A Life Worthy

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish (Psalm 25:16-17).

It’s almost here.

You know…the Holidays.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  It’s a time of joy and peace and laughter and fellowship with the ones we love.

You know…for some.

For others, this can be a really lonely, empty time.

And it’s coming.

If you find yourself in Category A, and you love the holidays–in fact, you’ve already got Thanksgiving decorations up, with Christmas boxes down from the rafters and just waiting…I’m very glad for you. Enjoy, my friend.

If you’re stuck in Category B, and the dread is creeping in–I’m so sorry.  I’ve been there, and I know that few things are as painful as watching others rejoice when you are in the pit. But know this, Beloved of Christ–

You feel lonely, but you are never, ever alone.

You feel empty, but His spirit fills you.

You weep, but you will laugh with the angels.

Look, I know that those words can feel empty and useless and meaningless in the face of all you’re dealing with today.

But they’re true.

You are loved by the One who knows you better than anyone else.

Seriously,

He knows you

and

He loves you.

Pretty amazing, ya?

So, if nothing else, rejoice in that today.

Because that’s a lot.

In fact, when you get right down to it

that’s pretty much everything.

Happy Monday, Beloved

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them (Psalm 25:14).

You know.

Wow.

You

know

You know the story–beginning to end, Alpha to Omega, you know how it all turns out.

You know the secret to eternal life.

You know who wins.

This is better than getting the Lotto numbers the night before they’re picked, better than getting the answers to tomorrow’s test today, better than knowing that the idiot driver is going to stop in the middle of the intersection while there’s still time for you to stop.

Why do you get to know this?

Because you’re amazing?

No, although you are amazing.

Because I’m amazing?

Aww, thank you so much, that’s really sweet, but still a no.

Because you’re his.

That’s it. You’re his, and he wants you to know all you can about him.

That includes his plans.

Not bad for a person who can’t even find their car keys half the time.

Happy Thursday, Beloved.

Who, then, is the man who fears the Lord? God will instruct him in the way chosen for him (Psalm 25:12).

Fear can be a good thing.

In our culture, we act like fear is something to be avoided at all costs.  Maybe it’s our rebellious, pioneer, Westward Ho! roots.

Perhaps we just don’t understand the healthy side of fear.

Fear is an acknowledgment that something is beyond our scope, beyond our ability to command.  It doesn’t have to be blind, cowering terror; it’s more a healthy respect for power. I fear lethal doses of nuclear radiation.  I fear rabid dogs. I fear really bad haircuts—as a middle-school teacher, this is by far the most dangerous of the three.

I fear God.

But I am not afraid of God.

Of course, nonbelievers have every reason to be afraid; indeed they’re foolish not to be, when considering the consequences of an eternity without Christ.

But I believe.  My name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

I fear God’s power, because I know that he could erase me with a thought.

I am not afraid, because I know he won’t.

He has given us many promises that we who are his are his forever.  Still, that power is there, and he has no qualms about using it to keep me in line should I stray.

Which makes me want to stay very close to him.

And that, Beloved, is the beginning of knowing him.

Fear him today.

But do not be afraid.

Happy Tuesday, Beloved.

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.  He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way (Psalm 25:8-9).

I’m a teacher.

I teach.

I teach the excellent students, whose eyes are bright with understanding and a deep desire to learn and grow and understand the things of life.

Aaaand I teach the other ones, the ones I lovingly call “pathetic lumps of flesh.”  

I offer what I have to both, because both need it.

Howeversomuchmoreso with God.  He offers his wisdom to saint and sinner, because both desperately need it.

Why does he do this?  I mean, I get teaching your followers, but why waste wisdom on the wicked?  Well, it’s right there at the beginning of the verse:

Because he is good.

Also, I think God remembers something that I tend to forget:

That sinner?

That humble man?

They are both me.  Just depends on when you catch me.

Happy Friday, Beloved

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).

This is a psalm asking for deliverance. David is in a world of hurt here–stressed out, ill, and under attack by slanderous enemies.  I would expect to find David asking for deliverance, healing, retribution, even forgiveness.

I didn’t expect this.

David asks God, in the midst of all this yuck (pardon the deep theological terminology) to teach him to be more like God.

Um…wow.

I wish I could tell you that, in the midst of deep physical and emotional crisis, I would ask God to make me more godly. Alas, I am far more likely to ask him to heal me and cause my enemies to explode.

If you decide to stop reading my blog now, I’ll understand.  But, there I am.

Beloved, I hope that God never allows great pain and sorrow into your life. I don’t care if it would make you more godly–I like you too much, and I’m just too selfish.  However, if the yuck of this sinful, broken world has to slop over into your life, I pray that God would use it to show you his ways, teach you his paths, and basically make you more like him.

Just don’t go looking for trouble, OK?

Happy Wednesday, Beloved.