pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: unsteady


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Lean into God

Reading: Psalm 13:3-6

Psalm 13:6 – “Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.”

As we continue in Psalm 13 today, verses 3 and 4 sound much like verses 1 and 2 from yesterday’s reading. The “how long?” questions turn to what might happen if the answer to these questions is “never.” If God doesn’t see David’s plight and if God doesn’t answer David’s pleas and if God doesn’t restore his “sight”... then David will surely “sleep the sleep of death.” And his enemies will rejoice! The unstated question in this scenario is this: Ok, God, what good would come from all of this?!

Our human nature can lead us down this road too. Things aren’t going well at all and there is no hope (no God) in sight… Resignation and/or defeat begins to settle in and these emotions emerge in our prayers. We get here when we are “at the end of our rope” or when we’re as low as we can go. We have tried all that we can think of and we’re still at rock bottom. It is then that we often see God as the only way through or our, as our only way up.

It is then that we too remember the many times that God’s faithful love has lifted us up. It is then that we remember that our salvation is secure. The trials are temporary. It is then that our heart declares as David’s heart declared: “Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.” We lean into our God – the God who always loves us, who always provides for us, who always makes a way. Leaning in, we find hope and light. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, it is amazing that you want to be in a relationship with us. We are so fickle, so self-absorbed, so unsteady. But you are just the opposite: unchanging, giving, faithful. Thank you for choosing us, for leading and guiding us. You are an amazing God! Amen.


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Non-Linear Faith

Reading: 1st Peter 2:2-3

1st Peter 2:2 – “Instead, like a newborn baby, desire the pure spiritual milk of the word. Nourished by it, you will grow into salvation.”

Peter was a great leader in the early church. His faith was bold and strong. Peter had walked with Jesus himself for three years, slowly building his faith. He walked on water – not early in his walk with Jesus and not for very long. Peter was willing to fight for Jesus, drawing his sword in the garden – only to be rebuked by the Prince of Peace. And although he denied knowing Jesus after his arrest, Peter’s faith had been fully restored by the risen Christ. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter became one of the faces of this new movement of faith that would become known as Christianity.

As we turn to 1st Peter 2 today and tomorrow, we do so with a key understanding: most folks in the early “church” were new to Jesus and to the faith. Can you remember those days? Doubt was frequent. A return to your old ways was not uncommon. This is Peter’s audience. In verse 2 he writes, “Instead, like a newborn baby, desire the pure spiritual milk of the word. Nourished by it, you will grow into salvation.” Instead of relying on yourselves, turn to God. Recognize the newness of your faith and invest in its growth. Delve into the practices that will help your faith to grow. These disciplines would include prayer and meditation, worship and fellowship, studying God’s word, service, and even fasting. These things grow our faith.

The reality we experience when growing our faith reveals that it is non-linear. The progress is unsteady. We often fail early on. As we grow in our faith, though, we start to take more steps forward than backward. We realize again and again that the thing we’ve always done, well, it is sin. We confess it and strive to repent and grow. We start to see things undone or unspoken as sins of omission and we begin to live more faithfully, more boldly. Yet we never “arrive.” We can always be a little closer to Jesus than we were yesterday. Day by day may we strive to be more like Jesus in all ways. Yes, O God, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes, hearts, and minds to the ways that you seek to draw us deeper into faith. Guide and strengthen us as we continue to work out our salvation. Amen.


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Walking the Walk

Reading: Psalm 32:8-11

Psalm 32:10 – “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.”

Continuing in Psalm 32 today, God speaks in verses 8 and 9. These words assume that the confession and repentance spoken of in the previous verses has occurred. To those with a clean heart, God promises to “instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go.” God is talking about helping us to walk the walk of faith, to journey faithfully moving forward. To help in that process, God will “advise you” and God will “keep my eye on you.” Some of this occurs as we study the word and as we worship. Some happens as the Holy Spirit leads and guides, corrects and convicts. Our efforts are supported, strengthened, and encouraged by God’s indwelling presence.

Being honest with David and with us, God says, “Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule.” These animals are led by bit and bridle. To be forced to walk the walk of faith – that is not the way of love. As reinforcement David declares, “The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.” We’ve all felt the pain caused by sin, whether it was our sin or the sin of another. And we have all felt the joy and gladness when our heart has been made right with God or when a broken human relationship has been reconciled. We have all felt the hope and peace of God’s love surrounding us. These are moments and experiences that we must witness to the world. With a humble servant’s heart, may our lives “sing out in joy!” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, our will is weak but you are strong. Our walk becomes unsteady and misguided at times. You are always steadfast and true. Our obedience wavers and sometimes even fails. Your love always calls us back and your grace and mercy guide us back into right relationship with you and with one another. As we walk the walk of faith, lead us into a closer and closer connection to your will and way, to your heart and your love. Amen.