My Way or His

I remember one time my husband I were meeting up at a gas station so I could follow him to a friend’s home for dinner. We both loosely knew the city, but neither of us had been to this address. Not long after I started following him, I realized that he was not going the ‘right’ way. Without a cell phone, I decided to turn from the path he was taking. I roamed my way around on slightly familiar streets while feeling a little guilty. I had been stubborn, thinking I knew better, and declined to follow him. We both found the address, but he arrived first.

We make these kinds of decisions when following God too. Whose way will we end up choosing: ours or His? In the story of Jesus’ parents, Joseph was in a tough situation. Mary told him she was pregnant, but, they had not yet married. The Bible says that he was a righteous man and considered what he should do. Coming to this important decision probably kept Joseph awake at night and consumed his thoughts during the day. I imagine he prayerfully weighed all of his options. The Bible says he decided to divorce her quietly (break off the engagement) which, he felt, would save her from public disgrace.

I can relate to Joseph’s desire to do the right thing … I try to make thoughtful, honorable decisions. (Well, ehm… my above example with my husband was neither thoughtful nor honorable). But, let’s say… I usually try to make thoughtful decisions.

After he had it all figured out, an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream. When he woke up, he changed his course of action and did exactly what he was commanded: He took Mary home as his wife (Matthew 1:24). Keep in mind, marrying a pregnant woman was scandalous. Joseph obeyed!

When the Holy Spirit redirects us, how willing are we to turn from our set course? We can easily justify our way with all kinds of human reasoning like, ‘I recognize this road and it sure feels right,’ or ‘I’ve made my decision and I’m sticking to it.’ It might even work for awhile, but, if it’s not God’s path….we end up late for dinner, lost, or worse.

The truth is, God’s ways are higher than ours and his wisdom is beyond searching out. Joseph listened and obeyed.

What important decisions are you about to make? Whose plan are you following: yours or God’s? Is your course of direction in line with God’s word?

‘God, show me how I miss your leading because I am unwilling to listen to you and follow your path. Catch me when I’m being stubborn and inflexible to your commands. Help me to be willing to change my course of action when you direct me… even if I might feel publicly embarrassed. God, I surrender to you, help me to let you over-rule my decisions. Your ways are better than mine. Amen.’

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5

Rejection 101

Four pairs of shiny eyes peered out of my oldest son’s Jeep as I rounded the corner into our driveway. I grinned and found myself anxious to connect with my boys after a full day at the office. Inside, my youngest son was laying on the couch with his feet up playing his iPod.

Summer vacation had just begun and I was a little anxious about leaving the boys home on the days I work– thinking they might need me. I asked my ten year old, “Do you want to do anything – I can play a game with you?” “No,” he said, “but can I invite a friend over?”

Rejected, I wandered into the den . . . thinking. This aloofness, as the boys get older, has been happening more lately. It has come as a surprise to Greg and I, who have spent a lot of time investing relationally in our kids. While I was mulling this over and recalling other similar occurrences, my middle son walked in and asked, “I haven’t really talked with you yet, how was your day?” (Smiles!) Next, the youngest came in offering to make me an origami butterfly. (More smiles!) For a moment I thought I had been downgraded from ‘involved mom’ to ‘housekeeper,’ ‘chore-patroller,’ and ‘cook.’ Although important responsibilities, I want more than that; I want relationship with my kids. Even though they are teenagers, I want to know them - and for them to know me.

Of course, they will grow up and things will change, but I hope we’ll have a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Sometimes I treat God similarly. I know he’s around, but I take him for granted. I ask Him for things, but don’t always want to know Him. Well, I do want to know Him, but it can depend on the day and how busy I am. I used to be forgetful of Him and go through the whole day without even saying, ‘hello’ or ‘thank you.’ I’m sure I’ve hurt His heart a whole lot more than my kids have hurt mine. He’s such a faithful Father. I’m intrigued by the priority Jesus places on relationship. He said, “And this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

Knowing God, really knowing Him, is the secret of a fulfilled life. Jesus knew that; that’s why He prayed it for us. Oh, the intimacy we could have!

“Lord, forgive us for the days we’ve rejected time with you, treated you as a vending machine, forgotten you, or put our priorities ahead of you. Draw us close and help us grow in relationship with you. Amen.”

Skiing Down the Mountain

I took my girlfriend skiing the other day. Our families vacationed together and spent one of those days skiing on an unfamiliar mountain. She was doing well on the bunny hill so after lunch I invited her to go up the next chair. We studied the map and decided there was an easy way down. It was a long traverse that was nearly flat so we skirted around the mountain until we reached the end where a sign marked the way down – a black diamond run. How could this happen, the map showed a trail that wasn’t there? We hiked back and found a ‘slightly’ easier way down that was being used for slalom race training. I guided her slowly down the mountain on the side of this course. She was trying to stay positive as she turned and fell, turned and fell. What a horrible navigator I was!

Sometimes I think I’m a better route-finder than I really am. Usually, in my independent nature, I want to choose which way my life turns . . . even in unfamiliar territory I figure I can use my best judgment and make right choices. But, like the skiing mishap, I’ve found my way into a few problems which were pretty difficult to get out of – whole, without bumps and bruises.

Why do we do this? It reminds me of my kids when they were little when they insisted on doing life their way – and struggled and cried because they couldn’t. We all have an independent streak. We don’t really want to bend our will when we’ve set in motion our plan, in our way, at our time.

Here is God’s way ~ “I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8.

How do we set the Lord before us? We can’t do it by running ahead of him. We have to surrender to the leader – which is often a daily decision: Him or me. Whose advice and wisdom will I follow: His or mine? He counsels and instructs me, but, sometimes I ignore Him, don’t listen, and don’t pause to ask. Other times I hear . . . and debate. My independence surges; my fleshly desires repeat their wants. Do I really want to surrender to the Lord? I do, but, I don’t.

“God, today, I choose you again. I choose to surrender my will to yours. You lead, I will follow. Thank you for the blessings you give as I follow you. Because of You I will not be shaken. Help me to stay behind you and not ahead. Help me to ‘set you always before me’ all day long. Amen”

Knowing God by Experience

I loved High School gymnastics. I would try so many daring tricks - and took quite a few falls before mastering them. My coach, who was the most wonderful person, was an excellent spotter. That means he risked his life from flailing body parts to make certain to catch us when we fell. My mom captured a great photo of him taking my foot to his face as he held out his arms below my falling body. Ouch! (for him . . . not for me.) Thank you Mr. Sullivan! Because I knew he was there, I became quite brave and tried many stunts that I wouldn’t have attempted otherwise. I knew I could trust him. Now, if I had never tired, and failed, I wouldn’t know this like I do.

I was thinking about knowing God like this. Sometimes I want to have that confident assurance of Him without stretching experiences which are so much a part of building that trust. How can I know that God provides without experiencing need? How can I know His rest and restoration without first becoming weary? How can I know He will lead me toward righteousness without encountering His help through temptation?

As I was reading Psalm 23 this morning, I found myself wanting David’s steady, calm, abiding faith in the sure goodness and love of God. I have that a little, but, if you read this Psalm, you will see an amazing depth of confidence. This kind of knowing doesn’t just happen by hearing about God, it comes by experiencing Him.

So today, I say, “Bring it on, God. I’m going to grow in trusting you because I want to know you more than anything. I want YOU more than I want a cushy life.” Oh dear, did I really say that? Do I really mean it? “OK God, a little bit at a time please. You know I am sensitive; just a little stretch would work just fine. God, are you laughing at me right now? Can you work with someone like me? Thank you for being a GOOD God. I love you Lord. Amen.”

“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6

Believing God When We Hurt

My heart is heavy today for families we know who are in times of trouble, serious trouble—friends without work losing everything, children losing a parent to disease, a wife having to let her husband die. The more difficult our trial, the more tempted we are to believe God is far off or hidden. Out of the depths, we cry, ‘Don’t you care, God? Where are you? Why are you letting this happen?’

But what does His word say? “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted, you encourage them and listen to their cry.” Psalm 10:17

God is not distant. He hears our cries. He encourages us. Are you in trouble? Are you crying? Oh sweet friend, direct your cries to the Lord. Let’s not rely on faulty reasoning of God’s nature based on our experiences. Believe God. Believe his word. Look to the One who sees your trouble and grief. We have a choice of faith – will you choose to believe God? Will you put your hope in Him? Can you join the psalmist in saying, “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5 Saturate your mind with His truth – meditate on it. Take Him for his word.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

1st Day of School

Just a few moments ago my two oldest boys headed off to school with full backpacks, new shoes, and a little discontent about the schoolwork ahead. I'm glad for the return of routine and this time of day when I pull out my Bible and enjoy a little quiet with God before my youngest wakes up. I thought you might enjoy this Psalm and join me in praying for your children and those you love who are back in school.

From Psalm 5:11-12
'Let my children take refuge in You and be glad, let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them and let these who love You rejoice. Surely, O LORD you will bless the righteous. Thank you for surrounding them with your favor as with a shield.'

Don’t Believe Everything You Think

If you’ve raised kids or were one this scenario’s probably familiar. Two of my boys were recently jockeying for position on the couch. The younger was sprawled out end to end when his brother came and sat near his feet infringing on his space. I arrived after the voices rose and the kicking began . . . the younger insisted he was there first while the other reasoned his kid brother should share the couch. These kinds of skirmishes just seem to happen—two sides, both insisting they are right. Looking back, it makes me chuckle how silly it is.

I remember once my husband said, “You always think you’re right.” I replied, “Of course I do, it’s my opinion, it wouldn’t be my opinion if I didn’t believe it.” Now, THAT makes me laugh.

We don’t easily outgrow justifying ourselves do we? We think our opinions and choices are right and warranted. It’s difficult to notice the error in our own beliefs. Jesus was a master of confronting the religious leader’s wisdom and logic. He challenged the ‘innocence’ of the mob who was about to stone an adulterous woman and Jesus confronted the Pharisee’s misconception He was not from God since He healed on the Sabbath. Our strong conclusions lead us to some pretty weighty actions.

It’s easy to get into a battle of wills insisting we are right. I think we form opinions all the time that could be better enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Proverbs tells us plainly, “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2) It’s difficult to notice the error in our own thinking, but God knows. He can cut through our logic, emotion, motives, and actions to instantly weigh our heart. The good news is: God is for us. We don’t have to rely on our own limited knowledge and process of reasoning.

God’s willing to show the way . . . to any follower humble enough to ask.

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4