Thursday, March 31, 2016

From joyburst to Matterhorn

        Yesterday was one of those joyburst kind of days.
         You know the feeling: when the sun shines impossibly bright and warm (but not too warm), the sky sparkles a pristine blue, the bushes bloom with pastel beauty, the air scented with spring deliciousness.  And I enjoy the privilege of listening to a brilliant, engaging speaker with a melodious British accent (the ABC's recited in that accent would sound spectacular) who's an expert on C.S. Lewis.  He talked about Lewis's work and the problem of suffering and the "Narnia code" (too complex to explain, especially since I have the barest of understandings!).  I must say it was pure  joy to listen and learn from him.
        But the joyburst didn't stop there.  I savored sitting beside several dear friends.  Joy.  And then walked home on a beautiful day rejoicing that God made such a man and intellect as C.S. Lewis and that we get to read his writings and learn from him.  Joy.  And considered the piercing and thoughtful questions several students had asked during the Q&A.  Joy.  And met with several more dear friends throughout the day.  Friendship--joy.  And to top it all off--at the end of the day, we got to eat dinner on a lovely spring evening at good old Cloos with three of our children.  Joy, joy, joy!  Goodness, even a cupcake to polish off the night.  Yep, joy.  So we're talking about a joybust kind of day.
       Now I'm definitely gonna come back in a day or two and mention a few thoughts on Lewis and one great question that was raised at the talk, but today, the Lord's been teaching me something totally different.  Have you noticed that His agenda often differs from ours?
       So, Joyburst day supreme yesterday....and then today, the slough of despond.  Weary.  Discouraged.  Grumpy.  No idea why really.  What's up with that?
       Well here's the thing: our joyburst mountaintops inevitably seem to lead to dreary valleys.  Seriously, never fails. Sure as shooting, if you're rejoicing in life's goodness and all the world seems filled with colorful balloons, cooing babies, dark chocolate, and happy songs, just wait.  'Cause in a day or two it'll be red lights, malfunctioning computers, irritations everywhere, and discouraging illness.
       I once heard David Jeremiah describe it as "the Matterhorn principle."  For you see, near the base of the Matterhorn is a cemetery filled with climbers who died climbing the Matterhorn.  But if you look closely, the vast overwhelming majority of the deaths occurred not on the way up but on the way back down.  Almost all the climbers who died made it successfully to the peak, but then on the way back down the mountain somehow relaxed their guard just a bit or were a bit unfocused (perhaps from the amazing accomplishment they'd just achieved), and boom, they slipped and fell.
       Oh my goodness, we can count on it.  After finally finishing a big project...or after enjoying a great victory...or simply after savoring a wonderful joyburst kind of day or time of life...here's come the downward fall.
        Let's face it: much as we'd like to, not a one of us can stay up on the mountaintop.  We're all going to endure days, or weeks, or even seasons of time, when life seems gray...or hard...or dull...or downright discouraging.  So what do we do?
       Well, first, be prepared!  When that old slough of despond hits, remember the Matterhorn and don't allow yourself to be stunned and caught unaware.  Often that's half the battle, if you ask me.  Recognize that valley for what it is--an inevitable part of the cycle of life.  And this too shall pass.  As my Daddy used to say, "We're going through a rough patch."  Translation--it's a patch, and patches don't stretch on forever.  They end, so just hang on and keep walking!   
         And secondly, strengthen yourself in the Lord.  Obviously, go to Him in His Word and in prayer.  Listen to His Word. Abide in His Word, and let Him tell you the true Truth (not your feelings-driven shallow distortion of reality).
        And while you're at it--preach to yourself!  Oh mercy, I needed a little preaching to my selfish, emotion-driven, ungrateful self today!  If  you need ammunition for your sermon?  God's Word!  Preach it, baby, preach it!
       I'm gonna shut up now, but can I just share one passage that'll preach every single time?  "My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You... By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life.  I say to God my Rock, 'Why have You forgotten me?  Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?'  My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, 'Where is your God?'  Why my soul are you downcast?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." (Ps.42:6,8-11)
       Yes, the Psalmist acknowledges that things are tough right now.  Yes,  his enemies taunt him.  Yes it feels like God's forgotten him...but He hasn't!  And so the Psalmist preaches to himself, reminding himself to put his hope in Almighty God.  Determining to praise God--because it's a choice.  "I will yet praise Him."   An act of the will, not a byproduct of ever-vacillating emotions.  And refusing to forget that He is my Savior, and my God.  A Savior who will never ever abandon or fail him.  Never.
       So if today's a joyburst kind of day for you--rejoice!  Thank and praise the Lord, the Giver of all good gifts.  But if you're on the discouraging downhill side of life, remember the Matterhorn.  Return to the Word.  Rehearse God's goodness and greatness.  And recite a little sermon to  your burdened heart.  Preach!
       And don't forget--that rough patches will end.  Joy always eventually comes in the morning.  (Ps.30:5)
        To God be the glory.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

"It is finished"

        Saturday of Holy Week.  Sorrow.  Defeat.  Despair.  Stillness. Quiet resignation.  
        Jesus' last words on Good Friday keep coming back to me on this day after the very worst--and yet best--day in the history of mankind:  "It is finished."
       That terrible afternoon on Good Friday, Jesus knew He had now fully completed the work His Father gave Him to do--the awful, bloody, beautiful work of our redemption.  The end had come.  And so the One born 33 years earlier in a lowly wooden manger prepared to finish and complete His mission on a rough wooden cross.
       "After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), 'I thirst.' A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.  When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished,” and He bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (John 19:28-30)
       Jesus had lived a perfect, sinless life--it is finished.  He had loved His own all the way to the very uttermost--it is finished.  Nothing more needed to be said or done to accomplish our redemption--it is finished.  Our sins had been completely paid for--it is finished.   It was, no doubt, a hoarse shout of victory, of mission accomplished.
       But for those looking on, for those who loved and followed Jesus, this was a horrific statement of fact.  Their beloved Lord was dead and gone--it is finished.  Evil had triumphed and good had been defeated--it is finished.  All their hopes and dreams utterly destroyed--it is finished.   All the joy, peace, wonder, glory, and light of their lives had been distinguished forever--it is finished.
      And so on this quiet Saturday while Jesus' body lay in that tomb, can you imagine their despair?  Their bewilderment.  Their numbing sorrow and utter hopelessness.  How could God let this happen?  What kind of Lord would allow this to happen?  How could they have been so mistaken?
      What a day this dark, despairing Saturday must have been for those disciples and followers of Jesus.  It. Is. Finished.
       And yet...
      And yet, contained within those same three words would be their--and our--greatest hope, wonder, and joy.  For salvation's work was finished and our redemption was secured.  Forever. They just couldn't see it...not yet.  But Easter's Sunday was coming.  Just a little while longer.
      I don't know what you might be enduring right now, but perhaps you're feeling stuck in a Saturday of dark discouragement or despair.  Maybe you're wondering what God's up to...or where He is...or if He'll come through.
      But Good Friday and this dark Saturday remind us--things are not what they seem.  Don't confuse your feelings with reality.  Even when nothing is happening...something is happening.  And God is hovering beneath the surface, always working and moving in a million different ways that we cannot see and do not know.   And Saturday's darkness will give way to Easter Sunday's unimaginable delight.  
      Death will be defeated...because it is finished.  Despair destroyed...because it is finished.  Sin and sorrow crushed...because it is finished.  And hope and joy and love reignited...because it is finished.
       So on the dark Saturdays of your life, remember...because Jesus said "It is finished," you'll never be.  Easter's coming.  Easter's coming.  Easter's coming.
       To God be the glory.
       

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Tired feets on Maundy Thursday

        Maundy Thursday of Holy Week.
        It's been a long, busy day...well, for that matter a long, busy week.  Finally sitting down on Thursday evening, and weariness overwhelms me.  Tired feet, tired body, tired mind.
        And then it hits me--Holy Week.  This very evening would be the night of the last supper.  Jesus washing the disciples filthy feet and telling them of His great love.  The singing of a hymn together before they headed out to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus pouring out his anguished heart to His Heavenly Father and yet submitting peacefully to His Abba's perfect will.  And then, of course, all the terrible events of the late night-watches ahead--Judas' betrayal, the arrest, the ridiculous trial, the beatings, humiliating, and scourging.
       Oh Lord Jesus, how could I have forgotten for even a moment?  How could I be self-absorbed with my own weariness and not remember Your infinitely greater exhaustion, pain, and sorrow?  My tired and aching feet remind me of Your feet walking resolutely to the cross...accepting the nails...bearing the weight of sin...for the likes of me.  Thank You, Lord, thank You.
       I wonder: as you washed  those feet--including the feet of one who would deny You and another who would betray You,  did You contemplate what Your feet would be agonizingly enduring within only a few hours?
       If I knew that I'd be abandoned by all my loved ones, tortured mercilessly, humiliated and then executed in the most terrible way imaginable, I'd be unable to think of anything else.  I'd be thinking of nothing but myself and my pain.  I'd be incapable of considering anyone or anything else.
       And yet, on Maundy Thursday, Jesus does just the opposite.  He willingly takes on the job of the most menial servant and washes feet.  He eats with His beloved disciples.  He loves.  He encourages.  He teaches.  He sings.  He prays.  And He gives a new command.
       You see, the word "maundy" comes from the Latin meaning "mandate" or "command."  And at the Last Supper--which was also the first Communion--Jesus gave His disciples, and us, a new command: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)
       So after a long, busy week and after a wearying day, Jesus spends this last night with his beloved friends.  And just hours before bearing unimaginable pain and the weight of all sin for all time,  Jesus gives them--and us--this command to love.  Love as He's loved us.  Love one another that the world may know we belong to Him.  Simply love. 
       Somehow, as I sit here in my comfortable chair in my comfortable home and think about my Savior commanding me to love as He loves, my weariness fades.  My self-absorption vanishes in light of the One Who loved so extravagantly and at so infinite a cost.
      I'm facing no nails later tonight.  I'm confronting no betrayers or mocking soldiers or screaming crowds.  But He did...for me and for you.  Thank You, Lord Jesus.  Thank You and forgive me for my selfishness and pride that helped to put You on that cross.
      I'm reminded of that old black woman during the bus boycott in the midst of the civil rights struggles.  Because of the boycott, she couldn't take the bus but instead had to walk miles and miles to her work, but her comment was "My feets is tired, but my soul is rested."
     Lord, some of us have mighty tired "feets"...or discouraged hearts...or weary bodies.  But when we look to Jesus, our souls are rested.  For in Him, we have salvation, eternal life, joy, hope, peace. So as long as You choose to leave us here on this hot pavement, help us to love, to truly love as You love.  Love You and love others.  That's why we're here.  Keep our feets and our hearts serving and loving, Father until You call us home.
      Tired feets...but thankful heart on this Maundy Thursday.
       To God be the glory.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Palm Sunday...merciful and mighty

          Palm Sunday--the first day of Holy Week.
          "And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it.  And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, 'Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!  Hosanna in the highest!'" (Mark 11:7-10)
          Such familiar events, yet so astounding.  The Sovereign Creator enters Jerusalem knowing full well all the terrible betrayal, sorrow, humiliation, and pain that awaits Him.  So many beautiful and stunning paradoxes--Jesus enters triumphantly...yet humbly on a colt.  He enters with full omniscience...yet with complete submission to His Father.  He enters to joyful shouts of adoration...which will soon be screams of rejection.
          As John Piper says, He is both sovereign and merciful.  "What makes Christ so admirable and so different than all other persons is that He unites in Himself so many different qualities that in other people are contrary to each other.  We can imagine supreme sovereignty, and we can imagine tender hearted mercy.  But to whom do we look to combine, in perfect proportion, merciful sovereignty and sovereign mercy?...It's the harmony of things that seem in tension that makes Him glorious--'merciful and mighty,' as we sing.  We admire power more when it is merciful power. And we admire mercy more when it is mighty mercy."
         Such is our Savior...and there is none other.  He is both merciful and mighty, both full of grace and truth, both Servant and King.  
         A simple prayer for the next seven days--Father, might we walk with the Lord Jesus through the events of this final week of His life and see Him with fresh eyes, grateful hearts, and obedient wills.  Take us off of spiritual autopilot and enable us to experience and appreciate Jesus' sovereignty, power, love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy as never before.  And might our response be to love and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with all that we are.  Thank You that You are both merciful and mighty, both our sovereign Savior and our loving Lord.  In Jesus' name, Amen.
         To God be the glory.
       

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Knowing the end of the story

        "What joy is there in being with Christ...How happy are they that enjoy the fountain, if some small streams are so pleasant." (Puritan preacher, George Swinnock, 1627-1673)
        The past few days have given us the gift of such "small streams [that] are so pleasant."  The weather has been, in a word, spectacular.  Sunny, warm--but not hot--bright and glorious.  Everywhere the trees are starting to bud, and the earth is awakening from it's winter's slumber.  The scents of approaching spring perfume the air.  The birds are happily energized by all the earth's approaching activity, and it seems as if I'm constantly spotting the brilliant red flash of the cardinals...which always brings a smile to my heart.
        Oh my, thank You, Lord, for this wondrous planet!  Thank You for the gift of all these "small streams" pointing to Your infinitely greater and eternal fountain of delights.  Even with all the terrible turmoil and vitriol in our culture, God's fingerprints are everywhere on His remarkable creation. Yes, there's plenty in this world to worry over...but then we glimpse and enjoy those "small streams."
        Not just the beauty of creation, but the wondrous joy of spending time with loved ones, laughing with friends, savoring a delicious meal, crying over a great book, belting out a well-loved chorus with the radio.  All wordless reminders of the Lord's eternal faithfulness and extravagant goodness to us.    All pointing us in the direction of true and eternal love, beauty, glory.
        No matter what's going on in our lives or in the world, the best truly is yet to come.  We're not home yet.  We have endless glory and heaven ahead, but in the meantime, our Lord's called us to be faithful right where He's placed us..."for such a time as this."
        This all reminded me of something I shared the other day in Bible study, and since we're in the midst of "March Madness," I hope you don't mind if I share it.
        Because here's the bottom line: we know the end of the story.  And that makes all the difference.
        A couple of disclaimers: first, my family loves the Tar Heels.  So if you're not a Carolina fan, you can either stop reading right now or you can just imaginatively insert your team's name in for the tar heels.  I promise to refrain from any editorial or snarky comments about Dook, since this does not involve the Blue Devils (with a mascot like that?? Geez...there I go again.  Forgive me.).  Second disclaimer: as of the moment I'm writing this, the Heels are still in the NCAA tournament.  However, they play late tonight so by the time you read this, they may have lost...and there will be much weeping and gnashing of teeth at our house.  So I'm laying in a huuuuuge (to quote "the Bern") supply of chocolate.  It pays to be prepared.
        Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's time travel back to last weekend--and oh what a happy one it was--after the Tar Heels had won the ACC tournament...
        The other day I had the great pleasure of watching a recording of the UNC basketball game in the finals of the ACC tournament.  Now here’s the thing—I normally don’t enjoy these games at all, because I’m such a nervous wreck.  Seriously, my family often makes me go into the other room where I can practice deep breathing techniques or switch channels to the Cooking Network to relieve the stress and agony. The game itself was fairly late at night, so I wisely determined to record the second half, go to bed, and then decide in the morning if I wanted to watch it and celebrate...or erase it and eat a few squares of chocolate.
        But here's my point: all my usual nervousness, stress, and misery were completely alleviated when I watched the game. For you see, I already KNEW they’d won the game!
        Even when things got really stressful in the game, I could keep calm and carry on…because I knew the end result.  Even though the other team was leading most of the time, I could tell myself: “I don’t care how it looks right now.  I don’t care how it feels right now.  I know the end of the story, so I’m just going to hang in there and enjoy the game…because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that everything’s going to alright in the end!”
Folks, we know the end of the story.
         Right now it's Lent.  Holy Week begins tomorrow when we'll be remembering Jesus' final week on earth before His crucifixion.  But we know the end of the story--the resurrection!  Jesus Christ is alive.  He conquered sin and death, so He defeated the most horrific, impossible problem we’ll ever face.  We are forgiven.  We are redeemed.  We are cherished, we are loved, we are empowered, we are filled with the dynamite of the Holy Spirit living inside us, and we are bound for the eternal and infinite wonders and joys of heaven.
Yes, we know the end of the story.  So no matter how bumpy the ride gets, no matter how hard or challenging things might look, no matter how discouraged or fearful we might feel, God’s already won the war.  And because He’s won, we’ve won, too.  Our enemy is a defeated, conquered foe, and Jesus Christ is alive.
         And no illness, no financial collapse, no political candidate, no prodigal child, no terrorist, no NOTHING will ever put Him back in the grave!
         Because that's true, we can live today with hope, joy, and peace, no matter our circumstances, no matter our setbacks, no matter our sorrows.  Knowing the Savior and the end of the story quite literally makes all the difference.  He is risen; He is risen indeed.  And one day He's coming back.  
        So until that glorious day, let's "Keep calm and carry on" with faith, obedience, and joy.  Oh my, isn't it wonderful knowing the end of the story?!
        To God be the glory.  

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Decisions and God's wisdom

         Decisions, decisions, decisions...
         Yes, life's full of them, isn't it?  This was one of our favorite little spots in Disney--the French bakery.  And this is only one tiny little slice (excuse the pun) of the delectable offerings.  There were cases galore of yummy looking treats!  That might have been the most challenging part of our trip--choosing just one...or two...or, well, who's counting?
         But seriously, aren't you thankful in life's myriad decisions that we're not hanging out there on a limb all on our own?  Oh my, how desperately we need--or at least I surely do--the supernatural wisdom of our Lord.
       "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."(James 1:5-6)
        We have a couple of good friends facing challenging decisions right now.  We all do.  Decisions regarding school choices.  Business decisions.  Decisions regarding how to respond in relationships.  Political decisions.  Time decisions.  Big and little decisions...one after another.
        Such a simple reminder, but I know I surely needed it--there is One who knows all the facts, has all the wisdom, and knows every possible ramification for our every decision.  And He's the One who made us, redeemed us, and loves us more infinitely and perfectly than we can even begin to imagine.          So how about we ask Him?  How about we seek His perfect wisdom from the first thing in the morning, to the middle of the day, and to all evening long as well?
         The Creator and Sustainer of the universe has invited us to come, ask, receive, and soak in His wisdom, love, and grace.  And not just come, but come with confidence!  "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and grace to help in time of need." (Heb.4:16)  What on earth are we waiting for?
         I'll close with this wonderful prayer from Scotty Smith: "Dear Jesus, as this day begins, many of us are facing big decisions. We need the wisdom, guidance, and peace You alone can give.  It's a joy to come before Your throne of grace  confident of Your audience, grateful for Your advocacy, and resting in Your authority.  Indeed, Jesus, You're an engaged Shepherd, not an absentee landlord.  Even as we make plans in our hearts, You are actively ordering our steps  (Prov.16:9).  Oh, the freedom and peace this brings!  You are the Lord who 'opens doors no one can shut' (Rev.3:8)  And the converse is just as true; You also shut doors no one can open.  Our future is tied not to making the right decisions but to trusting the right Lord....For those of us dealing with job changes, financial stresses, and health issues, show Yourself mighty, Jesus.  May Your mercy keep us gentle and Your might trump our impatience.  For those of us having to make important decisions for the people we love, be huge and present.  Long-term care for aging parents, the 'right' education for our kids, the best treatment for family members and friends in the destructive whirlwind of addictions--make the way clear, Lord.  As Prince of Peace, give us Your peace as we wait upon You.  Jesus in these coming days write stories of redemption that will reveal your glory, showcase Your grace, and leave us reveling in Your goodness and timing.  We pray in Your trustworthy and beautiful name. Amen."
         Yes, Lord, yes. Do it again and again in our lives, in our loved ones' lives, and in the lives of all who love Your great name.  We hand You our decisions and humbly ask for Your wisdom and enabling.  To God be the glory.

       

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Disney...and home!

        So we've been to Disney with our youngest child...and survived...barely.
        Okay, that's a gigantic exaggeration.  We actually had a mighty good time, and I'm so thankful for the health and energy to enjoy it and for loved ones with whom to share it.  Thank You, Lord.
        I'm also very thankful for the gift of home!  And friends...routine...regular food (that doesn't cost an arm and a leg)...our dog...North Carolina...neighbors...hot baths...time alone in peace and quiet with the Lord and His Word (well, quiet except for Mr. Bingley who is unexplainably barking his head off at the moment)...exercising with my buddies in the morning...and open space (that's not crammed full of people).  Yes, Disney was great...but home is better!
        While we were there, it took an act of Congress to get a single picture of my wonderfully photogenic, but terribly photo-averse, husband and son.  About the best I could manage were a bunch of "Disney from behind" pics like...


        I know what you're thinking: Ansel Adams has got nothing on me.
        Now don't get me wrong.  I'm so thrilled and grateful we were able to go to Disney with our son and savor the fun, the beauty, the childlike wonder of it all.  But oh my goodness, Dorothy was right, "There is no place like home."
        Sometimes you have to go away for a bit to be reminded of all you have right here in your own backyard.  Life's greatest treasures are often also her simplest and freest ones--
The people we love.
The dirt beneath our feet.
The taste of food.
The smell of pine trees.
The sky paintings at sunrise and sunset.
The deep breath of crisp, clean air.
The unutterable joy of being known and loved by the Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth.
The strength-filling, wisdom-giving, hope-engendering gift of God's ever fresh Word.
All grace.
        Oh Lord, forgive me for how easily I can suffer from grace-amnesia.  I forget Your goodness.  I forget Your faithfulness.  I forget Your mercy.  I forget Your presence.  I forget Your power.  I forget Your forgiveness.  I forget Your love.  
       Here's the terrible problem with grace-amnesia: We forget to pray.  We forget to trust.  We forget to look to our Almighty Lord in dependence and humility.
       And instead, we worry.  We scheme.  We manipulate.  We try to work out things by ourselves.  We try to control and cling to our things rather than cling to the One who controls all things.
        Ah, yet such wonderful words from James 4:6, "But He gives more grace."
        He. Gives. More. Grace.
        No matter how forgetful we may be, He gives more grace.  No matter how large or small the need, He gives more grace.  No matter our weaknesses or failures, He gives more grace.  No matter our past or our future, He gives more grace.
      His grace is ever and always sufficient.  II Cor.12:19 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  Even for the grace-amnesiac.  
        Aren't you thankful?
        Today we have the choice.  Will we live like a grace-amnesiac or like a soul saved by grace?  Will we act based upon our feelings or based upon our faith?  Will we choose to worry or worship and pray?  Will we live like who and Whose we are--children of the King, Princes and Princesses of the Almighty--or as captives of the world?
        The Lord has showered us with His amazing and never-ending grace through the Gift of His Son...but we must choose how we'll respond.  Oh goodness, how prone we--or at least I--am to wander and forget!  "But He gives more grace."  
       This day, this never-to-be-repeated day, might we choose to bathe in the ocean of His grace and live by and and through and for the perfect Son who gave His life that we might live.  It begins by remembering and then responding with gratitude and trust.  Because in Him, we are truly and forever home.  And there's no place, no person, no possession, no nothing like Home.
        To God be the glory.