One of the more frustrating things for me in life is not being able to fall asleep. I don’t often have trouble with this, but I have gone through spells of it. Sometimes, it happens when I first get in bed. Other times, it’s when I wake up in the middle of the night (and can’t fall back to sleep). Instead of finding rest, my mind races, thinking about all there is to worry about in life.
In the still of the night, it’s so easy to reflect on those things that scare us or give us anxiety. Or, perhaps we go through items on the to-do list that we missed that day. Health, relationships, finances, parenting, news of war, what does the future hold? Admittedly, it can all feel paralyzing.
Without a doubt, I am convinced that Jesus holds me. This truth permeates the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation). Here’s a snippet of verses:
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
“Though they stumble, they never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” — Psalm 37:24
“He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” — Colossians 1:17
Every once in a while, I go through all the “stuff” in my house. I take inventory of things that are useful and decide what things are just taking up space. Then, I’ll put anything useless into a big pile and take it out to the trash. If we’re honest with ourselves, we all have “stuff” we need to take inventory of, don’t we? We need to know what’s useful and what’s not.
I’m fascinated by the story about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). An angel directed Philip to a certain road and chariot (that was passing by). One of the Ethiopian Queen’s court officials was in the chariot. He had returned from worship in Jerusalem. While he rode, he read the scroll of Isaiah out loud.
Philip ran to him and asked, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” The official replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” He invited Philip to sit with him. Philip then explained the Good News of Jesus Christ. The official saw some water and wanted to get baptized. As soon as Philip baptized him, the Bible tells us, “the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.”
God answers prayers. Certainly, we’ve all experienced Him answering specific prayers in the past. In faith, we eagerly wait for unanswered prayers in the present. This verse helps me; the Bible says that God not only hears our prayers but actually listens to them.
“But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.” — Psalm 66:19 (NLT)
“But all who listen to me will live in peace untroubled by fear of harm.” — Proverbs 1:33
There is a way to live that leads to harm, fear and restlessness, isn’t there? Most of the time, it’s the result of us listening to ourselves, to lies, or to negative influences. We need to ask ourselves, “Who am I listening to?” when we get a pit in our stomachs and a tinge of fear rattling our emotions.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” — Daniel 3:16-18
You remember the scene? Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar made a statue 90 feet high. Then, he gathered all of his officials (including these three, faithful men). He told everyone to bow down and worship his golden image. In fact, it was a capital crime not to worship the idol. And famously, these men did not. Undeniably, their response to the king was remarkable for three reasons.
Three Remarkable Reasons
First of all, they didn’t feel a need to justify themselves to the king. (“…we have no need to answer you in this matter.”)
Secondly, they knew God could save them. They just didn’t know if God would save them. What fantastic faith!
Thirdly, (and maybe the most remarkable statement of all from these men) “But if not.” Essentially, even if God doesn’t save us, we will still not bow down and worship your idol.
Think about that. Those three men submitted their plans to God’s plan. Even if God’s plan was for them to suffer a horrific death by immolation (being burned alive).
What a challenge for us. How much of my obedience to God is linked to Him following my plans for my life? By contrast, those three men obeyed God, without knowing if He was going to save them. “But if not.” May we all obey God — not because He follows our plans, but because of who He is!
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
I love starting a new year reading in Genesis! The Creation story certainly affirms my faith and always excites me.
I remember taking a drive with my family years ago. While in the car, we saw the most amazing rainbow I’ve ever seen. Actually, it was a double rainbow, cascading against the Wasatch Mountains. The colors were brilliant. They absolutely surpassed my imagination. In awe, we pulled our car off the road a bit, got out and just stared.
When we got ready to leave, we noticed dozens of cars had pulled off the road to park (just like us). Other awestruck people had their cameras out, all marveling at the incredible sight. I was reminded of Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Glory to the Lord
Just looking at God’s Creation (observing a rainbow He made) somehow gives glory to the Lord. There is an inaudible voice declaring, proclaiming, communicating and explaining to us that God is awesome. He is glorious. That rainbow was a shout to the world from God. “Hey, I’m here — I created this earth, and I will also judge it!” Our universe didn’t just happen by itself. Rainbows are a reminder of that fact.
We need to spend time learning, observing and seeking the truth found within the Creation. Our reality is simple. God created it all. Simply put, as we observe His handiwork, our awe of God will grow and we will glorify Him with our lips.
Is God’s Creation glorious? The heavens eternally declare, “Yes!” For this reason, may we see and declare the glory of God this week, as we observe all that He has made.
“Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to [God] who appointed Him.” Hebrews 3:1-2a
The first century Jewish Christians suffered for their faith. In the face of their persecution, those weary Saints were tempted to abandon Christianity. The author of Hebrews wrote this expansive book to teach them why they should “Consider Jesus.” Two thousand years later, the words and truths in Hebrews are relevant for our lives today.
A new year is upon us. For many, it’s a time for assessment, introspection and resolutions. A lot of this personal analysis can be boiled down to re-evaluating two questions: “What is my purpose?” and “How do I fulfill that purpose?”
I believe the answer to those two questions is found in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22). Jesus said the greatest commandment of the law was (vs 37-38), “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
