Where's God - Part 2

Last week in Part 1 of this post I started by asking the question, “Where’s God when life is tough?”  We looked at Jeremiah 24:1-10. 

In these verses God preserves the lives of the people of Judah by sending them into exile in Babylon.  I’m sure this isn’t exactly the vacation God’s people dreamt about.

In an instant their lives completely change.  Their homes are gone, they’ve lost loved ones, and now they’re marched off into exile to a strange foreign land.  The obvious question echoes…”Where’s God?”

There’s good news in response to Judah’s desperate query.

God doesn’t abandon the exiles.  He’s preps Jeremiah, working with him behind the scenes by telling him the plans he has for his people.  And Jeremiah, ever faithful to God’s call, waits for God’s perfect timing and writes a letter of reassurance (essentially a letter from God Himself) to the exiles.

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem.  ‘Build homes, and plan to stay.  Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.  Marry and have children.  Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren.  Multiply!  Do not dwindle away!  And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile.  Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.’”  Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NLT)

 

“This is what the Lord says, ‘You will be in Babylon for seventy years.  But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.  For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord.  ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’  Jeremiah 29:10-11 (NLT)

I imagine a unanimous sigh of relief echoes around Babylon upon receipt of this letter.  The exiles finally know God is still watching over them, even in this unknown, strange land.  Imagine the burden that’s lifted, simply because they know God is in control and looking out for them. 

You can breathe sigh of relief in the midst of your suffering, too.  You probably don’t see it at this moment, but God is in control.  He’s looking out for you and watching over you. 

Whatever God has planned it’s always better than anything we can imagine.  At the right time God will send a “Jeremiah” into your life to give you the “inside scoop”, and to reassure you.  Until that happens, hang onto God’s promise,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.  ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Things To Think About

What are you struggling with today?  Where might God be working “behind the scenes” this very moment, even though you can’t see it?

Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

Where's God - Part 1

Where’s God when your marriage falls apart?

Where’s God in the cancer riddled body lying in the Palliative Care Unit? 

Where’s God in the crumpled metal frame lying by the side of the road while the wail of an ambulance fades into the distance?
Where’s God when life is tough?

You may have asked these, or similar questions.  Right now you might be shaking your fist and screaming at God, demanding an answer to a tough question.

We all face circumstances in life that don’t make sense.  And we wonder, “Where’s God?”

Sometimes we don’t get answers, but sometimes God leaves us clues.

Today and next week I want to share insights from the book of Jeremiah.  I hope by the end of these two posts we’ll have a little more clarity to the anguished question, “Where’s God?”

Jeremiah is a prophet, called by God to preach a message of repentance to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.  Jeremiah’s message isn’t popular, but he remains faithful to God, persisting in warning the rebellious nations, Israel and Judah, of the dire consequences they’ll face if they don’t stop worshiping other Gods.

 

Like most of us, Israel and Judah are stubborn.  They fail to heed Jeremiah’s warning.  Jerusalem is overthrown.  Eventually the people of both nations are taken into exile.  Things look pretty bleak to the prisoners of war, as their victors herd them towards a life of exile in Babylon.

But God sends this message to Jeremiah…

“After King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled Jehoiachin son of Johoiakim, king of Judah to Babylon along with the officials of Judah and all the craftsmen and artisans, the Lord gave me this vision.  I saw two baskets of figs placed in front of the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem.  One basket was filled with fresh, ripe figs, while the other was filled with bad figs that were too rotten to eat. 

Then the Lord said to me, ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’

I replied, ‘Figs, some very good and some very bad, too rotten to eat.’

Then the Lord gave me this message: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says:  The good figs represent the exiles I sent from Judah to the land of the Babylonians.  I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back here again.  I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord.  They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.’

‘But the bad figs,’ the Lord said, ‘represent King Zedekiah of Judah, his officials, all the people left in Jerusalem, and those who live in Egypt.  I will treat them like bad figs, too rotten to eat.  I will make them an object of horror and a symbol of evil to every nation on earth.  They will be disgraced and mocked, taunted and cursed, wherever I scatter them.  And I will send war, famine, and disease until they have vanished from the land of Israel, which I gave to them and their ancestors.’  “Jeremiah 24:1-10 (NLT)

Jeremiah receives the “inside scoop” from God about the exiles.  Here’s what I believe God is telling Jeremiah…

There are good people living in Judah.  People who have potential to become a great and godly nation once more.  But they’re mixed up with evil and corrupt people.

By sending them into exile God separates these good people from the evil, corrupt ones.  He saves His people from the war and famine that He knows will devastate the land. 

By sending them into exile God preserves their lives. 

Here’s the problem for the exiles…

In the midst of the chaos; homes lost and lives changed overnight, the exiles can’t see or understand God’s greater purpose.  Like us in the midst of turmoil, I imagine they wonder…”Where’s God?  Why has He deserted us?”

Even though they don’t know it and can’t see or understand it at the time, God is still with the exiles.  He continues to protect and watch over them.

Quite often our troubles overwhelm us.  We give in to fear. 

The thing is when we’re in the midst of our troubles, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, we don’t know the whole picture.  We don’t know what God’s doing behind the scenes.  We don’t have Jeremiah’s “inside scoop”.  

This segment of Jeremiah brings hope for the exiles and it brings hope for us, too.  Even when we don’t see it, God is at work and has a plan for us.

There’s more good news for both the exiles and us a few chapters later in Jeremiah.  Next week we’ll look at some other promises God makes about taking care of his people. 

To read ahead, take a look at Jeremiah chapter 29.  That’s where we’ll be next week.

Thirty Second God Hits

Are you facing a stressful day?  We all have times when life is overwhelming and we don’t have the energy to make it through the day. 

Recently I injured my foot in a car accident when I tried to put the brake pedal through the floor boards in a futile attempt to avoid hitting a vehicle making a left hand turn in front of me.

My physiotherapist banned me from my running routine until my foot could heal.  After four weeks of inactivity I finally got the green light to start running again.

Following instructions to start off slowly I set the treadmill for 15 minutes.  It was great to be running!  I was excited.  I was energized.  I was pumped…for the first five minutes!

That’s when the lack of physical activity from the last four weeks kicked in.  I was gasping worse than an asthmatic in a forest fire!  There was no way I was going to make the fifteen minute mark!

The internal self-talk started.  Actually it was more of a “self-argument”.

“You can’t do it, there’s no way you’re going to make it.  There’s ten minutes left and you can’t breathe! 

“That’s ridiculous.  Of course I can make it.  I’ve done this before, heck I was running twice this distance before the accident.”

“Must slow down.  Not going to make it.”

“Have to make it.  I’ll never get back in shape if I don’t push myself.”

And then it happened.  The “Blog Thought”!  “If I can just make it to 15 minutes this would be a great example for a blog post.  If I don’t make it I’ve got nothing to write about.  (That’s right.  In the twisted minds of writers no life experience is exempt from becoming “blog fodder”.)

So I knew I had to continue, but how?  By breaking it down into minuscule goals. 

I couldn’t run for another ten minutes, but I could run for 30 seconds.  The timer ticked away…27, 28, 29, 30.  OK just run for another 30 seconds…29, 30…did it!  OK another 30!

Thirty seconds isn’t a lot but it was an achievable goal and I experienced baby step wins on the way to reaching my 15 minute goal.

Do you see the parallel between 30 second running goals and taking baby steps in the times when you can’t see what’s ahead in life? 

 

The times when you’re scared about the future

• When you face a broken marriage or the loss of a parent
• When you lose a job and don’t know how to start the hunt for a new one 
• When you’re so sick from the chemotherapy treatments you can’t raise your head off the pillow
• When you’re trying to help your child beat an addiction

Sometimes all you can do is cry out to God and ask for strength for the next 30 seconds, and the next, and the next.  God is faithful to give it to you.   

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

I did run my fifteen minutes that day and you can conquer 30 second segments in your life, too.  Remember 30 seconds adds up to 24 hours, then 48, then 72, then a week, a month, and a year. 

With each 30 seconds God imparts a little more of His gifts of grace and love.

Do you need a 30 second fix from God right now?  Cry out to Him in prayer.  He’s there for you always and He’ll respond with His incredible power and grace.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…

What’s the greatest challenge you’re facing in your life right now?  Where can you use a 30 second gift from God?  Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

Lamentations 3:21-23 - Bad Days

MEMORY VERSE:

But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness. (ESV)  Lamentations 3:21-23

Remember the song “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter?  It was played one season on American Idol when a contestant was eliminated.

“...‘Cause you had a bad day, you’re taking one down

You sing a sad song just to turn it around...”

What about the lyrics from the theme song to the sitcom “Friends”?

“...well it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year...”

Do you feel that way? 

We all have bad days.  The cause might be work, family, health, money, or relationships.  And sometimes those days do go on for weeks, months, or even years.

During these times it’s tempting to shut out the world, curl up in your fuzzy robe and slippers, and throw yourself a pity party.  I wonder if the author of Lamentations started out writing in fuzzy robe and slippers. 

He may have started out attired in the comfort of fuzziness, but soon realized he couldn’t stay this way.  In the midst of his lament he understands he’s not alone.  The people of Israel aren’t abandoned.  God is still there, faithful in love, mercy, and grace. 

If you’re having a bad day that won’t go away, remember we have cause to hope.  Even in the midst of our worst sorrows and trials God never stops loving us and He never abandons us.  God is with us every morning, even on our bad days, bringing us mercy and grace. 

What does that look like? 

It could be a visit from a friend, a “thinking of you” card in the mail, a phone call from a family member, the strength to get out of bed, relief from pain, patience with a child, another day of work, a surprise cheque in the mail...the list is endless.

God’s mercies aren’t limited.  He knows what you need, when you need it.  That is cause to hope.   Praise be to God!

Things To Think About...

What sends you scurrying for your fuzzy robe and slippers?  What mercies does God bring to you during those times?  Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;  His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness (ESV)

Lamentations 3:21-23

Matthew 7:7-8 - Persistent Pursuit

MEMORY VERSE:

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”  Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

Do you have times when you wonder where God is?  Do you feel He’s abandoned you when you need His presence the most?  Are you reading this and thinking, “God, what God, I’ve never been able to find God?”

If you have these thoughts you’re not alone.  On any given day you listen to the news around the world and wonder, "Where is God?"  Where is He in the famine in Africa, in the violence in Syria, in the recent shooting in the movie theater in Colorado?

Closer to home; where is God in your cancer diagnosis, in the death of your child, in the depression of your spouse?  Quite often life doesn’t work out the way we hoped and injustice surrounds us.

All of the “where are God” questions are valid thoughts, not to be dismissed lightly.  They’re cries of outrage at events that warrant attention.  When times are darkest we feel completely alone.  We cry out to God but feel as though there’s no response.

A lot of times we use our emotions to define God’s presence.  We think of His presence as that warm fuzzy feeling we get when we’re wrapped up in a fleece blanket.  This creates a problem.  If we’re associating God’s presence with the warm fuzzies how will we recognize Him in our darkest moments of grief, sadness, or depression?

Our relationship with God is so much more than just the warm fuzzies.  God doesn’t abandon us in our mourning and grief.  He mourns and grieves with us.  His heart breaks when ours does.  He doesn’t want you to have cancer.  He doesn’t want your child to die.  He doesn’t want your marriage to end.  He doesn’t want the violence in Syria and he doesn’t want people to starve in Africa.

I believe all of these things grieve Him deeply.  In Psalm 56, David knows God cares about his troubles.  He says, “You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book.  My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.  This I know:  God is on my side!”  (Psalm 56:8-9 NLT)

I think it’s harder for us to stay in close relationship with God when we’re struggling.  We associate an “emotional high” with God’s presence and when we’re depressed and don’t get it we assume He’s abandoned us.

Jesus tells us this isn’t true.  In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus tells us to look for and pursue God.  He promises if we persevere in seeking God’s presence we will be successful in finding Him.

I understand that’s hard to do sometimes.  It’s hard to be persistent when you’re caught in an undertow of depression.  It’s hard to pursue God when you’re physically exhausted.  It’s hard to seek God when you’re living in daily chaos. 

I encourage you to lean on the promises from Jesus; ask for God and receive Him, seek God and find Him, knock at the doors of heaven and allow God to show you the way inside. 

Pursue Him and you will find a relationship with Him that is so much deeper than just the warm fuzzies.  You'll find His comforting presence with you in times when you need it the most.

Do you struggle with maintaining your relationship with God in the hard times of life?  Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”  Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Don't Be Afraid

MEMORY VERSE:

So be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you.  Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)

These are final instructions Moses gives the Israelites as he’s about to die.  He tells them Joshua is taking over as their leader and will help to bring them into the land God has promised them.

The Israelites' track record of trusting God isn’t stellar.  Moses has led them for a long time and knows how they respond in times of stress and uncertainty. 

Even though they’ve witnessed God’s power, seen the proof of His presence as He leads them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night they still struggle with issues of trust and reliance.

In times of uncertainty or stress they still become discontented and rely on things other than God to try to satisfy them. 

Here are some examples:

• Making the gold calf as a tangible god to worship...Exodus 32

• Demanding meat to eat because they were tired of the mana God provided faithfully...Exodus 16

• Whining about being thirsty and needing water...Exodus 15

In Deuteronomy 31:6 Moses reminds the Israelites when things get a little crazy in the Promised Land they need to look to God for their security, not to the potential distractions around them.

It’s good advice for us today, too.  When your life gets a little crazy and it's filled with stress and anxiety where do you look? 

It’s easy to try to find peace or distraction in the world around us...alcohol or drugs to numb the pain, spending money in excess to boost self-esteem, sexual promiscuity to convince ourselves we're lovable.  We let panic take over and cling to the first thing promising security, even if it’s false security.

We need to listen to this reminder from Moses.  Throughout the Isrealites' journey God proves faithful.  His presence is always there and He provides everything they need. 

When we allow Him into our lives He does the same for us.

So be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Philippians 4:11-14 - Contented Living

MEMORY VERSE:

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little.  For I can do anything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:11-14

How many of us can make these same statements?  “...for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have...whether it is a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little.”

I can live like that for a while.  It’s easy to be content when my stomach is full, I’ve got a cup of tea in my hand, the sun is shining, and all is right in my world.  Can I say the same thing when I’m working on three hours of sleep, fighting a head cold, snow is dumping down, and I’m in hour number ten of a twelve hour fast for a medical appointment?

No, probably not.  In fact I’d most likely be as grumpy as a hungry bear in January.  And these are just temporary circumstances I know will be gone soon enough!

What about the bigger things in life?  We all want a safe, warm place to life, in fact in this country we feel we’re entitled to it.  We all want three hot meals in our stomachs, and some of us want snacks in between.  We all want to own a car, and not a fifteen year old rust bucket...a shiny one that still has that new car scent.

In our attempts to fulfill these wants and desires we often end up mired in debt, adding more stress and discontent to our lives.  We give in to acquisition addiction; thinking a new shiny toy will make us happy, fill the void in our lives, and make our problems go away. 

Perhaps for a fleeting moment this works.  But once the glint is gone the void is still there.  We still battle depression, our marriage is still ending, and we still haven’t found a job.  The shiny new toy didn’t change life’s circumstances. 

How can we be content in whatever circumstances we face?  How can we fill life’s void?  How can we trust an unseen God when we’re struggling to keep it all together?

I think it helps to build a solid foundation of faith in the good times.  It’s easier to seek comfort in God’s arms in the hard times when we know Him, we know His character, we know He’s in control, and we know He’ll take whatever ugly circumstances we’re experiencing and make something good come out of them (Romans 8:28).

What if you don’t have a faith foundation?  What if you’re out there fighting your way through life wondering if this is all there is, wondering what it’s all about, why it doesn’t make sense, why you’re dealing with so much pain and sorrow?

If that’s where you are today I’m so sorry.  My heart goes out to you.  I know life just sucks sometimes!  It doesn’t seem fair and it doesn’t make sense. 

If you’re in the place where life sucks and you’re wondering what to do or where to turn I still encourage you to reach out to God.  Talk to Him the way you’d talk to any of your friends.  Tell Him your problems and tell Him what you need. 

If you’re thinking, “What’s the point?”  Let me ask you this, if you’ve already tried everything else, what have you got to lose?  Why NOT give God a try?

Building a relationship with God is like building a relationship with a potential new friend.  The more time you spend getting to know Him the closer you’ll come to Him.  How do you get to know God? 

Spend time talking to Him every day.  Pick up a Bible and read about Him.  Start in the book of John in the New Testament.  You’ll meet God in these pages and learn about His love for you.  After you’ve finished reading the book of John start reading the New Testament from the beginning just like you’d read any other book. 

If you’re still searching, dedicate some time to work through “Experiencing God”, a three month study by Henry Blackaby.  When you do the work in this course you’ll come out with a completely new awareness of who God is and how He works in your life. 

As you learn more about God you’ll find your faith and your love for Him will grow.  Your relationship with God will begin to fill the void in your life the “shiny new toy” never could.  Soon you’ll be able to speak as Paul does...

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little.  For I can do anything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:11-14

Philippians 4:6-7 - Mysterious Peace

MEMORY VERSE:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Stress...

We all have it in our lives.  Some of it is good; but the hairy monster in your mind keeping you up at night, worried about your future isn’t.

I speak from experience.  Many employers assume your time is their time.  Unless you’re willing to make a clear dividing line in your life you will suffer burnout.  This is exactly what happened to me a few years ago.

When I experienced panic attacks and anxiety I thought something might be up.  When the stress induced asthma started I thought I should probably pay attention to the warning signs.  When the heart palpitations started with no physical explanation I decided I needed to make a career change.  Fortunately I got out before any lasting damage was done.

Undue stress increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, depression and other mental illness.  Today stress leave is all too common an occurrence.  Intense pressure at home and in the work place creates unmanageable situations.

A lot of times it seems stress is all in our heads, but the physical symptoms are real.  Shaking, shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, chest pain, nausea, panic, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings...the list is practically endless.

How do we navigate today’s high pressure world without cracking into a million pieces, like an egg hitting the floor?  Paul gives us an answer in his letter to the congregation of the church in Philippi.  He says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done...”

The first four words aren’t easy instructions to follow...don’t worry about anything.  Yeah right!  How can you not worry about the never ending list continuously playing in your mind?  How can you not worry about...

Deadlines, job security, your children’s education, your children’s health, your health, your aging parents and their ability to care for themselves, marriage, divorce, the funny noise the car was making this morning, the pet you have to take to the vet, the mortgage payment, the job interview, what to make for dinner...it goes on and on.

But Paul tells us how.  He says take it all to God, tell Him everything, tell Him what you need, and let Him do the worrying for you.  He’s got big shoulders and He’ll handle it.

What happens when we follow Paul’s instructions?  When we lean on God,”... then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand...”

It’s true.  If I have extended periods when I’m not taking quiet time with God to pray, the anxiety creeps back in, stealthy as a thief in the night, stealing my peace.  Panic can quickly over take me. 

But when I slow down and spend time with God, telling Him my fears and anxieties there’s a sense of peace I simply can’t explain.  I don’t understand it.   It doesn’t make sense.  But I know exactly where it comes from.  God.  And for that I’m truly grateful.

You may be strong, but with God on your side you’re way stronger than you ever will be by yourself.  Get the medical help you need and, in addition to this, give God a try.  Pray to Him today, and tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.  Make a habit of spending time with Him every day and you’ll experience your own peace that exceeds understanding.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Highway To Hope

A few weeks ago I was working in Vancouver.  To avoid the hassles of Easter long weekend travelers at the main airport I booked my flights in and out of a smaller airport east of the city.  After seven days of travel and business meetings I was exhausted and SO ready to go home!  

The Trans Canada highway was under construction so the GPS was no help... I’d have to rely on the road signs.  I approached what used to be the on ramp, scanning the area for signs pointing east.  Target sighted...the sign read, “East to Hope”.

Hope is a beautiful little town in British Columbia that lies east of Vancouver, as did the airport, so off I went, following the sign to Hope.

Apparently I misinterpreted the direction the arrow on the sign pointed because very quickly I found myself in a residential area leading away from the main highway.  I turned around and had another go.

This time I found myself on a service road adjoining the main highway.  Frustrated, I decided to stay on the road until the next exit (not like I had a whole lot of choice).  At least I was heading east!  After driving for what seemed like forever, signs appeared promising an exit ahead.  “Finally,” I thought, “I’ll get on the main highway.”

The sign that said Hope was actually false hope...the exit was closed for construction.  Grrrrrr!  I glanced at my gas gauge, appalled to see it bordering alarmingly close to the empty mark...CRAP!  No gas stations on the service road.

As I drove along frustrated and tired, eyeing the gas tank, (as though watching it would slow its rapid descent) my stress level growing with every kilometer that rolled by I thought, “This has got to be a blog post!”  The irony was not lost on me...

After all I knew the main highway would take me to Hope but here I was driving down a service road in the middle of nowhere with no hope of getting to Hope unless I could get onto the road that promised to take me to Hope.  

All the while I was afraid I’d run out gas before I managed to get onto the highway leading to Hope and the minutes ticked by reminding me that my time to get onto the highway to Hope was quickly running out, meaning I really had no hope of getting to the airport on time.

Does that sound like your life?  Maybe you’re on a road leading nowhere and need to get off right now.  Are you fighting an addiction, flirting with an inappropriate relationship, stuck in a job you hate and want to go back to school, struggling with depression, or battling cancer?  Wouldn’t it help if you could just see a billboard from God saying you’re on the road leading to a hope filled future?

We could all use some hope but it’s not always easy to find.  Life is hard and doesn’t come with a guarantee.  We all face challenging times.  If you’re in one right now I encourage you to do a couple of things.

1)      Reach out to God during these times.  Talk to Him; tell Him your struggles and your frustrations.  Jesus went through many challenges while He was on this earth and knows what you’re going through, too.  You don’t have to be a professional speaker or address God formally to pray, just find a quiet spot and talk to Him, pour out your heart and ask Him to come into your life to help you.

2)      Now take action.  Find someone you can trust – a pastor, a close friend, a counselor, your doctor – someone you can talk to.  You don’t have to suffer alone...seek out and ask for the help you need. 

3)      Keep pursuing hope every day.  Don’t give up on it.  Hope is out there.

If you’re not sure how to start, try saying this prayer today.

Heavenly Father I need You to bring me hope.  Everything seems too big to handle.  Life is overwhelming and I’m not sure what to do or where to turn.  It just seems hopeless and I’m asking You to help me.  I’m asking You to show me hope, to lead me to people who can help in the situation I’m in.  Lord I might have to pray this prayer over and over again before You bring me through this, but I’m asking you to partner with me in this struggle right now and I’m going forward in faith knowing You’re with me and trusting you to give me hope.  Thank you for Your presence, thank you for the hope I have in your son Jesus Christ.  Amen

Acquisition Addiction - Part II

Does the acquisition of consumer goods satisfy? Can buying more “stuff” solve our problems? Can owning a new car, a flashy new cell phone or an expensive sweater change our self-image, solve our relationship problems or make us happy? (From Acquisition Addiction - Part 1)

Yes, a new car or great new sweater will make you feel better. It will boost your self-image and maybe even build confidence. It’s exciting to score that great bargain and the right clothing can make you feel amazing!

Unfortunately the feeling is only temporary. When the initial sense of euphoria fades our problems rise to the surface like dead fish in an aquarium. They can’t be ignored and they stink! Back to the mall we dash for our next hit of self-worth found in the form of clothes, shoes, cosmetics, housewares, jewelry; you fill in the blank.

 The very act of addictive shopping leads to a set of its own unique problems. The shopper descends into a dark, muddy pit of self-loathing and credit card debt.

Marital problems, family problems, financial problems, work problems, self image problems, health problems, social problems, addiction problems...none of the realities of life are fixed by another trip to the mall.

Every day we’re bombarded by advertising messages telling us we need more “stuff”.  Advertisements tell us we’ll feel better about ourselves if we buy a certain brand of make up or own a specific designer’s clothing. We’ll be more beautiful and popular if we buy a certain hair product. Marketers are trained to manipulate our emotions, our desires and our dreams.  Guess what? Advertising works!

With easy access to on-line and television shopping and malls in every residential neighbourhood we’re walking a thin line between healthy buying patterns and those leading to addiction.

Perhaps it’s time to step back and examine our buying patterns and motivations? Do you see an advertisement and find yourself wanting to buy the product so you’ll be more beautiful, more popular, more desirable or happier? Are your credit card balances higher than your bank balance? Do you own a bunch of stuff you don’t need and don’t even want? Do you hide your purchases from your spouse or your friends? Are you ashamed to talk about your spending habits?

Have you crossed the line from responsible shopping into addiction?  If so I encourage you to speak to your doctor, who can determine the best way of managing your addiction. He may prescribe medication or refer you to a counselor specializing in the area of shopping addiction. He may recommend a combination of both.  Treatment plans are different for every person.

Don’t delay on this. Do it now before you’re faced with the serious consequences of bankruptcy and financial destruction. If you’ve already fallen into the bottomless well of debt, don’t despair, there’s still hope. The first step to ending the slavery of addiction is recognizing the problem and seeking help.  Everyone has to start some time. Make it now!

Taking Life One Sidewalk Block At A Time

Has your world ever come crashing down around you? Perhaps this is your situation right now. Are you just one more catastrophe away from your breaking point? Are you worried about your aging parents’ health,  your teenager who was caught shoplifting, your adult child with a drug addiction, your spouse who lost his job, your failing marriage or the call from the doctor saying you need more follow up tests with a specialist?

Maybe this doesn’t describe your life exactly, but I know everyone experiences seasons in their lives when nothing seems to go right and stress heaps up like an overflowing dirty laundry hamper. You feel like your life is a boat constantly being smashed on jagged rocks and you have no more energy to keep bailing out the water. Perhaps you even think allowing the boat (your life) to sink might bring sweet, welcome relief. When you try to talk to your friend she casually quotes scripture, trying to be comforting but you stand there feeling as though someone just slapped you across the face with a cold, dead fish while telling you, “Suck it up Buttercup, life’s just like that.”

We’ve all been told to take things “one day at a time”. Perhaps this saying came from Jesus’ teachings in the book of Matthew. In chapter 6 verses 25 to 34, He’s teaching about worry. He ends the teaching in verse 34 by saying, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Truer words were never spoken! Each day certainly brings us enough to worry about and sometimes even trying to take it day by day can be overwhelming.

I recently started to go for a run in the mornings. I decided rather than hurting myself I’d start out slowly, working my way up to extended periods of running. I time myself, running for four minutes then walking for three. I generally start out fairly strong and four minutes goes by quickly, but as I begin to tire, the three minutes seems to get shorter and the four minutes of running seems to drag on forever. I’ve discovered if I set small goals as I run it help me maintain my motivation. I’ll see a bend in the trail or a bench and decide I won’t check the clock until I reach that point. It’s like a bargain with my body to keep going in spite of being tired. As I near the end of my run I come off the trail and get back onto a sidewalk. It’s at this point – the last two segments of four minutes that I find my legs aching and my chest heaving. Even a small goal seems overwhelming. At that point the only way I can keep going for the four minutes is to tell myself to just run to the next sidewalk block, then the next, then the next and slowly I keep going, the time ticks by and my body becomes a little more conditioned every time I go out and accomplish those small goals – just one more sidewalk block.

There are times we need to take this approach in our lives. Sometimes the thought of getting through the day is simply too much to contemplate, sometimes even an hour seems overwhelming and it’s hard to find God and trust the Psalmist who says, “give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (Psalm 55:22) or Peter when he says, “Give all your worries and cares to God for He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7) These verses are both true and we do need to lean on God for strength in times of stress.  As you lean on God for strength, break down the situations and set small goals for yourself - just get through the next minute, then the next, then the next. Soon the minutes become hours, hours days and days weeks and with God you find the strength to move through your struggles one minute or hour or day at a time.

What are you struggling with today? What goals are you setting to help in your struggles? How is God strengthening you?

When You're Just Too Miserable To Pray

How does one worship from the depths of despair or from a hospital bed?  When we’re at our lowest, how do we find the drive or energy to come to God in prayer? I’ve been fighting a valiant, although losing battle with the latest flu/cold virus and succumbed to it’s nasty clutches over a week ago. As I lay immobile on the couch, sweating from the fever and popping throat lozenges and cough drops  as though they were Lindt chocolate truffles rather than some horrible tasting medicated sugar concoction, I wondered how people find the energy or motivation to come to God in prayer when life has thrown them into a pit of misery or despair. I certainly felt as though I was in my own personal pit, although I understand that a week long battle with a flu virus is very minor compared to a life long battle with cancer, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, Alzheimer’s, depression, schizophrenia, alcoholism, anorexia, abuse or any other number of illnesses or struggles that threaten to cast people into their own pits of despair.

Prior to getting sick I was doing so well, having my quiet Bible reading and prayer time with God.   That ended abruptly when all I was interested in doing was lying on the couch and pressing play on the remote control for the DVD player hoping it would whisk me into a world of oblivion while watching repeats of the  1990’s hit sitcom “Home Improvements”. What happened to my drive and desire to spend time with God? Somewhere deep inside I felt the tiniest flicker of that drive but the energy to take action and pray just wasn’t there. The best I seemed to manage was a silent prayer in my mind thanking God for each day and praying that the next one would be better.

I’ve wrestled with this question since, “how do we pray when we’re just too sick or too depressed?” and I’m not sure that I’ve really got a satisfactory answer. I think the ability to worship God and continue prayerfully when we’re living in pits of despair comes from developing a strong, close relationship with God outside of the pit. If we work at developing this close relationship in the good times, it becomes easier for us to look to God and trust in His goodness when times become more difficult.  Remember, we have the Holy Spirit on our side. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Roman 8:26 NIV) When all you’ve got to offer God is “wordless groans” (and there were a lot of those on the couch last week) remember that He is with you always. The Holy Spirit is there, offering prayers up to God when you can’t find the energy or words to do it yourself.

Another important aspect of Christianity is living in community. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends or family to share your problems. Find a person you feel comfortable with, someone you trust,  and share your struggles with them. Ask them to intercede in prayer for you. When we can’t pray ourselves, the community of faith steps in to pray for us. Sharing our struggles and problems with other people isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of a supportive community who cares for one another as Christ cares for us. Make sure that you are open to listening to someone today. Take the time to be a compassionate listener, to pray with someone close to you and to make a difference in someone’s life.