools for our granddaughter Emma*, a rising seventh-grader. Which would be the best choice for next year–Willow Hills or Sheridan? She’d taken the tests and been accepted by both; each offered its own set of benefits.
Our son Derek and daughter-in-law Heidi received input from others, but their comments only added to the list of pros and cons. No definitive answer came to light.
Emma spent a school day shadowing another student at Sheridan. “It was OK,” she reported afterward. “The teachers were nice.” But nothing she’d seen or experienced had convinced her, “This is the place I want to be!”
All through this process Derek, Heidi and Emma (as well as little sister Madison) had been praying God would make clear the best choice. The deadline was nearing and the uncertainty felt like a heavy weight upon their minds and hearts.
No doubt you’ve faced similar decisions. It’s not a comfortable place to be.
So why does God allow such distress? Why don’t the answers to our prayers become evident immediately?
There are a number of reasons. Among them:
Uncertainty reveals the frailty of self-reliance.
We can’t see the big picture, and to be honest, very little in our lives is under our full control. Times of uncertainty press us into a place of trusting God [1].
We do well to affirm he’s our devoted heavenly Father. We can trust that what he’s lovingly planned is exactly what we’d choose for ourselves if we could see the entire storyline [2].
So our son and his family (Nana and Papa too!) waited and prayed. All we could do was trust our faithful God to reveal his good and wise plan in his good time.
Uncertainty provides a platform for God to display his grace, wisdom, and power.
These attributes and more become apparent as the answer unfolds and we see his lovingkindness in the plan he’s designed, the wisdom behind it, and the power he’s wielded to make events play out just so.
In the meantime, we must realize the uncertainty we face is only apparent uncertainty. Our future and our provision are certain to God. We’d also do well to remember that “uncertain seasons are often some of the most powerful moments we experience with God” [3].
Uncertainty allows us to experience God in fresh ways as we:
Sense his presence more profoundly during difficulty. Pat Chen calls it liquid love[4] — perfect imagery for the warm and comforting presence of our Heavenly Father.
See his unfailing love on display, even as we struggle—through the kindness of others, the beauty of creation, an encouraging scripture, and more.
Recognize his lavish goodness in the eventual, right-on-time provision.
The Sunday after the two acceptance letters arrived for Emma, our family just happened to sit in church in front of a couple with a son who attends Willow Hills.
Both the parents and he shared enthusiastically about the school. They also knew students at Sheridan and expressed concerns that our son and daughter-in-law hadn’t heard before.
The young man, several years older than Emma, spoke directly to her, giving her reasons why he’s loved Willow Hills.
Several days after that encounter, Emma and her dad visited Willow Hills for a tour. “Impressive!” he declared. “I like it!” she affirmed.
And so, just as we’d all prayed, God made the decision clear, and the weight lifted.
When have you faced a season of uncertainty? What helped you to triumph over the doubts and questions? Please share in the comment section below!
Brady Miller, a young and single first-year employee at Reed Investments, smiled as he read the email from his boss Justin. The memo reminded him of the personal day he hadn’t used yet.
Stipulations required he not add the day to vacation time or a weekend, but otherwise, any mid-week day was allowed, pending approval from Justin.
Brady immediately began planning for his Perfect Day the next Thursday: wearing sweats all day, binge-watching The Mandalorian, eating toaster-waffles for breakfast, broccoli cheddar soup and a ham on rye for lunch, nachos for snacking, and a pepperoni pizza for dinner—oh, and a big bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert.
He’d also enjoy the solitude—no one to play host for, no one talking during the episodes, and no one to clean up after. Absolute bliss.
But late the next Thursday evening, Brady noticed he felt rather blah, maybe even a bit depressed and de-energized. Wasn’t his Perfect Day supposed to make him happy and content? What happened?
Brady wasn’t aware that researchers have actually studied what contributes to a good day. And all the indulgences he’d allowed himself did not make the list.
Here’s what did:
Eat nourishing food
Exercise 150 minutes per week
Include meaningful activity that also brings pleasure
Spend time with family and/or friends
Practice mindfulness
Limit recreational screen time
Show kindness toward others
Encourage others
Express gratitude
Brady incorporated none of these activities into his day off. No wonder satisfaction alluded him.
Perhaps you also noticed: all these elements contributing to a good day are included in biblical instruction. God wants us to enjoy good days!
For example, scripture directs us to:
Take proper care of our bodies which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
It makes me smile to see secular research backing up what scripture has taught all along.
However, one important activity for a good day is not mentioned in the research: quiet time with God— studying his Word and conversing with him in prayer (Psalm 119:15-16).
Then again, to do so does incorporate four of the elements researchers identified: meaningful activity that also brings pleasure, time with a Friend, mindfulness, and gratitude.
Is it possible to accomplish all of these activities every day? YES! Some might take only a moment: a kind deed or a word of gratitude. Some can be combined, as illustrated above.
You can start small and choose just one activity to start reducing the blahs and increasing the good. Go ahead—choose one.
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Late spring, 1961, President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie visited France. He’d only been in office four months, but already the world had embraced the refined and fashionable First Lady.
Upon arrival in Paris, people lined the streets and shouted, “Vive Jackie!”
And as the week unfolded, she impressed them further with her knowledge of French history and culture and her command of their language, polished to perfection at the Sorbonne during her junior year of college.
With dignitaries Jackie proved to be articulate, diplomatic, and a good listener. She especially charmed their president, Charles DeGaulle.
President Kennedy, on the other hand, received a cool reception from his French counterpart. The two had not seen eye-to-eye on certain policies. Jackie helped pave the way for diplomacy between them.
At a state dinner held in the Palace of Versailles, JFK famously introduced himself as “the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris. And I have enjoyed it.”
The Hall of Mirrors where the dinner took place
Today, many still remember Jackie’s iconic style, her gentle demeanor, and stalwart courage following President Kennedy’s tragic death. But she will also “go down in history . . . for creating a dominant soft power dynamic in American politics” [1].
We also admire the way JFK humbly honored his wife at that state dinner. He appreciated her strengths that provided great benefit to him.
With this example in mind (although a weak one compared to what it illustrates!), we might understand more clearly what the psalmist meant when he wrote that God is the glory and strength of those who put their faith in him:
“Strength” we more readily understand. Many of us have experienced God’s power upholding us through crises and augmenting our efforts to serve him. But glory? What did the psalmist mean by “God is their glory?”
Perhaps the following comparisons will make the meaning clearer.
Even more than the great benefit Jackie provided to her husband, God provides abundant benefit to us.
As Jack gloried in Jackie, honoring her and acknowledging her worth, we glory in God.
As Jackie made the visit to France a glowing success, so God makes his people glow with success—that is, prosperity of soul, contentment of heart, and peace of mind.
JFK understood it was Jackie who exalted his position with DeGaulle and the French people. Similarly, we need to acknowledge that our sovereign God is the one who exalts us.
We don’t have to push and strive to prove ourselves; we can rest in all the glorious attributes of our Heavenly Father, lavished upon us for our benefit [2].
But like all analogies, this one involving the Kennedys breaks down, because no one is like our God.
Beyond the examples given above to explain how God is our glory, consider these truths:
God’s magnificence
God’s infinite power gives impetus to all his perfections in our lives. After all, what good would his perfect wisdom do without the wherewithal to execute it? His unfailing mercy without the ability to apply it? His infallible promises without the capability to keep them [3]?
God’s enabling work in our lives
God’s incomparable strength is instilled in us as we rely upon him. The result? We begin to display the glory of his attributes, including: patience in the midst of stress, kindness in response to rudeness, and self-control in the face of frustration [4].
God’s power
God specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for his almighty power; nothing is too small for his love. Enter God’s realm where everything is possible [5]!
Of course there are many more facets to God’s glory. And this splendorous God of wonders is our strength—even if we don’t feel tough enough, talented enough, smart enough, or engaging enough for the path ahead—even if circumstances seem against us.
That last state of affairs must have been President Kennedy’s perception as he and Jackie left for France. Little did he know how Jackie would transform their visit.
By contrast we KNOW God’s capabilities of transformation! The evidence is in scripture, history, in the lives of those around us, and in our own experience.
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Seven-year-old Paul mashed a bit more water into his pail of mud, looking for that just-right consistency to build walls. His sister Connie collected sticks to help support them.
Soon they’d have two miniature mud houses with roofs made from the large leaves of a peepal tree. This is where their stick-people would live, using the structures as a base for their glorious adventures.
The fact they had few toys never bothered Paul and Connie. Their creative play with what nature provided kept them happy for hours.
Across the yard, their father, a missionary doctor in southwest India, met with patients in a shelter outside their home. Paul stayed clear. The sight of some injuries and diseases turned his stomach.
As the children played, three men limped toward the house, their hands and feet bandaged in rags. Curious about what happened to them, Paul allowed himself to watch.
His father donned surgical gloves and unwrapped the cloths. As they fell away, Paul startled to see open sores, missing fingers and mere stumps for feet. He quickly looked away. But in his peripheral vision he could see his father wash and apply salve to their wounds.
When the men left, Paul’s mother immediately bathed Paul and Connie, even though they’d had no contact with the men. Later his father told him the men suffered from leprosy, a flesh-eating disease.
That’s when Paul decided: I will NOT become a doctor.
At age nine in 1923, Paul’s parents escorted his sister and him back to England to begin their formal education.
Paul took special interest in construction and trained as an engineer and carpenter. He planned to return to India and follow in his parents’ footsteps as a missionary—just not in the medical field.
However, he did study tropical medicine for one year, learning to care for injuries and common illnesses like malaria.
During that year Paul witnessed the miraculous healing of a woman near death when a blood transfusion saved her life. God used that thrilling incident to change Paul ‘s trajectory, and at age 23 he enrolled at the University College Hospital in London.
Over the next ten years Paul became an orthopedic surgeon, married another medical student, Margaret Berry, and treated bomb victims during World War II.
In 1946, the couple traveled to India where Paul would teach at the Christian Medical School and Hospital in Vellore, India [1].
He and Margaret, an ophthalmologist, encountered many leprosy patients. It pained them to witness their terrible suffering.
A senior colleague suggested Paul study leprosy. Perhaps he could determine the cause of the deformities as well as an effective treatment. After years of extensive research, Paul was convinced: leprosy was not a flesh-eating disease, it was a nerve disease.
Damaged nerves meant patients lost the ability to sense pain, leaving a person vulnerable to injury—third-degree burns, deep cuts, and other serious wounds. When improperly treated, infection flared, which in turn caused the loss of fingers, toes, and more.
Even as research ensued, Paul put his surgery skills to work, successfully repairing hands and feet by moving healthy muscles and tendons where they could do the most good.
Restorative hand surgery, pioneered by Dr. Paul.
As some lepers regained use of their hands and feet, a new problem presented itself. They could no longer beg for a living and needed vocational training.
Paul founded the New Life Center in Vallore to provide those opportunities. He remained a surgeon by day but also became a teacher of carpentry at night.
How astounding, Paul thought, that God made sure I was schooled in both.
Through the 1950s and early 1960s, Paul served in several leadership positions for mission organizations focused on leprosy research and rehabilitation.
One day he and Margaret received an invitation to work at the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Carville, Louisiana, the only leprosy research facility in America. They and their six children moved to Louisiana in 1966.
For twenty years Paul served as chief of rehabilitation in the Carville hospital, and then the couple moved to Seattle where Paul taught at the University of Washington. He also continued to serve as consultant to the Leprosy Mission and the World Health Organization.
Paul received many awards, and invitations to lecture sent him all over the world until age 88, when travel became difficult. Just nine months later, Paul died.
Well-known author and friend of Paul, Philip Yancey, wrote about the doctor’s affinity for that ostracized class of people, lepers:
“To him these, among the most neglected people on earth, were not nobodies, but people made in the image of God, and he devoted his life to try to honor that image”[2].
Surely all could agree: Dr. Paul Brand succeeded.
[1] A previous post One Step At a Time/ tells the amazing story of Ida Scudder and the founding of the Christian hospital in Vallore.
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We’ve all known people who push themselves hard all day long until they fall into bed at night. Their lists and schedules make sure they use every minute to the fullest.
And though efficiency experts might be impressed by their productivity, it’s likely these ultra Type-A folks are harming themselves—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The truth is, “Renewal and restoration are not luxuries, they are essentials. Being alone and resting for a while is not selfish; it is Christlike.” Even Jesus took time away to be with his Father [1].
Also important to understand: Rest is an attitude of the heart amidst the responsibilities of the day. It’s not “some holy feeling that comes upon us in church. It is a state of calm rising from a heart deeply and firmly established in God” [2].
The restful life begins in trusting God, and he’s given us plenty of good reasons to do so:
OUR GOD PERFORMS RIGHTEOUS DEEDS AND MIGHTY ACTS (Psalm 71:16-18)
OUR GOD HELPS IN NUMEROUS WAYS (Psalm 27:9)
He supplies our needs, guides our decisions, strengthens our spirits, and more.
In addition, his power is at work to help us “understand his love, live a life worthy of our calling, bear fruit in every good work, endure with patience, live a life of thanksgiving, escape the corruption caused by evil desires and overflow with hope” [3].
In other words, he helps us experience the God-enhanced life that truly satisfies our souls.
OUR GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE (Psalm 3:8 CEV)
It’s not his way to protect us from all pain and trouble. Instead, he grants us stamina and strength of spirit to endure, growing us into maturity.
OUR GOD LAVISHES US WITH HIS LOVE (Psalm 86:13)
His compassionate care is expressed as “His wisdom is our direction, His knowledge, our instruction, His power, our protection, His justice, our surety, His love, our comfort, and His mercy, our solace. He holds back nothing from us” [4].
OUR GOD BESTOWS BLESSINGS, BENEFITS, AND GOODNESS (Psalm 103:1, 5)
OUR GOD FULFILLS HIS PROMISES (Psalm 145:13b)
But how can we be sure of that?
“The permanence of God’s character guarantees the fulfillment of his promises” [5].
OUR GOD ANSWERS WHEN WE CALL (Psalm 86:7)
To rest in spite of a “No” or “Wait” answer surely gives indication how well we trust.
These seven assurances of God’s influence in our lives certainly offer wonderful encouragement. But they won’t contribute to spiritual rest unless we “grasp them by faith, plead them by prayer, expect them by hope, and receive them by gratitude” [6].
* * * * * * * * * *
O Lord, I bow before you in wonder that you, the God of the universe, with your infinite power and glory, would provide all these blessings and benefits for me.
Thank you for your gracious benevolence. Help me to REST in these truths, knowing that you have everything under control and you will see me through until I’m home with you.
[1] Chuck Swindoll, The Quest for Character, 49; Luke 6:12.
[2] Henry Drummond, quoted in Streams in the Desert, Jim Reiman, ed., 232.
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In May of 2019 archaeologists in central England discovered an ancient shield made of bark, dating back to the Iron Age. It’s the oldest shield ever found.
Some might think such a shield would offer little protection during battle. But experiments have proven the bark of such trees as alder and willow would have served well, providing an effective but lightweight shield, easy to maneuver [1].
Fast forward to today. Modern technology has made Israel’s Iron Dome possible. The system shields the country with exceptional radar protection–detecting, tracking, and destroying incoming enemy rockets, high in the sky before they can do any harm [2].
One of Israel’s missile launchers in action
Both shields impress—one for its age and unusual material; the other for its advanced technology and precision.
Scripture speaks of another shield, much older than the one found in England yet still available today, and even more impressive than Israel’s Iron Dome:
The Lord himself.
As we consider that truth, a few questions present themselves:
Why would God inspire that metaphor?
What does God want me to understand about him being my shield?
How might new understanding impact my life?
In researching and pondering the answers to those questions, I discovered that:
God is our shield because of his attributes.
His power shields us from ultimate ruin.
His wisdom shields us from foolishness.
His compassion shields us from emotional and spiritual wounds too deep to heal.
His righteousness shields us from the evil one.
His mercy and grace shield us from the punishment we deserve for our wrongdoing [3].
The list could go on.
God is also our shield because of his actions.
His shield offers:
Protection against our arch-enemy Satan and all his cohorts
Salvation, saving us from the condemning power of sin
Help in times of trouble
Faithfulness we can rely on, because of his covenant of love
Truth—like the promises of God’s Word that can protect us against discouragement and confusion
Favor in the form of lovingkindness, mercy, and grace [4]
God’s shield can cover every aspect of our lives, but . . .
. . . we must each take up our shield.
God is a gentleman; he doesn’t force his protection, help, or favor upon us. We must come to him and choose to take refuge in him [5].
How? Through prayer.
We invite him to watch over us and protect us.
We affirm the promises and encouragement from his Word.
We remind ourselves of who he is, our Almighty God of Refuge, Shelter and Strength, our Rock of Stability and Safety.
Will you pray with me right now?
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, O God, for being my strength and impenetrable shield. I can put my trust in you with unwavering confidence because of who you are [6].
I praise you for not only being a shield in front of me; you are a shield that surrounds me, guarding on all sides[7].
You are above, beneath, around, and within, protecting me fromultimate ruin, irreparable damage to my spirit, and foolishness. You shield me from the full brunt of trouble, the fiery darts of the enemy, and his lies [8].
I praise you for the overflowing peace in knowing you are guarding me as a shield!
Life is about choices, and there are just two ways to make them. We can trust our own wits, or we can put our faith in guidance from outside ourselves.
Guidance from outside might come from trusted family and friends, counselors, self-help books, and God. But only one source offers infallible wisdom every time: God.
The question becomes, will we live a life of faith with God [1], or will we choose to live without?
As a child I chose the former and never regretted it. Many of you have walked a similar path.
Sometimes, though, we get weary. Doubts creep in. Problems crop up like weeds and answers to life’s dilemmas don’t come as quickly as we’d like.
What then?
There are a number of faith-building actions you’re probably familiar with, including: praise and gratitude to God, scripture study, prayer, as well as spending time with mature and wise Christians.
You know what else is helpful? Studying the facets of faith. As we deepen our understanding of how faith works, we enhance our connection with God, increase our usefulness, and experience more contentment in life.
No doubt there are quite a few facets to our faith, but today we’ll briefly look at just eight.
FAITH IS:
Affirmation of What We Know
God would have us understand he is righteous, good, faithful, and compassionate [2].
He never forsakes those who seek him. He arms us with strength and keeps our way secure. God guides us along the right path, and surrounds us with his unfailing love [3].
In the book of Psalms alone you’ll find hundreds of such encouraging affirmations as these, highlighting who God is and the glorious things he does. It’s a delight-of-discovery to seek them out [4].
Faith grows depending on what it is fed.
–Unknown
And affirmation of God’s character is a beneficial first course.
Attentiveness
Faith is seeing light with your heart
when all your eyes see is darkness.
–Barbara Johnson
And where might we find that light? In the presence of God and in the encouragement and promises of scripture that fill our hearts with the light of hope [5].
Confidence
As we practice affirmation and attentiveness, we build confidence in the truth that God will do what is right when the time is right, though for now we may see no sign of it.
Courage
Confidence in God fuels our courage to trust without proof, to thank God in advance (even before there’s evidence of anything happening), and to step into the unknown.
Faith is taking the first step even when
you don’t see the whole staircase.
–Martin Luther King, Jr.
Empowerment
Be inspired by what Charles Spurgeon wrote decades ago:
Faith links me with divinity.
Faith clothes me with the power of God.
Faith engages on my side
the omnipotence of Jehovah.
Faith insures every attribute of God in my defense.
–Charles Spurgeon
With almighty God on our side, what have we to fear [6]?
Expectancy
And surely, such an attitude will contribute joyful up-timism [7] in our spirits.
Rest
Faith invades the muddle; it does not eliminate it.
Peace develops in the midst of chaos.
Harmony is achieved slowly, quietly, unobtrusively. . .
Such clarities result from courageous commitment to God.
–Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses, 194-195
When we trust without reservation we find peace and rest.
Waiting
Without the discipline of wait-time, our faith would remain underdeveloped. This facet provides opportunity for strength of spirit to grow [8]. And we can take comfort from the knowledge that:
While we are waiting on God,
we are waiting with God.
–Lou Giglio
As we live life with him we’ll find:
Affirmation, attentiveness, and waiting willgrow our faith.
Confidence, courage, and empowerment will result from our faith.
Expectancy and rest will flow from our faith.
I can’t imagine making any other choice than living life with God.
How about you?
[1] Life with God is precipitated by accepting Jesus’ glorious invitation into God’s family (John 1:12).
Easter afternoon we’ll join our son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters for dinner in their home—with six other guests.
E. and H. have planned a Georgian feast, based on traditional dishes from the Eastern European country of Georgia. (Did you know that 85% of that nation’s population are Christian? I certainly didn’t.)
Each family or single person attending this celebration has been given a recipe, so we’ll be able to sample eight different dishes of this new cuisine. And because of the many delicious meals we’ve enjoyed with E. and H., we know:
Within the warm ambiance of their home and the congenial atmosphere as we converse and laugh together, each of our individual concerns will recede to the background. In their place, joy, contentedness, and peace (shalom) will settle upon our spirits.
By contrast, the Passover feast that Jesus celebrated with his disciples, the night before his crucifixion, held little joy or peace for him. In fact, the Apostle John wrote, “Jesus was troubled in spirit” [1].
He knew what would happen that night and into the next day: the pain of betrayal, scourging [2], a crown of thorns thrust on his head, mockery, the crucifixion, and separation from his Father.
The plan had already been set in motion, when Judas approached the chief priests and officers of the temple guard to discuss how—for a price—he might hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present [3].
Under these stressful circumstances Jesus stated to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” [4].
The Amplified Version adds: “Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.”
But if Jesus was troubled in his own spirit, how could he promise his peace to the disciples? How could he tell them not to be troubled?
The answer lies in his confidence in his Father. Though fully aware of the suffering to come, Jesus displayed confidence in the purpose and power of his Father and moved forward unhesitatingly to meet the pending crisis [5].
Consider his demeanor over the next eighteen hours or so. Jesus conducted himself with calm quietude from the moment of his arrest to his last breath on the cross. God did indeed supply courage and strength for every torment.
This is the nature of the peace Christ gives to all of us who trust in him [6].
But how do we avail ourselves of this precious gift? (And for those of us who are familiar with these ways to peace, how well are we implementing them?)
Get to know God in his Word.
We considered one way in the post, “Celebrating God in the Psalms.” So many of his attributes and gracious actions are highlighted in these ancient songs.
No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.
–Croft M. Pentz
Practice his presence.
Possibilities include expressing gratitude, speaking simple prayers throughout the day, and singing worship songs.
Be quick to praise God.
You’ll find your cares reduced and your anxieties lessened. The result: expanded peace.
Focus less on the problems ahead and more on the victories behind.
–Max Lucado, Mocha with Max, 82
Come Sunday, our son and daughter-in-law’s home will provide a splendid place of refuge and peace—for a few hours.
How glorious to contemplate that Christ’s refuge and peace is much more splendorous, much more impactful, and for all time!
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for enduring unimaginable suffering in order to restore our relationship with God and provide the gift of eternal life. Now you are our Lord of peace, ready to give us peace at all times and in every way. You ARE indeed worthy to receive honor and glory and praise!
1 Peter 3:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Revelation 5:12
[2] A flogging, inflicted with a whip of leather straps imbedded with pieces of metal and glass, meant to rip into the flesh. Such a brutal beating often led to death.
I'm Patty, and my husband and I are living with our adult son who has autism and epilepsy. I love sharing lessons learned from life around me, especially life with Aaron.
From the Inside Out 