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Posts Tagged ‘Worship’

Light, Rainbows, and Dance

Posted in God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Promises, Praise, Prayer, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 4, 2013| 16 Comments »

 

As I set the dish washing soap down on the counter, a small cluster of bubbles burst from the open top.  Playfully they danced upward in front of the window.  And I didn’t just smile; I giggled.

Memories associated with bubbles floated through my mind as I watched those drifting bubbles—memories of our children, and now our granddaughter–gleefully capturing bubbles that family members provided for their popping pleasure.  As they grew older, the children took on the challenge of slow and steady blowing, to make the biggest bubbles possible.

 

 

But it’s just a pocket of air surrounded by a film of soap.  Why is it that a bubble grabs our attention?

First, no one can refute their beauty:

  • Bubbles reflect light and sparkle with iridescence.
  • Bubbles refract light into brilliant pastel hues.  Ever-changing ribbons of color pirouette over the surface in rainbow swirls.
  • Bubbles gracefully glide across space, undulating on the air currents.

Each of these aspects can also draw attention to another form of beauty: the beauty of the Lord.

 

 

(“One thing I ask of the Lord,

this is what I seek: …

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.”

–Psalm 27:4)

 

But what does the beauty of bubbles (of all things) have to do with God?

Bubbles remind me that:

1)  God is light (1 John 1:5).  Ezekiel saw him “as if full of fire…Brilliant light surrounds him” (Ezekiel 1:27).  “The Lord is my light” is also a symbolic statement, referring to his truth and goodness.

2)  The refraction of light into glorious colors is reminiscent of the first rainbow (Genesis 9:15-17).  God told Noah that never again would he send a flood to destroy all life on earth.  The rainbow was a sign of this promise.  To this day, a rainbow—even a rainbow on a bubble—is a reminder that God keeps his promises.

 

 

3) The grace with which bubbles move brings to mind the grace of God.  He, too, moves in gentle ways within our spirits, like a loving shepherd tenderly gathering the lambs to his heart (Isaiah 40:11).

Perhaps God’s whole intention for creating bubbles (and many other phenomenon in nature) was to grab our attention and turn our thoughts to him.

So the next time bubbles escape from the bottle of the dish soap, you may wish to send up a prayer of praise, as they merrily bob through the air:

 

You are resplendent with light, O God (Psalm 76:4)!

You are faithful to all your promises (Psalm 145:13c)!

You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger,

abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6)!

 

But why wait for serendipity bubbles?  Take some of that dish soap and create your own!

 

 

Revel in the sparkling light, the whirling rainbows, the graceful dance…

 

…and worship!

 

(photo credits:  www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com;  www.dailyverses.net; wikimedia.com; http://www.pixabay.com.)

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Breathe Deep

Posted in Appreciation, God's Presence, God's Strength, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 24, 2013| 14 Comments »

“Mail’s here early today!” called Lorna, as she entered the kitchen.

Oh, that was good news.  Living far from home in Quito, Ecuador made letters a very precious commodity.

“Terrific!” I responded, and dashed upstairs to get my keys.

Lorna and her husband, Elbert, served as missionaries with HCJB.  I was a short-termer, living with them for the four months of my assignment as a preschool and kindergarten teacher.

English: Radio HCJB Deutsch: Radio HCJB

The compound was only a brief walk from the house.  Once there, it was just a matter of unlocking the gate, heading down the main walkway a short distance, up a few steps, and into the post office alcove where all of our mailboxes were located.

I jogged the whole way there and back, excited to read my mail.  But no sooner did I return home than my head started to pound, nausea engulfed me, and all I wanted to do was lie down.  Never mind those coveted letters!

My problem was not a sudden onset of the flu, but mild hypoxia–oxygen deprivation. Quito is located 10,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains.

My experience proves, as well as those of countless others:  we humans require oxygen—lots of it.

Even folks who live near sea level can suffer from lack of oxygen, because they’ve become accustomed to shallow breathing.  Their bodies never receive enough oxygenated air, causing them to feel short of breath and anxious.

On the other hand, research has proven that deep breathing helps us manage stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and even spark brain growth.  By not taking slow, deep breaths now and again, we deprive ourselves of these benefits.

M-m-m.  Reminds me of Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, where King Solomon lamented the results of shallow living:  chasing after wealth, accomplishments, and pleasure.  In the end, nothing gave him lasting satisfaction and fulfillment.

Shallow living brings on symptoms in the spirit, similar to oxygen deprivation in the mind and body: heartache, fatigue with life, nausea from repetitive, meaningless activity, and shortness of temper.

In contrast to Solomon’s lament in Ecclesiastes is Paul’s praise to God for the power and strength of deep living:

“Oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength” (Ephesians 1:19, The Message)!

Deep living happens when we breathe in God’s strength with a prayer, his wisdom and encouragement with a scripture, his joy with a song.

Deep living happens when we practice his presence as automatically as we breathe.

And how do we do that, “practice his presence?”

It’s just a matter of  pausing frequently throughout each day, to turn our attention to God.

I might say such things as:

  • Thank You, Lord, for this new day.  Work through me to accomplish your purpose.
  • I  love you, Heavenly Father.  Thank you for filling my heart with peace and joy every time I turn my attention to you.
  • Thank you for your power at work in me as I complete this task.
  • The wonders of your creation–graceful tree branches dancing in the breeze, lyrical songs of the mockingbirds, delicious aromas of pine and orange blossoms–They make my heart sing with praise!
  • Oh, Lord, I shouldn’t have spoken to Mary like that.  Forgive me, I pray.  Help me to think before I speak.  And yes, I will apologize to her.

Refreshing.  Energizing. Purifying.  Like a deep breath of oxygen.

Shallow breathing causes a lesser quality of life.  So does shallow living.

Deep breathing fosters strength of mind and body.  Deep living does that and more.

Deep living radically transforms the spirit.

Let’s breathe/live deep!

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What deep living habits help you practice the presence of God?

(photo credits:  www.wikipedia.com , http://www.picstopin.com , http://www.vineyardcs.org )

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A Selah Interlude

Posted in Encouragement, God, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , on October 21, 2013| 6 Comments »

“You are a shield around me, O Lord;

You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

To the Lord I cry aloud,

And he answers me from his holy hill.

Selah”

(Psalm 3:3-4, NIV).

Seventy-one times in psalms we find that word, selah.

And no one can say definitively what it means, because the Hebrew root word is uncertain.  One humorist suggested it was a word spoken by David when a string broke on his harp!

Here’s a review of what more serious Bible scholars have proposed.

One possibility:  selah is related to calah which means “to hang” or “to measure or weigh in the balances.”

Or,  selah may come from three Hebrew words, s_lah (to praise) and s_lal, (to lift up), or salah (to pause).

Selah may have been a musical direction, for a pause in the vocal music and an interlude of instruments only.

I personally like how the Amplified version translates Selah: “pause and calmly think about that.”  An instrumental interlude would certainly lend itself to meditation on what was just sung, to weigh in the balance of the intellect the value of the statement, to give praise for its certain truth.

For a bit of practice, I skimmed through the psalms looking for the word, Selah, and quickly discovered places where pausing and calmly thinking about a passage could have heart-changing results:

Feeling alone and powerless against difficulty?  Pause and calmly think about Psalm 24:10.

“Who is he, this King of glory?  The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.  Selah.”

I’m reminded that nothing is too hard for our splendorous God.  He is all-powerful and all-wise.

Feeling worried?  Pause and calmly think about Psalm 32:7.

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah.”

The hiding place of God’s presence is in the spiritual realm, where he makes his sweet peace and gentle comfort available.  Troubles may come, but they cannot destroy me.  My soul is secure for eternity because Jesus has delivered me from the consequences of my sin.  And  one day I will live with him forever!

Feeling frightened?  Pause and calmly think about Psalm 46:1-3.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  Selah.”

Whatever calamity I might have to face, God will supply the necessary strength.  Again, God is my refuge—a personal retreat.  I can go to him for peace and comfort   He is always present, as close as a whispered prayer, not just ready to help, but eager.

Feeling useless?  Pause and calmly think about Psalm 57:2-3.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.  He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends his love and his faithfulness.  Selah.”

God doesn’t waste his time making useless beings.  Every one of us has purpose, and as I cry out to him and make myself available to him, he has promised to fulfill that purpose.  He will also put passion and joy into my heart for his plan.  He “is too gracious to ask [me] to do something [I] hate” (Max Lucado, Just Like Jesus).

And so, a Selah interlude, I find, affirms, uplifts, and strengthens.

It can also be a moment of worship as I turn my thoughts into praise.

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Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the capacity to think deeply, to meditate and discover.  Truly, Selah interludes provide for the renewal of my mind and the transformation of my state of being.  Help me to remember to pause and calmly think about your Word—often!

(Photo credits:  www.flickr.com , http://www.marthaspong.com , http://www.ministrylift.ca )

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The Daddy/Daughter Dance

Posted in Blessings, God's Delight, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, Joy, Praise, Worship, tagged , , , , , , on September 30, 2013| 15 Comments »

Our granddaughter, Elena, is now seven months old, and already her personality is evident.

For example, when she awakens in the morning, Elena plays contentedly in her crib for ten minutes or so.  She chews on her pacifier from every angle, rolls around,  practices her pike position, and plays with a snuggle toy or the zipper on her sleep sack.  Elena may also struggle to crawl or even pull herself up into a standing position, in spite of the confines of the sleep sack.  Eventually she lets the household know that crib-playtime is over and she’d like to be rescued.

The rescuer receives rich reward–a big 1000-watt smile, a few squeals of pleasure, and panting excitement at what the new day might hold.

And though she enjoys songs and stories, Johnny Jump-Up and toys, her favorite activity has to be dancing with her daddy.  Eric, our son, has created a playlist specifically for this activity, many tunes from Disney musicals.

Daddy Daughter Dance

I recently had the pleasure of watching Eric and Elena  perform this ritual.  Eric tucks her firmly in one arm, while holding her hand out with the other.  True ballroom style.  And though they may begin with a gentle waltz, Eric soon takes off with gentle jogging and polka steps.  He adds his voice to Angela Lansbury’s and David Tomslinson’s.

But the other morning, my pleasure in watching them dance turned to uproarious laughter, as Eric mimicked a few of the chimney sweeps’ moves from Mary Poppins.  Knees rising high with each step, and dips in between, he marched across the dining room.  Then with broad, high kicks he pranced in the other direction.  Elena bobbed in his arms, beaming and squealing.

And I thought, O, Lord, this is such supreme pleasure–to watch a daddy and his daughter do a silly dance, reveling in the music, the movement, and each other.  Do you, Father, take joy in watching us, your children, delighting in all the pleasures you’ve given?  Surely so. Otherwise, why would you have provided spectacular colors, intricate patterns, and incredible variety in creation?  Why would serendipity  blessings suddenly drop into our laps? Yes, we need to keep pleasure in its proper place, and not let the pursuit of it consume us.  But I glory in those delights you have ordained.  And I worship you for your gracious love, motivating you to make us laugh and smile.  Thank you, God.    

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Walking with God

Posted in God, God's Presence, Intimacy with God, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , on September 5, 2013| 14 Comments »

Back in July we looked at the question, “What does it mean to seek God?”  That phrase, seek God, turns up rather frequently in scripture.   Jeremiah 29:13 is a perfect example:  “ ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord.”

In that post, we considered our experiences of searching for people to discover principles that might guide our search for God.

The same strategy can give us insight for another instruction seen often in scripture:  walk with God.  Micah 6:8 is one example:  “What does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

What does that mean exactly, to walk with God?  Again, understanding may be expanded by examining what happens when we walk in the physical realm.

First of all, learning to walk doesn’t happen in a moment.  The late Howard Hendricks, professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, used to make this point with a humorous illustration:

A baby does not sit in his playpen and suddenly say to himself:  “My, oh my!  Observe these family members ambulating on two feet!  What an amazing maneuver for forward locomotion!  I think I shall try it!”

No, a baby cannot simply get up and start to walk.  It is a process that happens over time.  That brings us to…

Principle #1:  Walking with God is a learned behavior that happens over time.

 “Come to me,” Jesus says.  “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28-29, The Message).

Slowly but surely, as we bring Jesus into our daily routines to be our guide and confidante, we take on his attributes.  A glorious side effect will be:  the fullness of joy that comes when we walk in his presence (Psalm 16:11).  And day by day that fullness grows.

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Not long ago, my friend, Cindy, invited me to go on a walk in a nearby state park.  It was not an aerobic workout!  Cindy and I chatted away as we leisurely made our way through the woods.  We probably missed some critter sightings because we were more focused on our conversation than the beauty around us.

However, occasionally something would catch our attention, and one would point it out to the other, such as…

“Oh!  Look at those sweet purple flowers!”  Two people saying “ooh” and “aah” is so much more fun than one!

Principle #2:  Walking with God is simply friendship with God.

 God is beside each one of us as we progress through each day.  At any moment we can share our hearts with Him, much as Cindy and I did on that walk.  As his gifts and blessings seize our attention, we can thank and praise him—share our “oohs” and “aahs” with him.

A. W. Tozer suggests we “live in a state of unbroken worship.”  Might that just be like a walk in the woods with a friend?

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A couple of years ago I accompanied two of our three adult children, their spouses, and one granddaughter to a theme park.  Of course, the young adults wanted to ride at least one roller coaster.   So little Sophie and I went to one of the shows while they waited in line.

Because of the crowd, I held tightly to Sophie’s hand as we made our way to the theater.  But there were patches of thick crowds around some of the attractions.  At those points, I carried her, to make sure we weren’t separated.

I wasn’t about to let anything happen to her.  She is much too precious to me.

Principle #3:  Walking with God provides glorious blessings.  Among them, protection and care.

  • His protective presence.  No doubt you remember this affirmation from David:  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
  • And Isaiah presents a beautiful image of God’s loving care.  “He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (Isaiah 40:11).

Heavenly Father, how incredible it is that you—the majestic Lord of the universe–would want to walk with us!  What an amazing privilege that you desire to grace us with your all-wise, all-powerful, supremely loving presence!  What wonderful benefits you bestow as we walk close to your side!

Why would I ever want to walk alone?

(photo and art credits:  www.squiddo.com ; http://www.wallpaperfreehd.com ; sarahhamill.wordpress.com ; http://www.sfgate.com ; tomverenna.wordpress.com )

 

 

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Let It Go!

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on September 2, 2013| 17 Comments »

I don’t listen to my car radio anymore.  The fuzzy sound coming from the twelve-year old speakers is annoying.

But the silence has turned into a gift, a time for prayer and worship.

As I leave our neighborhood and pass the ponds and large live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, I praise God for the beauty of creation, within steps of our home:

  • The glassy surface of the ponds, reflecting blue sky and mounds of clouds
  • The stately trees, with branches spread wide, as if to praise God with me
  • The family of sandhill cranes, stretching their graceful necks to the ground in search of  breakfast
  • The rich green grass, arrayed in dew-diamonds

And with the psalmist I want to add my enthusiastic voice.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul.  O Lord my God, you are very great;  You are clothed with splendor and majesty…How many are your works, O Lord!  In wisdom you made them all, the earth is full of your creatures.  I will sing praise…as I rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 104:1, 24, 33-34).

Oh, yes!

On the way to my hair appointment the other day, that’s exactly what I was doing:  praising God for the beauty around me.

And then, boom.  My mind veered off to a troubling event that happened years ago.  Before I even realized what was happening, my thoughts were swirling around in a cesspool of negativity.

When I caught myself, I said out loud in a firm but frustrated voice:  “LET. IT. GO!”

And just as suddenly as that cesspool opened up, I found myself singing an old chorus from my childhood, but with new words.  Do you remember:

“Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah!  Praise ye the Lord?”

My altered rendition went like this:

Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go now!

Praise ye the Lord!  (Repeat.)

Praise ye the Lord!  Let it go, now!  (Repeat three times.)

PRAISE YE THE LORD!

Did you figure out the tune?  Do you remember this song?

Well, no sooner did I start singing that silly song, than I was smiling to myself.  My spirit was downright laughing!

And the cesspool drained away.

I don’t know how ugly matters can flood into my mind, even as I’m praising God.  I don’t know how to keep the mess out once and for all.

What I am learning is this:

As soon as I recognize that the floodgates of negativity have opened, my best offensive move to close them up again is praise and gratitude.

And why does it work?

“Satan so hates genuine praise that his fiery darts of discouragement are not effective against us when we respond in praise” – Bill Thrasher  (A Journey to Victorious Praying, Moody, 2003, p. 206).

Evidently, Satan hasn’t given up on me yet; he’s still firing darts of discouragement to render me ineffective.  You know–reduce me to one of those people who revels in self-pity and the pity of others.

I do not want him to score a single point, much less win the victory!

My aim is to adopt David’s attitude:

“My heart is steadfast, O God,  my heart is steadfast: I will sing and give praise” (Psalm 57:7).

Note that David wrote this psalm when he had to flee for his life from murderous King Saul (1 Samuel 22-24).

M-m-m.  Surely David had to avoid a few cesspools of negativity under such circumstances.  Those words, “My heart is steadfast,” may have been spoken through gritted teeth.

But even when praise is more of a forced discipline than a natural delight, God is undoubtedly pleased.  Perhaps even more so.  Like a parent especially appreciative when the teenager loads the dishwasher.   Even when he doesn’t want to.

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So, here I am, Lord –my toes a bit soiled from getting too close to that cesspool again.  But thanks to you, thanks to the power you’ve given me through praise, it’s only my toes!  Thank you for pulling me away from the brink.  Thank you for turning me around and refocusing me on your glorious wonders.  May “my mouth be filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalm 71:8)!  Amen. 

(Photo credits:  www.rajschoolofmotoring.co.uk ; http://www.laradunning.wordpress.com ; http://www.istockphoto.com ; http://www.ourhealingmoments.com )

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Mr. Chump

Posted in Appreciation, God's Wisdom, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , on August 26, 2013| 12 Comments »

Mr. Chump thinks he’s pretty smart.

He doesn’t need experts; he already knows what’s best.

He doesn’t need repairmen; he fixes things himself.  Of course, many items turn out to be very poorly made, so parts don’t go back together the way they’re supposed to.  Frequently he’s forced to replace such items.  It never dawns on him how often that scenario occurs.

Mr. Chump also thinks he knows better than God.

“So many things in this world just don’t make sense,” he loudly complains to his neighbor.  “For example, why did God create mosquitoes?  And what’s up with the rain?  Sometimes we get too much, and sometimes not enough.  What would be wrong with a little balance?  And why does winter have to be so cold?

“And look at this tall, strong oak tree here, with all of its tiny acorns,” Mr. Chump continues.  “And then over there, on that puny, limp vine lying on the ground, huge, heavy pumpkins grow.  It makes no sense.

“People talk about an all-wise God in control of the universe, but there are just too many inane situations in nature for me to believe in Intelligent Design, much less God.”

And then an acorn falls on his head.  And his neighbor quietly remarks:

“What if that had been a pumpkin?”

Poor Mr. Chump.  Little does he realize that:

“God is exalted in his power.   Who is a teacher like him?  Who has prescribed his ways for him,  Or said to him, ‘You have done wrong?’  (Job 36:22-23).

Or…

“What a wonderful God we have!  How great are his wisdom and knowledge and riches!  How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods!  For who among us can know the mind of the Lord?  Who knows enough to be his counselor and guide?…For everything comes from God alone.  Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory.  To him be glory evermore (Romans 11:33-36 TLB).

I begin to shake my head in pity for Mr. Chump, who doesn’t understand that God most certainly knows what he is doing.

Then I realize:  there are times when I am no different from Mr. Chump.  Oh, I may not complain that acorns should grow on vines and pumpkins on trees.  But I allow negative thoughts to swirl around in my mind that sound an awful lot like complaining.  Thoughts like…

…This situation is unbearable, Lord.  When will you intervene?

…I don’t know why I keep hoping for such-and-such to happen.  It would appear I’ve been working and waiting for nothing.  Am I wasting my time, God?

…I’m frightened, Lord.  What is going on?  Where are you?

So what can I do to avoid behaving like Mr. Chump?

Paul’s idea in the Romans passage above is a great place to start.  Paul confesses he’s at a loss, that the depths of God are beyond his reach.  So he humbly sits down at the brink, and adores the depth.*

Worship.  That’s the answer.

Move over Mr. Chump.  Make room for adoration, gratitude, and trust.

Amend that.  Move out, Mr. Chump.  Your foolishness is not welcome here.

 

 

*paraphrased from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

 

 

(photo credits:  www.alexandriavaappliancerepair.com ; http://www.onlineathens.com ; http://www.flickr.com ; http://www.godmeandacupofcoffee.blogspot.com )

 

 

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The Five Senses of the Heart

Posted in God's Presence, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Seeking God, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 22, 2013| 27 Comments »

Think of the last time you . . .

. . . gazed in wonder at a blazing sunset,

. . . marveled at the heavenly aroma of lilacs or orange blossoms, or

. . . listened to a melody that brought tears to your eyes.

God has equipped us with amazing physical senses, enabling us to experience and enjoy the display of his creative genius.

But physical manifestations are not his only outlet of expression.  God also revels in displaying his fullness in our hearts.  The question is:  how do we become aware of such revelations in the abstract realm of our spirits?

A.W. Tozer presents a possibility in his classic, The Pursuit of God.  He suggests we use the senses of our hearts.

The Bible gives us glimpses of how these internal senses might work.

1.  TASTE

David urges us to “taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).  That verse reminds me of a father urging his child to try a bite of some new food.  “Try it—you’ll like it!” he says.

As Christians, we can “try” God—offer him a prayer, believe in a promise, trust in his love and care.  He will not ignore such efforts!  When we come near to God, he will come near to us (James 4:7).

2.  SMELL

Although Psalm 45 was written as a wedding song, perhaps for King Solomon, it also has prophetic qualities, looking forward to the day when Christ and his bride, the church, will be united forever.  Verse 8 mentions the groom’s fragrant robes:

“All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia,” wrote the psalmist.

Think of a favorite candle with a delightful aroma.  Do you light it and then leave it?  No, more than likely you place that candle in close proximity, so you can breathe in deeply the lovely fragrance and relish the pleasure.

We can draw near to God and relish the pleasure of his presence—the fragrance of his peace, joy, and comfort.

3.  HEARING

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

His voice represents wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and security.  Our primary source for those benefits?  The Bible.  But God also speaks to his children in other ways:  through creation, other people, events, even inner impressions.

Times of stillness are necessary.  If every moment is filled with chatter, we will not be able to hear God.

4.  TOUCH

Talk to those who have sought God during a crisis and without exception they will attest to sensing God’s presence with them.  For me, it’s like a holy heart-hug, infusing me with peace of mind and strength of heart.  Not that I am impervious to hurt or discouragement, but the touch of God provides respite and hope.

How?  Through praise and worship, especially as I meditate in the psalms.

5.  SIGHT

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

The verb tense used here is called “future continuous.”  The verse could read:  “They shall be continually seeing God for themselves.”

I’m reminded of a time Steve and I visited friends at their new home.  We turned off a familiar busy street and were almost immediately surrounded by tall trees.  The homes were set back from the road, barely visible.  The neighborhood was a bit of country set down in the middle of our metropolis.

 

“Who knew this area even existed?” I said to Steve.  He agreed.

We had both passed that street numerous times, but never saw it.

Isn’t that how it is with God?  We’re so busy, dashing from one task to the next, we never see God at work around us.  We aren’t looking for him so we miss him.

But!  When we are attentive for evidence of God’s presence and power, we will see him!

“When the habit of inwardly gazing Godward 

becomes fixed within us,

we shall be ushered onto

a new level of spiritual life.”

– A.W. Tozer

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Thank you, loving Father, that you do expand my understanding as I seek to know you more and strive to comprehend more fully the greatness of your glory.  Teach me to use the five senses of my heart to accomplish those goals.  With great anticipation, I look forward to the new levels of spiritual life to which you will guide me!    

(Photo credits:  www.flickr.com (2); www.roshchodeshnewmoon; http://www.canva.com http://www.pixabay.com; www.flickr.com.)

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Satisfaction Guaranteed

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on July 29, 2013| 13 Comments »

Why is it we’re never satisfied?

As kids, we could hardly wait to grow up—to stay up late, drive a car, and never have to go to school.

As adults, we sometimes wish we were kids again—to play all day, take a nap, and never have to go to work.

As kids, time seemed to move slowly—especially when looking forward to a special event.  Remember how L-O-O-O-N-G it took for Christmas to come?

As adults, time seems to move extremely fast—especially as Christmas approaches and the cards haven’t been sent, the gifts haven’t all been purchased yet, and the tree still sits in a bucket of water on the back porch.

We might go shopping and come home with a new bedspread and pillows.  For a while we’re delighted over the difference those items make to the decor.

In no time, though, our focus shifts from those lovely things to other needs we identify around the house.

Reminds me of what oil tycoon, John D. Rockefeller (1837-1939) said.  He was asked, “How much is enough?” And he answered, “A little bit more.”

Español: John D. ...

John D. Rockefeller, ca 1875

This from a man with an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion.  In fact, Rockefeller was one of the wealthiest persons of all history.  Not even Bill Gates or Sam Walton come close.

But before we dismiss Mr. Rockefeller as selfish and greedy, it’s important to know he was generous with his fortune.  His financial records indicate that $550 million were donated to schools, health organizations, scientific research, and the arts.

But his comment (perhaps spoken with a twinkle of humor in his eye) speaks to the attitude of many.  We believe that with just a little more, we’d be content.

That’s a lie.

So what is the truth of the matter?  What’s the real reason we’re never satisfied?

The answer might be that contentment is the result of our focus.  Our attitude is impacted by what occupies our thoughts.  Therefore, we would be wise to:

 1.  Stay focused on who we are right now, and where we are right now.  Every age and stage has its advantages and disadvantages.

2.  Stay focused on what God is providing, what we have currently. 

3.  Stay focused on God’s attributes and blessings.  “The fear of the Lord leads to life:  then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23).

To fear the Lord means to have reverence and awe for him.  Such an attitude leads to many benefits in life, including:

  • peace of mind, because our powerful and loving God is in control
  • joy of heart, because of the pleasure in his bountiful blessings,
  • contentment of spirit, because we’ve already received so much.

That’s how I want to live—totally satisfied, in complete serenity, as a worshipful tribute to my gracious God.

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Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gifts of serenity and satisfaction, when I focus on you.  May my days be filled with your praise!

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org; http://www.wallpaperflare.com (2).

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Palms, Cedars, and Helen Hayes

Posted in Blessings, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Love, God's Promises, Godly Character, Maturity, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 18, 2013| 10 Comments »

Back in the 1970s I saw Helen Hayes in a made-for-TV movie.  Some of you may recognize her.  She was known as the “First Lady of the American Theater,” beginning her career on Broadway in 1905, when she was only five years old.  In the 1930s, Helen expanded her stardom to films, and finally to television.

The reason she comes to mind now and then is the impression she made upon me, as an energetic, sparkly eyed senior citizen.  I remember thinking, “When I get old, I want to be like that!”

Poof.  Four decades have passed, and I am indeed getting old!  I don’t feel like it, but that doesn’t stop the incessant turning of the calendar pages.

So I was delighted to come across these verses from Psalm 92 that cast aging in a positive light:

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him” (vs. 12-15).

Palm trees do indeed flourish, living up to 100 years.  Withstanding heat, drought, and high winds, these trees stand tall and strong; their leaves fresh and green all year long.

 

What a perfect picture of an energetic, sparkly eyed senior citizen! 

How do we achieve such age-defying qualities? 

First, notice that the righteous will flourish.  When our faith is grounded in God, when we follow his principles for a prosperous life, we flourish.

Like the palm tree that grows straight up toward heaven, the righteous reach for the God of heaven.  That’s how they’re able to stand strong through the winds of change and difficult circumstances.

The psalmist then continues:  “The righteous will…grow like a cedar of Lebanon.”

Majestic cedar trees grow to 120 feet in height and up to 30 feet in circumference.  They provide the perfect picture of a firm, stable person.  Just as the cedar’s roots go deep into the soil, so the righteous person is rooted and grounded in God’s love (Ephesians 3:17).  From those roots comes the nourishment needed to remain strong and spiritually healthy.

Second, notice where these trees are planted:  in the house of the Lord.  They flourish in the courts of our God.

Charles Spurgeon, that eloquent preacher and writer of the 1800s, had this to say about those who dwell in habitual fellowship with God:  “They shall become men [and women] of full growth, rich in grace, happy in experience, mighty in influence, honored and honorable.”  Now that sounds like a very satisfying way to live—so much better than the opposite!

Think of a complaining oldster whose mouth turns down from constant disgruntlement.  His bottom lip protrudes from perpetual pouting, and his brow is permanently lowered into a frown because anger often rules his emotions.  All this negativity has stunted the growth of his maturity.  He’s unhappy much of the time, and is not held in high regard by others.  Do you suppose he ever considers that his way of life is terribly unsatisfying?   

However!  When our lives are centered upon worship of God, as we express gratitude for his blessings, praise for his attributes, contentment for where he’s placed us, and joy in the midst of trials, we become those admirable men and women Dr. Spurgeon described above:  mature, gracious, and happy.

Dr. Spurgeon also added “mighty in influence and honored.”  God rewards the righteous aged with “fruit.”  In other words, we may still bring glory to God by our words and actions—well into old age.

We can be:

  • Energetic—with the power of the Holy Spirit
  • sparkly-eyed—with the indwelling of God’s peace
  • grace-filled—with continual demonstrations of God’s love to others
  • joyful—with hearts focused on God’s blessings

These kinds of saints provide a powerful example of God’s faithfulness—through pleasant times and challenges, through plenty and want, year after year.

May we continue to grow deep and stand tall—all the days of our lives.

(photo credits:  www.pachd.com, www.captainkimo.com, www.forestertreeservice.com, www.centrifueleadership.com, www.seniors.ovetoknow.com)

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