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Our Faith Walk

Hope: Our 21st Century Faith Response

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Keep Hope Alive: The God of Hope

 

How do we describe hope?

What metaphors do we use to express hope?  How do we encourage others to believe “there’s a path to good” even in bad times?   Here are a few we might have used.

  • “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
  • “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
  • “The sun is peeking through the clouds.”
  • “Hope is an eternal flame.”

But let’s be honest, when we’re at the “end of our rope” and the “bottom of our world has fallen out”, metaphors about hope will not help us. We are looking for something that will ease our troubled souls right now!

Who needs hope?

According to the American Psychological Association [1], we all need hope.

A majority of adults (62%) disagree with the statement, “our children are going to inherit a better world than we did,” and 63% disagree with the statement, “I feel our country is on the path to being stronger than ever.” More than 3/4 of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 68% said this is the lowest point in our nation’s history that we can remember. 

 Two in three adults (66%) said the culture’s current political climate is a significant source of stress in their lives. Further, three in five adults quote (60%) said that the current social divisiveness in the nation causes them stress. Slightly more than three in five adults 62% reported that the racial climate in the US is a significant source of stress in their lives.

Are these sources of stress going to go away?  Absolutely not!  And these stressors are larger than us and out of our control.  In this environment, we are also expected to manage the challenge of daily living and providing for our families: feeding, clothing, and housing.  We search out ways to balance the stresses of life while maintaining healthy relationships, and personal “sanity”.   We need to cultivate our hope because when we cease to hope, we jeopardize our future.

The worldview of hope

Hope has ALWAYS been something we humans have needed whether in ancient times or modern days.  Man’s ability to survive and thrive has been dependent on hope.  The challenge, however, continues to be our ability to identify the BEST SOURCE of HOPE.

Hope, from the world’s view, comes from a variety of sources that, when combined and strengthened, provide a foundation for optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.  These include the following which we most commonly use.

 Relationships and connections: human connections and strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and love, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

 Personal strengths and abilities: recognizing and utilizing one’s strengths and abilities instills confidence and a sense of empowerment, nurturing hope for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

 Meaning and purpose: finding meaning and purpose in life, whether personal interest, family, community, or spiritual beliefs, provides a sense of direction and motivation, fueling hope for our fulfillment and meaningful existence.

 Spiritual beliefs and faith: for many, spiritual beliefs and faith in a higher power offer a sense of peace, guidance, and unwavering hope, providing strength and solace in time of uncertainty.

We do these things to cope and to relieve the uncertainty we face daily.  Like the television therapist, Dr. Phil, might ask, “how’s that working for you?”  Consider adding to this list: The God of Hope.

The  God of Hope

We often become discouraged when the things we do in our human strength fail to improve our situation.  We are stressed because when we look around there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” nor is the “sun peeking through the clouds.”

The reality we must come to grips with is that we live in a fallen world, where sin will continue to manifest itself in the brokenness and pain we see today.  Injustice, wars, corruption, and much more.  BUT THERE IS HOPE.

Our hope is built on the faithfulness and dependability of God.  We must rely on the “fidelity” of God.  God is reliable, dependable, and faithful.  God is true, truthful, and trustworthy.  His Word and His promises provide the “blessed assurance” we need to not only survive but also thrive in this world.   He is our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5).

What is our faith response to the challenges of 21st century living?  We must recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalms 62:5-12).

[1]   Stress in America 2022, American Psychological Association.

Our Faith Walk

The Audacity of Hope, Part 1

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Why hope?

President Barack Obama authored a book in 2006 entitled, The Audacity of Hope. In the prologue, he shares his personal view of what the audacity of hope looks like.

The audacity of hope. That is the best of the American spirit. I thought it was having the audacity to believe despite all the evidence to the contrary that we could restore our sense of community to a nation in conflict.

Audacity is defined as the willingness to take bold risks, often characterized by confident, daring, or insolent behavior. It can mean courageous bravery or more commonly, disrespectful impudence.

To exhibit optimism amid wars and global conflicts, may be viewed as flip. Trusting God and living by faith when costs are escalating and wages are shrinking, might be seen as daring. However, that is where the audacity of hope comes in.

As believers, our hope is anchored in the Word of God and His promises (Hebrew 6:19). During these uncertain times, we can “audaciously” demonstrate our confidence in the God of hope. We have the assurance of hope.

The Assurance of Hope

The assurance of hope is based on our relationship with the Lord. In Romans 15:13, God is described as the “God of hope”.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

In the beginning of the verse, joy and peace are linked together. Joy is not a fleeting happiness derived from favorable circumstances. Rather, joy is the gladness of heart.

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but it denotes being in “right relationship” with God. This includes access by faith into the grace, in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)

To abound in hope is the result of our relationship with the Holy Spirit.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to do things that can only be accomplished supernaturally (Philippians 4:13). Through these 21st century challenges, we can spiritually mature from our experiences, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope will not make us ashamed. (Romans 5: 3-5)

The Protection of Hope

We need the assurance of hope to hold back the troubles of the world and Satan’s attempts to frustrate us.  The intent of both is to cause us to “give up.”  John Elderedge in his book, Resilient, describes this state of mind as “Desolation.”

I suffered a couple of devastating emotional blows in the summer of 2021. There were things I felt God had promised me that, in heartbreaking ways, did not come through. I felt so betrayed and abandoned. But then, in my vulnerable state, something came over me—a dark cloud, a sort of suffocating fog that urged me to give up my life with God. The symptoms included a sort of dullness of heart, a poverty of spirit, and a bareness of soul. Disappointment, so understandable, collapsed into disillusionment.

 Neither hope nor joy comes easily. Hopelessness infects our faith. We must find the supernatural graces to guard our hearts against both Desolation, and the riptides that pull us away from God.

Giving up will result in missed blessings.  This includes failure to accomplish the purpose God has designed for us (Ephesians 2:10). Worst case, it may cause us to walk away from our relationship with God and His protection. When that happens, Satan has won, offering no replacement except more disappointment and heart break.

The audacity of hope is possible by:

  • Knowing God (Psalm 16:11)
  • Abiding in Christ (John15:5)
  • Filling by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Next week, we’ll continue to discuss the audacity of hope, especially during these chaotic times.

Knowing God

What is God’s Story?

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Our View of the World

What is our view of the world today?  Where are we headed as a people?  How do we respond to the events happening real time in our individual lives, in our communities, and in our world?   More importantly, where is God in the mix of all these happenings?   With everything that is occurring, we might wonder if God really cares about us.  Never doubt, God cares! (Psalm 139:17)

There are those who have a cartoonish view of God and His relationship with His creation.  Some see God as “a man viewing an ant in a fishbowl”.  He is seen as distant, detached, and disconnected.  That may be how we feel as we view the world around us today.  But as I stated at the beginning of this teaching, God has a plan.

God’s Plan Unfolding

The Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) orchestrated their plan before the creation of the world.  That redemptive plan (Roman 5:2) has been unfolding through the history of mankind and continues even today in the 21st century.     It is by His divine power and grace that we live, and move, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28)

Redemption’s plan is set in the historical context of the world. As chronicled from Genesis to Revelation, God has an eternal plan that restores man’s fellowship with God by the creation of an escape from death’s curse (Romans 5:2) and the rediscovery of the spiritual life.  It is God’s plan to bring mankind to Himself (Ephesians 1:7-11) and ultimately to a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1).

Knowing God is sovereign is enough to give us a good hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16).  It assures us of our future well-being (Jeremiah 29:11).  Why is this important?  How is it relevant to us today?  As we face the many challenges of life, many times our faith is shaken to the foundation.  Understanding God’s plan, we can exchange our fear for bold confidence. (Psalm 20:7)

 God’s Plan and History

There are basically three frameworks for interpreting history:  biblical (God-centered), humanist (human-centered), and providential (divine-human partnership).  For purpose of this teaching, we will focus on biblical and humanist.

In humanism, history is the story of what humanity can achieve on its own. Humanism teaches that history is primarily shaped by human thought, power, and progress.  Humanity becomes the center of history.

In contrast, the biblical view, Scripture teaches that God acts within human history.  History is not random or purely human driven; it is God revealing Himself through human events.   God is active in the movement of human events and history (Acts 17:26-27)

The key differences are listed in the chart below.

         HUMANIST VIEW                BIBLICAL VIEW
Humanity writes history God authors history
Progress comes through human effort Redemption comes through divine purpose
Religion interprets human experience God reveals Himself in history
The future depends on human advancement The future unfolds through God’s kingdom

The biblical or God-centered framework helps to undergird our faith walk and trust in God’s sovereignty.  Who better can determine the direction and ultimate outcome of mankind than the Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth. (Revelation 4:10)

Which STORY will we accept?

What are the foundational beliefs that support our acceptance of God’s plan?  We can:

  • Embrace the sovereignty of God. God is sovereign and the supreme authority over everything in heaven and on earth (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:10)
  • Accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Through Jesus’ sacrifice we now have access to God’s presence, promises, provision, and protection.  (Romans 5:1-5)
  • Understand historical events and personal struggles as part of “God’s Story”. They are for God’s glory and for the establishment of His kingdom on earth—the New Creation.  (2 Peter 3:10-14)

We are not ants in a fishbowl.  God loves us unconditionally and His love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3).  As we embrace, accept, and understand God’s story, our faith will be strengthened.  Then we will possess the resilience needed to navigate difficult times.  We will prevail during the darkest of days because we know there is purpose in what we are experiencing.  Better yet, we can prevail because “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble”.  (Psalms 46:1-3)

Next week, well share how we fit in God’s Story.

Victorious Living

The Divine Through Time: Why Now?

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The Divine through Time

In “God’s Divine Time in History”, we introduced the understanding that God has ordered and designed the environment in which we operate.  This includes past, present, and future.  All three eventually become “history”.

History is actually “His divine story”—the divine fulfillment of God’s plan in the world.  What is that plan and how does it manifest itself in our life is the purpose in this short series entitled,  “His Story: The Divine through Time”.

 Why now?

It is important to continually reinforce our knowledge of who God is.  Knowing God is foundational in securing our trust and our confidence (Psalms 27:1-3).  This is especially true during difficult times when fear and doubt challenge our faith.  When that happens, we can stand firmly on what we know about God and those things which He has revealed to us.

Those things God reveals can answer persistent questions concerning not only our life but the lives of those around us, including our nation.   How we respond to things revealed become the entry point for God to provide His power, His provision, and His presence.

 For such a time as this.

This study is important “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) as we face challenges that seem impossible.  These challenges over time affect our mental health.[1]

In a nation grappling with polarization and uncertainty, the emotional undercurrents of daily life are becoming harder to ignore. The American Psychological Association’s latest Stress in America™ survey revealed that societal division is a significant stressor for many U.S. adults, suggesting loneliness and emotional disconnection have become a defining feature of life in America. In the survey — conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of APA among more than 3,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older — 62% reported societal division as a significant source of stress in their lives.

Through better understanding God’s purpose and plan for the world and our individual lives, we can reduce the fear and anxiety created by living in 21st century reality.

It begins with understanding God’s Sovereignty

It is important to understand God’s sovereignty as we begin our study of God’s story through time.  By embracing the fact that God is sovereign and the supreme authority over everything in heaven and on earth (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:10), we can better navigate our challenges.

In his book, The Sovereignty of God, A.W. Tozer, pastor, author, and spiritual mentor, cries out for renewed understanding of God’s sovereignty.

Present day conditions call loudly for a new examination and new presentation of God’s omnipotence, God’s sufficiency, God’s sovereignty. From every pulpit in the land it needs to be thundered forth that God still lives, that God still observes, that God still reigns. Faith is now in the crucible; it is being tested by fire, and there is no fixed and sufficient resting-place for the heart and mind but in the throne of God. What is needed now, as never before, is a full, positive, constructive setting forth of the Godhead of God. 

Because of God’s sovereignty we can begin to access God’s power and presence.  This helps to strengthen our faith and build the personal resilience we need to persevere.  The uncertainties and insecurities we experience today can now be transferred to God who is the only one who can do something about them (2 Corinthians 12:9).

[1]   Mental health is the component of behavioral health that includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  Mental health is a state of well-being that enables us to cope with the stresses of life, realize our abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to our community.

Victorious Living

A Better New Year’s Resolution, Part 2

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A Better New Year's Resolution, Part 2

A better new year

As we previously shared, new year’s resolutions are not the best way to create change in our life.  Strength of character and self-will, often fall short in taking us where we really want to be.  We determined that “the best way” to introduce real change in our lives is through our relationship with Jesus Christ.  We must put on our “new man”.  In Christ we have a new identity.

Embrace our identity in Christ

When I began my Christian walk, the meaning of “in Christ” was a mystery to me.  I tried to understand it based on those things I was familiar with.  For example, I established membership in the local church.  I was in fellowship with its members to serve and glorify God in my life.  But “in Christ”, what did it mean?

In Christ is the present experience of the risen Christ indwelling the believer’s heart.  Through the Holy Spirit we take on the personality of Christ.  It is more than an imitation of the life and teaching of Jesus.  It describes the believer’s union with Christ as a result of the divine action of grace by God.  The result of that action is the believer is transformed into a “new man.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Renewed in knowledge

Knowledge is defined as general awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

However, in Colossians 3:10 knowledge means “precise and correct knowledge”.  It is used in the New Testament of the knowledge of things ethical and divine.  It is this type of knowledge that is needed today to navigate the challenges of our times.

Paul tells the church at Colosse to “put on the new man” who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.  “New man” and “old man” were terms introduced by Paul to contrast the believer’s new versus old behaviors and lifestyle (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 2:15; 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-11).

So why did Paul tell the church to put on the new man? Because the new man has access to the “precise and correct” knowledge needed for righteous living (living in right relations with God and with mankind).  This knowledge is provided through the Holy Spirit living within the new man (John 16:13).  This is where transformation takes place.

In addition, this new man’s knowledge is further strengthened as a result of being created in the image of God.  In Christ we possess God’s divine nature—His DNA.  DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms.  It is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally.  In Christ, we have been given a new spiritual DNA that equips us for the purpose and plan God has created for our lives.

True Knowledge

In Christ, we not only have renewed knowledge but also “true” knowledge.  Paul describes this in 2 Peter 1:2-4.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Knowledge (of God) protects us against error and deception, regardless of its source.  It helps us discern and use God’s truth to guide our life.  True knowledge sharpens our spiritual eyes to see not only potential dangers but also the possibilities that God has in store for us.

Promise of a better year

If we want a better new year, we must be intentional.  Our aim should not be wasted on things that never work.  Our focus must continue to be on the Person who has the authority and power to “make all things work together for our good.”  (Romans 8:28).   That person is Almighty God (Psalm 97:1-2).

Our divine truth is this.  Being in Christ and knowledge of God will provide us with everything we need to be successful not only this new year, but also all the way to glory. Let us diligently seek the Lord more this year than last.  This is the best way to a better new year.

Advent/Christmas

Rediscovering Waiting This Advent

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The Discipline of Waiting

Waiting

Advent season is a time of waiting.  Waiting by its very definition is challenging.  Waiting is the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.   

How well we wait lies not only in what we are waiting for but also who we trust to provide our desired outcome.   That trust is based on the provider’s ability to deliver the outcome.  That why as believers, it is important to remember that Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith is worth waiting for.

Advent and Waiting

The first Advent was a time of waiting.  Israel waited with hope for the promised redeemer who would deliver them from the tyranny of the Roman Empire.  The Three Wise Men (Magi) waited for a sign (the star) that would lead them to the King of the Jews.

Those who studied the law and the prophets, such as Simeon and Anna, daily waited for the arrival of the Promised Savior.  “There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon:  and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.” (Luke 2:25).

Waiting is a spiritual discipline  

Godly waiting is a spiritual discipline that we should cultivate.  As with any discipline, practice makes “progress” (perfection is not always the goal).  Advent is a time in which we should make every effort to expand our capacity to wait.  That increased capacity will strengthen us for the days ahead.

While waiting, we exercise our patience “muscles” and bolster our endurance until we receive what we are waiting for (Hebrew 10:36).  In our waiting, faith is activated and strengthened.  It is in the waiting that our hope becomes an expectation.  While waiting, our belief and trust become rooted and grounded in the Lord (Psalm 27:13-14).

What are you waiting for?  Provision, healing, or deliverance?  The believer who waits on the Lord will not be disappointed!  (Isaiah 40:31)

What have we learned this year about waiting? 

What have we learned about waiting in 2025?  We learn from our experiences to the extent we are willing to be shaped by them (Hebrew 12:11).  This includes our experiences with waiting.

Waiting is an important discipline for us to learn.  As I stated earlier, how well we wait is based on who we trust to provide our desired outcome.  We are more willing to wait when we trust the one who can and will deliver the outcome we need.

As believers our response to waiting is different because we know Who can deliver everything we may be waiting for.  It is the Creator and Sustainer of all things—seen and unseen; past, present, and future; Alpha and Omega.  It is Eternal God (Jeremiah 10:10, 12).

The Gift in Waiting 

We have been given great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) as well as spiritual gifts (Ephesians 1:3-17) that enable us to live victoriously.  These also enable us to wait patiently and hopefully on the Lord.

As we live in this period between Jesus’ first arrival (as Savior) and His second return (as Judge), let us remain faithful to that which God has given us to do (Titus 2:14).  Use this time of waiting to experience the fullness of God and to serve Him until His return.

Spiritual Renewal

Finding True Rest: A Biblical Perspective

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The Rest we need!

 

The Biblical view of rest

Earlier in this series, we asked the question, “Do you need rest?”  We examined the three (3) biblical rests God has provided for His Covenant people.  Sabbath rest, Canaan rest, and Eternal rest.

We concluded that accessing these rests is possible through development of an intimate relationship with God.  Our rest can be found in listening to His voice and obeying Him.  We closed with Lawrence O. Richards’ explanation that Christians often struggle with learning how to enter God’s rest.  God’s rest is a place of confidence and contentment that can only be found in relationship with Him.

The Scientific view of rest

In her Ted Talk, “The 7 Types of rest that every person needs,” Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, shares what is really needed for us to rest.  My biggest take away was the fact that we often mistakenly view rest as sleep.

“We go through life thinking we’ve rested because we have gotten enough sleep — but in reality we are missing out on the other types of rest we desperately need. The result is a culture of high-achieving, high-producing, chronically tired and chronically burned-out individuals. We’re suffering from a rest deficit because we don’t understand the true power of rest.  “

Dr. Smith concludes her study with the definition of spiritual rest.  She describes it as feeling a “deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose”.  She recommends that to receive spiritual rest, one needs to “engage in SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF, ADD PRAYER, MEDITATION, OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.”

For me, and believers in Christ, that “deep belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose” is found in Christ. Christ is the better rest.

A Better Rest

Paul states that in Christ, “we live, and move, and have our meaning” (Acts 17:28).  This includes our time of rest.  Even during our physical rest, we must not forget to maintain relationship with Jesus.  It is in acknowledging the Lord’s presence, that our better rest begins.

Jesus invites the crowds in Matt. 11: 28-29 to “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”   Jesus offers rest.

After the disciples had returned from their mission trip (Mark 6:7-13), Jesus instructs then to “come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”   Jesus is rest.

“Alone time” with God can allow God to examine us. It can be a time of knowing God more deeply, a time of strengthening, a time of refreshment, a time of sharing our deepest concerns with God, and a time of simply being with the One who formed us and loves us beyond our understanding.[1]

Rest:  How do we enter it?

The rest we need can only be found in relationship with Jesus.  It is “relational rest”.  This rest can be found in the practice of spiritual disciplines.  Spiritual disciplines are not an end in themselves.  Spiritual disciplines are intended to deepen our relationship with God.[2]

Prayer Talking to God
Meditation Listening to God
Solitude Alone with God
Contemplation Thinking about God
Worship Glorifying God

I close with a formula on how to enter God’s rest.  Feel free to develop your own.  The main thing to remember is to keep Christ as the source of your rest.

R. Reflection. Daily examine where God has been at work. This will foster awareness of God’s presence.

E. Exchange. Trade-out Satan’s lies for God’s truths. This will increase your wisdom and discernment.

S.  Solace. Find comfort and consolation in God’s presence. This will strengthen your confidence.

T. Transformation. Each day seek to be conformed to the image of Christ. This will please God.

[1]  Got Questions, “What does the Bible say about the value of solitude?”

[2]  Rev. Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, “A Prayer for Presence.”

Spiritual Renewal

Rest in the Wilderness

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Finding our wilderness rest

Finding our wilderness rest

Rest.  Who needs rest?  We all do!  Health professionals agree that the need for rest is critical.  It is essential for our overall well-being.  This includes our emotional health and cognitive performance.

But how can we rest?  21st century living has introduced a unique set of challenges that radically impair our ability to rest.  Our current life experiences have resulted in heightened anxiety within our families, our cities, and our nation.

Similarly, rest for believers has always been (and will continue to be) challenging.  This is because we live in a fallen world.  However, the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:9-11) offers a “viable solution”.   He invites believers to enter God’s rest.

Defining rest

Webster defines rest as not only sleep but also as freedom from worry or trouble.   Rest in the Bible is used most frequently in non-theological terms.

However, it takes on spiritual meaning when used in relationship to God and His people.  Most specifically, when used in reference to the Old and New Covenant.

God addresses wilderness rest

In the Old Testament, Sabbath rest is first introduced in Genesis as God ceases from His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3).  God later commanded Sabbath rest as part of the Mosaic Law (Exodus 31:15).  He knew that all living creatures needed physical renewal.

Canaan rest began with the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt.  Rest was defined as deliverance from slavery.  Canaan rest established protection from and victory over Israel’s enemies as they entered into the Promised Land (Joshua 14:15).  By following God’s commandments, Israel would no longer be threatened by attack from Canaanite inhabitants (Joshua 23:1).  Peace in the land would be their rest.

Most importantly, Jesus Christ’s arrival and selfless act of atonement introduced us to God’s Eternal rest.  This rest surpassed those previously offered beginning with precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 26).  Believer’s eternal rest will culminate with Jesus Christ in eternity.

Accessing God’s rest

Accessing God’s rest is possible through development of an intimate relationship with Him.  Our rest can be found in listening to His voice and obediently acquiescing to His will (John 10:27).  For example, believers should let God’s Word and Spirit guide us.  God has already provided solutions for our problems therefore releasing us from unnecessary anxiety and fear.

On this matter of rest, Lawrence O. Richards, noted theologian writes:  “The struggle Christians are engaged in is not that of finding their way through life but of entering God’s rest.”  That is, believers need to be more responsive to the Lord.

Responding to rest in the wilderness

We can find rest as we listen for and respond to the Lord’s voice.  We trust the Creator of all rests—Sabbath rest, Canaan rest, and Eternal rest.

Only Sovereign God can create, deliver, and protect.  He gives use victory over the challenges we face (Romans 8:37).  God knows the end from the beginning and His purpose will stand (Isaiah 46:8-10).  It is God’s desire that we live more fully as recipients of His gift of rest.  He invites us to draw near.

Spiritual Endurance

Wilderness Living 2025

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Experiencing Wilderness Living

Are we experiencing wilderness living?   I’m not talking about a survival challenge where one willingly goes into the wilderness to test their mental and physical endurance.  This wilderness experience is usually thought of as tough times in which we endure major trials and tribulation.  During such times, we are unable to enjoy life because of the unceasing stress and strain over conditions in which we have no control.  Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.

Our current world is presenting us with challenges we have never faced before.  These events, without a doubt, test our mental, physical, and spiritual endurance. It feels like a bad dream repeated on a continuous loop.

Struggles for power, influence, and control have resulted in strife and evil of every type—locally, nationally, and internationally.  James must have had these times in mind when he wrote: “Where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16).  Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.

God revealed during wilderness living 

For the nations of Israel, living in captivity in Babylon and Assyria was their experience with “wilderness living.”  For seventy (70) years they were removed from those things which they loved the most—their land, their temple, and most importantly, their God.  But God, through His prophet Isaiah, sent words of consolation to Israel during their wilderness experience.  He promised to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:16-19).

New in Hebrew means to renew, rebuild, or repair.  During these times of uncertainty and chaos all three actions are needed.   Our minds need to be renewed versus being conformed to the insanity of the world (Romans 12:1-2).  We need to rebuild and repair our relationships (Romans 12:17-18).  We are divided by so many things—our political views, our racial makeup, our economic position.  Satan has used these factors to polarize us and negate Jesus’ mandate to love one another (Matthew 5:43-44).

God promised Israel that He would not only renew, rebuild, and repair that which was loss during the exile, but He would also, do the impossible— “make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”  God would revive Israel physically and spiritually.

Through our wilderness experience, God is CONTINUALLY renewing, rebuilding, and repairing our lives (Psalm 130:5).

Facing wilderness living  

Wilderness experiences are times in our lives when we feel powerless and lack those things that bring us happiness, contentment, and peace.  Wilderness living is different for everyone.

For some people wilderness living may be survival—inability to provide for physical and emotional needs. It may be relational—failed, estranged, or disappointing relationships.  For still others, wilderness living may be experiential—moments of personal loss, loneliness, or misfortune.  No two wildernesses are the same.

Our spiritual man may also feel strained.  Our faith is challenged as we try to make sense of what God is doing not only in the world but in our lives.  We feel alone and isolated.  We may even think God has left us and no longer hears our prayers.  Is God with us in our wilderness?  He answers, “Yes!”  It’s in His Word (Psalms 91:15; Isaiah 43:2; Isaiah 49:15).

Living in the wilderness

John Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author of “Resilient: Restoring your weary soul in these Turbulent Times” shares his thoughts about living in wilderness:

One of the first warnings Jesus gave us about living through [these] times was simply don’t “freak out”.  Unflappable Jesus, the most level-headed guy ever, simply refuse to get baited into any of the drama of his own day. And he urges us to be unflappable too. Jesus knew that everything was going to be shouting for our attention, trying to get us all spun up. It wears a soul down.  And there is a way out.  

 Regardless of our wilderness experience, we can ALWAYS trust God.  We can relinquish control to God’s sovereign will and His steadfast love (Psalm 18:1-3).   He cares about everything that keeps us awake at night—our family, our provision, and our future.  God will sustain us.  While we have no forecast as to where these times may lead us, we DO have the blessed assurance that God is with us and for us (Psalm 119:116).  As we strengthen our intimacy with Him, we will find true contentment, and peace, even during “Wilderness Living 2025” (Revelations 21:7).

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: When Life KEEPS Happening

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Throwback Wednesday : Life Keeps on Life-ing“Life keeps on life-ing!”

Does it seem as though life is getting harder to navigate?  Well, guess what?  It is!

I understand that “life lived under the sway of sin and Satan”, will continue its path of destruction.  “Life keeps on life-ing”; leading to disappointment,  pain, and suffering (Galatians 6:7-8).

I know that  as long as we live in this fallen world,  we will face trials and tribulations (John 16:33).  However, as believers, our peace, our confidence, and our  expectations can only come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth AND who is aware of everything that we are currently facing (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).

With these thoughts in mind, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, “When Life Happens.”  While it was originally written  for a personal application of life happenings, it is most appropriate as we formulate our responses to the events happening  both locally and nationally.