"She wants you to pick her up, dad." My fifteen month old granddaughter had toddled over to me as soon as she saw me enter the room. Her arms were lifted up reaching for me, and she was smiling. What a great feeling to be wanted for love. Children are unabashed in their efforts to get and give affection. I reached down to pick her up. She leaned in to get a hug, and turned her cheek for a kiss. Amazing!
Then, I thought about our heavenly Abba...Daddy who picks us up to hold us close. I'm glad He's there, and I'm glad that I know how to reach for him.
I was as despondent as I've ever been recently. Load anyone's life with enough disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment and deferred hope and it can take a toll. The slough of despondency is only a few thoughts away. Only Jill knew that I was in despair, but not even she knew how deep.
Notice what I said about thoughts? Happiness IS a choice. How we think about things has everything to do with how we feel. Do we consider our trials as pure joy? Or do we curse them as unfortunate obstacles to add to our list of disappointments?
I reached for the phone with the idea of calling a friend to vent. Papa stopped me. "Talk to me" I heard.
I'm fortunate to have a list of faithful brothers who will be there on a moments notice if I ask to bend their ear. It wasn't that I didn't want to bother them, but rather that I needed to reach for and connect with Jesus, the friend who sticks closer than a brother. As good of friends that I have (or that I can be to them), we're really only as good for each other as we manifest the mind and manner of Christ to each other. So why not go for the Man himself? I'm not saying that should be our only mode of operation. Talking truthfully to faithful friends is part being in fellowship with the Body of Christ. Confessing to each other and bearing burdens is commanded.
The awesome thing I've learned by daring to reach for Him is that He hears us when we cry, and He answers. Different people hear him differently, but all who want to hear Him can hear. He often puts scriptures in my mind. I count on the promised work of the Holy Spirit in this regard. John 14:26 tells us that part of the work of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of all that He has taught us. Cool! On a moment's notice I can be reminded of scripture that I have ingested...who He is, who I am to Him, my future, my purpose, His promises and His plan. Now, if consideration of all that doesn't drag one's spirit out of the slough of despond, what will?
I reached for Him again this morning as I lazily pedaled my bike through river valley and sunny plateau. What a blessing to soak in warm sunshine and breath in the unique scents of early autumn.
Have you been reaching for Him? There is a lot we can reach for...created things and distractions that provide temporary pleasure, but we're really missing an opportunity to be hugged, loved on, consoled and guided if we're not reaching for Him.
When we call on Him, He will answer!
Jeff
Reflections about a Dying? Pastor
10 years ago
I have to confess that I have been very disappointed, discouraged and disallusioned the past month. Like a heavy wet blanket is over me and I haven't had much omp to do anything nor to engage many people on any level. But, instead of going to people the Lord drew me to Himself instead - just like in the past. And once again, He has been a faithful Father. I have dug once again deeper and deeper into the Word and prayer. Things I can't control He has reminded me that He has control of; things I see no hope in, He remind me that He is Hope; and emotions that want to drown me, He reminds me that I can lay them on Him and He will be gentle in How He deal with them.
ReplyDeleteA couple of prayers based on scripture that have been encouragements to me....
Like the Apostle Paul, help me to serve You, Lord, with great humility and with tears, even when I am severely tested. (Acts 20:19)
O Lord, my God, though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You save me. You, Lord, will fulfill Your pourpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever - You wil not abandon the works of Your hands. (Ps 138:7-8)
Help me to dwell in the shelter of YOu, the Most HIgh, so that I may rest in Your shadow, Almighty One. Cover me with Your feathers, and help me to find refuge under Your wings. Let Your faithfulness be my shield and rampart. Help me not to fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. (Ps 91:1, 4-5) Help me to make You, the Most High, my dwelling and let no harm befall me nor disaster come near my tent. Thank You, Father, for commanding Your angels concerning me to guard me in all my ways. (Ps. 91:9-11)