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I can't believe we are entering the second month of the new year already! For me, it has flown by, even with the long, cold, and sometimes snowy days we have had. I've had plenty to keep me busy!
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As I am working on this newsletter, it is a sunny 74 degree day here in Missouri. I am so grateful for this reprieve from the cold and took a walk without a jacket on. It was heavenly! These moments of grace remind me to endure the winter with patience as spring is on its way. :)
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As per my last email, I have been working on my next devotional on the subject of clinging to God's goodness in grief. The news as of late has offered many chances to grieve with those who grieve, speak of biblical hope, and consider the importance of prayer. It has also given insight into how many times we slip into the bad habit of trying to mold God into who we want Him to be; not seeing Him fully as He says He is. We say that God is good, but don't always practice that sentiment when tragedy strikes. We begin to question God's character and motives, trying to comfort others with a frail human theology.
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Here is an example of someone claiming to be a believer, responding to a tragic accident:
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"All the victims were ushered into the loving arms of God." In essence they are saying, in tragedy, "innocent" people have a free pass into the presence of God, because that is the "loving" thing for God to do. However, this message negates the need for Jesus, our Savior, to be the covering for our sin. This sentiment is contrary to the Word of God and the reality of both Heaven and Hell. The biblical truth is not a feel-good sentiment and therefore, replaced with a message of our own making. We cling to the hollow words of man to cope with our questions about God, death, suffering, and salvation. We sure do want to know it all don't we? We want to understand God. When our finite minds fail at this, we blame Him for this broken world we live in --- to overlook the depravity of man, the results of the Fall, our responsibility in our own fragmented relationship with God, and the experience of human suffering. When we can't grasp the concept of God's sovereignty, we can choose to pull away or draw nearer. The former will leave us disillusioned, just as heartbroken as ever, and incapable of growth and healing.
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I have found that in the darkest moments of my life, the only comfort and healing of lasting value came from the many conversations I had with God. I have talked with Him about how angry I was at His actions in my life. I have cried to Him for rescue. I have given Him the silent treatment and also word-vomited all my complaints at Him. And, thankfully, He has kept listening, kept pursuing me with His love, and held me tight until I surrendered all my expectations and hopes to His plans for my life. Like Job discovered, God doesn't owe us an explanation. He is the answer we seek, and His love endures forever.
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It is a privilege to pray to the God of the Universe who created and sustains all things. I pray because only God can give me a vision for the hope that is set before me. Only He knows the deepest caverns of my soul and how to minister to them. I pray because I have faith in His promises. Talking to God is a scriptural command (Eph 6:18), a wisdom principle (Prov 15:29), and the way in which God designed us to partner with Him in Kingdom work (Phil 4:6).
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Here are 3 lessons I have personally learned about prayer in seasons of sorrow:
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- Prayer is not a weapon to gain control of God's actions toward us. It is a relational act of surrender as we trust God's good character to be carried out in our lives. As Jesus prayed in the garden before going to the cross, our bent should be to pray for His will be done, not ours. I will naturally pray for an end to suffering. We all will. The Spirit gives us the ability to commune with God in a way that no matter the circumstance, our souls can be at peace, resting in the love and grace of God.
- Prayer is the most important thing we can do to combat the evil tendencies of our hearts. Humans can be cynical, unforgiving, and hopeless. Talking to God shifts our perspectives about ourselves and the world with truth. The truth isn't always pleasant but it will lead to seeing everything right as we filter it through the Gospel. This leads to gratitude for all Christ has done for us and builds hope that will one day be made sight.
- Prayer is a mystery that we engage in by faith. There are times we will receive exactly what we desired to happen. There are times when our answers are delayed longer than we planned for or hoped. And there are other times when our worst scenarios are reality and it seems God doesn't hear our calls for help and deliverance. But prayer is always effectual for those who seek God with humility and love (James 5:16). Our prayers may not see the fruit in physical ways, but inwardly, God will use them to move us through whatever we face with the fullness of Himself granted to us.
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I will end with this verse that jumped out at me through my daily Bible journaling through Psalms. David was not in a good place in his life at the time Psalm 59 was written. He was being hunted like an animal. People misjudged him. He had inner conflict with God's actions toward his circumstances. And then he wrote these words:
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"But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, and place of safety when I am in distress. O my strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love." - Psalm 59:16-17
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Friends, this is the result of David having a close relationship with the Lord. This was a result of intentionally seeking the truth about God. He doesn't hide his feelings but expresses them to the One he knew could help him. He believed that God was present with him, having a purpose for all the trials he endured. How should we respond during trials and pain? We dwell on the faithful love of God. We sing praises to the One who hears His children and brings meaning to their wayward souls. We never stop talking with our Savior.
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I hope that whatever life has thrown you, your first response will be to draw close to God with honest prayers and humble hearts. I can say from personal experience that He is soooo faithful and good!
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Your persevering sister in Christ,
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First Recommended Read of the New Year!
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This book is full of biblical wisdom to help us think about persevering through hard seasons with God's strength and grace guiding us. We need to build systems that foster resilience in our lives, and the author helps point us toward these necessary tools.
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"Resilience is indicative of the Christian life." - Rebekah Lyons
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Here is a preview of my next project! It is the second in the series of devotional books I began in 2023. This follows my first book, Grace: Reflections of a Heart Set on God. When we rest in God's grace, appreciating all the benefits His grace provides, it deepens our walk with the Lord. In this new book, I share how embracing grace has helped me walk through life's sorrows while trusting in the goodness of God. Grief is tough AND Christ is faithful and true. Grief is a journey AND Christ is our guide. Grief is emotionally draining AND the Holy Spirit's comfort is real. I have experienced some dark nights of the soul yet the darkness has never swallowed me up, because Jesus is the light of my life. His love, grace, and mercy have sustained me, strengthened me, and restored me so many times, and I hope that my testimony can encourage others who are struggling to see the goodness of God in the midst of deep pain.
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This is just a mock-up of the cover and title. Nothing is set in stone yet. It's just a first step to complete this project I feel God is directing me to write and share. I am hoping to have it published no later that September 2025. Any feedback is welcome on the topic or the design.:)
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LAST CHANCE to download this Free Resource!!
Here is the link.
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For more on talking with God about the Scripture you are reading, I have a full-color coffee table style book to illustrate this practice. You can find it here.
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Thanks for reading. See you soon!
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