Anxiety. Most of us have felt it at one time or another: the fear of future events that may or may not come to pass. Weâre nervous. Weâre anxious. We worry. Jesus spoke about anxiety in his sermon on the mount. Six times he used the word anxious. Each time he encouraged us to trust our heavenly Father (Matt. 6:25-34) … Read More
Way #1: God intentionally guides your steps by helping you recognize your ignorance. If we take the Bible at face value we immediately come to the conclusion that we donât know as much as God. It was this understanding that caused Job to say he wouldnât speak in Godâs presence, only listen (Job 50:3-5). When I was a student and I … Read More
Those who teach a prosperity gospel leave little room for the place suffering has in the will of God for the believer. Granted, most of us would like a life without pain or difficulty. We would like to keep suffering at armâs length if we could. But two Biblical characters reveal that suffering may be a part of Godâs will … Read More
Attending a funeral recently I was reminded how personal the 23rd Psalm is. Just notice the pronouns. To King David, God wasnât someone elseâs God, and he certainly wasnât distant. He was near. And he was personally involved in King Davidâs life. No wonder this is the Psalm that is read by the bedside of the suffering. But it isn’t … Read More
During difficult times we all need hope. The Psalmist captured it this way: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation (Psalm 42:5). Â I canât remember who said it, but the words were wise: If I am in despair my hope … Read More
Suffering doesnât differentiate among its victimsâboth the child and the retiree get cancer.  The parent lies awake for the choices that their prodigal son or daughter make. Suffering is unavoidable.  The book of 1 Peter was written as an encouragement to those who were suffering. It concludes with a wonderful verse and four action words that God promises to perform … Read More
Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly. Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that … Read More
If you’ve read the Bible, then you know it’s no secret that God hates idols (Deut.32:21). I know itâs a strong word. We usually think of God and love in the same sentence not God and hate. I used to think that God’s abhorrence of idol worship was simply about his glory (Ex. 20:2-6). After all, he made us so it … Read More
Even though it happened over thirty-five years ago I can still remember the feeling of panic. Looking down the ladder, realizing my brother was no longer steadying it at the base, and then feeling the ladder begin to slide away from the tree. My 30 foot descent wasnât rapid enough to break any bones, but it really knocked the wind … Read More
The wisdom of God means that God knows all things actual and possible in one simple and eternal act.1 I often misinterpret the actual events, and I only guess at the possibilities. But God knows all possibilities and their implications. This is a tremendous comfort to me. I make judgments of error every day because my knowledge is limited. I cannot possibly have all the facts. Even … Read More
