I stand with the Father!

John 8:12 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 

Why is the dark such a scary place? Small children are often afraid to be left in the dark. Once these fears surface only a night-light will chase them away. How about during a storm, the lights flicker and suddenly the room is plunged into darkness? What do we immediately do?  Dig out the candles and search for the matches.  A collective sign is heard when the flames flicker and the room is finally light.

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. (Exodus 13:21)

There are times when life is so troubling we feel as though we are stumbling in the dark, not knowing where to turn next. That is when God will go ahead of us to show us how to navigate through dark times.  Often it is that very darkness which shows us the light. When we have light, and once we are brought up out of the darkness, things become clear. We can see the difference between good and bad; right and wrong.

When we enter into the light we can see everything with new, fresh eyes. We see that we were never alone.  It is then we can reject the dark - those friends who took us down dangerous paths and embrace the light of healthy and meaningful relationships with others who live in the light.

I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. (John 8:16)

John 8:12-20

Jesus Rebukes Little Faith

Matthew 8: 23-27

The sky slowly becomes an eerie gray color. A low humming sound in the distance methodically comes closer until you feel engulfed in the noise that nearly knocks you off your feet. You catch yourself, but can’t quite tell what’s going on. Unexpectedly the legs below you can no longer hold you upright and are swept out from under you. It is becoming difficult to breathe and nearly impossible to get your bearings. You then realize you are soaking wet, half floating and half being pushed.

You want help but don’t know how or who to ask. You feel you should be able to handle it on your own. You’re strong and intelligent. You grab the nearest object and hold on with an iron grip.

You reach for anything passing by that may be able to stop the turmoil, but nothing you can grasp is stable. You panic. You focus on the negative and how overwhelming it all is.

The storms of life can make us feel weak and helpless. They will grip us tightly as though we are suffocating in our own living room. As the gale force winds wage havoc in our minds we attempt to latch onto things we think will ease the pain. We hold fast to the tangible. We allow the evil one to invade and create unrest within us.

Even when inside the boat with Jesus, the disciples allowed themselves to weaken under the threat of a storm. They woke Jesus in fear for their lives and asked him to save them from drowning. Matthew 8:26 Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Jesus then calmed the storm.

How we choose to handle the situations we are in determines our level of inner peace. If we know God is with us and fix our eyes and heart on Him, though we will experience storms, we will not drown.

Lyrics from the song: Just Be Held by Casting Crowns:

 

“When your eyes are on the storm

You wonder if I love you still.

But when your eyes are on the cross

You know I always have and I always will.”

How will you take the bumps, bruises and scars of this life, focusing on the storm or fixing your eyes on the cross?

Watch/Listen to JustBe Held by Casting Crowns

Read/Listen to Matthew8:23-27

Psalm 69

Prayer is Breaking

“Blessed be your name, in a land that is plentiful.

Where your streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name.”

“Blessed be your name, when I’m found in the desert place.

Though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name.”

These lines sung by Chris Tomlin and several other artists illustrates how we as Christ followers are called to praise the name of the Lord no matter what our circumstances. Through the good times and bad, amidst joy as well as sorrow and suffering, our God looks for us to worship and thank Him. Yes, it’s much easier to be grateful for the blessings in our lives than the pain and sorrow, but as we become more aware of God’s workings and realize our plans are often not the same as His it becomes a bit easier to do.

The true test of our devotion is when the rain keeps coming day after day, month upon month, and for years on end. When one trial after another beats us down and empties our soul as in Psalm 69, ---the Lord waits for us to cry out in our brokenness. Verses 1-3; “Save me, Oh God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; and the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.” 

We tend to turn our backs and run from pain and trials, but perhaps that is not what is best. If we stay in the pain rather than attempt to flee from it, God will meet us in that pain and do His work in us if we allow it. Standing firm within the storm and lifting our eyes, hands and heart upward is the best way to see the storm through and then look around to realize and appreciate what the rains have produced.

“We must trust the Lord through the darkness, and honor Him with unwavering confidence even in the midst of difficult situations. The reward of this kind of faith will be like that of an eagle shedding its feathers is said to receive—a renewed sense of youth and strength.” J.R. Macduff

Read/Listen to Psalm 69