Prophetic Accounts II

Day 152: Isaiah 22-25

More prophecy against cities. Today, Isaiah prophecies against Jerusalem. But he also prophecies about God's devastation of the whole earth. The earth will be completely laid to waste, destroyed. Because of our sin, God has cursed this land. At this time, the Lord Almighty will reign--on earth, in Jerusalem, and in heaven. Isaiah is pleading for these people to turn from wickedness and return to the Lord.

In chapter 25, Isaiah praises the Lord for all the prophecies have come true. And now all the people have turned to God to worship him. We trusted the Lord, and he saved us. He redeemed us. He kept his word.

Resting in God's Great Love

Day 133: Psalm 143-150

Psalm 143:7-8 says,
"Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens.
   Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.
 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
   Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you."

These verses stand out to me because of the word "depression." This person is struggling and expresses to the Lord his need for God to come near to him. He is going to die if the Lord turns away from him. He is hopeful, however, that God will take care of him and so he continues to give himself to the Lord, trusting the Lord that he will show him the love he needs to survive.

Those two verses express so much of what I've been feeling since I was first diagnosed with depression. It's a crazy illness, and sometimes I think I'm over it and then the feelings emerge again. It's also a very personal and private matter. It's embarrassing and you want to just "feel better," but you can't. It's really weird, but through it all, I have trusted in God to show me the way. I am giving myself to him and trusting him that he is in control. He loves us and wants to show us his love.

And Psalm 145:8-9 describes God's love:
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
      slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
      He showers compassion on all his creation.

Merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. Those words describe our God.

I love the way the Book of Psalms ends:
"Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" (v. 6)

This is a fitting way to describe a book that emphasizes praising God. So, as I am about to leave Psalms and move on to Proverbs, I am reminded about the goodness of God and how he is deserving of praise from all of creation.

In the midst of emotions...praise the Lord

Day 131: Psalm 135-138

Lately I've been feeling like everything is meaningless. No, I haven't gotten to this passage in scripture yet, but I sure have felt this way about a lot of things. In spite of feeling this way, though, I'm still reminded by these writers of psalms of the importance of praising the Lord. Over and over again, these people shout, "Praise the Lord!" And that's what I'm going to do. I will praise the Lord, regardless of how I'm feeling at this moment.

I will praise the Lord for the Lord is good.

I will praise the Lord because of all that he has done for me.

Even though I'm feeling this way right now, I will still praise the Lord. I will give thanks to him for all the reasons listed in Psalm 136 (a great passage!). For in my praise and my thanksgiving, I can see that there is one thing that isn't meaningless, and that one thing--God--can bring me hope. Why? Because his faithful love endures forever.

Rejoice in the Lord!

Day 127: Psalm 115-118

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

This verse has special meaning to me. When I was growing up, my dad always wanted us to sing this song. We even sang it at the dinner table! And oftentimes, we sang the song in rounds with three of us singing the first part, and the other three singing the other part.

Because this song was so important to my dad, I grew up viewing this concept of rejoicing in every day as an important one, too. I've always tried to be glad and thankful for every new day and to rejoice about God's hand in it. Each day is such a blessing from God. We don't know when our last day will be, so it's important to praise God for each day that he's given us. I admit, I don't always think to do this. I take for granted that I will make it through another day and have more and more days with my family and friends. I even take it for granted that my family will do the same. I take it for granted that we will all gather together at the end of the day and enjoy our time together.

The reality is, though, that this may not happen. Families aren't always brought together at the end of the day. Some people don't come home. Just think about all those people in Haiti who died in such a tragic way. Their families didn't expect this awful thing to happen, and now they are living without people they love. What an awful tragedy. We just never know.

And I think this notion of rejoicing in the day that the Lord has made is different, but somewhat associated to, the idea of carpe diem, or "seize the day." While seize the day is about making the most of life while you are here, rejoicing in the day that the Lord has made is rejoicing no matter what your circumstances are and praising God for each new day that you have. That's a different concept entirely, and one that isn't near as easy to do. To be honest, it's really easy to forget to rejoice in the days that the Lord has made when we are at low points, when there's nothing evident to rejoice in. But that's when we need to do it most. We can still express our appreciation and gratitude to God during these times, thanking him that we still have life and that we are still blessed to live it.

More on the Nature of God from the Psalms

Day 126: Psalm 111-114

There is so much to praise the Lord about. He is so good. I'm amazed by how these writers of psalms never run out of enough things to praise the Lord about. Sometimes I am at a loss for words, but these writers--wow--they think of new metaphors, names, descriptions, and ideas about which to praise the Lord. I have learned so much through their understandings of God and how they express their gratefulness to Him.

Although much of the psalms is about praising the Lord, there's still quite a lot of text dedicated to repeating the story of Israelite history--the story of what God has done in the lives of His people.
Praising God and thanking him for what he's done is a repetitive format appearing in the psalms. And I think this format is especially powerful in communicating more about the nature of God.

Less of Self and More of Thee

Day 119: Psalm 75-78

The writer of Psalm 75 lists what God has done for them, and he proclaims that he will always do so. He will sing praises to the God of Jacob and express his gratefulness to God.

Why is it easier to focus on the negative? I know that my own perspective isn't often the same as the writer of Psalm 75's is here. In the midst of turmoil, I often become self-centered. I don't necessarily blame God when bad things happen, but I don't sing of his praises either (at least that's not natural for me to do). But here is a writer--a follower of God--who reminds himself and others what God has done for him, and he is never going to stop doing so.

God has done things for me personally. He has redeemed me. He has made me whole, pure, and guiltless. He has forgiven me and given back my life to me again and again. He has blessed me with a loving husband, healthy children, godly parents, and a wonderful extended family. He's given me a wonderful job that I love. He takes care of me and provides for me. He constantly does so much for me. If I would just remember all these things in the midst of bad times, I think I would have a different kind of relationship with God--one that is less selfish and more loving. I hope I will remember this chapter the next time hard times come. I hope I will be less self-absorbed and more grateful to God for all the good things he has given me.

Telling Others Our Stories

Day 118: Psalm 66-70

We are surrounded by people in pain. Every day we talk with people who are suffering in some way. From sin, divorce, addiction...and the list goes on and on. But what I appreciate about the psalms is how these psalmists praise God even in the midst of their pain. And, they don't only praise him, but they use their own stories to tell others about what God has done in their lives.

For instance, Psalm 66:5 says, "Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people." These people know the importance of sharing their stories, of telling others about what God has done for them. How he changed them. How he saved them. How he has made a difference in their lives.

Another instance, Psalm 66:16-20: "Come and listen, all who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise, God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me."

What a testimony to us. Praise be to God for his saving power and for his giving us stories to tell.

Beautiful Words

Day 117: Psalm 61-65

Today the words of scripture touched me as I read them and so I share them with you today. From Psalm 63:

 ¹ O God, you are my God;
      I earnestly search for you.
   My soul thirsts for you;
      my whole body longs for you
   in this parched and weary land
      where there is no water.
 ² I have seen you in your sanctuary
      and gazed upon your power and glory.
 ³ Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
      how I praise you!
 ⁴ I will praise you as long as I live,
      lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
 ⁵ You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
      I will praise you with songs of joy.
 ⁶ I lie awake thinking of you,
      meditating on you through the night.
 ⁷ Because you are my helper,
      I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
 ⁸ I cling to you;
      your strong right hand holds me securely.

Knowing God

Day 107: Psalm 16-18

Psalm 18 is about when God delivered David from all his enemies, including Saul. Two things strike me about this chapter.

1. David tells God "thank you." Saying thank you seems simple enough, but so often we are quick to judge and accuse God when things don't work out, and we neglect to tell God thanks when he is at work in our lives. But saying thank you requires noticing and then acknowledging that God had a role. That seems simple enough, but if we don't notice God's hands at work in our lives, then how can we do it?

2. David knows God. This psalm is very, very lengthy and is filled with praises to God, praises that are, once again, specific and exact. David's words show that he knows God--that he knows what he can do and who he is. I compare David's song here praising God, which could also be considered a prayer (songs are prayers, right?), to some of the prayers we say in church, and I notice a distinct difference: David is confident in his understanding of God in ways that we are not. His confidence allows him to speak to God about God's ways--praising his ways, giving him thanks, and admiring him for all of his ways--and to be confident that he knows God and that he does not speak falsely about God in his praise of God.

Why are we often not so confident in expressing praise about what God has done in our world--both at a local level and a global one? Maybe it's because we don't notice God at work when he's at work. Maybe we don't pray like David does because we don't want to speak ill about God, or to be so arrogant as to assume we know all about God and who he is. Or maybe it's something else. Regardless of the reason, I admire David's confidence, his ability to sing praises to God and speak about God in ways that show he knows God and thanks God for what he has done.

Maybe we can get to know God better by reading these psalms and putting ourselves in the position of the writer.

I Made It to Psalms!

Day 104: Psalm 1-5

Today I started reading the psalms. I've always liked the psalms, although I don't read them too often, but I like how past followers of the Lord put words to their expressions about God. They praise God. They offer lament to God. They ask why, and they ask for help. Many of these psalms are prayers to God, and others are songs to him. The difference between the two is minor. But the psalms are different than most of the rest of the Bible because they are poetry rather than prose, songs rather than narratives. They utilize a different form of expression, a different way of communicating with God. Reading the psalms can enhance our own prayer lives by showing us how others pray and talk to God.

The words that touched me tonight are:

1. "Blessed are those who do not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but who delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on his law day and night" (1:1-2). 

2. "But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high" (3:3). In the midst of fleeing from his son Absalom, David utters these words to God. David feels God's protection and knows that He gives him strength. This psalm was also made into a beautiful song that I really like.

3. "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety" (4:8).

4. "Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me" (5:8).

5.  "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy" (5:11).

The Lord Takes Away

Day 94: Job 1-2

Job is an amazing man. He was blameless and upright, God-fearing and pure. In the book of Job, Satan roams the earth looking for someone who will basically curse God and turn away from their faith. So, God offers up Job. He tells Satan that there is no one as righteous as Job and that Satan can do whatever he wants to Job. Wow.

Very soon after that, Job loses everything. He loses his cattle and sheep, his oxen and donkeys, his servants and even his own sons and daughters. When he hears the news about all that he has lost, what does he do?

Before I get to what Job actually did, let's consider this question. What might you do if you have lost everything? It's hard to fathom losing everything; I can't even fully grasp what that means. It's too much to bear.

However, we can consider the notion of loss. We have all lost things. We have lost loved ones, and in this economic downturn, many of us have lost jobs. Others have lost children or had miscarriages. Others have mourned failed relationships, friendships, and marriages. We have all suffered from lost.

To make it a bit more personal, I will speak about something I have lost recently. Most of you know by now that Shane and I lost our dreams of planting a church. After three years of dreaming and then realizing our dream, we had to give it up. We are still grieving over all that we lost. Sure, we have moved on. We have a new church family who loves us and our children and is so glad we are there (as are we), but we are also still grieving over the church plant and other things surrounding that time in our lives.

*We are grieving that we had to move from a city that we love and had hoped to live in for years to come.
*We are grieving that our children will not go to the brand new elementary school in our neighborhood, the school equipped with high-tech classrooms and exceptional academic ratings.
*We are grieving that I will have to commute again. Long days and long hours away from family.
*We are anguished over leaving the friends we have made here and the spiritual relationships we have developed with people in our neighborhood and at various churches around town.
*We are saddened about leaving a home that we love. Familiarity. Comfort.

We are still sorrowful about a lot of different things. This past year has been very difficult for us, and we are still learning to deal with the loss we have experienced at many different levels of our life--emotionally, spiritually, personally, relationally, and professionally.

Over this past year, I have coped with loss in many different ways. I have been sad and depressed, so I got on depression medicine. I have prayed and prayed and prayed. I have praised God for this time, even though I don't understand everything that happened. I have talked with Shane, some friends, and many loved ones about my feelings. I have gone to counseling. I have also coped with my feelings through some negative behaviors--having a short fuse with Shane or my children; turning to food for comfort; avoiding people or conversations or conflict.

I am still working through all my feelings about that time in my life, and I will continue to look for the positive aspects of how God used me--used us--to advance his kingdom. I know that He did, and I'm confident that in spite of all that was lost, many things were gained, too.

So back to Job...Here was Job's response to all that he lost (vv. 20-22):

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
       "Naked I came from my mother's womb,
       and naked I will depart.
       The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
       may the name of the LORD be praised."

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. 

Job worshiped the Lord. Job, in his wisdom, recognized that the Lord gave and the Lord took away, AND YET, the name of the Lord will still be praised. And perhaps even more impressive, even in his grief, Job did not sin. Even when he developed boils, he did not curse God or sin. But he did grieve. He felt his suffering, and he went through deep sorrow and pain.

Let the name of the Lord be praised.

Prepare, Praise, and Promise: Lessons from the Israelites

Day 91: Nehemiah 9-13

The Israelites are slaves in Assyria, and they have gathered together. They are fasting and wearing sackloth. During this time, they read aloud from the Book of Law, confess their sins, and worship the Lord. They also thank and praise God for all that he has done for them and their ancestors. They praise God for keeping his promise. They tell him that they love him, and they tell him why: "But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love." They also tell him he is just and faithful, forgiving and merciful. They remind themselves of all that God has done for them, and they make promises to God. They tell him they will stay faithful, they will give him the best they have to offer. They "will not neglect the house of God."

The Israelites impress me, and I can learn a lot by the way they interact with God. Their whole approach to communicating with God (some of which I mentioned above) can teach me about how I, too, can approach and interact with God. I'm always looking for ways to talk to God and ways to be in relationship with God, and the reading from today gives me several ideas.

1. Prepare: The Israelites approach God with humility.
They wear sackcloth and ashes. They fast in preparation for meeting God and for communing with him. They prepare. They don't just show up and talk. They spend a lot of time readying for meeting God. They recognize that they are unholy and that God alone is holy, and their countenances and actions reflect this understanding. They are humble, and they don't take God for granted.

2. Praise God with specifics.
The Israelites, like us, praise God. However, I notice one key difference between how they praise God and how we (oftentimes, unfortunately) praise God: they use specifics. The Israelites don't just say, "We love you God," or "God, you are so good" (over and over and over again); rather, they tell God why they love him, and they tell him why He is so good.

Being specific has several benefits: 1) It allows them to process what God has done. They can remind themselves about why they love God and what God has done for them. They can remember specific instances in their lives when God has acted--when he has shown them grace, forgiveness, mercy, love, etc. Then, they can thank God for what he has done--all the while remembering for what they are thanking God. They are thinking in specifics rather than generalities. 2) Being specific encourages reflection. This one kind of goes with the previous one, but it's a little different in that reflection breeds remembrance and appreciation. Remembrance of the actual events and circumstances in your life in which God acted, and appreciation for him and who he is in these instances in your life. 3) Being specific in prayer and praise reminds them who God is--his characteristics and his nature. As the Israelites re-tell their story to God in prayer, they also interweave the characteristics of God during these times, which becomes a form of praise to God.

3. Promise: The Israelites tell God what they are going to do as a result.
The Israelites promise God that they, too, will act. They will love the Lord, be faithful to Him, and sacrifice offerings to Him. They have prepared, they have praised God for the specific things he has done for them, and now they make promises to God about what they will do, how they will act, live, and behave.

Next time you are in church and you sing a "praise" song, remember back to the Israelites and how they approach God: they prepare, they praise with specifics, and they promise. Maybe this can be a model for you as to how you can talk to God. I know it helps me concretize something that often seems so abstract.