Relief Pitcher
Restore to me the joy of Your deliverance, and uphold me, Noble Spirit! Psalm (Tehillim) 51:12 ISR
Joy – Is there any greater joy than the feeling of being rescued from certain disaster? Every basic survival instinct is flooded with relief as soon as you know you will continue to live. Yes, the joy of companionship is wonderful. Yes, the joyful intimacy of a spouse or of children is close to divine. But to be snatched from the grip of death! That is reason to rejoice!
Unfortunately, far too often the wonder that bathed our lives when we first experienced God’s gracious rescue seems to fade. The memory of that moment of truth dims. We look back on it with hopeful nostalgia, wishing that somehow we could have bottled that experience and hidden it away for eternal refreshment. But we are like Mary. Having encountered the Spirit in a life-transforming surprise, years later we find ourselves asking our Lord to please stop making such a spectacle and come home to a quiet and comfortable existence. I am sure Mary felt a small pang of remorse in that request. Once God filled her entire being. Once God made Himself present even in her womb. But that was long ago, and things tend toward entropy, physically and spiritually.
David knew this sense of loss too. So he cries out, “Restore to me the joy. . .” Ha-shiva li sason . . . The word sason means happiness, delight, exuberance. Its synonym, simha, means being glad or joyful as an expression of the entire person. In the synonym, we find joy as a description of engaging in the festivals, drinking wine, being treated with healing ointment, meeting a loved one, having a wise son and, most importantly, experiencing the rescue of YHWH. Perhaps we learn two important lessons in David’s desperate cry. The first thing we learn is that life is emotional meteorology. We are all subject to temperament climate change. The Greek denial of pascho is a misrepresentation of the nature of human being. Feelings are the fabric of life. A man (or a God) without feelings is Michelangelo marble – beautiful to look at but not a great traveling companion. The Bible endorses feelings. In fact, our emotions are the gateway to experiencing God. Feel! It’s OK. Weep, laugh, shout, cry, rejoice, repent – this is what it means to be nephesh hayah. To bury emotion is to bury myself.
But we also learn something else. While no emotion is permanent, every emotion can draw us toward YHWH or push us away. We are at liberty to choose. The Greeks feared emotions because they sought permanent balance. Hebrew takes a different tack. Emotions are the fodder of choice. I can let them drive me or I can corral them in the service of the King. Once David allowed his emotion to carry him far from his King. Now he seeks restoration and emotion is the train that he rides to reach his goal.
I feel David’s pain too. I long for that joy, the same overwhelming sense of relief I felt on the soccer field in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, so many years ago. I am wiser now, more sophisticated in my faith, perhaps, but Nathan comes to me too, and I need restoration. Perhaps you know what I am talking about. Once the light of heaven spilled from your countenance. Once you heard the angels sing. Once you felt His hand grip yours.
“Lord, restore us to your joy. We are in desperate need. We have wandered like sheep without a shepherd. Bring us back to safety that we might live again.”
Topical Index: emotions, simha, sason, joy, Psalm 51:12
Amen and Amen! Yes, yes, yes! “Please restore us Abba Father. We miss You so much. Draw us closer and back to Your heart. Without You everything is in vain and dead. Help our brothers and sisters to find You please. I know so many that are walking around in circles going nowhere. Help us we pray in the precious Name of Y’shua Your beloved Son, our Good Shepherd!”
Have a kingdom day everybody!
Shalom Shalom!
Christina Venter,
Those circles can be eternal joy or they can become eternal death – it is sin in our lives that determines where the circle goes or remains… the wedge in the pie 4 sure… ♥
“I know so many that are walking around in circles going nowhere.”
jan
Like. 🙂
I am lost and in the wilderness. About to begin a fith year of famine (could there still be 2 more to go?). Going through a business divorce with my partner. A bank that has been silent for 3 years just yesterday decided now is the time to demand payment. They have given me 7 days to respond. I have nothing left, save my family. My grandson spent the night last night and cried for his mother he has not seen in 2 years. We do not know where she is.
Lord, I need you now. Come quickly please. Restore me to the joy when we first met; the day I came to know you.
John
John, what can we do to help? This is a community that cares.
John, What you have written could be written by so many people today–it is a rampant way of life in our country and also across the world. Hopefully with my long life of trying to live out God’s Word through many areas of ministry, I can give you hope. I have already spent a good part of the day praying over your situation,and some others very close to us. Skip is correct this is a caring group.—Your piercing cry for the Lord to intervene, and just prior with your remark, “I have nothing left, save my family.—“also cut through me to reallly pray for you.
In Jeremiah– the longest book in the Bible, and not easy to study,it is not in chronological order. The prophet knows about the sins of the people, mostly idolatry -even to sacrificing their their children to foreign gods. He prayed for them, but they did not repent. God told him that he would bring judgment on the nation of Judah and destroy it.
Now, as you probably know the men in the battles that lost were killed, and the women and children often carried away as slaves. So Baruck the faithful secretary of Jeremiah’s, in Chapter 45 has been saying “woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my Pain, I am worn our with groaning and find no rest.”—- in verse 5, “great things;;seek them not. ( Baruch’s brother Seraiah would occup an important position under the King Zedekiah, but Baruch himself was not to ambitious or self-seeking. GOD SAYS HE WILL BRING DISASTER TOTHE PEOPLE.But the good news is that the Lord said that wherever you go, I will let you escape with your life.! And so that is what happened to Baruch, and Jeremiah.
JOHN YOU HAVE YOUR LIFE, REJOICE AND BE THANKFUL FOR THAT AND WHATEVER FAMILY YOU HAVE. LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME, RECALL WHAT GOD/JESUS HAS DONE FOR YOU OFTEN, FIND YOUR FAVORITE VERSES ON CARDS AND CARRY THEM WITH YOU. WHEN YOU CAN NOT EVEN THINK, PULL ONE OUT AND READ IT.— GOD IS PREPARING YOU AS A VESSEL FOR HIM TO USE IN HELPING OTHERS ALONG THE WAY, INCLUDING THAT PRECIOUS LITTLE GRANDSON. SING SONGS OF JESUS TO HIM, MAKE THEM UP AS YOU GO, LAUGH WITH HIM, CUDDLE HIM AND LET HIM KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM. ——–
” along with the above, “WEALTH IS THE MOST DANGEROUS TRAP THAT CAN BEFALL A CHURCH OR A PERSON OR A NATION. IT IS AN EVER PRESENT THREAT TO MEN–REMEMBER LAODICEA— OUR COUNTRY IS SO NUMBED WITH THE DESIRE FOR WEALTH, FAME,SEX, THAT WE MUST CHOOSE WHOM WE WILL SERVE EACH DAY, AND PRAY OUR NATION IS NOT ONE THAT GOD WILL DESTROY AS HE DID IN JEREMIAH’S DAY.—-SO VERY SERIOUS— MAY GOD’S PEACE FALL IN YOUR LIFE, WE PRAY—- SINCERELY,LAVAYE/ED BILLINGS– OCTOGENIAN-ANOTHER ONE NEARING IT–
Hi John,Have thought of you throughout the day since reading your post. Did not have opportunity to reply until now.
Lifting you and your heart’s cry before the Throne of Mercy and Grace, John. May the God of all Comfort bring the peace…shalom…total wellness you need. Know He is with you as you look to Him and set your sights on the Father that cares. He can straighten the crooked path and bring light to the darkness…He IS the Light. Many here, I am sure, are praying for you.
John,
I feel the pain of your family and I hurt with you. May you continually experience the King’s undeniable holy presence and may you forever know, “He will never leave you or forsake you.”
Please know that I will be praying for you.
John,
Sometimes I get so lost, just like you. This summer my daughter tried to commit suicide. (THANK GOD she failed!!!!) For me this felt like heaven was falling on my head. It struck me like thunder. There was only this song that pulled me through that night: Praise You in the storm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWGf4a4ngM8
I will pray for you and your loved ones.
Please pray for us too. My family is on the verge of collapsing. The storm is still raging. Some nights I’m in deep despair, tears flowing like a river. But He’s there, He knows. I must learn to let go, leave the future in His hands. He did not forsake Hiob, not even Peter. He won’t forsake you or me either!
Kees
Brother Kees,
It is a holy enterprise to pray for one another. I would consider it an honor to pray for you and yours.
Learning together to… “Praise Him In This Storm.”
Dear Kees,
He is near those who sigh and cry for righteousness. Praying for hearts to be changed and the Spirit’s power to rest upon you and bring you the Shalom of Christ for all involved.
Kees ( our Dutch brother -i believe), thanks for your honest need above, in past few weeks recall of some vaguely stated problems that seemed to me very needed–but not enough to grasp how to pray for you. Then past couple of days–another one seemingly on your congreation–so are assuming you are a pastor.– Please allow me to write to you and urge you not to focus on one area of the Bible, it is a complete Book of so many themes and no one can just continuosly hammer away in one area! So much to learn!
We absolutely must have the entire full council of God. If you truly want your congreation to follow your teaching, humbly after teaching one area, let God move you to another one: In today’s world, the need for practical instruction that is simple enough for the young & all others, in the group to grasp is so needed. Most of those even in a traditional church setting will not know very many biblical references and how to apply them. To me, the Book of John, is the Bible in a “nutshell”.— in it, you can easily pull in the Old and New and the inbetween: the only time the name “John appears inside the book” it is a reference to ” John the Baptist” . So important to know, and yet I was very old in my years of study before I knew that. People are starved for God’s Word, and then how to know God is right beside it.
To help people discern about the meaning and application of the word “love” used repeatedly in so many books in the Holy Scriptures, should be a regular teaching and reminder of the different meanings of that word from the original is for pastors, teachrs to teach this. OUR CULTURE HAS /IS INDOCTRiNATED THEM WITH ONLY SEXUAL LOVE– and now even that is totally bizarre!
And what I wrote above to John, in essence The love of money– is absolutely a necessity to teach– even though my husband and I did not choose to do the things that brought in the big money, how i wish some Godly people had spoken early in our lives about what the scriptures teach on mammon—. Almost ever day, we thank the Heavenly Father that we did not habitually over extend ourselves in credit, because today in retirement and with being able to work, we have money for our provisions and some for those that are truly needy: especially women and children. The needs even in the good ole U.S. are so numerous now.
Divorces cause much need and often more so for the Women and children. —- So for all those in sphere of influence and care, I urge you to use a parphrase Bible and read all and teach all on the family.— Sincerely, ask God to show you, if you have loved your own wife as God through Jesus loves the Church— women ( I can speak well for them, I have been one for 78 plus years–) have the added burdern of the harmones that will bring new life into the world, and if there is a haughty, cold man over her, and one that is often not there, sometimes life becomes unbearable for the woman. Yet, we are so thankful for the new lives that are given through all the turmoil. AND WHEN WE ADD WHAT GOD THE FATHER, JESUS THE SON, AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN DO WITH MEN AND WOMEN DOING WHAT HIS WORD SAYS FROM A CARING WAY–NOT A HAMMERING THE WORD DOWN THEM.–“THUS SAYS THE LORD” ATTITUDE, FROM EITHER ONE OF THEM–
Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness: GO ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE SHEMA–DEUT. 6, ( AND DEUT. 4:29-30. & THEN ECHOED IN JEREMIAH 29:11-13– WHICH IN ONE VERSION THE STUDY NOTES SAY, “tHE LORD’S GRACIOUS GIFT OF PROSPERITY IS CONTINGENT ON HIS PEOPLE’S WILLINGNESS TO REPENT.– – SEE ALSO HEBREWS 11:6b — CHECK OUT THE WORD PROSPERITY–SEE WHAT THE ROOT MEANINGS ARE FROM THE HEBREW AND GREEK– TEACH THAT TO ALL—Many people only see prosperity as MONEY, Fame- MOre and More of all—
Enough—- God will see you through all of this— I know–we have often walked through similar hard things– HE IS FAITHFUL –WHEN WE ARE! ———– “TOB”— Hebrew word, meaning good- in contradistinciton to that which is evil, adverse. —WOW THAT IS GREAT NEWS. Very Caring for you and your entire family–blood and spiritual. LaVaye B.
Thanks, LaVaye, for your words. I used to be a pastor, but had to stop 4 years ago because I plunged into a burn-out as the result of working 40 hours a week in the congregation along with a fulltime job as a teacher. After about 20 years my mind and body simply gave up, I couldn’t do anything any more. My first encounter with Gods ‘locusts’. You can imagine my wife and children suffered for my ‘work for the Lord’: I was never there. And just when I was teaching about Sabbath, well, God decided to give me an unvolitary ‘sabbath’ for a year: my burn out (His locusts again). His humor! This also changed my beliefs; I learned about Hebrew thinking… And when I was recovered, I was no longer welcome in my congregation because of that. New locusts! Some of my former co-workers and my brothers and sisters see me now as a dangerous false teacher! This put me under such pressure, that my wife, after somany years, decided it was time for me to stop everything I did and seek help or she would leave me. I did stop. And man, this was really a liberation! I did seek help. But after that marital crisis was over, my children began to make my life miserable by rebelling against me in everything I said and did. I don´t blame them, b.t.w., after having been a bad father for somany years. Normal conversation became impossible. And than, suddenly my daughter tried to hang herself this summer. Still feel the shivvers down my spine when I think of it. God, was this the fruit of my life? What have I done, Lord. Please, Lord, change me, I don’t want to be that man anymore…… The last weeks were impossible for me. I tried to shut up, not respond to the nasty accusations, fled to my room, cried and cried….. Lord, please….. Have mercy….. Last week I simply wanted to give up. The will to fight was completely gone. Lord, if you want more broken out of my life, OK, I surrender, completely. And now His shalom is starting to fill me! Today my daughter was sick and I drove her back home from school (she usually goes by bike). And for the first time in month she spoke calmly to me and said: ‘Thank you for driving me home, dad’! Now I’m so grateful for that simple sentence! Maybe this is the result of your prayers! I know there’s still a lot of work to be done, but the first step is made. Thank God!!!!! And thank you for your prayers! I hope and pray in time we can enjoy simple family life again, like we did many years ago. I hope my wife will stay with me, when the children will stop fighting me. I hope I can communicate I still love them so much! I hope…..
Kees, I hope to be brief–( diffficult for me). And give you the Lord’s encouragement and peace. hope and joy.—-My prayers are not valuable except when the Lord himself enters into them. so only give thanks to the Creator of the Universe, not me. Even as a child of five years of age, I gave myself to Him through Jesus with an awareness briefly of the Holy Spirit being in the little country church. I totally forgot that–as I never mentioned it to anyone, and then as a pre-teen began to seek for a living Lord in my life. With a few good Sunday School teachers, and a love for reading and studying the Bible, I continued on the quest– just briefly turning at times to the clamor of the world, repenting and getting back to the Lord God. I still desire more than anything else to give my life to do what He shows me to do, without any monetary or other earthly rewards from anyone. Prayerfully along with my husband of 59 years , we will not seek to ever manipulate anyone, but to have a pure heart, soul and mind in doing what we see from the scriptures that we should do.
The scripture plainly teaches that in the world we will have tribulations–therefore as long as we are alive, we will have troubles. All we need to do is check any book of the Bible and we will find all of the people living, always were in conflict with something: from the book of Genesis, to the recent study of Joel and the different varieties of locusts—to the Gospels– and on to disciples lives, to the apostle Paul— NEVER ENDING CONFLICT ON EARTH– even death that final breath on earth will be a battle.
BUT back to the book of John– the Gospel in a nutshell— gives us such Peace and Hope, please zero in on chapters 14, 15, 16,17 to give you the peace and comfort, and health you now need. Quietness is one of the most valuable things needed in communicating with the Lord God. All these things working together will pull your life and your wife and children’s lives back together— — Shalom, L.B.
Kees! I checked back to this post when I saw dear sister LaVaye’s comment and now I am in tears reading the song of your heart as you share with us the tremendous battle you have had to endure. You sing the blues loud and clear with such raw honesty! Many of us should truly be ashamed for allowing a bad moment to disrupt an entire day created by YHWH to bless us. Yet you have persevered and endured 4 years of intense and grueling hardship. I praise YHWH, not for what you have had to go through, but for your testimony to His faithfulness.
It is absolutely amazing to see the faithfulness, the manifest Presence of the Sovereign rule our lives with so much love, that He allows the tragic situations and circumstances of everyday life to accomplish His purpose here on the earth. Sometimes, even when we give a cool cup of water to His precious ones, we may have to give it several times before they understand. How alike we all are in that way. MERCY AND GRACE, we should shout this from the rooftops!!!! Our obedience, a sacrificial offering…to the King of Glory.
“But we also learn something else. While no emotion is permanent, every emotion can draw us toward YHWH or push us away.”
Hmmm
I remember a dinner party up in Marin County about twenty years ago
Arguing with friends and a few glasses of wine that the experience of God was not an emotion
Not sure exactly what I was trying to say, my sense was that to experience God one had to manage emotions
Although they were good sailors and I was not, I argued that emotion was what you feel when sailing outside the Golden Gate Bridge when the fog rolls in and it is getting dark
And the wind is blowing very hard and cold and you can hear the waves breaking on the big rocks
But the experience of God was like seeing the Golden Gate Bridge above your head and knowing the safe harbor of Sausalito (my old home) was at hand
At that time I knew the meaning of Om but not Shalom; now I think maybe love is a desire, but peace is the fulfillment of that desire
Michael,
yes, love is a desire but it is a very strong emotion that can get out of hand (just ask King David) – i doubt that peace every flooded David’s soul after Bathsheba – perhaps on a different level/plane but that act of treason toward God put in motion/movement an indelible mark on the House of David even to Solomon who built the temple… it became a generational curse…
not that there was lack repentance upon David’s heart/part but the deed was done & the consequences were many & a legacy known by all thousands of years later…
it is no wonder he longed for the “feeling/joy” of the day of his salvation – there is no turning back when we sin – yes, there is repentance & restoration 4 sure but not that same “feeling/emotion” of innocence/blameless righteousness like before the sin…
i experienced the same feeling after wearing a dress one night that i knew was provocative/sensual & should have not done & my innocence was changed & that happened back in the early 70’s & you can see how vivid i still remember it – nothing happened in that dress that night except a heart issue between Jesus & i – perhaps it was a test that i failed but He loved/loves me still but something was lost that night & i did learn a lesson 4 sure – to feel Him pull away because you chose a feeling instead of Him – my obedience was tested & came up short… that is the feeling of separation – the wedge that sin puts between us & Him – the slice in the pie/circle of eternal love or eternal death…
jan
Hi Jan,
Love was always a very interesting subject to me, and I tend to see two types of people
Realists and Romantics
In my view, David was a realist and a warrior whose sins make ours pale in comparison 🙂
When I was young, I read Eric Fromm’s Art of Love and I still share his worldview
Learning to love is the most important thing in life IMO
Michael, “love *was* always a very interesting subject to me…” is it no longer an interesting subject to you??? how about love *is* a very interesting subject to me…
who left or is gone – love or you??? 🙂
the only way people will ever really learn/know how to love is by knowing Jesus Christ because He first loved us – if you don’t know HIM/God – you don’t know true/real love – you may think you do but you don’t…
how do you like them gold & silver apples for today… ♥ j
“love *was* always a very interesting subject to me”
Hi Jan,
Well I grew up with an interest in love that was not “run of the mill” as they say
I remember reading Nabakov’s Lolita in the 9th grade on a “surfing safari” in Mexico
And later studying Romantic literature and philosophy for about 10 years
Under Fredric Jameson who has been Dept Head of Romance Languages and Literature
At Duke University for about as long as I have been working in Silicon Valley 🙂
So I don’t read much about love anymore, but I do like watching movies about love
Like the one called TAKEN
Where a former spy relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter
Who has been forced into the slave trade and is lost somewhere in Paris, France
Directed by Pierre Morel. Starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen
It is in one of my favorite “sub genres,” and I find it very amusing 🙂
Michael,
you find the movie “Taken” amusing??? i’m not sure that is normal to find human trafficking as amusing – perhaps you need to explain yourself on that one – enlighten me… 🙁
personally, i don’t know how anyone can find human trafficking amusing – i am astonished with what in life amuses you… 🙁
jan
“i’m not sure that is normal to find human trafficking as amusing – perhaps you need to explain yourself on that one – enlighten me…”
Hi Jan,
Well my sense of humor might not be “normal” 🙂
But on one “level” the movie works as a kind of “wish fulfillment”
A dream come true
In the end, the man’s daughter (and others) are saved and the “bad guys” are put to death
Justice is served
In the end, the broken family is temporarily reunited and everyone is feeling very good
What we all want
The first time I saw the movie was with my wife and children when things were at their worse
But it iwas not just the good things that happen that make the movie pleasurable to watch
It is also “how” things happen that provides the pleasure, the “artistry” of the movie
And the main character of the movie is “master of his trade,” which is always fun to watch
At the hero, like James Bond, makes difficult things look so easy
That I find it amusing 🙂
Michael,
thanks for the explanation & i do understand – Liam Neeson is one of my favorite actors & i did like the movie – i always like when the good guys win too – but i never find human trafficking amusing in any way shape or form but i do understand what you are saying/typing…
nothing about that movie looked easy to me though – fight tooth & nail for freedom & how eye opening things are – how subtle we can be deceived & think we are safe when we are not… j
I just reread psm. 51 and I noticed something I hadn’t seen before, and I hope my copy of the text isn’t wrong. In verse 11 I read, “cast me NOT away from your presence and your holy spirit, NOT do take away…”
In my hebrew text, instead of using “lo” (lamed-aleph) which is the negative, it uses “el” (aleph-lamed) which is strength. So that it would read, “with STRENGTH cast me from your presence and with strength take your holy spirit from me.
Am I reading this right, or do I need to get a new text? The implications are terribly beautiful, especially with the following term in verse 13, “I will TEACH transgressors..”
There are two words for “not” in Hebrew. Lo is the stronger, like “never.” Al (not el) is the weaker, a “not” that is conditional. You will find it used in Proverbs quite often.
thank you.
by the way, did you get my email?
I’m getting lost in the thread. Did you send me an email?
Skip
I did. That’s ok. I’ll send another, I’ve got bunches of em’!! 🙂 seriously though it wasn’t of great importance, I’ve just had a problem with paypal previously and would like to know if there’s a phone # I can call to make a payment to the ministry in lieu of over the computer. Thanks again for your previous reply, it clears some things up.
Scripture applies the balance we need to live out our faith. While we wait upon the LORD, while we continue to present our petitions before our Father in our doubt, fear and oftentimes, anger, the morphing emotions may themselves be the test. We live with them, but do not live by them. That is what makes our feelings so dangerous when we attempt to identify the Spirit’s Presence by them. Feelings must be tempered with Scripture.
Mary,
what a word “morphing” – i don’t hear it used often but it seems to refer to something psychological 4 sure…
i “feel/think” feelings/emotions must be managed/tempered by/with Scripture also – it is the only way to function in HIM – His feelings/emotions 4 us are His Torah/Word(s)… ♥ jan
It’s been a long and rocky road to travel learning the need to control my emotions. I think it is easy for type A personalities to mistake passion for uncontrolled emotion. As believers we walk in the Spirit when we learn “self-control”. It comes easier for some than others. For me, it IS a battle, to be sure.
I am quite thankful for His patience with me!!
Mary, thanks for your reply – Michael & i have had some pretty serious discussions on here about passion & i tend to think/feel that passion is uncontrolled emotion (at times)…
yes, self-control is the last on the list of the fruit(s) of the Holy Spirit – could be the last on the list because it is the hardest to learn or attain…
HIS patience with us & we with each other – i don’t pray for patience… 🙂 self-control may be conducive to where we are in life or the positions we hold – some may have to rub elbows with the world way more than others & therefore the self-control is much more needed than someone that has nothing to do with the world in their walk in life – in other words what you do in life make take more self-control than what others do in life…
i’ll pray for God to bless you with self-control in all the positions & walks in your life – that His supply will be sufficient for you in all ways through the Holy Spirit reigning & ruling in your heart… ♥ jan
Mary,
I took note of your use of the word FAITH. One of my daily devotional readings this morning was from Luke 7:1-10. For the first time, I recognized in that passage, that Yeshua said that it was OBEDIENCE TO COMMANDS that verifies one’s FAITH. How many times have we all read this, and not understood it in this light?
I appreciate your statements that emotions may be the test. It is difficult to perceive that when one is in the midst of a trial. For me, hindsight has helped me to appreciate what I learned, and understand that condemnation of myself or others is simply unproductive. I have just had to learn how to REPENT, and ask for light on the path, even when I do not know what is amiss.
I deeply appreciate every member of this community, and our willingness to share ourselves with one another. More than usual, today I will pray for the ones who are in emotional distress.
Praise His Name, The One Who Saves!
Yes, Gayle, isn’t it quite amazing when our eyes see those things that have always been there but our Father waits patiently to reveal them to us.
Reflecting on your comment about condemnation of ourselves/others…if we would learn how to judge ourselves according to Scripture, the perceived condemnation, I think, would not sting quite so badly. Especially if we know our goal is holiness, the painful barbs of criticism, rejection or outright condemnation may be seen in a different light. For emotive humans, especially those of the female persuasion, it appears we can be quite a bit more susceptible to having our perception clouded by emotion.
I sometimes think my emotional pendulum swings pretty wide. Emotions have messed with me in alot of different ways, and to deny my emotional makeup is unfruitful because my Father created me that way…I am learning what is acceptable as a child of the King…regrettably slow at times and having to overcome some prior poor teaching as well.
What a blessing it was to ‘discover’ prayer. Have you ever “yelled” at G-d? (don’t look so holy..). I am not (in no way) saying to yell at G-d- but I am saying when we come to Him in conversational prayer- nothing is “forbidden”- not even our anger or frustration. Prayer is (most assuredly) an emotional event. Love itself is ‘part’ emotion. Is love a feeling or a fact? Yes,- it is. Is my love-relationship with YHWH a feeling or a fact? Yes, it is. (Just the facts m’am..- but feelings will follow)
In my personal quiet time with the Unseen ONE, (uh-oh- he’s gonna share his heart!) sometimes, -not all the time but sometimes when I know He is near, (is He ever “not near?”) the safety-valve of the heart opens up and liquid “something” is running down my face..- This my friends is not without notice by me. Why am I crying? Why do I weep? Does my weeping bring a smile to my Father? to my ABBA? – lol!- Yes, it does. There is nothing (nothing) better for your vision (or mine) than tears. Physically AND spiritually. Tears are a good thing. A good thing? – Why?
According to John 11.35: “Jesus wept.” And according to 1 Corinthians 2.16- “We (all, now) have the mind of Christ.”
Now I haven’t forgotten we are discussing “joy” in today’s word. The word of the day is “joy.” Where is the joy and where does this joy come from? “Joy to the world- the LORD has come” are the words of this carol we shall soon be singing. But are these mere words or a glorious reality in our hearts? “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15.11) The Hebrew word for this is: “wow!” “Until now you have not asked for anything in my Name. Ask (Carl, Skip,Mary, Robert, Jan) and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
Is it “selfish” to ask for joy? lol! Most of us walk around with a face that should be on the outside of an iodine bottle. Where is the joy? If your happy (sir, madam) – tell your face about it!
We have been inundated by “bad news..” A constant 24/7 barrage of madness and mayhem..- We never hear about Mrs. Smith baking a pie for Billy. Or how much Bill enjoyed the pie Mrs. Smith made for him.. – Why not? – Where is the good news? Where is the gospel when we need it? And do we ever need it..We desperately need the good news of the Christ – daily. Moment by moment..
Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from Above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share,
Moment by moment, I’m under His care.
Never a heartache, and never a groan,
Never a teardrop, and never a moan;
Never a danger but there on the throne,
Moment by moment He thinks of His own.
Never a weakness that He doth not feel,
Never a sickness that He cannot heal;
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus my Savior abides with me still.
“But to be snatched from the grip of death! That is reason to rejoice!”
How well I remember 7/3/09, the day my life was spared through ER surgery from a ruptured appendix and obstructed bowel. My doctor prayed over me before surgery as my mind was filled with the words to this song:
“Came to My Rescue” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAMbEPZfWCY
“The Bible endorses feelings. In fact, our emotions are the gateway to experiencing God. Feel! It’s OK. Weep, laugh, shout, cry, rejoice, repent – this is what it means to be nephesh hayah. To bury emotion is to bury myself.”
I highly recommend 3 books on understanding emotions and their role in a healthy spiritual life:
FEELINGS BURIED ALIVE NEVER DIE by Karol Truman
THE CRY OF THE SOUL: HOW OUR EMOTIONS REVEAL OUR DEEPEST QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD by Dan Allender & Tremper Longman III
EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY by Peter Scazzero
I’d also like to recommend the guitar music of Patrick Ki, especially “Secrets of Men’s Hearts” http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/patrickki2
(By the way, I am not compensated monetarily for recommending any of the above resources!)
CYndee,
Shalom to you and your family!
One of the books that you recommended “Fellings Buried Alive Never Die” was loaned to me by my wife’s chiropractor. Read through the first few chapters and was concerned with some of the terminology. The fundamental concept of the book seems to be on target though and I will continue to read with discernment.
Yes, you do have to read it with discernment because some of it can come across as New Age. But the author does admit that she prefers to use “The Script” as a prayer “in the name of Jesus Christ” (see page 93). The Holy Spirit will guide you. May you experience freedom and truth through facing your feelings.
Perhaps you will enjoy this song by Nichol Sponberg, “Safe.”
http://www.uulyrics.com/music/nicol-sponberg/song-safe/
(You have to scroll down on the page and click on the video. However, it’s only the audio of the song, but still as effective.)
I don’t know where I will be tomorrow
Take my hand and lead me through the night
I can see the sadness and the sorrow
I can feel the danger of the fight
Guarding my heart, Your angels surround my soul
So how can I fail?
I will be safe wherever I go
I can be sure I’m never alone
And when I face whatever I find
I’ll always have You, I’ll always have You
Even if my eyes don’t get to see You
I will still believe that You are here
In my heart I know I’ll never leave You
You’re the one to take away my fear
Guarding my heart, Your angels surround my soul
So how can I fail?
I will be safe wherever I go
I can be sure I’m never alone
And when I face whatever I find
I’ll always have You, I’ll always have You
And I will live like never before
You will be mine and I will be Yours
You’ll be forever walking with me, I know I’ll be safe
Safe with You here.
In the darkness and onto the glory
By Your hand we will conquer the night
Take my every breath, take my every move
I give you my life.
I will be safe wherever I go
I can be sure I’m never alone
And when I face whatever I find
I’ll always have You, I’ll always have You
And I will live like never before
You will be mine and I will be Yours
You’ll be forever walking with me, I know I’ll be safe
Safe with You here.
My soul is safe with You, I know I’ll never be alone.
Several months ago I learned a deeper lesson of what faith is. Her name is Emme Ann and she was 14 months at the time; she is one of my granddaughters. Emme’s legs were fully capable of supporting her body’s weight, and she had the capacity to move one foot in front of the other. Emme was talented, but not quite fully able to express her talent. Emme’s biggest issue, at the time, was balance. She could not keep her balance and every time she tried to walk she fell down.
I wanted to walk with Emme. So I stood over her and held her hands in my grip. Her little arms raised up to my towering stature. I allowed her legs to support her body weight and she manipulated her foot movements. After all she had that ability. At the same time I did for her what she could not do. I provided balance. As long as Emme was content to hold to my hand we could walk everywhere. We walked on carpet, tile, rocks, grass, sidewalks, and sand piles. Never did she fall and never did I take a step for her. We were a team. I permitted her to roam about and she held to my unchanging hand; not letting go. It was not until she felt she could do it on her own – when she fought against my grip – that she fell. It was then her heart broke and her tears flowed.
I dried her tears. Comforted her heart. We started again our walk.
I discovered God permits me to do what I have a capacity to do, while He does for me what I cannot do. As long as I trust this relationship; as long as I don’t kick against His grip I have movement in my life. Yesterday Emme needed balance. Today she still needs it, but in a different way; tomorrow will be the same.
Yesterday, today, and forever God never changes.
How absolutely beautiful Roderick !!!!
Roderick Logan,
Shalom and kingdom blessings to you and your family!
So good to see your commenting again. I have been somewhat concerned for your welfare, and I am pleased to read that you seem to be well.
Thank you for your beautiful story about your granddaughter and the poignant picture that it paints and portrays for our lives. In His Care, Brian
Brian, thank you or your concern. All is well. The shortest distance between two points may be a straight line; and while life is short it isn’t a straight line. There are bends, buttes, basins, and sometimes breaks along the journey; but whether I find myself near green pastures, still waters, or the halls of hell my Beloved is with me. Blessed be the Name of the LORD.
Roderick Logan,
Have you been able to read the book I recommended to you several months ago:
A SHEPHERD LOOK AT PSALM 23 by Phillip Keller? No pressure if you haven’t.
No Brian I have not yet acquired or read the book. Sorry.
I have nothing profound to add but so appreciate this post, Skip.
A little over a week ago my 19 year old nephew was in a car accident. He fought for his life for several days and is recovering from a broken back and severed spine. The doctors prognosis is devestating. He has no insurance coverage and is currently in a hospital away from his home until he is stable enough to be moved. It is heart-rending and gut-wrenching.
I’ve spent a lot of time in prayer for both his salvation and his healing. But upon reading your word, I realize, that I have not spent much time dealing with my feelings. I’ve really been stuffing them in an effort to be a the support for my family that I need to be at this time. And looking back at a year riddled with one crisis after another I realize that I’ve been doing this quite frequently.
This part of what you said really stood out to me…”Feelings are the fabric of life. A man (or a God) without feelings is Michelangelo marble – beautiful to look at but not a great traveling companion. The Bible endorses feelings. In fact, our emotions are the gateway to experiencing God. Feel! It’s OK. Weep, laugh, shout, cry, rejoice, repent – this is what it means to be nephesh hayah. To bury emotion is to bury myself.
But we also learn something else. While no emotion is permanent, every emotion can draw us toward YHWH or push us away. We are at liberty to choose.”
As I walk the road of life with others, I don’t want to be a poor traveling companion. I’ve grown tired of saving my feelings to deal with “another time.” Thank you for reminding me that it is okay to feel and unhealthy to bury emotions.
I’m so grateful that whether we experience sorrow or joy every single emotion can draw us closer to YHWH. Yes, we are at liberty to choose. I see people choose to move away on a daily basis. It is my prayer that no matter what I am feeling that I will draw nigh to Him. Where else can I turn?
Thanks for this very balanced post. I really needed it today.
Hi Melinda,
I’m glad you have chosen to experience your feelings in spite of how uncomfortable they may be. Every emotion is a gift. Congratulations on breaking away from the “frozen chosen.” 😀
I am continuing to learn that I MUST FEEL BEFORE I CAN HEAL. Also, if I don’t know what I feel, I don’t know what I need or want. May we all gain insight into how wonderfully we are made and learn to rely upon His understanding to guide us through every circumstance.
As Roderick so beautifully wrote, when we take His hands we are secure in His love and walk in balance.
To all who prayed for me yesterday, know without doubt that your prayers were heard on high, and the Lord God of us all covered me in a blanket of peace. My circumstances have not changed, but my attitude has been altered, as I stood strong in the midst of the storm that rages around me. Thank you for your faithfulness. The fervent prayer of the righteous does much good. May the Lord bless you in your walk today.
John
JOHN,– NOW AT MY AGE, I FEEL FREE TO MINISTER TO MEN—I ALWAYS HAVE THOUGHT IN MY PAST, THAT THE APPROPRIATE WAY FOR MINISTRY ONE ON ONE, WAS MEN TO MEN, AND WOMEN TO WOMEN. –AND BY MINISTRY– I MEAN THE WAY THE WORD TEACHES; WE THAT ARE BORN ANEW BY GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT–AND WALK IN HIS WAYS AS GIVEN IN OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, ALONG WITH THE VITAL BOOK OF JAMES, SHOULD BE SUBTITLED, THE BOOK OF DOING-(OR WORKS).
SO, I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT YOUR RESPONSE TODAY ABOVE, HAS ALREADY MADE MY DAY
AND A LITTLE HUMOR ADDED, WHEN I ZEROED IN TODAY. TO CHECK ON YOUR LAST NAME — LIGHTFOOT, I HAD TO SMILE TO MYSELF–WONDERING ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF IT—AND INSTANTLY THOUGHT, OH MY, GOD HAS ALREADY GIVEN HIM THE CORRECT NAME, “TREAD LIGHTLY BEFORE THE LORD”, AND THEN HIS WISE PARENTS–ADDED “JOHN”.– ( WHO COULD ASK FOR A BETTER NAME–THE BELOVED DISCIPLE OF JESUS!)——
GO INTO THIS DAY WITH GREAT JOY, SPEAK TO THE BANKERS, LEGAL PEOPLE, ETC. WITH GREAT HUMILITY, HONEST WISDOM, AND A PEACE THAT WILL BLOW THEM AWAY. ALL BECAUSE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD LIVES INSIDE YOU.
–LAVAYE BILLINGS ( ED’S ALREADY AT THE LARGE LOCAL ISD SUBSTITUTING AT AGE 82 & SIX MONTHS– AND BARELY, IF ANYONE THERE KNOWS THAT HE HAS AN EARNED PHD FROM INDIANA U. AND EARNED A LIVING IN SMALL CHRISITAN UNIVERSITIES, NEVER IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL.— I AM NOT BRAGGING, BUT BECAUSE IN A CYBER COMMUNITY , WE DO NOT GET MUCH OF A PICTURE OF PEOPLE’S LIVES IN THE COMMUNITY OR BACKGROUND. TOO ALL WHO READ THIS MAY GOD’S PEACE ABOUND IN YOU TODAY. L.B.
Eternal hallelujah’s to Jesus Christ our King. The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find..- None other is so loving, so good and kind. He lives, He lives!- Christ Jesus lives today..
Brother Roderick- I appreciate what you said about the “shortest distance between two points.” The distance between Egypt and Canaan “as the crow flies” (assuming the bird will fly straight), the forty year journey (one more time around the mountain!) -This scenery looks strangely familiar.. lol!- It’s deja vu- all over again.. is in itself another (ho-hum..) miracle. Twisting and turning? – what happened to the “straight and narrow path? – Even on our journey- we are instructed (daily) to keep it “between the lines”- (great way to keep it out of the ditches!). Keep it between the lines of “trust and obey”- the old T & O railroad.
Just to share one silly thought- I’ve toyed with the idea of a title for my autobiography: “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.” – Walking by faith (not by sight) is (to put it gently,- and we are instructed to be gentle!), anything but “boring.” Life is (no doubt) an adventure. In sickness and in health- in sorrow and in wealth, – “Love (His love) never fails”. (I “feel” another heaven-born Hallelujah!)
It is also G-d’s gift to us (all) to be able to communicate with one another- via this website- and to share with each other- via our words- the unique gifts G-d has given unto each of us. I love to read your words. They impact a deep part of me and give me a passion to pray. I (now) love to pray. My desire is to spend time with the ONE I love and love has been spelled: T-I-M-E.
John, I do not understand all that I know about this but here it is: “in order for G-d to use us greatly, sometimes He will “wound” us- deeply.” I (now) speak through my scars. “Mark these men..” But every scar I carry (both seen and unseen) is a blessing. Each (ugly) scar carries with it- “both” a miracle and a message. “I know the plans I have for you”- applies directly to John (the Beloved). You, (our brother in Christ) are loved.
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:” Amen.
Nothing is better for our eyes (physically or spiritually) than tears and tears are a language G-d understands.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA_bo8DSOwg&feature=related
Carl,
Beautiful song by Steve Green, always so touching. Thanks!
Your statement “assuming the bird will fly straight” caught my attention. You must see this one:
http://www.boreme.com/posting.php?id=31278#.Tr4JWnQv0K0.facebook
Our Creator’s handiwork is truly awesome!
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
~He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.~ (Malachi 3.3,4)
“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tries the hearts.” (Proverbs 17.3)