Living Without All the Drama

 

Have you ever been told you’re dramatic? Maybe you’ve been called a drama queen? We are all prone to drama at some time or another.

Drama happens because life happens. Emotions are a real thing, and they are given to us by God. Unexpected circumstances hit and we’re not prepared to handle them. Or we come up against people with different and difficult personalities or behaviours and we don’t know how to respond.

You don’t have to do much looking to see that our world is full of drama. I think it’s hit an all-time high!

Not all drama is drama we bring upon ourselves. Sometimes we find ourselves near someone who erupts. Or maybe we’re broadsided with a devastating diagnosis or the loss of a family member. Or maybe it’s the ending of a meaningful friendship. Life can catch us off guard. But it’s how we respond that makes all the difference!

How do you respond to the drama in your life?

I want to let you in on a little secret. 

You can’t control the circumstances in your life, 

but you can always control how you respond to them!

Do you react or respond? Do you dial down the drama when things happen, or do you turn it up, full-bore and let the inner drama queen rear her ugly head?

There’s a big difference in reacting and responding and I know, in my case, it has taken me years to learn to dial down the drama and respond instead of react. And, just to let you know, I don’t always get it right.

There’s really only 2 kinds of drama. The drama that life brings (and God allows) and the drama we create through our responses or reactions to situations.

Our response to the drama in our life determines whether God gets the glory, or whether we take the spotlight.  Our drama will either shine a light on God and glorify him or it will shine a light on our frailties, insecurities and emotional instability.

So, if there’s 2 kinds of drama, then there’s 2 choices to make. We can react emotionally and impulsively and escalate the drama, or we can respond in a reasonable, Godly way and diffuse the drama and experience peace, joy, and contentment instead. Which choice are you going to make?

Here’s something to think about. Did you know that God is dramatic and the Bible is full of God’s dramatic flair? But there is a big difference between God’s drama and our drama.

Let me give you a few examples of God’s dramatic flair found in the Bible.

*God created the world in 6 days by simply speaking

*God created man from dust, woman from a rib

*God chose to use 2 old people, Abraham and Sarah, to start a nation of people

*God used a fish with a coin in its mouth to pay the taxes

*Jesus spat in the dirt and made mud and rubbed it in a blind man’s eyes and then he told him to walk to a pool and wash it off and the man walked away seeing.

*Jesus walked out on the top of a lake in the middle of a raging storm at night to show his power.

Are you convinced now that God is dramatic?  

Yes, God has dramatic flair! But the difference between his drama and our drama is that every miracle Jesus performed, every word he said, drew attention to God and glorified him. He didn’t try and steal the spotlight or point to himself. He was always trying to show the world who God was and what God could do.

What does our drama say to others? We are on stage continually, playing our parts in our own scripts. In our homes. In our workplaces. Out and about. How do we learn to handle the drama that life brings, in a way that glorifies God?

As we express our emotions, interact with others, speak our minds, what message are we broadcasting? Who are we shining the spotlight on?

We as women tend to react emotionally to our circumstances and bring drama unnecessarily into our lives. When we respond correctly and look for God in our circumstances, we can turn any situation into a life-changing lesson that helps to mold us and mature us and grow us spiritually.

Most of our drama comes from us feeling that we can't handle the things that are coming our way. The emotional avalanches we face daily are overwhelming.  We feel like we can't deal with the situations, we can't be everything that people want us to be, and we can’t live up to others’ expectations. But God doesn't expect us to be superwoman, he wants us to admit how weak and frail we really are so that he can be strong for us.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10  - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

We can live victoriously (drama free) or we can live in defeat. The choice is ours. We have to learn to accept God’s script for our lives. We are playing a part, and we can play the part God would have us play, or we can reject his script and try to live without his leading. But this will lead to a life of drama and becoming drama-filled instead of spirit-filled.

We can choose to totally freak out when things happen, or we can surrender the situation and hand it to God and let him take control. We can be dramatic and play the victim, not taking responsibility for our actions, holding grudges, seeking attention and having pity parties or we can simply lay it all down at Jesus feet and let him handle it.

There was a lot of drama in King David’s life, and we read of his reactions and his responses over and over throughout the pages of scripture. But one thing I love about King David, was his ability to get back up. He never seemed to stay down long when he fell. Whether it was sin, or depression or discouragement that he was facing, he always realised that God was still good, still in control and still faithful, loving and kind.

Note the progression in this Psalm.

Psalm 13:1-6  How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

He begins on his face in pity, then he raises to his knees in prayer, and then we find him on his feet in praise! He went from dramatic victim to a God-praising Victor! He chose not to let the drama take over. He handed it to God to deal with.

And that’s what we need to do when we feel the drama rising. When we begin to let our thoughts control us and the emotional rollercoaster starts to roll down its slippery slope on its way to a turbulent ride full of twists and turns, we have to make a choice.

We have to choose to take captive our thoughts. They can cause a lot of drama. We have to pull on the brakes as quick as we can and not let those thoughts run rampant in our minds and create havoc with our emotions.

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV - Casting down imaginations (thoughts), and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity (rein them in!) every thought to the obedience of Christ;

If we choose to think on the right things and turn a deaf ear to the wrong things, we will begin to dial down that drama lickety split!

Philippians 4:8  - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

We have to take responsibility for our thoughts. Our thoughts must change! We have to correct our wrong thinking if we’re going to live drama-free.

God will help us change our thoughts if we make the choice to do what’s right. He can direct them to the promises in his word. He will remind us of who we are in Christ and just what he has done for us.

We need to remember that drama is part of our life’s script and God has it already taken care of. He knows all about it. We don’t have to worry. He has known about it since the beginning of time. We just need to respond and submit to Him.

A few years back, I read a really good little acronym using the word CALM. It has helped me many times to dial down the drama and look to Jesus.

C – Consider the bigger picture – every circumstance is meant to conform you to the image of Christ. God knows what He’s doing, and he sees further than you do.

A-   Acknowledge God is in control – and that you are not. Trust God in whatever he decides to do.

          L- Look for the lesson- ask God to show you what He wants you to see in the                 situation and what he wants you to learn, and stay focused on doing his will.  

         M- Make it a point to praise - Be thankful in all things and praise God even for             the uncomfortable and unwanted things. It will change your perspective and help             you anticipate what God can do instead of dreading the worst. 

If God is able to still the raging storm and calm the angry waves, and he is, then he is able to still your emotions and squash the drama that threatens to overwhelm you.

Learn to respond and not react! Accept responsibility for your thoughts and your actions and let God transform you into who he wants you to be.

Philippians 4:13

  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making Time for God’s Word

 

If you read my last post, you’ll remember that I spoke about goals. One of my highest priority goals on my list for 2022 is to be in the Word of God more and more. More reading of the scripture, more writing of the scripture and meditating on it.

I realised that over the past year, I have spent countless hours consuming all the ‘extras’ during my quiet times. Things like devotionals, sermons, podcasts and worship music. On my bookshelves, I have countless books that endeavour to help me grow in my spiritual walk, books on being a better wife and mother, books to help me study the Bible better, books that help me to become more and more like Christ.

All these resources are a great blessing and encouragement to my soul, and they are written or spoken by men and women of God, who love the Lord and desire to help others grow in their spiritual walk. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that these resources are not important. They are so important, and God uses men and women to write and speak and sing words that speak to our hearts and encourage us in our day to day lives. But all these things we read and hear come from a higher source. They come from the Word of God. The Bible.

Yes. The books we find so helpful, the sermons that teach us precious truths, the songs that speak to our souls and bless our hearts all originate from the Bible. Their source is the Word of God.

In 2 Timothy, we find Paul writing to Timothy and the church at Ephesus. He reminds them that the Word of God has strength and power and is profitable for many things.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The Bible isn’t just a collection of nice stories and truths that make good song lyrics and saleable books. No, the Word of God is so much more. It is powerful and alive and has the ability to transform lives.

Hebrews 4:12  - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Bible is personal. And it is applicable to every person. It is God’s message to us and if all we’re doing is using it to answer our Bible study questions or checking up on where a verse is found so we can text it to a friend in need, then we are sadly missing out on so much more.

I have been convicted of late, that I need to be reading the Word of God more. I need to be making sure that along with all my ‘extras’, I make time to read the Bible and not just skim over passages or read a verse or 2, but actually read it and meditate on it.

It’s so easy to get caught up in reading a short devotional, listening to a sermon or 2 throughout the day, singing and praising the Lord as you listen to your favourite songs and never actually open the pages of your Bible and let the Word come alive and speak to your heart. I have often been guilty of this very thing. I’m still getting the Word into my mind as I read the few verses mentioned in a post or devotional, but there’s nothing quite like going to the source for yourself and reading the whole passage and gaining an understanding of the context and its full meaning.

One way that I am finding to do this is to actually, physically, write out whole chapters of the Bible. As you write out the Words of scripture, you are reading them, you are thinking about them and you are pouring them into your mind and heart, all through putting pen to paper. Try it and see if you’re not blessed through the simple act of writing it down.

Another great way is to listen to the Word of God being read aloud. Often when I am busy doing housework, or I’m getting ready for the day to begin, I’ll let my Bible app play a passage of scripture and I find, that just through listening to the Bible being read, I am blessed beyond measure.

I want to develop such a hunger for the Word of God, that not a day goes by that I don’t open my Bible and read the stories for myself. I want to dig into the verses and look for the lessons and apply them to my life. I want to daily take time to let God’s Word soak into my mind and heart and soul.

So, as the year gains momentum and we race through the days and months ahead, will you join me in setting the goal (and actually carrying it through), of setting aside more time to read the Bible? And when you read, don’t forget to meditate on what you read, take notes on what you learn and write verses of scripture on little cards and leave them around the house so that the Word of God is visible to you and to others who visit your home.

If you want to learn more about how important the Bible is, take a look at Psalm 119. What a treasure trove that chapter is! You will find so many gems in it that you will easily fill a notebook.

I want to be able to say along with the Psalmist:

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. … My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. … Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. …  O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. … Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:16, 48, 54, 97, 105

God bless you as you seek to learn more

about him through the pages of Scripture!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grace that Bridges the Gap

It seems we’ve only just begun the year 2022, and yet here is February, staring us down in the face! And despite the speed at which the weeks are flying by, my year has gotten off to a slow start. The plans I had for January were not to be. When you spend a couple of weeks sick in bed, the best laid plans just seem to shrivel up and die.

Many of us like to set yearly goals at the beginning of a new year. I don’t call them new years resolutions, I prefer just to call them goals.

A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. It’s a commitment and intention to see something through. It is meant to be immoveable and resolute. On the other hand, a goal has the idea of an ambition or desire to see a particular result. Using effort to achieve the goal you’ve set. It seems to me, not to be so set in concrete.

Okay, so this really doesn’t matter and yes, they’re pretty similar, but I know my failings, and being a realist, and slightly pessimistic, I know that if I call it a goal, I have more of an out, than if I call it a resolution.

So, where am I going with all this? Stay with me, I’ll get there eventually. (things are still a little foggy in my brain).

Each year, I try and sit down, with notebook in hand, and write down what I hope will be some achievable goals for the year ahead. Often, they have to do with reading and studying and writing, but I also like to try and set goals that have to do with healthy eating, or weight loss, or a project I’d like to see finished or even started.

This year, I found a lovely little template that divided goals up into sections that just made sense for me and even had a place to write in things you’d like to do less of. We can all think of time wasters that would fit in that category.

Anyway, I want to share with you a little acrostic that I came across recently in a short devotional I was reading.

Firstly, let me share a beautiful verse with you.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

When we set our goals, we often feel that God expects perfection of us. We continually fail to live up to God’s standards and we find ourselves struggling to keep up with the ‘perfect’ image we think we need to have. We put undue pressure upon ourselves as we fight to attain our unrealistic expectations, thinking that that is what God wants from us.

But did you know, that because of Christ, you don’t have to be perfect? Yes, we need to strive to do our best and grow more and more like Christ each day, but God knows our frailties and our failings. He knows our hearts and the struggles we face, as we are not perfect, and never will be. There is only one perfect being in the whole of creation, and that is the Lord himself.

Now, I would not call myself a perfectionist, but I do have certain perfectionist tendencies in many areas. And it’s not a bad thing to be a little persnickety in some things. But trying to achieve perfection in every area of our lives is frankly, exhausting!

We read of the apostle Paul’s frustration in fighting his flesh in the book of Romans.

Romans 7:15, 18-19  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. ... For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Anyone relate? Yes, me too.

So, in going back to the verse I mentioned first.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Do you see how in this verse we are told that as believers, we are Christ’s workmanship?

The word that is translated as workmanship is the Greek word, poi-ema, it’s where we get our English word poem from. It literally means, a thing that is made.

“You are God's poem, his beautiful and thoughtful self- expression. His masterpiece. He made you from an overflow of his creative joy as his workmanship. You bear his unique stamp and signature. Just as a poem points back to its author, we point back to ours.”

You know, most days, I don’t feel like a masterpiece at all. I don’t feel much like a beautiful and thoughtful expression. I fail and I flounder, I doubt, and I fall down. But God calls me to be his workmanship, his masterpiece. He has a purpose for me and a plan for my life. And although I struggle daily with the fight that wars in my flesh and my desires that continually pull me in every direction, and the ongoing battle of trying to be all, do all, get it all right, have it just so, colour in between the lines, tick all the right boxes, I don’t have to beat myself up, knowing my imperfections. No. There’s this beautiful thing called grace.

The most commonly known definition for grace is the unmerited favour of God. It’s that precious free gift that God bestows upon us, not because we deserve it, not even because we’ve earned it, but because of his great love for us. To fully understand grace, and I’m not sure we ever will, we have to consider who we were without Christ and who we have now become with Christ.

We were undeserving sinners on our way to hell, when God in his goodness, reached down and extended his favour to us. He paved a way for us to come to him, through his death on the cross. And there, justice met grace. An unlikely pair, brought together through love.

And this brings me back to the subject of our perfectionism, our goals and our failings.

Grace is what bridges the gap.

I came across this little acrostic using the word Grace and I want to share it with you in the hopes that you will be encouraged, and you will realise that you are not a mistake. You are not defined by your failures.

God gives grace, abundant grace and sometimes, you just need to give yourself a break and remember you are his workmanship, you are being continually changed and molded and made more like him, as you yield yourself to him.

G – GIVE YOURSELF A MOMENT – We are all human and we all fail and things don’t go as planned. But when things go wrong, as they will, then stop, and give yourself a moment to catch your breath, then when God is ready, move forward. His timing and his plans.

R – REMEMBER GOD LOVES YOU – We are not a masterpiece because of anything we’ve done, it’s all because of God’s love. God is rich in mercy and love and his love is unconditional. Don’t forget his love for you.

A – ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT DIDN’T GO WELL – Mistakes will happen, and failures will come, but it doesn’t mean that you are a mistake. Don’t let your failures define you. Don’t let them stop you in your tracks. Learn from them and move on. Let them make you stronger.

C – CELEBRATE WHAT DID GO WELL – We tend to focus on the negative and what we did wrong, but how about taking encouragement from what went right! We often give Peter a hard time because of his lack of faith in sinking in the water, but what about the fact that he was the only one that could say he actually walked on water? He stepped out in faith and walked a few faltering steps before becoming afraid. Celebrate the blessings and the achievements.

E – ENCOURAGE YOURSELF – Often times we are quick to encourage others as we fulfil the command of loving our neighbour and loving our brethren. When they mess up, we encourage them with promises from scripture, we help them up and walk beside them, speaking words of wisdom and reassuring them of God’s love, but we fail to encourage ourselves in the same way. We’re a lot harder on ourselves and we beat ourselves up, thinking thoughts that are not uplifting and don’t encourage at all. If we can treat others in a loving way and we can help others when they’ve fallen, why can’t we do the same for ourselves? Tell yourself the same words of encouragement you tell them. If it’s true for them, it’s true for you too!

Now, I know I’ve not even scratched the surface of understanding grace, but I want you to have the confidence that God knows you through and through and yet he loves you more than you will ever comprehend.  

Things may not go as planned and those new year goals you set may not go as smoothly as you hoped, you will fail and you will fall, but God is with you and he doesn’t expect you to be perfect, he just expects you to give it your all.

You are his masterpiece, and he has a purpose for you! 

Live in the light of God’s abundant grace!

Romans 5:20b-21 …... But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.    

 

The Knowing and the Doing

 

Well, if you read my last post, you’ll know that life has been a bit of a struggle of late. So today, seeking to encourage my heart in the Word of God, I spent some time listening not only to God’s Word being read aloud via my Bible app, but I also spent time soaking in God’s truth in the form of sermons, which praise God, we all have available to us at the touch of a button, any time, day or night.

As I listened to one particular sermon that fed my soul and encouraged my heart, I was struck by this quote, so simple and yet, so profound.

“There’s a big difference between knowing what to do,

and doing what we know”

Now you might read that and think, duh. Obvious. But read it again. Slowly.

Do you know that when we’re faced with problems in our lives, or we’re presented with a difficult situation or an impossible person, knowing what to do is almost never the problem. If we are in our Bibles, like we should be, and we are walking close to the Lord, seeking his wisdom and guidance, then we usually know what we should be doing. We already know what God would have us do or say or not say. We know how we should act as Christians. It’s a matter of doing what we know!

Often, we search for God’s will when it’s already clearly stated in the Word of God, we just don’t want to do it, so we stall in apparent indecision, waiting on God, delaying our obedience.

When I was having my little pity party and wallowing in my pit of despair, (don’t judge, I know this happens to you too), I knew what I should be doing, but doing what I knew I should do and actually doing it were 2 very different things.

I knew that what my soul needed was encouragement from God’s Word. I needed to be listening to the scripture, not having the strength to actually pick up a book and read. I needed to be praying and bringing to mind the verses that I call my ‘go-to’ verses when I’m struggling.

So, yes, in my situation, knowing what to do was not the problem! I knew what to do. It was my selfish will that needed adjusting. I needed to take that first step and reach out to the Lord and place my fears in his hands, take hold of his outstretched arms and let him lift me up.

God will never leave us in our pit if we are willing to make the effort to climb out. He expects us to take that first faltering step. Like the priests in the days of the Exodus of the Israelites, they had to take that first terrifying step into the swollen river, to see God’s hand miraculously at work. And then, and only then, did he reveal his almighty power to them.

So, can I encourage you to take that first step. Whatever that step may be. When you know what you should do, then just do it! Don’t wait until things get worse and the pain becomes unbearable. If you know the will of God, then just obey. Put down your bucket of excuses, empty yourself of the pathetic lies you tell yourself, wipe down the mud off your arms and reach out to Jesus. He’s right there waiting for you. He doesn’t leave you, he’s always there. It’s you that walks away. The reason he’s so far away is because you have moved, not him!

Do what you know to do!

 

James 4:17

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

 

 

 

 

Fully Known and Fully Loved

These past 12 days have been difficult. As is always the case whenever I am faced with an illness that drags out longer than a couple of days, I find myself becoming increasingly frustrated at my inability to accomplish my goals. This leads to stress and an overwhelming sense of miserableness. And yes, I know it’s wrong to feel this way, but I find it so difficult to pull myself up out of my pit of despair and change my perspective. I quote verses to myself and I try to encourage myself in the Word of God. I try to recall the precious promises of God and yet the burden of darkness envelopes me and threatens to overwhelm me.

As I lay in bed, feeling many emotions, anger, frustration, sadness, despair, just to name a few, I cried out to God, asking for answers, begging for comfort and peace.

In one of my more lucid moments, which were few and far between, I reached for my lesson notes for an upcoming ladies conference on the subject of our identity in Christ.

I began to read over the points that I hope to share with the ladies next month, and as I read, there began to grow a glimmer of hope, a small beam of light piercing the gloom and breaking through the darkness.

The characteristics of my God-given identity helped to dispel the fear that surrounded me. Words like: forgiven, chosen, saved, redeemed, justified, adopted.

Reading further down the page I was brought to a stop by 2 words. Known and loved. Fully known and fully loved.

Have you ever stopped to really think about the fact that you are known by God and you are loved by God?

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

God knows us fully and he loves us. He knows us intimately and yet he still loves us unconditionally.

God loves us despite all our faults and failings.

Laying there, sick and weak and miserable, God loved me. He chose to love me. He chose to look past my feeble faith and my lack of trust in him.

God knows us inside and out. He knows every single thing about us. He knows every wicked thought that passes through our minds. He knows when we are doubting him and yet he still loves us.

Let me explain it like this.

If we had an acquaintance or family member that knew us, I mean really knew us, but didn’t love us, we would fear not being accepted for who we were because of what the person knows about us. We would live with the fear that they wouldn’t accept us because they know so much about us that they would withhold their love.

On the other hand, if we had a friend that loved us but didn’t really know us, they hadn’t taken the time to get to know us personally on a deeper level, then we would fear that if the person really knew who we were they wouldn’t love us. We would be fearful of what getting to know us would do to their love for us.

And here is what really blows my mind and has me standing in awe of God.

God knows us fully, he knows every little thing about us. The Bible tells us that he knew us before we were even formed in our mothers belly. He knows all about us and yet, he loves us! Unconditionally.

Psalm 139:1 LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

How is that even possible? How could a righteous, holy and perfect God, love a worthless, despicable sinner like me, knowing what he does about me? And yet, he does.

John 10:14-15   I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

And he not only loves you and me, but he loved us enough to die for us and forgive the sins we have committed and ever will commit. He lay down his life for us.

So, despite our failings, and despite the fact that we often feel worthless and overlooked and we doubt God’s goodness to us, even though we know full well his blessings overflow with abundant supply, despite all of what we see as lack on our part, he still loves us. We are fully known and fully loved.

God blesses us daily. Don’t fall into the trap of letting your failures define you. God has a purpose for you and as long as you’re still breathing, you have a job to do. You are uniquely called, and you are divinely equipped.

A few days of sickness is not enough for me to throw the towel in and wallow in a pit of despair. I still have breath in my lungs, don’t I? Then, I need to raise my arms to Jesus and let him pull me up and set my feet upon a rock. His rock. His stedfastness. His strength. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I don’t know who, besides myself, needs this encouragement today, but take heart and believe with all your heart that you are known and loved. God can’t love you any more than he does already, and he can’t love you any less.

You are fully, totally, entirely, completely, wholly, perfectly, intimately, known and loved by the God of the universe, the creator of heaven and earth, the Saviour of the world!

Jeremiah 31:3 - The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Take a moment to let that sink in, and then spend some time in praise, letting your song of joy bubble up from down deep in your heart, overflowing and spilling over until it runs like a flood through every part of your being and those around you are swept along in its life-giving flow.

Psalm 146:1-2

 Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

 

Did Your Father Ask You To Carry That?

Are you carrying things you were never meant to carry? Are you lugging around baggage you were never meant to hold? Are you holding onto hurts that are not yours to heal? How about worries that are too cumbersome for you? Are you exhausted with assignments you were never asked to complete? What about expectations you were never meant to meet?

Does any of this sound familiar? I know it does for me, and I’m sure you can relate too.

How many times do we carry around things that are too heavy for us, all the while forgetting that we have a God who is right there, with arms outstretched, just waiting for us to place our burdens into his hands.

I am reminded of some beautiful verses found in the book of Matthew.

Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Are you labouring under a heavy burden and longing for rest? The burdens we place upon ourselves are so much heavier than what God chooses to place on our shoulders. He alone knows the weight that we are able to bear. He alone knows what we can handle.

The word yoke is not a word we toss around much in this day and age, but it held great relevance in ancient times. The yoke was a device that was used to join a pair of animals that were working together. When Jesus encourages us to take HIS yoke upon us, he’s inviting us to do life WITH HIM, rather than FOR HIM. He graciously and lovingly makes himself available to us, to work with us, side by side, step by step, in the yoke together.

He knows that if we try to carry the burden on our own, we will stumble and fall. We are not able to bear our burdens alone. But if we partner up with him, and place HIS yoke upon our shoulders, as he places the yoke upon himself beside us, we will be able to do great things for him. We will be able to serve in a greater and more rewarding capacity than we ever could alone. We will be able to face what he sends our way. We will have the strength to face the storm. We will be able to face a raging sea with courage. We will not fear when the darkness comes.

The phrase “my burden is light” doesn’t mean that life will be easy, and everything will be smooth sailing. We are delusional if we think we will face no obstacles and the path will always be straight and smooth. No. The Lord Jesus is not promising to clear our path of any obstacles and create detours around pain and suffering, but he is offering to make the load we carry fit the road we travel.

When we walk with Jesus, obey his commands, and trust in him wholeheartedly, he promises that he will walk beside us and help lift the load, strengthening our tired arms and lightening our weary steps.

So, if the weight you are bearing today feels overwhelming and you are struggling beneath it, then maybe it’s time for you to fall to your knees and ask God to show you what you are meant to be carrying. It’s time to loosen the load you bear, let it fall to the ground and ask him to place upon you what you are meant to carry, as his burden is light and his yoke is easy.

Ask yourself the question, “Did my Father ask me to carry this?” And if he didn’t, then lay it down. Place your burden at Jesus’ feet. Give him all your cares, all your worries, all your expectations, your exhaustion, your stress, your fears. He can handle it. God is bigger than all your problems. In fact, he’s bigger than the problems of the whole world! He is able to carry them.

He promises to give you rest for your weary soul. He promises to go before you and he knows what lies ahead, so he can fit you for the future. Trust him. Rest in his promises. Banish fear and embrace his power. Let him be your guide and stop carrying things you were never meant to carry!

 

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

 

“Come and lay your burdens down
To the place where freedom is found
At the feet, at the feet of Jesus
Come and lay your burdens down”

 

A Promise for the New Year

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

As 2021 closes and a brand-new year opens, full of unknowns and what ifs, it is helpful to draw on God’s precious promises found in his Word. This verse in Jeremiah often brings comfort to the troubled soul. But it is important to understand the historical context of this verse and not just the literary context. Why did Jeremiah the prophet write this verse and who did he write it to?

Often times we grab a verse from the Bible and claim the promise for ourselves, taking comfort in what we read, and that is good and helpful, but if  we look further into the context of the verse, we often gain more understanding which brings about a deeper, more relevant and powerful meaning for our lives.

Learning the context of the verse can help us avoid the tendency we have of reading into scripture our own desired meaning, and instead, find what it is God is saying and what is really intended.

I think sometimes we read this verse and think that it promises blessings abundant and a life without problems. But if we’ve dug into our Bibles enough, we know that in this life there will be tribulations. It is a given. It’s a when, not an if. There will be difficulties, but God has a plan and a purpose and we can live in the hope that he will bring it to pass and God will be glorified through it.

Now, back to our context.

Jeremiah was a prophet sent by God to deliver his message to his people throughout their hardships and trials. He spoke to the Jews who had been living under oppressive Egyptian and then Babylonian rule and had been carried away into exile from their home country, Jerusalem, into Babylon.

In the previous chapter, we find Jeremiah rebuking a false prophet called Hananiah. Hananiah was spreading false hope to the people of God, telling them that God would deliver them from their enemies after 2 years and they would return to their home. (Jer. 28:11)

But God spoke to Jeremiah and told him some hard truths to share with God’s people. Jeremiah had the difficult job of informing the Jews that instead of 2 years captivity, they would be enslaved for 70 years.

Jeremiah 29:10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

And straight after this we read our key verse.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

God’s people would not be delivered straight away. Not for 70 years. But God would be with them and would not forget them in their distress.

As Christians, we often cry out to God to rescue us immediately, without delay, right now. But God doesn’t always take us out of a difficult situation speedily. Instead, he promises to be with us through our trial. He promises that regardless of our current situation, he can work through it to prosper us and bring about the end that he desires.

He doesn’t always calm the storm that rages around us, but he will calm us and bring peace to our hearts.

His thoughts toward us are not evil. He has thoughts of peace. He wants us to live in hope. The ‘expected end’ is one of hope.

Jeremiah told the people that they would be in Babylon for quite some time, so they were to settle down. Build houses, plant gardens, marry and seek peace.

Jeremiah 29:5-7 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;

 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters……..

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

Maybe you’re facing a difficult situation due to the pandemic or financial hardship or a relationship that is struggling. God promises that it will pass, and it is all in his plan and purpose.

Yes, life is hard right now for all of us. We are all in this together, but as Christ-followers, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s plans for us are not evil and that he will bring us to HIS expected end in HIS perfect timing.

We would love for Christ to return today, and carry us up to Heaven, taking us out of this fallen world. But it may not be today. Or tomorrow. Or this year. We may have a longer captivity here on this earth, and it is our job to live as shining lights here, going about our business, fulfilling our God-given callings, with the promise of God ringing in our ears, that he will protect and provide, comfort and guide if we seek him with a whole heart and obey his voice.

Just as the people of God had to trust the Lord and wait 70 long years for their deliverance, we too have to learn to trust God and we can have the peace in knowing that he is in control, and he will be with us.

Take a look at the verses that follow and the blessed promises they hold for the child of God.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Did you see what it said? God promises to be found when you seek, and to hear when you call. When we, with all our hearts, seek him and call upon him, he WILL be found and he WILL listen. Not might, but will!

So, as you venture forth into a new year, filled with many unknowns, remember that God is the God of the known. He knows. He sees. And nothing is hidden from him. So, whatever it is that you’ll face this year, he knows all about it and he has plans in place already. God is never surprised.

Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

Trust him. Obey him. Love him. Call out to him. Hope in him.

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.