This world will pass away and so will we. Our memory may be blotted out by mankind, our bodies decay, but the soul remains. Our souls never die. God knows His children whose names are permanently written in the Book of Life. We are never forgotten or forsaken by the Creator and Overseer of our souls. This is the truest reality, the unseen and not yet.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” -2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” -Psalm 90:12
Thousands gathered on Sunday at the State Farm stadium in Arizona to remember Charlie Kirk. More were across the street in an overflow location, while the rest of us watched from our living rooms. The scene displayed worship of God and patriotism for America, neither of which we are to be ashamed of. There is room to have a high view of God and gratitude for the country we live in without it becoming idolatrous.
When someone young dies, it makes people stop and consider their own mortality. “If he died so young, then it can happen to me too”. The reality of living under the curse of sin is that death doesn’t have an age number. So the question to consider is, what will we do with the time God has given us?
In Psalm 90, the first psalm written and the only one penned by Moses, we are encouraged to consider how to live our lives well. Moses is writing this at the end of his full 120 year life. He has witnessed an untold number of deaths as an entire generation died in the wilderness. He understood life is short and filled with pain. His prayer is to have wisdom while on earth and to live out the beauty of holiness. The answer to his prayer comes at the end when he pleads, “Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as You have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May Your deeds be shown to Your servants, Your splendor to their children. May the beauty of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands” (vv. 14-17).The way to live our lives with wisdom instead of wasting it is to learn how to be satisfied in God alone. This is what enduring joy looks like.
No matter what circumstances we face, enduring joy comes from remembering God’s presence with us always and standing upon the promises of the Bible. For the Christian, the bedrock of His presence and promises came from Calvary. When we live with eternity in view and can say Jesus is enough for us, humility and boldness for Christ will follow. A friend of Kirk’s who is not a professing Christian commented that Charlie was a “joyful warrior”. When you die, will others have to speak of Jesus when they talk about you because He was in everything you did and said?
My prayer is that spiritual revival will spread in this nation and across the world. Seeds were planted on Sunday as the gospel was shared by many speakers. I pray it will take root. The death of Charlie Kirk is an eye opener that this war is spiritual, masked in culture and politics. It is bigger than us, but we serve a big God. We can be faithful to do the works God has prepared for us by simply doing the next right thing out of love for Jesus. My personal world is very small, homeschooling my son with autism. Part of God’s plan for me is to teach him the truth about Jesus through songs of praise, Bible stories and even by my flawed example. Whether you are constantly surrounded by people or less visible in the world, God can and will use you if you surrender to His will of obedience. I pray God gives us more opportunities to share the gospel, encourage other believers to persevere, and disciple those in our sphere of influence.
You were made for such a time as this. It is not an accident that you live where you live, have a certain job or know the people you know. In Kirk’s last interview, just an hour before he was shot, he was asked what life quote he lives by. He answered with Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” The Lord is at work. Let’s join Him as He leads on. Matthew Henry in his commentary on Psalm 90 notes, “Let us pray that the work of the Holy Spirit may appear in converting our hearts, and that the beauty of holiness may be seen in our conduct.” Our enduring joy for now will one day lead to eternal joy if we do not give up. Keep going beloved Christian, imitating the faith of saints who have gone before us.
“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.” -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” -Proverbs 25:20
I’ve been thinking about this quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was a famous American poet, the most popular in his day and still considered one of the greats. But his life was filled with tragedy. His first wife died after a few short years through a miscarriage. Longfellow’s second wife died from burns she received when her dress caught fire. He was unable to write for a time after her death, devastated from the loss.
Most of us have no idea the struggles another is facing. Maybe our lives are so busy that we hardly stop to notice others and get to know the people around us. The sin of assumption is easier than the work of emotionally navigating relationships. It can be awkward, requiring a lot of patience and persistence. The grumpy cashier, an overbearing boss, a distant family member or a chronically depressed friend- compassion over condemnation is the desire of every hurting heart. How would I want to be treated when I’m a mess? How would Jesus respond? Some exteriors are harder than others because of past wounds perhaps. Jaded, those walls go up out of self preservation. It isn’t the Biblical solution, but easier to understand broken people (which we all are), once we realize this mode of survival.
In reading the Gospels I have noticed how incredibly patient Jesus is with the disciples. He doesn’t write them off when they don’t understand a parable, lack faith, or sin. The Lord Jesus is also compassionate toward the needy crowds. They wanted His time, His teaching, His miracles- it was never enough. Jesus’ heart went out to them because He saw they were like sheep without a shepherd. The Lord rebuked the religious leaders because He knew their thoughts and hardened hearts, yet even in this He restrained His hand. Jesus chose not to annihilate them on the spot, but dispensed mercy instead.
The Gospels highlight how complicated we are in our emotions, experiences and limited understanding. But the need is very simple. Every person longs to be seen, loved, accepted and understood. The only one to perfectly fill this demanding task is Christ Jesus. Once we belong to Him, He tells us to go be like Him to the hurting world. One way we can do this is to think the best of others instead of assuming their thoughts and motives for the worse. A gracious spirit can circumvent a whole hosts of relational difficulties. Even if a person is hard hearted, we know no one is beyond the Great Physician’s reach, not while they still have breath. This is the Age of Grace, which Christ commands us to imitate. Pray for those who reject you, who are unkind, or you sense need more encouragement.
God tells us not only to love those who are happy and easy to get along with, but the chronically downcast, the rude, the ones who annoy, revile, gossip, snub or persecute you. Jesus told Peter to forgive again and again (Matthew 18:21-22). It pleases the Lord when we notice the overlooked and love them with a smile or kind word. God desires for us to be merciful and forgiving rather than act like a Pharisee in outward worship. Patient and prayerful. Even if the one with a heavy heart or vindictive spirit never changes, the Lord is changing you by how you respond. Grace overlooks the thoughtless comment and learns not to take everything personally. More often than not there is something else troubling them that has nothing to do with you.
Jesus loved without condition. He saw people as they longed to be truly seen, like they actually mattered. This is the Christian’s template. It is only through the Spirit’s power we can supernaturally act against our human response to avoid and back away. So we learn to pray for His power to work through us, displaying the love of Christ to a hurting loved one, friend, or acquaintance. Our sphere of influence is the broken world Jesus commands His people to love.
Grace upon grace,
April
Growing deeper: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; Luke 6:27-38
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” -Psalm 27:14
I believe it was J. I. Packer who said, “Trust God and get going.” Waiting is active, faith building muscle with every decision. It takes courage and discernment which the Holy Spirit provides when the Christian asks for it (James 1:5). Throughout this psalm David is steadily trusting in God’s character and promises. This verse is no different, except now action must be taken on his part. Wait on God.
When Christians pray, we bring praises and petitions to the Throne of Grace. The believer must then trust God’s will through those prayers. As we wait for Him to act the believer is also obeying what he already knows to be true in Scripture. Faith is not a passive activity where we treat Yahweh like a genie and sit on our hands. Nor is the faithful Christian to approach life apathetically, with a hyper focus on God’s Sovereignty, thereby excusing man’s responsibility. God has granted Christians the privilege to co-labor with Him. So then, we commit ourselves to His kingdom work each day with courage and power from the Spirit.
For David, and all Christians with seen and unseen enemies, we are to leave room for God’s power and His wrath. Vengeance belongs to Him and He will repay with perfect justice (Romans 12:17-21). This is something David understood, as he entrusted himself to the Lord’s care in this psalm. The longer a believer faithfully walks with God, the more enemies he will accumulate. This is actually a good thing, for if the Christian finds they get along with the world just fine then what it is they are conforming to? Believers are united to one another through Christ, but divisive to worldly standards of doing what is right in our own eyes (Romans 1:18-32).
Truth is hated, therefore God is, so Christians should expect opposition and persecution. It may take on extreme measures, like for David, who ran for his life. It could cost us our jobs, homes, or relationships. Typically in the western world it looks like cancel culture. Being snubbed, treated unfairly, overlooked with intent- these are all ways to inflict harm without directly bearing responsibility. This too, is in the Father’s hands.
The comfort believers have when despised is that nothing is permitted without the Father’s consent. If He allowed David to literally run for his life, it was meant to strengthen his faith, as well as us. Because of David’s experiences we have the beautiful psalms he penned to sustain us in our own weariness. Conformity to Christlikeness is more important to God than easy living. If God knows what is best for His people, and He does, then it is wise to wait for Him to act and not operate out of our own strength. Stay diligent in obedience, trusting in the Almighty’s way. He is our fortress against evil doers and suffering. What then, do we have to fear?
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” -Psalm 27:13
I remember when I was young we would visit my aunt’s family in the neighboring county. It was only about a 45 minute drive, but it felt like forever. Car rides seemed so long back then. I don’t think my sister or I ever said “Are we there yet?” out loud, but I definitely thought it. Sometimes we are tempted to get impatient with the Lord’s timing, “why hasn’t He returned yet?” Perhaps we get restless with the monotonous landscape of our lives, or we just want quick relief from all the heaviness life throws at us. Are we almost Home yet? How much further until we get there?
David took comfort in the Lord’s future graces, learning to wait on the Lord’s plans, not his. By taking the long view he was able to serve God wholeheartedly in the present. His life, like all of us, is but a candle, easily snuffed out at the Lord’s command. While God had the shepherd king on earth, he was used by Him. The believer is an instrument of righteousness in God’s armory. He will sustain and keep His beloved children in their faith until it is made sight.
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Throughout this psalm, David’s confidence rests in God’s character and promises. He knows what God can and will do for him. In this verse, the king’s confidence extends even further by obtaining an eternal perspective. Will God always be good to him? Yes. Even when the narrative seems otherwise. Hardship and danger do not cancel out God’s goodness to us but provide a channel of trust in His sovereignty. The end result is always the Lord’s faithfulness. No matter our circumstances, an eternal view for the Christian is peace and freedom to live boldly now. We know how the Story ends. The interim is but a means to that end. When we close our eyes in death it isn’t the end, but the beginning of our forever with the Lord. The purpose of our lives is to be used as holy instruments in the Lord’s hands while He gives us time here on earth.
The land of the living that David refers to is our destination, our true Heavenly Home. While we pilgrim on earth, the children of God live among the children of the world. Wheat and tares must grow together until the harvest (Matthew 13:24-30). Then every eye will see the Lord’s glory and bow down. Yet it is only God’s children who will see the fullness of His goodness. It is a promise meant just for us. As if redeeming our dead souls from eternal Hell wasn’t enough, our gracious Father shares His love without end. Think of how much you love your children, grandchildren or spouse. God loves you exponentially more than the love we have in those earthly relationships. His fellowship will be sweeter because we won’t be burdened by spiritual warfare anymore. To be free from sin and a broken world is relief. To enjoy unbroken fellowship with the King of Glory is supreme.
The land of the living has no more night, death or sorrow. Those troubles are banished to Hell. King Jesus lavishes His grace upon grace over the redeemed, as God has promised in Scripture. Christ fulfilled this promise by laying down His life in the place of every Christian. The fullness of God’s promise will be brought to completion at the end of Time when Christ returns. Only believers forever taste and see that God is good. This world is not the end, but a gateway into either Heaven or Hell, depending on what or Who you are trusting to save you. Are you confident in where you will be for eternity? God will rescue all who belong to Him. Then one day, our eyes will close in earthly death and open in the land of the living. You are Home.
Grace upon grace,
April
“The earth is the land of the dying.” -Matthew Henry
Growing deeper: Revelation 21
I heard this song for the first time last Easter at my church and loved it. It’s a beautiful reminder of what the Christian has to look forward to. May it bless you too.
“Teach me Your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.” -Psalm 27:11-12
God loves justice. One day, He will dispense perfect justice for all mankind and every wrong will be made right. For the Christian, this incomprehensible work was done for us at the cross. All our injustices toward God and others was laid on Jesus’ body. The price to pay for the Christian’s crimes was the life of the sinless and innocent Christ. This is the best news. The worst news is justice given to every unrepentant soul. God’s mercy is no more once their short lives end. It is then too late.
As David cries out for help against present enemies, he commits his life and circumstances to the omnipotent God. Throughout his life experiences, David is aware of God’s sovereignty over events and people. Therefore, his prayer is a plea and a confession of trust. When you know God is for you it doesn’t matter what lies ahead or who is against you. There is no one like God to trust so fully, His covenant of love over you securely. Keeping an eternal perspective when the dark waters rise is crucial. When the disciples were beginning to drown in the storm, Jesus challenged them over their lack of faith (Mark 4:35-41). Faith that the Lord is sovereign, good and victorious is the framework for peace filled Christians. If the Lord allows people or circumstances to slay us, it is only for a moment. This was Job’s cry when his livelihood, family, servants and health were taken from him (Job 13:15) because he knew this life is temporary.
God will not be mocked, therefore He will not allow His children to be mistreated in eternity. We do not lose even when all signs appear otherwise. Perfect justice will be executed by the God of Heaven and earth in His perfect time and way. David looks to God each time he is in distress. Yahweh is his protector, provider and teacher. The shepherd king does not rely on his own understanding, but looks to God for instruction (Proverbs 3:5-7). David’s humility to be teachable produces wisdom and spiritual maturity over his lifetime. When God leads our day to day, we are safe and victorious over anxious thoughts, fear and pride.
The Lord’s battle plans might look different than what we would expect, but believers who remember this will not grow easily discouraged. Keeping an eternal perspective is the key to live in the present with peace and joy. If your soul is kept in Heaven by God and your enemies will meet their Maker one day, what do you have to lose? We do not have to fear even death, because that too, is temporary. Death is only the beginning. Dearly beloved Christian, be confident in Who you serve, the time you’ve been given to faithfully live for the Lord without reservation, with a pure and holy passion.
“Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my Helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” – Psalm 27:9-10
Does it ever feel like God is hiding from you? As if God is absent? The Bible says He is always actively at work for His children (Philippians 1:6). He also promises in Scripture to never leave you, but always be with you (Hebrews 13:5). The believer’s help comes from the Lord. He says we belong to Him, sinful though we are. Sanctifying faith wrestles with our feelings on a daily basis! The temptation to despair and throw in the towel is a spiritual fight straight from Hell. The Lord will not let you go if you belong to Him. He has received you. This is the greatest news a soul can hear. You, dearly beloved Christian, are accepted by God, loved by Him and sustained in your faith by Jesus. He prays for you, interceding on your behalf to the Father’s ear because the Perfect Sacrifice is also your Great High Priest.
Even if all others turn away from you because your pursuit of God in practical holiness seems too zealous, too self-righteous for some, trust that God knows your sincerity. Sincerity is vulnerability of worship and this God will not despise. When we come to our Father in humble transparency, He will honor this posture of worship. We bring nothing to the Father but our sin and need. As the old hymn says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” The Lord receives the contrite heart (Psalm 51:16-17). Even if all others reject you or disappoint, God will not. He has been our faithful helper and will continue to be as we serve Him. God gives enough grace for this small day to put our hand to the plow. Perhaps the work you do isn’t considered “spiritual”? It all matters to God. All work done for His glory is worship and “spiritual”. Whether you change another diaper, write code for computer software, wait on tables, plant a garden, or drive a loved one to another doctor appointment- the attitude we have determines whether it is pleasing to God or not.
The Lord will never turn His face away from His own, but how are we living faithfully in return? If God is not ashamed to call helpless rebels His adopted children, do we shame His Name by our grumbling and thanklessness? Let us not grieve the Spirit with callous hearts. This is the day that the Lord has made. He commands us to rejoice in it, to enjoy Him and His blessings (Psalm 118:24). Even when life is bleak and gray so that putting one foot in front of another is a challenge know this: the Sovereign Lord who sent His Son to die for you will never cast you off even when it feels that way (John 6:35-40). God always proves Himself faithful as a constant friend and helper, even if all others fall away. Remember what Christ endured for you so that these truths could become your reality.
Jesus bore the Father’s wrath and rejection so you never have to. “The LORD will receive me” is a precious promise for the Christian pilgrim to carry. You are His, but do not grieve Him with shallow faith and an anxious heart. Grow deeper, by His grace, and drink deeply from the cup which never runs dry. His mercies are new everyday. Truth and grace are freely given to the one who asks. His storehouse is abundant, His vow to you unbroken and constant.
Faith over feelings will sharpen your spiritual vision, helping you patiently endure God’s will for your life. One day when you look back on it all, the loneliness and hardship of following Christ will be worth it (Romans 8:28-29). Becoming more like Jesus is costly, but it is a priceless treasure which will never run out or wear out when we are Home.
Grace upon grace,
April
O MY LORD AND SAVIOUR,
Thou hast also appointed a cross for me to take up and carry,
“Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of You, “Seek His face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” -Psalm 27:7-8
Does the Lord hear us when we pray? Is He ever too busy to listen? Are some of our cries not important enough? We may doubt whether God hears our prayers sometimes, and that is why it is crucial to answer our questions Biblically. God in Heaven will always bend an ear to hear His people’s cries and act according to His wisdom. This is God’s nature. The Creator ministers to the created without reservation. When David pleads for God to be merciful to him and answer his prayers, he is asking the Lord to be Himself. God is already merciful. This may mean at times that God does not act as we expect, but He is never wrong in His decisions. It is we who must adjust our expectations, trusting in His Sovereignty.
King David asks for the Lord to see his plight and act on his behalf. He doesn’t yet know the outcome of his prayer request, but David still responds to the Lord with worship. This is an example every Christian can pattern. No matter how God chooses to answer our pleas, the consistent character of worship should be the makeup of our hearts. We seek His face regardless of circumstances because Yahweh is the best refuge for any situation. Even when we don’t like how He answers a prayer- perhaps ‘wait’ or ‘no’ was given? How does the believer respond? What does that do to your faith? Shaken but not shattered.
When our faith is sifted through trials, we can have confidence that Jesus intercedes for us. He prays for our faith to stand firm, just like He did for Peter (Luke 22:31-32). When the dust settles and the shock wears off, the Christian can choose to grow bitter and jaded, or take their broken hearts back to the throne room of grace, crying for more mercy. More trust in His providence, more love to rest secure, more of God to find strength for another day. Perseverance of the saints is grace and mercy at work. The Spirit will bless the believing heart with this lion lamblike quality of humility, trust and boldness after the living God.
Bending to the will of God produces spiritual maturity. God is after a harvest in our hearts, using whatever means necessary for abundant growth. Pray and pursue. Trust and obey. These commands are woven throughout the entire Bible because it is for our good and God’s glory. Believer, you have the privilege of living before the face of the One who made you and saved you. He hears our heart cries. The Lord is most merciful.
What has God’s strong arm accomplished for you? Eternal salvation. Praise Him!
Who is at God’s right hand interceding on your behalf? Jesus Christ. Praise Him!
How is God at work in your life this moment? Daily sanctification. Praise Him!
When will you behold the face of God, faith becoming sight? In earthly death. Praise Him!
Where is the Holy Spirit? In my heart forevermore. Praise Him!
Not by our merit, but of His great mercy.
Even if God were to strip away every temporal blessing He has given you and me, like Job, we would still have the Lord. The Lord is my Shepherd, He is all I’ll ever need.
The Lord “watches over the way of His saints.” -Proverbs 2:8
redeemed in grace 