pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: trust


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Called, Guided, Protected

Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9

Isaiah 50:9a – “Look! The Lord God will help me.”

Turning to Isaiah 50, the prophet describes his work. This section is subtitled “The faithful servant.” As we read these words they are both a description of Isaiah’s ministry and a reminder of who and what we are called to do and be as disciples. This passage is known as the “Third Servant Song.” These three songs all connect to Jesus in the Christian tradition, adding to our call to live out and to share God’s word.

In our passage today the faithful servant begins the day with God. During what we might call “quiet time with God,” the prophet receives God’s word and guidance on how to apply and share it. While this early morning option is my preference too, God is present and available 24/7, ready and willing to “open our ear” anytime and anyplace.

Verses 6-8 reveal the “cost of discipleship.” The prophet experiences attackers and those who insult him and even spit in his face. The word of God is not always well-received. With trust in God – “Look! The Lord God will help me” – Isaiah remained true to his calling. He was determined and unafraid. He knew that the one who “will declare me innocent” was right by his side. This belief and trust allowed and empowered him to walk forward in faith.

If we are being faithful to God’s call upon our lives, we too will likely face rejection and perhaps abuse. It can be tempting to be quiet or to turn from our task. In those moments of temptation, may we first remember that God calls us to witness to our faith. Second, may we remember that God goes with us too, our ever-present guide and protector. May we go forward in faith this day and every day, proclaiming God’s kingdom here on earth.

Prayer: Lord God, each day, as we come to you, fill us with your word, your wisdom, your guidance and direction. As we seek to minister to the world, encourage and strengthen us, especially when we are attacked and rejected. Lead and guide us to joyfully and willingly count the cost of discipleship, knowing that we are serving and glorifying you. Amen.


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Faithful Love

Reading: Psalm 31:9-16

Psalm 31:10 – “My life is consumed with sadness… Strength fails me because of my suffering.”

Our journey to Palm Sunday begins with David and Psalm 31. These words form a prayer song that seeks refuge in God. I can imagine Jesus praying these words as he lived out his final days here on earth. Verses 1-8 express a hope and a trust in God during a time of testing and trial caused by David’s “enemy.” Turning to verse 9, we see the outcome of this time of difficulty. David has cried so many tears, his vision fails. His body and spirit are right there too. As we recall long seasons of grief and testing, we can relate to how David feels.

David expresses this in verse 10, saying, “My life is consumed with sadness… Strength fails me because of my suffering.” Grief and suffering can be consuming. Like in Ezekiel’s valley, David feels like “dry bones.” The situation is so bad, even his friends avoid him. They “run away” when they see him in the streets. We don’t know why but we can speculate based upon our own experiences. In times of deep grief, people are avoided. Maybe we have felt that and likely we’ve avoided others. Sometimes we’ve been wearied. Sometimes the words to say seem elusive. This makes us or the other feel like David felt: “forgotten… dead… completely out of mind.”

There is a shift that occurs in verse 14. In the middle of this difficult reality, when enemies attack and friends scatter, David turns to the one who is present even then. He declares his trust in God. David gives his future into God’s hands. He asks that God would “Shine your face upon your servant.” In God’s presence David offers a request: “Save me by your faithful love.” It is a love that never fails. Our ever-present God is always with us. In times of trial and suffering, may we turn to the Lord our God, the one whose face always shines, whose love always surrounds us.

Prayer: Lord God, when we feel surrounded by grief and trial, abandoned by friends, remind us of your loving presence. When we are wearied by our sadness or by the suffering of another, give us strength to engage and courage to trust. Turn our hearts and minds to you, surround us with your faithful love, shine your face upon us. Amen.


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Possible and Available

Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-6

Ezekiel 37:5 – “The Lord God proclaims to these bones: I am about to put breath in you, and you will live again.”

As we prepare to spend time today and tomorrow in Ezekiel 37, we begin with some framing context and with a few questions. The valley of dry bones, we will learn, represents the nation of Israel’s dead faith. Because of this dead faith, they worshipped false gods, leading to physical death and destruction, followed by 70 years in exile. In light of this, where and how have you and I become disconnected from God? Are there areas of our faith and/or life that are like dry bones? And, how might the breath of God restore life to you and to me?

The opening verses of Ezekiel 37 set the scene. The Spirit brings Ezekiel to a broad valley. As he is led about, he sees that there are “a great many” of these “very dry bones.” An entire nation had been defeated by Babylon. Most died and the survivors were taken away into exile. Despair and hopelessness have grown as the years ticked by. The exiles question the prophets recent words of hope. They desire to return to the land that God once gave them, but…

The Lord’s Spirit asks the prophet if these bones can live. This is a relevant question for Israel, for our nation, perhaps for us as individuals. Ezekiel defers to God. The prophet witnessed the absolute defeat of Israel and he was one of those hauled off into exile. He’s been living in Babylon for many years, speaking to a people who are still far from God. The thought of resurrection feels too big, the idea impossible. So he gives it to God. And God has a plan. God instructs Ezekiel to say, “The Lord God proclaims to these bones: I am about to put breath in you, and you will live again.” This is a statement of faith. God will do this. God will restore and redeem Israel. Then, “You will know that I am the Lord.” How might God be reaching out to restore your relationship with God? How can the Spirit’s breath bring you new life?

Prayer: Lord God, you really can do anything. You are the God of all things, even that which seems impossible. Help us to see and then to trust our dryness and brokenness to you. Remind us once again that because of your great and unconditional love, new life is always possible and available. Deferring to you, lead us to new life as you breathe into our hearts today. Amen.


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Wait in Hope

Reading: Psalm 130:1-6

Psalm 130:5 – “I hope, Lord. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise.”

Psalm 130 is one of the Psalms of Ascent. These songs would be sung as people made their way up to Jerusalem for a religious festival or for worship. Jerusalem was built on a hill, so the journey was always up, no matter where one approached from. The psalmist’s emotions match this physical reality. The writer cries out to God “from the depths.”

While we do not know the details of the psalmist’s current trial, we’ve all spent time in the depths. It might have been during a season battling a physical illness or emotional challenge. Maybe it was a time of unwanted change – moving to a new city or going through a divorce. Perhaps is was the time walking with someone toward death. There are many times in life when we cry out to God from our own depths.

The psalmist cries out, “I hope, Lord. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise.” Sometimes in the darkest valley, in the deepest depth, all that we have is hope. We hope in God’s promises yet remain in the depths. And like the night watch, we wait. We wait for the dawning of God’s love, light, healing, comfort, strength, redemption, rescue. We wait in Hope for the Lord our God. We trust that God is faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, be with us in the depths. In those moments when we’d do anything to escape the pain, the suffering, the hurt… enable us to hope in you and in your promises. As we linger in that moment and with those emotions, empower us to trust in you, to hold onto hope in you. Walk with us in the valley. Transform us as we go. Amen.


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Leaving Trails

Reading: Psalm 23:4-6

Psalm 23:6a – “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Photo credit: Christopher Beloch

Returning to Psalm 23 today, we delve into verses 4-6. In verse 4 we are reminded that the good shepherd of verses 1-3 is also with us in the “darkest valleys” of life. The darkest valleys are many: addiction, depression, death, grief, divorce, forced relocation, loss of employment, friendship, and security, illness, disease, homelessness, poverty, injustice, oppression. These dark valleys are situations and circumstances that we would rather avoid than go through. We’ll try and go around them. We’ll try and pretend that they are not really there. Faced with the reality of the dark valley, we’ll try everything in our power to get through or to climb out. And then, when there’s nothing else to try, we’ll turn to God. Surrendering our fear, loneliness, anxiety… to God, we feel a power and presence that walks with us. We’re not airlifted out of the valley, but God is with us, giving us hope, comfort, peace, strength… in the darkest valleys.

As we experience God’s presence again and again, we trust more and more into our relationship with God. Even when “enemies” – those listed above and more -are right in front of us, we feel safe and blessed by God’s presence. We are not alone. We can declare as David declares, “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.” Aware of God in deeper and more trusting ways, we come to see that God doesn’t just show up when we really need God. No, God pursues us. All of the time. God fills us with goodness and faithful love – so much so that these blessings overflow out of us, leaving trails of goodness and love behind us as we live as light and love in the world. In this way, God’s goodness and faithful love fill other’s cups too, bringing God’s power and presence into their lives. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your goodness, love, and mercy that draws us to your heart, to your family, and to our place in your house. Draw us into your power and presence again and again, empowering us to truly walk with you all of our days. Walking closely, Lord, use us to be goodness and love in the world, inviting others into your power and presence. Amen.


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Living as Light

Reading: Ephesians 5:8-11

Ephesians 5:9 – “Light produces fruit that consist of goodness, justice, and truth.”

Paul begins today’s passage by reminding those in the churches in Ephasus and those in the church today that although we were once in darkness, living as people of the world, we are now in “the light of the Lord.” Our old, sinful, selfish ways have been laid aside so that we can now live as “children of the light.” The apostle paints this change as black and white terms: light and darkness. While we strive to live in the light, the reality is that we sometimes stray into the darkness and often times we live in the gray.

The journey of faith and the work of the Spirit draws us to the light end of this spectrum. As we mature in faith, we tend to sin less. Even so, we never remain sinless for long. As Peter says in his first letter, the lion always prowls. Because of this, our faith growth is not strictly linear. While we are imperfect, we also seek to be more and more like Christ. Paul reminds us, in verse 9, of why we strive to live faithfully: “Light produces fruit that consist of goodness, justice, and truth.” When our lives yield these outcomes, we witness to God’s love and care and power, drawing others to the light.

While we seek to keep away from “the unfruitful actions of darkness,” they are all around us. Paul encourages us to allow the light within us to “reveal the truth” about the evil inside ourselves and in the world. Concerning others, we must prayerfully discern when and how and where to speak truth. At times we will be led to “call out” injustice, oppression, and other evils. And at times we will be led to take a more gentle and kind “calling in” of those who have started from the faith. In both ways, we a living faithfully as the light of Christ in the world.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide us to walk as children of the light. Open our eyes and hearts to the ways you provide for us to be goodness, justice, and truth first to ourselves and then to the world. As we focus on our own faith, help us to mature and to trust in you more and more. From this solid foundation, guide us in our efforts to reveal truth to the world and to our fellow believers. Guide us to always lead with love and grace. Amen.


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All Is Not Lost

Reading: Psalm 95:8-11

Psalm 95:8-9 – “Don’t harden your hearts like… when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me.”

Continuing in Psalm 95 today, God speaks. Yesterday’s verses ended with these words from the psalmist:“If only you would listen to his [God’s] voice right now!” If only we’d always remember that God holds us and all of creation in the divine presence. If only our lives were a reflection of the joy and salvation that can be ours when we walk in a right relationship with the Lord our God.

In verses 8-9 we read, “Don’t harden your hearts like… when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me.” While Meribah and Massah are likely unfamiliar places to us, they represent times when Israel questioned, grumbled against, and complained to God. We can name many places and times when we have done just these things. We often allow our selfish and sinful nature to harden our hearts. Even though we, as did the Israelites, see God’s “acts,” we quickly forget God’s love, care, protection, provision… The sheep of God’s pasture continue to wander into other fields.

We read about how God “despised” this generation with “twisted hearts.” We read, “They will never enter my place of rest.” When we live with a twisted heart, whether temporarily or for a season or for almost our whole lives, we displease God because we are not listening to God’s voice. When we’ve focused our hearts and lives on the things of this world, we’ve certainly experienced a lack of rest – and peace, joy, contentment… When our thoughts and actions anger God, all is not lost. God is gracious and merciful, loving and forgiving. Humbly kneeling before our maker, we can swiftly return to our place in God’s pasture. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, oh how we can wander. Oh how our hearts can turn inward, away from all that you offer. Forgive us, Lord. Redeem and restore us. Thank you for your hand that always guides us back to you and for your love that always heals our brokenness. Amen.


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Keep, Rest, Trust

Reading: Psalm 95:1-7

Psalm 95:4-5 – “The earth’s depths are in his [God’s] hands… the mountain heights… the sea… the dry ground.”

Psalm 95 is a call to worship God with heart and voice. We are encouraged to “sing out loud… make a joyful shout… to the rock of our salvation.” On days when it is sunny and bright, on days when we feel good, it is pretty easy to worship the Lord our God. On these days we readily sense God’s goodness and presence in our lives and in our world. Verses 4-5 speak of God’s presence in our world: “The earth’s depths are in his [God’s] hands… the mountain heights… the sea… the dry ground.” The extension of this list is found in Genesis 1. The creatures of air and sea, the plants and animals – all created by and held in God’s hands.

The psalmist then takes the next step, completing the Genesis creation story: “He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture… the sheep of his hands.” We are included in God’s creative works. This too is a reason to sing out with joyful shouts. In communion with God and in community with one another we find love, relationship, belonging, purpose, meaning… Yes, thanks be to the Lord our God, our shepherd, our maker.

There are times, days, and seasons when we need to remember these verses, when we need to remember that God has the whole world in God’s hands – including you and me. When war rages, when oppression is great even in the streets of our land, when leaders seem more focused on personal gain than on the common good, when a loss feels crippling, when mother nature deals a devastating blow – God is still present, God still holds us all in the divine hands of our maker, God still deserves our praise and worship. In these times, days, and seasons, may we is keep the faith, resting in God’s goodness, trusting in God’s love and promises and presence.

Prayer: Lord God, walk closely with us at all times and in all situations. In the highs and lows, in the joys and sorrows, be near to us. In our minds, yes, we know you are all-powerful and ever-present. So when our hearts falter or doubt or question, remind us again. And again. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Turn to the Lord

Reading: Exodus 17:1-4

Exodus 17:3 – “But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.'”

Moses is the leader of the people of God, the conduit of God’s presence with the people. He is the one who went before Pharaoh again and again, bringing plague after plague to gain their freedom from slavery in Egypt. Moses led them out of Egypt and parted the sea when Pharaoh’s army was closing in on them. Through Moses, the bitter water became good. Moses went to God twice and the manna and then the quail satisfied the people’s hungers. As their journey in the wilderness brings them to Rephidim, there was no water for them or their livestock. To whom might they turn to provide water for this multitude in the middle of the desert?

Moses’ response is interesting. He retorts, “Why are you arguing with me? Why are you testing the Lord?” Think back to when your children were young or maybe to a time with a little brother or sister came to you if you’re still young. Can you remember the times when they came to you when they were hungry or thirsty or when they wanted something? They came to us because they trusted us. They knew that we loved them and would help them.

Like we too have experienced in scenarios with children, the people persisted. In verse 3 we read, But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.'” So great was their need, so desperate their situation, they would not give up. The people trusted in God’s love and care. They turned to the only one who could bring water in the desert. God was their only hope and Moses was the conduit. During our water-in-the-desert or hope-in-despair or comfort-in-sorrow or guidance-in-the-wilderness or peace-in-the-storm moments, may we too turn to the Lord our God, the one who is always present, the one who loves us completely, the one who will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love, care, and provision in the past. Because of this, we trust you to watch over us, to lead and guide us. But when we forget and complain or doubt or feel like worry is about to win the day, gently remind us of your constant presence and abiding love. Guide us to turn to you once again. You are our only hope. Amen.


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New Life – Now and Then

Reading: John 3:4-17

John 3:5 – “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter the kingdom of God.”

As we continue today in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, we go deeper. Nicodemus scoffs at being born again: “it’s impossible.” What if Nicodemus understands Jesus’ spiritual reference, but doesn’t think he can actually give up his status and power to follow Jesus? He’s worked so hard to get to his place on top of society. And he’s old – how can he change? How can this devout keeper of the Law become child-like in his faith, guided about here and there by the Holy Spirit, like a child being led by a loving parent?

Jesus offers him this assurance: “Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter the kingdom of God.” Born of water might just be our human birth – “flesh is flesh.” To be born of the Spirit is to be born anew from above. Later the church would link baptism to these words of Jesus. Baptism was symbolic of dying to the old self as one was immersed in the waters, washed clean. Emerging from the waters, the new self received the Holy Spirit into their new, in-Christ heart. While today many of us are baptized as infants, in reality we all come to the point where we must decide to die to self and to the world in order to follow Jesus. For some, this surrender comes as a teen or young adult. For others, like Nicodemus, it comes later in life.

Connecting to Nicodemus’ Jewish roots, Jesus tells him that the Messiah will one day be raised up like Moses raised the golden snake – both in order to save people from death. Connecting to the new life then and now that Jesus offers to all who believe in him, he tells Nicodemus, “God didn’t send his son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” In that moment, Jesus is inviting Nicodemus to accept the salvation that Jesus offers. The offer is always open to us all. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it can be scary to put our hand in your hand, trusting you to lead and guide as the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. Where you lead, like the wind, we do not know. But we do know that it is away from a love of this world, into a love for you and for neighbor that calls us to surrender our life again and again. As we walk this new life, our hearts become full of love and peace, grace and mercy, joy and forgiveness – full to overflowing. Thank you, God. Amen.