It happens to me a lot.  When people I know are struggling under the weight of discouragement or suffering, I want to do one thing:  Bring them comfort and hope. 

I always need to do a Holy Spirit gut check though and make sure my motives are right.  I want to help, but I also want to avoid these three pitfalls standing between suffering and comfort:

(1)   When someone is suffering, oftentimes the last thing they want is a gathered crowd of people who have no clue singing The Sun Will Come out Tomorrow, Put On a Happy Face, or Don’t Worry, Be Happy.   A bunch of people to buck you up with encouraging words that do nothing more than to make you feel rather guilty for finding yourself remaining in a quicksand funk.

(2)   But then again, who wants to be the Pied Piper of Commiseraters leading a throng of whiners through the valley of suffering while the professional mourners do their job of making you feel every bit as awful as you really do feel?

(3)   Probably the worst of things, though, would be the competitive sufferers.  You lose a job; they’ve lost three.  You total your car; they totaled theirs plus went bankrupt because some fly-by-night-shyster bilked them out of their insurance money.  No matter how bad your life is, there’s always someone on the road going faster and it’s them, not you.

Having suffered enough in ways small and not-so-small, I don’t want happy-talk singers or professional mourners or competitive sufferers.  I want to give and receive comfort.  I want to give and receive biblical encouragement.  I want a little hope.  And that’s why I want to offer comfort to others.

Perfectly biblical, right?

2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

A comfort ministry is perfectly biblical.  With the right motives, we can minister comfort because we have been comforted.  We can walk the journey of suffering alongside some who suffers without diminishing their suffering, without throwing a pity party, and without engaging in one-upsmanship.

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Questions for reflection:

1. When you’re suffering, what do you want?
2. In times of suffering, where do you turn?
3. Is it easier to rejoice with those rejoicing than it is to mourn with those who mourn?  Why or why not?
4. What are some of the dangers of comparing our suffering to that of another person?

The storm that caused people to run for shelter (and convinced their dogs to join them) eventually ended.  It was at that point that I realized how close the dog park is to the airport and I continued learning Spiritual Lessons from the Dog Park.

Planes, unable to land during the storm, began to line up for their landing.  It was a parade of various airlines: Southwest, United, Virgin, FedEx, etc.  Air traffic control scheduled them with a fairly regular distance apart.  But it was a constant stream.

Storms can keep planes from landing in the short term, but the holding pattern is not the same as being diverted to another airport.  Storms eventually end.  Planes do land when it’s safe and the landing strip is ready.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Holding patterns in the storms of life eventually yield to blessing.  I was thinking of blessings as lining up for landing once the storm is over.  Isn’t that a great picture to imagine that planes of blessing are flying around just waiting for the storm to pass as you persevere?

The people and the dogs at the dog park were so accustomed to having planes around that no one seemed to notice.   Sitting on the porch as a visitor, however, I had fresh eyes and a front row seat to see the parade lining up.  The regularity and reliability made me stop to think.  Do I need to pause and look at situations with fresh eyes?  Will I then notice the blessings lining up beyond the rain that can cloud what I see?  Blessings are out there.  In a Holding Pattern.

Are you persevering in the storm? 

The crown of life isn’t just a pipedream.  It’s a promise. 

Persevere, and this promise is yours to claim.

Daleth (Psalm 119)

²⁵ I am laid low in the dust;
    preserve my life according to your word.
²⁶ I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;  teach me your decrees.
²⁷ Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
²⁸ My soul is weary with sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word.
²⁹ Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.
³¹ I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
³² I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.

We’re working our way through Psalm 119 as I’ve been reflecting upon the activity at the dog park.  Perhaps now would be a good time to explain why Psalm 119 is an acrostic (arranged by letters of the Hebrew alphabet).  This was often done as a mnemonic device (something used to help people remember and memorize important things.)  It jogs the brain to remembering if the person speaking Hebrew knew which letter of the alphabet comes next and that the first word of the passage begins with that letter.

Today, we’re on Daleth, and the first word in Hebrew is dabaqah which means clings to.  Literally the first line of this is “My soul clings to the dust. Revive me according to your Word.”

Has your soul ever been weary with sorrow? 

Have you ever felt like your whole life collapsed and you’re just laying low, clinging to the dust because you’re that weary from the fight? 

It happens to the best of us. 

In fact, the more we’re trying to follow God, the more struggles seem to come our way.

The Psalmist has a remedy for that.  “Strengthen me according to your Word.”  The Master’s call can bring you to a place of shelter and safety.  A place to regain your energy and find a solid footing again.  A place of protection.

As I’ve been watching the dog park, a thunderstorm came out of nowhere.  It’s pouring.  A man and his daughter immediately sought shelter under the structure at the end of the dog park.  The rain didn’t seem to bother their dog that much until the thunder started.  Suddenly the dog came from running fancy free and drew very close to the master, deciding to lie down at his feet.  The calming influence of the master made it possible for both the dog and the daughter to cling to the man instead of being out in the elements and afraid.  The daughter climbed into his arms and the man held her close until the storm passed.

In life, storms happen.  They can be frightening and can rob us of our joy and peace in life if we let them.  Maybe there’s something I could learn about handling troubles from watching people and dogs at the dog park.  The Master is waiting and His Word can calm the storms of life, or in the midst of them, His Word and His nearness will calm His child.

The third letter of the Hebrew alphabet as we look at the acrostic Psalm 119 is Gimel.  It provides the background for the third lesson from the dog park: Open My Eyes to Blind Judgment.

Psalm 119:17 Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. 22 Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

I feel a little sheepish admitting this, but while the man struggling to open the gate (just like I did) walked his dogs—one running free and the other by his side, I noticed something that I hadn’t seen before.  In his hand there was something straight with a white end.  In embarrassment, it occurred to me that it was either a leash that looked like a blind man’s walking stick or I hadn’t noticed that he was blind.

I paused to consider how many ways I’m really a very judgmental person at heart.  Maybe part of that comes with the analytical territory of thinking about things, processing alternatives, and drawing conclusions.  You know what I concluded?  I was sitting on my porch passing time and passing judgment.

It turns out that it was just a leash—as I pondered the many ways in which this man didn’t act as though he was blind.  He looked at the sign, although he put his hand on it.  He looked at his dogs although he used his hands to unclasp the leashes.

But I learned something about God’s law.  Sometimes I need my eyes opened to see what’s there.  I had been the blind one.  When my eyes are opened to God’s law, I can see that oftentimes I’m the one who needs correction—the very instruction God’s word offers.

Just as a blind man is a stranger on earth and needs to find ways of interpreting his surroundings, Christians can be blind to ways in which we are strangers here on both sides of the judging equation.  Whether facing others’ judgments or being judges ourselves, we can find ourselves blind to the real Judge.

Therefore, like the Psalmist, we can take comfort in being a stranger, and find that “Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.”  We know who the real Judge is and therefore find comfort in His word.

The next acrostic letter is Beth, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet and provides the passage for Dog Park Lesson #2 as I’ve been watching the comings and goings at the Dog Park.

Psalm 119: 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. 13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

As I was watching the man who had struggled to get the gate open (just like me in Lesson #1), I noticed his dogs exhibited two totally different manners in experiencing the state of being unleashed.  One dog ran about doing whatever he wanted, full of the exhilaration of freedom.  The other stayed close by.  Both were under good voice command and obeyed.  One just delighted in being near the master.

How often do I treat God’s Word like it’s a voice command to bring me back so I don’t stray while I enjoy the thrill of being free?  Do I like to sniff the outer boundaries of approved behavior and then return, but only when I hear His voice calling me back since I’ve gone a little too far?

The other dog helped me to think about the book on prayer I’ve been reading on the porch.  I asked myself, “How often do I act as though I am simply delighted to be near my Master?”  Do I hang on every word He says?  Do I cherish the sound of His footsteps and walking right beside Him?  Do I rejoice in His Word as the Psalmist does, “as one rejoices in great riches?”  Both dogs obeyed.  One preferred the master to the freedom.

I’m on vacation of sorts, watching my daughter’s dog while she and her new husband take their honeymoon.  Being unaccustomed to really pleasant weather, I’m sitting on their back porch watching what their dog is intently watching: the dog park.

This morning, there was a man who did the exact same thing I did when I first encountered the interesting and intricate gated entry.  The series of latches on the series of gates ensures the dogs don’t get out on their own, no matter how clever they may be.

This man tried to figure out the gate, completely oblivious to the same sign clearly posted on the gate to which I had previously been blind.  I didn’t see the instructions and neither did he.  Until the gate wouldn’t open.  Suddenly he looked at the instructions and followed them, just as I looked and did.  The gate opened.

I am fond of analogies and find spiritual lessons in all kinds of stuff.  I thought about how when we’re spiritually blind, or plainly arrogant, we can fail to even know that the instructions (the Bible’s teachings) are right there all along.  There is something stubborn about humanity in our wanting to do everything without listening to instructions, or following them.  But the instructions are there so we will follow them and find success.  When we know them, we will be blessed if we do them.

Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm, each letter of the Hebrew alphabet beginning a new section.  Today’s letter is aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  God doesn’t lay down precepts just because He’s bored and likes to write notes.  He laid down His precepts, His laws, His statutes so that we’d follow them and live.

Psalm 119:1-8  Psalm 119:1 Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. 3 They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. 4 You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. 5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! 6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. 8 I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

For any of you who have been trying to access recent posts, my server has been down over the past 24 hours and some of my posts have been lost.  I always find it curious which posts don’t reappear.  I will recreate those which have been lost if needed.  Thanks for bearing with me.  It’s reassuring to know that we’re dealing with the Living and Enduring Word of God and while my posts may drop off the planet, His Word remains always.

Happy Easter!

Today the tomb is empty. 

Jesus is Risen. 

He is Risen, indeed!

1 Corinthians 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

As our Lenten Devotional Series for 2014 Be Still and Know that I AM God concludes, I thank you for joining me.

Devotionals and articles will continue on a weekly basis and will resume as daily devotionals for Advent.  Periodically, I will post sermons from Advocate Condell Medical Center where I organize worship services every Sunday.

If you have a question you’ve always wanted answered in depth, please feel free to click the “contact me” button or reply to the email you receive and I’m always happy to research and respond either with an article, devotional, or personal email.

Be blessed this Easter in the peace and joy of our Risen Lord!  Barbara <><

It’s Saturday—the Sabbath day—the day between Jesus’ death on the Cross and the empty tomb sealed with a rock.  Jesus is in the grave and the disciples, once scattered having deserted Jesus, are left on this Sabbath with many unanswered questions.

How did they observe the Sabbath in light of what had just happened?  The women who had watched where Jesus’ body was laid and were preparing to anoint Jesus’ body decided to rest.  Luke 23:56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Judas didn’t find any rest on the Sabbath.  He was tormented by what he had done.  Oh, he tried to make it right by returning the blood money to the priests.  They wouldn’t take it back so Judas went to work at getting rid of it.  Then, Judas went out and committed suicide.  Matthew 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Where were the rest of the disciples?  Scripture doesn’t say specifically where they were that day.  They were without their leader and teacher Jesus.  But by the evening of tomorrow, Resurrection Day, we read this:

John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

So on this Sabbath day, the eleven remaining disciples had gone underground, either together or in individual hiding places before regrouping on Resurrection Sunday.  They were afraid that the same thing was going to happen to them that had just happened to Jesus.

Be Still in the quiet.  Take a Sabbath and remember everything I told you.  I said this would happen, remember?

Be Still in the hurricane of doubt and confusion. Remember that I calm storms.  Just Be Still and believe.

Be Still and Know that I AM God.  Open your eyes.  I’m no mere man who died on the Cross.  Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Be Still and Know that I AM God.  I AM the Resurrection and the Life.

Questions for reflection:

1. Read Mark 9:31 “[Jesus] was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.”  What about our not understanding things can make us afraid?  Were they afraid of looking foolish in front of each other, or afraid of what reaction Jesus would have that they didn’t understand?
2. Jesus had raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead and Lazarus from the dead.  What made Jesus’ death and being raised to life different?  Read Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”  Will Jesus ever die again?
3. How do you react when people notice you’ve been with Jesus and then, treat you with anything from ridicule to disrespect to persecution?  Can you relate to why the disciples went underground?  Do you ever want to go underground?  Why might they have gathered together behind locked doors?  What benefit was there in community?

I can’t begin to think of what all was going through the mind of Mary, Jesus’ mother.  At the place where the Crucifixion was happening.  Seeing her son Jesus dying on a cross.  Witnessing the agony, the false accusations, and the mocking.

It’s easy to become so familiar with the story that we fail to remember she was a real human being with true human emotions.  Obviously grief would have been what she was experiencing because parents are not supposed to outlive their children.  Shock perhaps.  Confusion, almost certainly.

I wonder if she felt betrayed by God or if her faith in God was so profound that it eclipsed any feelings of anger and bitterness over what God did with Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said.”

If I’d been in Mary’s sandals, I might be thinking that this isn’t what I signed up for.  How on earth could this be what God had planned?  Should I try to stop it?  Would my motherhood have risen up in protective instincts for my son?  Would I have said “Kill me instead” or tried to purchase His release somehow?

Scripture is remarkably silent on what Mary was thinking or doing.  But Scripture tells us that she was there.

John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

The words from John 19 are among the last Jesus ever spoke on earth.  Whether they were intended to still a broken heart or to provide for His mother, we don’t know.

But we do know this: There would be no replacing her son Jesus.

Be Still.  The death you fear as Mine is the death that will set you free.

Be Still when you don’t understand.  My Father’s will and plan are perfect.

Be Still and Know that I AM God.  I take your words of faith as a servant and will bless them, often in ways you won’t know on your side of heaven.

Be Still and Know that I AM God.  It had to be this way in order for you to be forgiven.  Come to the Cross with your sin and your shame and your guilt…and find that Jesus paid it all.

Questions for reflection:

1. How easy is it for us to turn Mary into a stoic and superhuman version of herself on Good Friday and beyond?  How does worship of Mary flow from failing to see her in her full sinful humanity just as every other person has?  She was a remarkable woman of faith, but that doesn’t make her a goddess.
2. What does it mean to you that among Jesus’ final words were those emphasizing new relationship in the community of faith?
3. How do you feel about Jesus’ death?  Let the words of the hymn Jesus Paid it All minister to you today:

Jesus Paid it All

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

Refrain

And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.

Refrain

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

Refrain

When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.

Refrain

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.

Refrain