Satisfied

Oh the sweetness of a mother with her baby – thirty plus years later and I can still vividly remember the quiet love that washed over me like a tidal wave when they placed my son in my arms. But he had only one thing in mind – his craving for nourishment. He wanted to eat! Every mom knows that infants will sound the alarm when the first pangs of hunger hit. Mom fills the baby’s empty tummy, and for a season that is all the child knows of her. She is the one who meets his needs. But children grow and the relationship grows with it. The baby soon discovers that Mom is more than a place to eat.
David wrote, “I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me” (Ps 131:2). This is a picture of the child who is past the craving stage; he no longer sees his mother as just a source of food. She is a person to enjoy, a person who loves him. Now he can be content just being in her presence without making demands of her. He still calls for her when he has a need, and he will frequently glance back at her to make sure she is still there and is satisfied to see her nearby.
Are you content simply being in the Father’s presence? Or do you still regard Him as a means to fill your wants and needs? Those who are most satisfied in their relationship with God are the ones who have learned to enjoy Him for who He is. Yes, they trust Him to meet their needs as they come. But He is so much more than a solution to their problems. More and more the Lord is teaching me to love Him for who He is, not just for what He can do for me.
Can you sit with Him in the quiet and just enjoy the privilege? God is able and willing to meet your needs – and your greatest need is Him. Beloved, won’t you come a sit a while with your Father?

My Father God

When I pray, whether written or spoken, I use my favorite name for God: “Holy Father” (John 17:11). It comes from Jesus’ prayer just before his arrest. I love that name because it expresses the two most important aspects of who God is. Taken separately, each word speaks volumes.
“Holy” describes the highest moral quality, something or Someone set apart and sacred. I think of the Most Holy place in the Tabernacle where God dwelled among His people. It was a sacred space and entry by man was forbidden – except once a year and then only by the high priest who came to make sacrifices for the sins of the nation. A holy thing would never be used for common purposes by common people. The angels in Isaiah’s vision of God’s throne room constantly called out to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty” (Is 6:3). Not just holy, but thrice holy.
“Father” is, of course, a male parent or significant leader to a family, a nation, or an individual. It is a title of honor and reverence. It is also a title of endearment – at least for some. My Dad and I didn’t have the best relationship when I was growing up and we were estranged for much of my adult life. (We did reconcile a few years before his death.) “Father” was not a warm fuzzy thought for me. But coming from the lips of Jesus, the affection was deep and sincere. Most Jews would not dare refer to God in such familiar ways. Remember He is holy – set apart from common, sinful people. But after His resurrection, Jesus told the disciples, “I am returning to my Father and your Father . . . (John 20:17). And He is our Father.
But together “Holy Father” serves as bookends with all the wonder and awe and majesty of God in between. And together they are the complete picture of this God who is both holy and dear, who both demands perfection and makes us perfect through the blood of His own Son. The words speak to my heart of a Father who will never wrong me, never leave me, never hurt me or shame me but will always love me with the holiest of love. With perfect love (1 John 4:18). Because He is a perfect Father (Matt 5:48).
Yes, “Holy Father” says it all.

Your Miracle is on the Way

You and I have the “Paul Harvey” version of the Scriptures – we know “the rest of the story.” But put yourself in the shoes of those who lived both sides of the biblical stories. Mark 9:17-27 introduces us to a very worried father whose son is under the control of a violent spirit. He stands before Jesus pleading, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (Mark 9:22). Stay in the moment with this father as he sees Jesus turn to the child and speak with authority, “I command you to come out of him and never enter him again” (v. 25). Watch through his eyes as “the spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently, and came out” (v. 26).” “That’s awesome,” we think, but think again. “The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, ‘He’s dead.’” (v. 26). In the moment it appeared that Jesus had made everything worse.
Freeze this scene right here and consider how many times you and I have been in the same place. You brought your problem to Jesus in hopes that He would help you. You prayed and pleaded with Him hoping for a miracle. And what happened next? It all got worse instead of better. And so the questions start: “Did I pray wrong?” “Did God not hear me?” “Does He have something against me?” Now, in addition to our problem, we have all this anxiety and we’re wondering, “What just happened and what do I do now?”
“But Jesus . . .” these are the most precious words in the Bible to me. When it all seemed more hopeless than before, Mark said, “But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet” (v. 27). Wonder of wonders, the boy is not dead – he is alive – and healed!
My friend, may I remind you not to give up on Jesus before the miracle is complete. That moment when all seems lost, just as it was for this father, may be the moment before all is found. I am in the dark middle of a miracle in the making – the part where I’ve prayed and prayed, but the situation seems to be getting worse instead of better. Maybe you are too. Just as the father lived out his story in real time, you and I are also living out our story without the advantage of a written script that tells us how it all ends. But we have Jesus. We have the Miracle Worker. Beloved, let’s trust that His miracle is on the way.

My Rescuer

Image: “The Lost Lamb” by Alfred Usher Soord (1868-1915).

I have been in some hard places in my life, some of my own making, some the result of other’s actions, and some through the ups and downs of life. Some were frightening, some were heartbreaking, and most were depressing. Two things were certain – I felt all alone and I thought my situation was hopeless. I’ve lived through quite a few of those places and I have learned some things I hope will encourage you through your own.
First is the promise that you are not alone in your hard place. The Lord God journeyed with the Israelites for forty years in a wilderness, through the desert and the rocky crags, through blistering hot days and cold nights and He never abandoned His people. But most importantly, He was faithful to them through their rebellion, failures, mistakes, and disobedience. He was with them in battle and in the drudgery of their daily lives. The entire book of Exodus is the story of God’s goodness to His chosen people. And lest you forget, others have walked the same valleys of hardship and heartache and are happy to journey with you through yours.
There is also the assurance that God will faithfully provide for you and me, even in the hard places. I marvel constantly at how God has met my family’s needs through the years. From car repairs to rent, groceries, school supplies, a place to live, a job, and even my education. God knows what we need and He is a good Father who cares about and for His kids.
But this verse from the prophet Micah speaks volumes to me about the hard places. “You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you” (Micah 4:10). I learned that knowing God is the most important thing in my life and you and I will only know Him through experience. I know He is the God who rescues His children because He has rescued me time and time again. Here’s the point: I would not know this facet of His character if I’d never been in “Babylon” – if I’d never been in need of rescue.
I am prone to trouble. But I know that wherever I am, whatever caused the difficulty, however deep the pit, God will rescue me because He has done so before. Beloved, hard places are not the end of your story. They are where God comes to your rescue. They are how you come to know your Redeemer.

Doctrines of the Faith: God the Father

The Apostle’s Creed is the core doctrinal statement of the Church. It outlines every foundational statement of the Christian faith. The opening statement says: “I believe in God the Father . . .” What does that mean? Are we “all God’s children” as many philosophers and modern songwriters have claimed?
Deuteronomy 32:6 is the first mention of the Lord as “Father.” Moses declared: Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?” In this sense, God is called Father because, like a human father He is instrumental in creating life. As man’s Creator, He is The Force of life. But the Old Testament people did not relate to God as a personal Father.
Jesus addressed God as Father in His prayers – often using the tender name “Abba” as little children would do – and he called Him “my Father” on multiple occasions when speaking to his disciples. In the prayer He taught them, said, “This, then is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your name. . .’” (Matt 6:9). He set this forward as a term of reverence. It was a step closer to the kind of relationship that He had with God but was still a formal declaration of devotion and veneration.
But go with me now to the tomb. When Mary Magdalene encountered the resurrected Lord in the garden, He told her to “Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (Jn 20:17). Now His Father was the disciples’ Father – and subsequently our Father. (On a side note: Jesus first called His disciples servants, then He called them friends. But after His resurrection, He called them brothers.)
Paul wrote that all who come to Christ Jesus “receive adoption as sons” [and daughters], and are full heirs with Christ. We are granted “the Spirit of Sonship” and that same Spirit “testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom 8:15-16). He also wrote that “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (v. 9). No Christ – no Spirit – no Father.
God is indeed the Creator of all people, but He is not the Father of all people. He is the Father of every person whom He chooses to come into saving faith through His Son, Jesus. Beloved, is that you?

Take a Breath and Listen

When Jesus took three disciples with Him to the top of a high mountain, they witnessed the glory of the Son of God. “There [Jesus] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matt 17:2). He was joined by Moses, who represented the Law, and Elijah, who represented the prophets. It was an awesome sight. Peter was so overcome with excitement that he started babbling – “Lord, it is good for us to be here, If you like, I will put up three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (v. 4). I have no doubt that James and John were nodding their heads in eager agreement. They had two of the ancient heroes of Israel and the very Son of God before them and Pete couldn’t hold his tongues long enough to pay attention. God had to shake them up – and shut them up.

“While he [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him, I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’” (v. 5). I can almost hear the implied, “Peter, hush. Be still and be quiet and listen to my Son.” I wonder how many times God has said the same thing to me.

When I am angry or afraid or overwhelmed or all atwitter over something I prattle on and on. I tell my friends or my husband all about it. I’ll tell the stranger in the post office line. I have even been known to mutter to myself. And yes, I tell God. Boy, do I tell God. “But wait,” you say, “aren’t we supposed to tell Him about our needs and concerns and cares.” Indeed we are, but if prayer is a conversation with God – and it is – at some point, we need to be still, be quiet, and listen to Him.

And when we do, we may hear God say “Do not fear; I will help you” as He takes us by the hand (Is 41:13). Or He might say, “This is the way, walk in it” (Is 30:21) while He points us to Jesus. Or He may take you in His arms so you can hear Him “rejoice over you with singing” (Zep 3:17).

What a privilege it is to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” and find mercy and grace in our time of need  (Heb 4:16). Take it to the Lord in prayer, Beloved, but don’t forget to take a breath and listen.

The Mess

Joy made a mess one day. It wasn’t a particularly big mess – just some spilled ice cream. It happens with 4-year-olds. (By the way, it happens with 62-year-olds too.) The problem came when she tried to hide her mess by strategically rearranging some furniture. When I walked into the room and saw her little white table in the middle of the floor, I knew something was up.

“Joy, why is your table here instead of by the window?” I asked.

“I just wanted to put it here” she answered with a shrug.

“Okay,” I said. “Why don’t you sit there and eat your snack?

“Oh, no, Nana. I don’t want to eat here!”

“But you usually eat at your table. Is something wrong?”

“No. I just don’t want to eat at my table.”

“Well, maybe you can play with your puzzle on your table.”

“No. I don’t think so.”

“Okay then.”

As she played, I watched her stealing glances at her mess. She was drawing more and more attention to it even though she was trying to keep me from seeing it. Finally, she came over to me with a big sigh, “Nana, I spilled some ice cream on the floor and I put my table over it so you wouldn’t see it. Can I have a towel to clean it up?”

“Of course, Sweetheart,” I answered with a hug. “And I’ll help you.”

After we finished cleaning up her mess, I pulled her close and said, “You don’t have to hide your messes from Nana. Just tell me what happened and we’ll fix it together.”

“Okay, Nana!” she answered and skipped away to play.

Have you ever tried to hide your sin from God? You may rearrange some things to cover it over, but it just glares at you. And, like Joy, the more you try to pretend that nothing happened the more obvious it becomes. After his sin with Bathsheba, David said, “I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me” (Ps 51:3). Guilt has amazing staying power. Besides, how foolish is it to imagine we could hide our mess from the all-seeing, all-knowing God? And how unnecessary is it to bear that oppressive weight when God stands ready to forgive us?

Like a little girl with a heavy burden, David came to God with his sin and traded his guilt and shame for mercy, unfailing love, great compassion, and Joy (v. 1, 12). Beloved, whatever you’ve done, no matter how big the mess, go to your Father. He will help you. He will cleanse you and restore your Joy. Don’t bear that burden one minute longer. The only thing better than a clean floor is a clean heart.

One-Word Prayer

There is a page in my prayer journal with a one-word entry. It just says “Father.” That’s all I could manage. The pain and anxiety are deep and heavy in this season and this word nerd, Bible teacher, writer sometimes can’t find the words to convey what’s on my heart. I know I am not alone. I read your posts. I hear your sighs. And so does your Heavenly Father.

A dear friend reminded me recently of Romans 8:26-27: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

These verses are such a balm to my overwhelmed heart. When I cannot find the words, the Spirit is praying to the Father for me. He knows what’s on my heart, and even more importantly, He knows the Father’s heart. He knows the Father’s will in my situation and He prays to that end. The Greek word used here for “groans” comes from the root word meaning “narrow.” Picture it: the Spirit takes the jumbled, swirling cacophony of voices and hurts and issues and concerns and worries and anxieties and narrows them down to the core – and He takes that to the Father. It reminds me of when my mom would untangle the mess I made with my yarn, carefully working it through the wadded-up ball until she released the one loose end that freed the rest. The Spirit is our own personal interpreter, taking this gibberish language that we speak and translating it into the language of God’s perfect wisdom. And all the while He is speaking back into my heart the words of the Father – words of compassion, tenderness, encouragement, and hope. You know what this tells me? I don’t have to have the right words or to wax eloquent in speaking to my Father. God just wants me to tell Him whatever is on my heart in whatever way it comes out and then trust the Spirit to sift through it all and take the heart of my heart before the Father.

What’s on your heart today, Beloved? God is listening. Even if all that comes out is His Name – it is enough.

Take Him at His Word

Jesus was in Galilee, His main hub of ministry. He was well-received in the region as many of his miracles took place there. On one occasion, while visiting in Cana, a royal official approached Jesus. His son was sick back home in Capernaum. He traveled some twenty miles to seek out the Lord on his son’s behalf. He pleaded with Jesus to come back with him and heal his child, whom John said was close to death (John 4:47). We will go to great lengths for our kids – and grandkids, won’t we?

Strangely, Jesus seemingly chastised him for his request. “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe” (v. 48). Scholars have jumped on this statement and tried to make it the passage’s main point. The Dad wasn’t trying to start a theological discourse, he just wanted Jesus to make his boy well. He (I imagine rather impatiently) pleads with Jesus, “Sir, come down before my child dies” (v. 49). Ever been that desperate for God to act? Oh, I have. “God, please! You’ve got to do something now!”

Then Jesus responded. “You may go. Your son will live” (v. 50). My first thought would have been, “That’s it? You’re not coming? How are you going to heal him from twenty miles away?” But John said, “The man took Jesus at His word and departed” (v. 50). Wow. This father believed that Jesus could – and would – do what He said. The root of the word John used here meant that the man was convinced that what Jesus said was true. He could rely on the promise: “Your son will live.”

The father’s faith was richly rewarded as his servants met him on the way with the good news that “. . .his boy was living” (v. 51). And wonder of wonders, the boy got better at the exact time that Jesus had declared, “Your son will live.” And so would they all because John said, “. . . he and all his household believed” (v. 53).

What do you suppose God could do with a bunch of people that simply took Him at His Word? That believed when He said, “I AM.” That went when He said, “Go.” That stood still when He said, “Wait.” That trusted when He said, “I will.” That staked everything – in this life and the next – on His name.

I want to be one of those people. How about you, Beloved?

Child of the King

The Queen knew that her people were in danger and only the king – her husband – could undo the evil plan against them. But no one dared to approach the throne without a summons. Not even Esther. If she did, and it displeased him, she would be put to death. It was a risky proposition, but it was necessary. She prepared herself and put on her royal robes and when the king saw her standing in the court, he welcomed her. Esther’s bravery (and her God) saved the lives of all the Jews in Persia.

I’ve often envisioned myself standing outside the doors of God’s throne room, my heart hammering in my chest. I see myself dressed, not in royal robes, but in the torn, tattered rags of my sinfulness. I come with a heavy burden and a desperate need that is almost always the result of my own sin and foolishness. Do I dare push open that door and approach the holy and pure God of heaven and earth?

According to Hebrews 4:16, that is exactly what I am invited to do. The author said, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:16). With these shakey knees? Yes. Because the confidence I have to come before God isn’t something inside of me, but it is because I am accepted in the blood of Jesus. While I see myself clothed in dirty rags, God sees me clothed in the righteousness of Christ. I see the mud of the world clinging to my hands, but God sees the “clean hands and pure heart” (Ps 24:4) of one who has been redeemed by His Son and cleansed from sin. I may see myself as a stumbling, sinful woman, but He sees me as His beloved child. Imagine that. I am a child of the King of the universe. Timothy Keller said: “The only person that dares wake up the king at 3:00 a.m. for a glass of water is his child. We have that kind of access.”

What do you need today? Encouragement? Hope? Provision? Healing? Help? Forgiveness? Peace? Joy? Your broken heart mended? Beloved, lift up your head and step into your Father’s presence. He will not only receive you but He will throw open His arms wide to you. That’s His promise. That’s your confidence. That’s your place as a child of God.