Blog: Glimmers in the Fog by Kim Stiver

When to Sweat the Small Stuff

9/25/2019

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Sometimes an expression or truism takes off in our culture and morphs into something way more than the person who coined the phrase ever intended. For example, it happens with brand names all the time. Use of the word Google is now commonly used as a verb instead of a proprietary brand name. People often ask for a Kleenex rather than a tissue. Words as common today as a zipper, trampoline, and dumpster were all once brand names. In the advertising industry, this evolution from a unique brand name to a commodity category is called a propriety eponym, or a generic trademark. I think this phenomenon represents the greatest irony in all of commercialism because every company, organization, or charitable cause longs to have its flagship brand or product become so popular that it becomes a household name. When something becomes so successful that virtually every American has tried it, owns one, or supports it, then the provider of whatever it is has reached the pinnacle of success. But then irony steps in and radically alters that picture of success when the popular thing becomes so ubiquitous that virtually no one recognizes its uniqueness anymore.

The same paradox occurs with famous expressions and adages, but with one very powerful and often dangerous difference — it doesn’t only morph into a widespread, unattributed cliche, it eventually becomes a culturally accepted excuse. While these buzzwords, mottos, and quotations have their genesis within the realm of a specific incident or application, they quickly explode outside of their originally intended use. Think about sports idioms and analogies. Some clever commentator or coach frequently starts using a catchy remark in the ballpark or on the field, and before you know it the rest of the country is repeating it as a sports metaphor that applies to the arenas of business, politics, and general culture. Often what was intended as a memorable or funny way of summarizing a motivational concept or crystallizing a compelling truth, becomes so commonplace that people start to see it as a societally acceptable way of dismissing or laughing off something that actually should be addressed or managed.

And so we come to the incredibly relevant and well-meaning expression of “don’t sweat the small stuff.” First let me say, the original intent of the phrase when used in context is spot-on: We shouldn’t overreact to common occurrences and get ourselves all worked up over things that don’t have lasting significance. And just a quick side note … Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t the series of books of the same name by Dr. Richard Carlson that launched the use of the phrase. Developed as a motto for stress reduction techniques, the statement was first coined by a cardiologist named Robert S. Eliot in 1983 when being interviewed by Time magazine in an article about the rising stress levels of Americans. Over the last four decades, the work of both Dr. Eliot and Dr. Carlson has effectively raised our collective consciousness of the need to let go of the things we can’t change and let life’s irritations and frustrations roll off our backs instead of internalizing them as mounting rage or bitterness in our hearts.

As true and necessary as the concept is behind the expression of not sweating the small stuff, the ubiquitous phrase has indeed reached the level of saturation where even followers of Jesus can fall prey to using it as an excuse. And as it goes with all excuses, people tend to use them when it’s convenient for their circumstances or particular weaknesses, rather than applying the truth behind them as it was intended. Unfortunately, I’m the perfect example of this. I get frustrated, impatient, and worried at some of the “smallest” inconveniences and delays in life, yet I am the first one to reach for God’s grace with a comparably small sin or so-called harmless bad habit. And I know it’s not just me that struggles with making excuses for what most of us view as minor or trivial missteps or disobedience. Sometimes, as Christians, we fall prey to the enemy’s lie that the endless flow of God’s grace excuses us from whatever we’ve deemed in our own hearts and minds to be insignificant. And goodness knows, none of us wants to endure the discomfort of re-examining what we’ve previously determined to be a small matter, since it might make us question a much longer list of weaknesses. And this insidious and commonly accepted lie is only further entrenched when those we place in high authority or esteem are just as dismissive of what our culture deems as little sins or inconsequential habits. Or, when they go to the other extreme and only address the most societally maligned, morally egregious, or significantly harmful sins among those God has given them to shepherd and encourage.

The reality we all need to face, however, is that Jesus does indeed sweat the small stuff and His Spirit living inside of each believer won’t be satisfied with 90 percent obedience. Not even 99.5 percent. We can take one glance at the Gospel accounts of His interactions with the religious leaders of the day and immediately realize that God is asking for perfection. Matthew 5:48 states simply: “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus knew when He said it that no one can be perfect of their own accord. No human could possibly sweat 100 percent of the small stuff to live a life of consistent obedience in everything. No one, except Jesus, of course. His blood, sweat, and tears poured out for us so that we don’t have to do so, that is the utterly beautiful and incomprehensible outcome of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. When we think of it that way and recognize His Spirit dwelling inside of us, then how can we not feel the weight of love, which is trying to seep into every pocket and corner of our being? How can we not see that every detail of our lives and every desire of our heart should submit to His plan for His glory alone? When we hold back a piece of ourselves — even something that is not in and of itself a sin — we are not yielding to the Spirit who, by His very nature, will seek to sweat out everything in our lives, from the so-called big things to the tiniest grains of mistrust and self-centered ambitions.

Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest (my favorite devotional of all time), once said, “You were looking for a great thing to give up. God is telling you of some tiny thing; but at the back of it lies the central citadel of obstinacy: ‘I will not give up a right to myself’ — the thing God intends you to give up if you are ever going to be a disciple of Jesus.” This sounds so extreme, doesn’t it? It feels so heavy and burdensome. But Oswald further explains the power and role of grace: “God does not ask us to do the things that are easy to us naturally; He only asks us to do the things we are perfectly fitted to do by His grace, and the cross will come along that line always.”

I have no idea what your tiny thing is. Personally, I have lots and lots of tiny things. On any given day, at least half a dozen tiny things distract me from surrendering, fully loving, and obeying Jesus. And that’s on a very good day. But the same Spirit who moves in my heart to trigger conviction about tiny things is the same Spirit who covers me in grace through the blood of Jesus. With that kind of outpouring of love, I am praying that God helps me respond with a heart of surrender, ready and willing to allow the Spirit to keep revealing, convicting, and removing anything that is more comforting, more important, or more motivating than Jesus is in my life.

So, should you sweat the small stuff? Well, the second part of Dr. Eliot’s original motto often gets left out. The full statement ends with, “And it’s all small stuff.” In other words, his advice as a cardiologist is that you need to learn how to let everything go. Don’t sweat anything, because doing so is never helpful. That’s because every little thing can be stressful if we allow it to be or perceive it to be. Stress is our reaction to a situation. As hard as it is to believe, freaking out, erupting in anger, worrying, being short with people, or becoming exasperated is not actually a requirement to solve any problem. None of our natural reactions like those are helpful. They don’t do anything to help us achieve Jesus’ command to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls. Nor do they help us love others.

On the other hand, nothing about us or what we do is small to God. It all matters to Him. But the great news is Jesus will take care of sweating the small stuff for us. Only He can do it the right way. However, we have to stop using excuses to prevent His Spirit from penetrating, revealing, and dealing with any little things that get in the way of being fully used for His glory.

Over the next several days as you ponder this topic, the most important thing is to be transparent with the Holy Spirit. Jesus already knows about your tiny things anyway. But the Spirit won’t force a change in you until you’re willing to loosen your grip on the covers concealing them or the rebellious streak that attempts to hide them. Here are some powerful Scriptures to meditate on and journal about in the days ahead. As you listen to them, think of them as mirrors on your soul. When you hear them, what do you see in your life? That’s the Holy Spirit searching your heart and preparing you to receive God’s instruction.

Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Romans 6:1-4 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Colossians 2:8-10 “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”

Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Matthew 11:26-29 “Yes, Father, your plan delights your heart, as you’ve chosen this way to extend your kingdom—by giving it to those who have become like trusting children. You have entrusted Me with all that you are and all that you have. No one fully and intimately knows the Son except the Father. And no one fully and intimately knows the Father except the Son. But the Son is able to unveil the Father to anyone He chooses. Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to Me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in Me.”

I usually provide a five-day devotional guide as a companion for every podcast, but this week, instead, I want to encourage you to revisit each of the verses I just read and spend time in prayer with each one. If there’s a verse that just won’t leave your thoughts, then commit it to memory and spend some time writing down both the small and big stuff that is stirred up in you when you read that passage. Take some time to simply sit still in the presence of Jesus and let Him sweat out the small stuff in your heart, mind, and soul. The more He clears out what doesn’t belong there, the closer you’ll be to loving Him with every corner of your heart and not just carefully selected pockets of your life. Our God is big enough to care about even the smallest details of your life. And the more of you, you give back to Him, the greater His presence will be in every aspect of your being.

Five-Day Devotional Guide For Further Reflection and Daily Spiritual Journaling
These readings from today’s message can be used for a single-day study or your daily quiet time throughout the week. Before you begin reading the passage for each day, spend some time asking God to open your heart to His truth and hearing His voice.
Day 1 - Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Day 2 - Romans 6:1-4 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Day 3 - Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Day 4 - Colossians 2:8-10 “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Day 5 - Matthew 11:26-29 “Yes, Father, your plan delights your heart, as you’ve chosen this way to extend your kingdom—by giving it to those who have become like trusting children. You have entrusted Me with all that you are and all that you have. No one fully and intimately knows the Son except the Father. And no one fully and intimately knows the Father except the Son. But the Son is able to unveil the Father to anyone He chooses. Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to Me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in Me.”

What do you think of today's message? Comment and share your thoughts on this post! And if God brought someone to mind as you read or listened, please encourage them by sharing this post today!

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Finding Healing From Ourselves

9/18/2019

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Finding Healing from Ourselves and Renewed Hope for Tomorrow

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When you’re new to anything — a job, a neighborhood, or a school — you get to share your story a lot. Given that just about everything is new for me right now, having recently moved across the country, lately, I’ve been summing up my life in 30 seconds quite often. And with all that talk about myself, I’m becoming more and more aware of how much my story has changed in the last four years. Since the last thing I want to do is talk someone’s ear off at the first moment they lay eyes on me, I try to supply only the most pertinent information and let them ask questions if they’re interested. The strange thing, especially for me as a writer and an innate planner, is that I never gave any forethought to the introductory elevator speech that I’ve been using over the last several months. In fact, I was totally comfortable not attempting to filter anything. I was just me being me. And that is very, very new … for me.

Your first reaction to that statement might be to wonder about my authenticity and willingness to be transparent with others, but that’s not what I mean by the term “filtering” at all. In fact, I’m one of those people who had to learn how to temper my natural inclination to be brutally honest. I can’t even tell you how many feelings I hurt and toes I stepped on in my younger years. Not because I was trying to be mean, confrontational, or judgmental. I rarely had any of those motivations. Nope. I just couldn’t stop whatever I was thinking from coming right out of my mouth and being clearly displayed all over my face.

No, what is so new for me is that I’m no longer impeded by the filter of worry or anxiety that has been my ever-present, but a highly unpleasant, companion for about 25 years. For two and a half decades, it’s been there, sometimes humming low like an undercurrent of negative thoughts rolling subtly in the background of my mind … and other times swelling high into a fierce wave that literally drowns me in a suffocating and terrifying sea of panic that settles into weeks or months of debilitating fear or uneasiness.

Describing life as a long-term anxiety sufferer is hard, especially when I try to explain to someone who’s never been dominated by it. And this is where that filter comes in. Most high functioning chronic anxiety sufferers, especially Christians, don’t walk around wearing their concerns all over their faces. On the contrary, we get so used to the constant cycling between the undercurrent of nagging thoughts and all-out periods of intense nervousness, that we learn how to compensate accordingly to appear calm, cool, and collected even during a panic attack. And since most anxiety sufferers are naturally wired to be planners and over-achievers, we add a filter to our personalities, both to protect others from our suffering and to protect ourselves from feeling ashamed about our condition. Even if we come to realize that having an anxiety disorder is not in and of itself sinful, we can’t help but feel guilt over our inability to abide by Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:34 telling us not to worry.

This has been my life for a long time, but it’s not anymore. At least not right now. And for the first time since my early 20s, the hum of the agitated undercurrent is gone. The vicious cycle has stopped spinning. God’s peace is now louder in my soul than negative thoughts. After what seems like a lifetime of praying for healing, it came gently, quietly, and so gradually into my heart and mind, that it actually took me a while to notice that the cold hum of constant fear had been eclipsed by the warmth of release and the beautiful melody of a graceful surrender to hands I can’t see.

After all these years of bearing the thorn in my side, I had to ask God, “Why now?” And when I felt His Spirit nudging me to put aside what I had originally planned to write about today, I told Him that I wasn’t ready. “Write about your healing,” He kept insisting. So I pushed back with, “But God, I don’t have the words yet to explain how it happened so that others can benefit from it as well.” And He said, “That’s not the point. It’s not about the how. It’s about the hope.” And then I realized that “the how” is as different for each person, as snowflakes falling in the same storm. Sure, all storms arrive with similar attributes and characteristics. That’s how we know it’s a storm. But within each tempest, every snowflake that falls is different. And the important thing to know is that every storm will eventually pass. The sun will emerge, breaking through the clouds, and promising a new day, washed clean and made whole for the Father’s purposes and in His time.

I’m not actually sure when my decades-long, internal storm subsided within me, but ironically, I know that it happened sometime during the onslaught of external storms far stronger than I’ve ever experienced before. But in writing those very words, I am realizing now how consistent the strange timing has been with the very character of God. Biblical even. When we get thrown in the fire, we get refined in a way we could never achieve during peaceful times in our lives. The enemy may come at us with an all-out war on our lives, but our Mighty Protector takes the onslaught of evil meant for our harm and turns it for our good by leading us right through the middle of the battlefield one step at a time. As the weapons used against us grow more and more sinister and our physical strength wanes with exhaustion and repetitive strain, our spirits grow stronger and stronger as we transition away from wielding our own weapons to understanding how to wear His armor for all its worth. And for those of us who have a particular attachment to protecting ourselves, controlling our fates, and relying on our own mortality, it takes a little longer to become immersed in our real selves versus these temporary bodies we so fearfully dwell in here on earth. Somehow, mystically, and miraculously, the healing comes when we grab hold of our identity as who we are becoming for eternity, versus who and what we are right now. The more we believe that our Mighty King is leading the fight and handling all the details, the more a soul-drenching, mind-saturating trust seeps into our being, helping us see what’s really there and who we really are. The battles still wage, but the Spirit helps us rejoice in the coming victory more than wasting time worrying about what will happen between now and then.

Weirdly enough, I knew this current season of battles would come for me. I just didn’t know when. No, I don’t have the gift of prophecy, but God did whisper it to my heart. And this is the part I pushed back on the hardest when He told me to write about this today. Four years ago, I was reading Loving God With All Your Mind by Elizabeth George during a beach vacation. Because it was my second or third time through that book, I was more than startled when the Holy Spirit sent a wave of conviction through me so strong that I responded by throwing the book in the sand and vowing not to open it again the rest of my vacation. After all, who wants to sit on the beach and weep over your sin? But that night God wouldn’t let me sleep. He wanted to do some business with me. Perhaps more clearly than I’ve ever heard Him before, the Spirit said, “It’s time to finish this. I have work for you to do. You’re being called.” And I knew exactly what He was referring to with the word “this.” I had no idea what the calling might be. But the next step was clear. And it was a doozy too. Finishing “this” meant that He wanted me to move past my deep-seated anxiety and finally discover the unshackled freedom of trusting Him with every detail of my life. A complete surrender of control.

And that’s how God works with us most of the time. He gives us the next step, but never the complete roadmap. Like Luke 16:10 says, He was asking me to be faithful in this thing, and He would reveal the next thing when the time came. The problem was the size of the next step. I had been suffering for more than 20 years at that point and had certainly been progressing toward healing, but it had always been two steps forward and one step back. Okay, so sometimes it was five steps back. However, in the weeks and months ahead, it became clear that His plan for finishing it off wasn’t through an instantaneously miraculous healing. It would turn out to be another four years of very intense work in my heart and soul. But looking back on it now I can see that it has indeed been a miracle. Actually more like a series of miracles, each building upon each other with every tiny step I took toward Him.

I had to participate in the healing process, but He produced the results. It’s exactly as Paul describes in Philippians 2:12b-13. I love how The Message version puts it. “Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure.” Many translations say to work out your salvation with “fear and trembling,” which can be dangerously misread by those of us prone to anxiety. But because we know Paul tells us repeatedly in Scripture not to be anxious about anything, I think he used those words to communicate the gravity of the command. In other words, the abundant life we long for hangs on the necessity of our trust and energetic yielding to God’s hand in our lives. To step into our true calling, we can’t be dominated by any need, agenda, fear, or desire of our own. We must be serious about finding our delight in God — that means our source of comfort, peace, and happiness all rest in Him, not in our need to feel safe, healthy, and prepared for everything life brings. We have to lay ourselves down daily and allow God to replace every desire we have with His. (Psalm 37:4, Matthew 16:24-26)

Oh my dear reader, I have no idea what healing you’ve been waiting on. I think we all have something, if not many things that plague our hearts, wallets, relationships, or our bodies. And often when one battle passes, another one appears. The older we get, the more we realize this, and must daily surrender our keen awareness of that fact to the grace and mercy of Jesus. Does God still offer instantaneous healings of ailments of every kind? Yes, absolutely. But if the one you’ve been seeking the longest or with the greatest yearning hasn’t come, don’t give up or despair. That’s exactly what Satan is hoping you’ll do. He’s watching you and can taste the kill so strongly that he’s salivating with the thought. 1 Peter 5:8 says he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. The battle around you is real, and so is the one inside your heart. But as you seek Jesus, He will give you the strength to endure and simultaneously use it for His glory. Whether the thorn will be with you for a short while or a lifetime, your healing will come. As far as we know, Paul’s thorn in the flesh never went away while he was in his earthly body, and yet he was able to write, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Perhaps the healing Paul hoped for came in a manner he could’ve never expected. Perhaps the miraculous work of Jesus was so beautifully manifested despite the existence of Paul’s thorn, that it vastly eclipsed his pain and suffering to the point where he no longer desired its removal. We have no way of knowing, and I think that’s exactly how Paul wanted it to be. I believe he would want to reassure us that the status of his affliction wasn’t important in the grand scheme of things. It didn’t stop God’s work in him. It didn’t help Satan’s cause. Whether he was healed or not was irrelevant compared to the glory of Jesus emanating from his life.

Isaiah 26:12 says, “O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works.” Notice that peace is ordained, in other words, it is a sure thing, if we allow Him to do the work in and through us. Most of the time, I’ve just been in His way. Going back to that famous passage in Matthew 6, which I mentioned earlier. Most people only reference verses 25-26 when talking about worry, but verse 25 begins with the word “therefore.” That means whatever was said just before it is very critical to understanding the truth of what Jesus is saying. Verse 24 says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” You see, everyone one of us is mastered by something or someone. No one escapes that fact of life. And Jesus says, you can either let me be your Master, or you will be mastered by yourself or other things. And when that happens, you will worry. Something will always be threatening your peace and sense of stability. Always.

So I leave you with this thought. I have no idea if I have been permanently healed of my anxiety disorder. And the calling the Holy Spirit announced during my nights of desperate wrestling is still yet to be revealed. But regardless of those great uncertainties, I’m allowing myself to sink into the well of peace He’s provided. I’m learning that nothing I bring to the table is worthy of the King’s use. Not my ideas for how my life should go… not my skillset… not my natural talents… and certainly not my meager efforts to keep things under control… to be master of my own life. Yes, I have some things of value on my resume. I may even come up with a few words of inspiration every now and then. But as long as I think they belong to me for my benefit in any way, He won’t use them for His glory. As long as I try to be the master of anything, then I’m the one who’s visible to others and not Jesus. And in perhaps the greatest irony of all, it is when I am the most emptied of myself, that I become the most fulfilled, secure… and yes… utterly calm.

Five-Day Devotional Guide For Further Reflection and Daily Spiritual Journaling
The questions and readings below can be used for a single-day study or your daily quiet time throughout the week. Before you begin reading the passage for each day, spend some time asking God to open your heart to His truth and hearing His voice.
Day 1 - Read the story about Peter and the fishing nets in Luke 5:1-11. A few weeks ago my pastor preached on this passage, and he said that sometimes God has to empty our nets of all our stuff before He can fill it with His. “Our stuff” could be talents, control, expertise, experiences, habits, possessions, etc. It’s whatever we rely on and trust in to make us successful, happy, comfortable or safe more than Jesus. What is in your net that Jesus is asking you to let go of?
Day 2 - Isaiah 26 is a powerful passage that describes the path to peace and healing. As you read it, think of yourself as the city that Isaiah describes. Spend time in prayer and ask God to speak to your strongholds as you read it again. Write down whatever He stirs within you. Whichever verse jumps out at you the most, write it down and commit to memorizing it.
Day 3 - The concept of God refining His people through fiery trials is a theme throughout the Bible. Pick a few of these verses to read, and then ask God to help you see His goodness in your circumstances and experience His presence in the most trying of times.
Day 4 - Philippians 4:4-8 has been called the cure for anxiety because it provides a step by step prescription for experiencing God’s peace. Even if you don’t struggle with worry, verse 8 is the perfect filter for our motivations. When live out this verse, asking God to empower us to filter all our thoughts through it, our desires become subject to the lordship of Jesus. Spend time meditating and praying on this verse. Write down anything God wants you to run through this divine filter.
Day 5 - Every believer in Jesus has a holy calling planned by God before time even began. Imagine that! God thought of you before the world was even created. Read 2 Timothy 1:8-9 and spend time in prayer and thoughtful journaling about His calling for your life. Are there any healings He needs to bring about in order for you to be fit for that calling? Ask Him to show you the next step.

What do you think of today's message? Comment and share your thoughts on this post! And if God brought someone to mind as you read or listened, please encourage them by sharing this post today!

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Praising God Past the Point of No Return

9/11/2019

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Praising God Past the Point of No Return

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A few weekends ago, my husband and I took a much needed day away from a long list of household chores to enjoy a leisurely scenic drive to the Northern California coastline. Since we live in what seems like an endless sea of suburbia stretching for 60 miles between our house and San Francisco, it’s easy to forget that vast areas of rural land still exist just a short drive away. Given that California ranks third for the highest real estate prices in the country, it was both surprising and somewhat hope-inspiring to drive by grazing fields on the bluffs high above the ocean ridge. As I marveled at the breathtaking view and wondered if cattle even could appreciate it, my husband interrupted my thoughts by stating calmly, “I should’ve filled up the tank when we stopped for breakfast.”

Yes, again, I know it’s hard to believe, but there we were … no gas stations for about 60 miles, almost non-existent cell coverage, and only one way we could go unless we wanted to backtrack significantly. Our only goal for the day besides relaxing had been to drive over to the coast just north of the bay, take Route 1 up the coastline, and then eventually zigzag our way back through the mountains to wine country before heading home. Being the fraidy-cat I am, I instantly replied, “Well, I guess we’ll have to go back then.” Of course, I knew he would probably disagree with me. Sometimes I think he likes to see how far we can run on fumes just to watch me squirm a little bit. But this time was different. Once we began winding our way through this remote mountain pass, we would be past the point of no return. We’d have to go all the way through. There would be no alternative routes ahead. There was only one way through to the other side, and we were on it.

“Let’s go for it. I think we can make it,” he says with a playful wink. I would have preferred him to leave out the word “think” in that statement, even if it were a lie. As we began winding our way through towering trees and around sharp cliffs without guardrails, I tried not to think about the fuel situation. I tried to enjoy one of the curviest, narrow, and most beautiful roads I had ever been on. But one thought kept gnawing at the back of my mind… We were now past the point of no return. We had to see this through.

At one point, when we still had about 20 miles to go, I could feel panic creeping into my thoughts. The cool, moist ocean air was long gone, and we were driving through what was almost a high dessert. As the 100-degree heat bore down through the windshield, I suddenly recalled a story from the nightly news about some motorists out West getting stranded in the mountains, fighting off a mountain lion, and getting severely dehydrated before another car came along. Not good things to flash through your mind when you’re running on fumes. Of course, I instantly counted in my head how many bottles of water we had with us. I also started keeping track of how often we passed another vehicle. Or at least I tried. I think we encountered only two the entire trip.

Well, you get the idea, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. We made it. But barely. I think even my husband was getting a teensy bit nervous when he asked me several times if I had a cell signal and could I tell how far away the nearest gas station was. During that time, he remained incredibly serene and totally enamored with the route and the epic scenery. I kept my mouth shut because I didn’t want him to know I was so distracted by the “what if’s.” When it was all over, I was relieved, of course, but in the weeks since I have also come to realize how much of life is about living beyond the point of no return. Each and every day. Not only the ones filled with obvious reasons to panic. Every second that ticks by of our lives cannot be repeated. There is no turning back. Ever. So why is it we so often live as though we can do things over and over? Like we always have another day, another year, to love someone as we should. To apologize. To make things right. To pursue our dreams.

I love how there’s story after story in the Bible to teach us how to live each day with an understanding that we’ve passed the point of no return. And if we have eyes to see them, there are stories happening all around us right now, each with their own remarkable lesson to learn. I don’t know why this surprises me, but I had to reach my own point of no return to understand the power and impact of praising God in the heat of spiritual battle. But just to be crystal clear about what I mean by praising God, I am not talking about simply having an attitude of praise, or giving Him prayers of thanksgiving, or even spending time on my knees telling Him how much I honor, love, and worship Him. Turning to God in our moments of need is often composed of spiritual disciplines that feel comfortable in our solitude. After all, being vulnerable is usually something we prefer to do alone. And prayer is powerful. Meditating on the Word is life-changing. But we often miss out on one of the most immediately effective weapons in our arsenal — singing praise to God. Yes, I mean singing out loud with all your might all by yourself. Anywhere you are. Any time. Ok, maybe not in the middle of the grocery store or the office break room, but just about any time you get the chance, especially when you are walking through the middle of a life storm, a major decision, or feel a spiritual attack.

More than spiritual icing on the cake after a good sermon or a spontaneous response to an outpouring of blessings, singing to God is a no-kidding, get-serious weapon to fight a myriad of spiritual problems within our hearts, in the world around us, and against the very forces of evil that want to destroy our souls. If you typically reserve out-loud singing for Sundays or would never dream of bursting into song all by yourself, which is how I have been most of my life, then you may not have experienced the miraculous power of singing praises in the midst of spiritual warfare. And if you’re like me, you may not have a good voice. But talent is completely irrelevant when it comes to the effective use of singing to fight your battles and bring joy to the heart of your Creator. For this, I am incredibly thankful. However, once you experience the miraculous results of singing during an onslaught of anger, suffering, frustration, pain, heartbreak, rejection, or injustice, and learn to wield the weapon effectively and consistently, you’ll never want to be without it again.

One of the best things I’ve ever read about fighting spiritual battles with praise is a sermon entitled “Ambushing Satan with the Power of Song,” delivered by John Piper back in 1985. With triumphant delivery and filled with powerful anecdotes both drawn from the Bible and everyday experiences, Piper explains why singing is so necessary for the power of God to be unleashed and how it works. “Singing is not merely a response to grace. Singing is power. I promise you [singing] will bring a new power to your fight of faith. Satan cannot bear the singing of the saints. You can drive him away with song. And don’t fall for his lie that you can’t sing. Everybody can sing. Not everybody can perform. Not everybody can lead. Not everybody can read music or even stay on the right keys. But everybody can sing to God.”

He goes on to explain that the Holy Spirit residing in believers is our “great hope against Satan” and that one of the primary ways we release the power of the Holy Spirit is through song, according to Ephesians 5:18b-19. “Be filled with the Holy Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to the Lord with all your heart.” Then, Piper tells four powerful stories — two from the Bible, one about missionary Jim Elliot, and one from Piper’s own ministry — which demonstrate the miraculous effect of singing. Here’s a quick recap of the stories Piper tells, but I strongly encourage you to listen to or read the full-length sermon.

Jehoshaphat — First up is Jehoshaphat, one of the Godly kings of Judah who began his 25-year reign in 870 BC. When his enemies rose up against him, Jehoshaphat and the people sought God’s help through prayer and singing, ultimately sending the musicians and vocalists to the frontline of the army rather than the soldiers. 2 Chronicles 20:22 tells us how the battle went. “And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” This story also reminded me of Jericho from Joshua 6:20, and how the walls fell before the Israelites when they blew their trumpets.
Paul and Silas — Next, Piper recounts the story of Paul and Silas suffering in prison after being flogged and publicly humiliated. As Piper points out, most of us cry out in prayer when we are in pain or hit bottom, but rarely would we turn to something as simplistic or Pollyanna-ish as singing. Yet, according to Piper, Paul and Silas new the simplistic solution was the best one. They needed a display of God’s power and knew that He would inhabit the praises of His people. So they sang. And it worked. Acts 16:26 says, “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.”
Jim Elliot — Just before being killed for his faith, missionary Jim Elliot and his companions spent time singing praises to God as they prepared to take the Gospel to the Auca Indians of Ecuador. Like me, when you read that, you might immediately recoil, wondering why Piper would use that story as an example of the power of praise in spiritual warfare. It sounds like a complete failure to me. But Piper explains why Jim Elliot was triumphant through song this way: “All five of them were killed that afternoon. But they, too, were protected by God — protected from a fate far worse than death. They were protected from cowardice and unbelief and fear. And I think it would be fair to say — protected with song.” I think we could say the same for Horatio Spafford, who wrote the timeless hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” following the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, which ignited a chain of events that utterly broke him financially and led to the death of his four living children. Song miraculously sustained Spafford and his wife through the most horrendous seasons of grief and loss.
A Demon-Possessed Woman — Many of us have never knowingly encountered a person possessed by evil spirits. We read about such things in the Bible and wonder how it could be any more than a riveting movie plot in today’s world. But Piper includes a personal experience in his sermon that is both stunning and incredibly educational. As a pastor, he has counseled people struggling with all kinds of battles, but in this case, he had been called by a group of believers trying to help a woman displaying all the characteristics of possession. As hours and hours pass, the group reads scripture to her and prays for her. She grows ever more violent, but doesn’t seem to make any real progress toward healing. Then, everything changed in a split second with the addition of song. Here is how Piper tells it: “At one point, about one in the morning, when the conflict rose to a fever pitch between the Word of God and the satanic force in this woman, someone in the group began to sing. It was one of our familiar worship songs. We sang it again and again and the Lord gave us new words for it each time. The effect on her was dramatic. She began to tremble and threaten us if we didn’t stop. Then she threw herself on the floor and screamed for Satan not to leave her. She went into convulsions and then went limp. When she came to, she remembered nothing of what happened and was willing to read Scripture and pray.” Singing was an instrument in this woman’s healing and the believers’ fight against Satan for her life.

Maybe the idea of singing praises sounds too simplistic to you. Honestly, it kind of did for me too. Sure, I’ve experienced a fresh outpouring of joy and strength when I’ve spent time praising God, either at church, or at home, or singing aloud in my car where no one will suffer from my off-key strains. But until recently, I hadn’t tried singing when I was angry or bewildered. I don’t know about you, but singing is absolutely the last thing I feel like doing when I’m angry or discouraged. But after a series of one frustrating or disappointing situation after another, I felt as though I was at the point of no return. Then the thought occurred to me to get angry — righteously angry, that is — at the source of all the trouble. Yes, prayer, speaking the Word, fasting, and saying the name of Jesus are all critical components in defeating Satan, but song is sometimes the very ingredient — when added to all the others — that seems to take our defense to the stratosphere. Why on earth would something that on the surface seems like the antithesis of strength and force be so powerful? How does praise work? According to Piper, the praises of God’s people lifted up to the throne of the King throws the enemy into confusion. It happened with Jehoshaphat and with the demon-possessed woman. I’ve always believed in the necessity to be a warrior in the fight against Satan, but it’s never been as real, or as visceral, as it is now.

This week’s five-day devotional guide, which is included at the bottom of the blog post, is a little bit different than I normally provide. But if you’re ready to do some battle through song, then I encourage you to check it out. You may not have time to do all of it, nor may you be ready to try everything it suggests, but here’s one thing I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, you’ll come out of whatever you try in a better place spiritually than before you started.

Five-Day Devotional Guide For Further Reflection and Daily Spiritual Journaling
The questions and readings below can be used for a single-day study or your daily quiet time throughout the week. Before you begin reading the passage for each day, spend some time asking God to open your heart to His truth and hearing His voice.

Day 1 - Watch this inspiring three-minute video from Desiring God which is based on the original sermon by John Piper. Then after spending time in prayer, sing your favorite praise chorus or hymn to God.
Day 2 - Listen to a few songs you know from this playlist and sing along as the Holy Spirit leads you. Following your time of worship, read Psalm 5:11 and ask God to keep the power of praise alive in your heart throughout the day.
Day 3 - Revisit the story from Joshua 6 about Jericho’s walls falling and then journal about the walls you need to fall and why. Ask God to give you a song in your heart to sing until the walls fall, whether it’s hours, days, or weeks from now. This song from the playlist on Day 1 will encourage you.
Day 4 - Write down your greatest fear, whether or not it’s something that’s actually interfering with your life right now. Read Zephaniah 3:17, then Listen to the song “You Make Me Brave” from the playlist. In that spirit of worship, go to the Lord in prayer.
Day 5 - Revisit the story of Paul and Silas in jail from Acts 16. What is remarkable about their ordeal and what role did praising God play in helping them? Ask God to help you turn to Him in song more often. Jot down any situation that comes to your mind that needs the power of praise. Spend time in prayer asking God to help you react in praise rather than anger, frustration, guilt, shame, or bewilderment.

What do you think of today's message? Comment and share your thoughts on this post! And if God brought someone to mind as you read or listened, please encourage them by sharing this post today!

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Three Ways to Draw Closer to God

9/4/2019

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3 ways to draw closer to God using your imagination

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Gardenias are one of my favorite flowers. With an intense, unmistakable, and almost intoxicating scent, one deep inhale instantly transports me to a tropical paradise. When I was a young teenager, I remember buying a very cheap gardenia perfume, naively thinking that a manmade chemical would smell as lovely on me as the real deal. Of course, it didn’t take long for me to realize that only the genuine article could emanate the kind of sublime sweetness and allure I desired.

So all of my life, I have wanted to have a gardenia bush in my yard, and until recently, that desire was impossible. But now that I have given up living among Northeastern pines for the temperate climate of Northern California, I finally have my wish. Just outside my office window sits not one, but two large, mature gardenias. I was elated when we first moved in, but was soon disappointed to find that the blooms would wilt and turn brown within hours of being picked and placed in a vase with water on my desk. Without a direct connection to their source of life, both their sweetness and beauty faltered quickly.

If you’ve been reading Glimmers in the Fog for a while, I’m sure it will come as no surprise to hear what happened next. For a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of God in the petals of that gardenia on my desk and thought of how similar it is to the human soul. Without a constant connection to its Source of life, the inevitable comes quickly. In seemingly no time, we wilt, fade, discolor, and lose our Christ-like fragrance. We may think we can survive with a bland substitute for nourishment, but the even the most attractive of settings and adornments are no match for the life-giving act of abiding close to God.

But what can we do when we don’t feel close? Well, if you’re already leaning into Him through the daily habits of reading the Word, prayer, active listening, and Holy Spirit-directed meditation, a sprinkling of a little imagination might be precisely what you need to reinvigorate your attachment or help you overcome obstacles, such as distractions, in your quiet time with God. If the idea of using your imagination seems silly, then consider this quote by Presbyterian minister Henry Ward Beecher from the mid-1800s. “The soul without imagination is what an observatory would be without a telescope.” In other words, we can only achieve our God-given purpose in life if we regularly engage our imagination.

Beecher, who was a tireless abolitionist, went so far as to say, “the imagination is the secret and marrow of civilization. It is the very eye of faith.” While I wasn’t able to find the context surrounding that statement, I suspect that he must have been inspired by the many stories in the Bible where God called people to take a step of faith off the ledge of life… to have the kind of courage that most of us can only imagine. Beecher spent most of his life risking everything to free slaves, so I am sure he found the strength to follow his calling through the stories of the Biblical greats who were called before him. Abraham had never been anywhere. Yet God called him to pack up his stuff and simply “go.” Where? “To a land I will show you.” Ok, translated into modern life, God basically said to him, “Well, that’s for me to know and you to find out.” Romans 4 tells us that Abraham “in hope believed against hope.” And through him all humankind was blessed.

In our quest to know God better, depend on Him more deeply, and see His glory radiate through our lives, the cultivation of our imagination is absolutely critical. I like to think of Ephesians 3:14-21 as the great “imagination manifesto” of Paul the Apostle. Sure, there are tons of other often quoted verses, like placing our trust in the unseen and betting the farm on future hope, and they are all useful and encouraging. But I love the passage from Ephesians because it directly ties the unwavering strength we long for and the deep understanding we crave to the use of our imagination. We have to use our imagination to even begin to fathom the breadth, length, height and depth of Christ's love for us. We have to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and humble in order to envision, or dream about, the glorious riches of God and His kingdom. The Message version of that passage describes God as “the magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth.” And this same mighty Father accomplishes more than we can imagine, “Not by pushing us around, but by working within us His Spirit.”

So how can we use our imagination to help us draw closer to our Heavenly Father? I suppose the possibilities are as endless as God is, but here are three that came to my mind once more as I enjoyed the scent and sight of that fading gardenia sitting next to my keyboard.

#1 — Imagine His promises being fulfilled in your life.
The Bible is packed with more than 3,500 specific promises. When God says something, He means it, and He doesn’t discriminate based on your eligibility or desirability. He wants us to have wisdom, joy, peace, and hope in every circumstance. There aren’t any exceptions. However, we often fail to see some of God’s promises come to fruition in our lives. And, I don’t know about you, but it’s when I am most desperate for His help that the promises seem to evade me. I’ve pondered this a lot through my years of faith, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am the problem, not God. When I feel like I am at my wit's end — or have drifted far away from the Source of life — those are usually the times where I don’t allow the Holy Spirit to come in and calm my crazy mind and fulfill His promises.

When I flail about mentally, I am the equivalent of a drowning swimmer who doesn’t see the lifeguard reaching for her. Here’s the key: God is calling us to act on the promises we haven’t seen, felt, or experienced yet. For example, if I am feeling anxious and pray for peace, God then wants me to call upon my imagination and envision receiving that promise of peace in full measure. It's that first step of envisioning the promised peace coming to fruition, which then allows me to begin acting like I’ve received it. And when we take action, our minds eventually follow. But it takes courage to believe that peace is there — we just need to stop future-tripping, over-analyzing, and pondering all the “what-ifs.”

Philippians 4:8-9 clearly instructs us to stop thinking about the what-ifs and focus only on those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and worthy of praise. That pretty much rules out future-tripping, because what you think might happen is not actually true yet. Period. Proverbs 3:24, for example, is a promise about sleep. ”When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Now certainly there are times where extenuating circumstances may prevent us from going to bed. There may also be situations where God might be urging you to stay up and pray, but generally speaking, He wants to bless us with good rest. You know those nights where you’re lying there worrying or your mind is just racing about your to-do list? Those aren’t His will. Next time, try imagining what it feels like for the promise of Proverbs 3:24 to wash over you. Take the leap of faith and believe that He wants that for you. Envision His canopy of stars displayed over your bed, and as you imagine yourself looking into the night sky, meditate on the verse. Your imagination can help you commit to your belief and lead you to the action of trust. And, with a little bit of practice, the Holy Spirit will teach you how to rest more peacefully.

#2 — Imagine what He’s calling you to do.
When your imagination and a divinely-directed purpose are combined, your motivation, courage, and understanding of God’s power are ignited. Set ablaze. Pumped up. Pick whatever phrase makes you excited about God’s adventure for your life. David had to imagine himself defeating Goliath. He envisioned putting the stone in the slingshot and felling the giant on the first try. (The story is found in 1 Samuel 17.) Queen Esther had to summon the courage to go before the king and beg for the life of her people. In that culture, people were put to death who dared go before the king without his request — especially a woman. With prayer and imagination, she envisioned doing what God told her to do. Her imagination helped fuel her courage. Both David and Esther first had to see themselves trusting God and acting on what He asked them to do. So whether God is asking you to talk to the grocery store clerk, leave your job, or save your marriage, imagine yourself doing what He asks you to do, filled with His Spirit, and then walk onward boldly — all for His glory, and not your own. Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “set our minds on things above” as we live out our daily lives. That command can only happen if we integrate our imaginations into our pursuit of God.

#3 — Imagine His splendor and majesty daily.
When we ponder the greatness of God in a new way on a daily basis, many amazing things happen. First, we are humbled and our perspective shifts from our immediate world and our own agendas, to His grandeur and higher plan for our lives. Pride lurking in our hearts and behind our motivations, will always taint our imagination and turn it away from envisioning the truth of God’s Word and what He has planned for us. Second, we become thankful. When we meditate on the power, love, and wisdom of the King of the Universe, we can’t help but bow in worship and gratitude that He cares enough to commune with each of us on a personal level. Third, taking the time to meditate on the splendor of God and praising Him for His attributes and character, will help you to develop more self-control and mental discipline. Using your imagination to envision what it’s like sitting at His feet or worshipping before His throne takes practice, but we are commanded to do it. How else could we “enter His courts with praise” (Psalm 100) or be creative enough to find a new way to praise Him every day (Psalm 96:1)? As believers in Jesus, we are transformed into sons and daughters of the King — and that’s not just in eternity. God is calling us to act like the chosen ones we are, here on earth, so that we reflect His glory in heaven to others. And if we are not spending time letting our minds explore the vastness of who He is, then how will we ever become familiar enough with our King to resemble Him?

Using your imagination regularly as a part of your worship and quiet time with God will not only make the connection feel stronger, it will fortify your spirit to face all that life dishes out. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 gives us this encouragement: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Next time you pray, imagine yourself sitting with Jesus in your favorite place. And if you have the privilege of sitting in a beautiful spot, ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes to see evidence of Him in the sights around you. But whether you’re in a lush garden or in cramped closet, your imagination can take you to the feet of Christ. Spend time really listening for His voice in the stillness of your heart. Imagining a peaceful place free of distractions and to-do lists will do wonders for your concentration and listening power. Once you’re completely still in your heart and mind, ask Him to show you something new about Him today. And then believe that He will. It may happen right then. It might happen later on your drive to work. It could happen in while you’re making dinner or during your morning run. But the more you train your mind to focus on Him — through the help of your imagination — the more likely your ears will be working, and your heart will have eyes to see that which is unseen.

What do you think of today's message? Comment and share your thoughts on this post! And if God brought someone to mind as you read or listened, please encourage them by sharing this post today!

Five-Day Devotional Guide For Further Reflection and Daily Spiritual Journaling
The questions and readings below can be used for a single-day study or your daily quiet time throughout the week. Before you begin reading the passage for each day, spend some time asking God to open your heart to His truth and hearing His voice.
Day 1 - Spend some time picturing what a grape vine looks like just before it is ready to harvest. Use your imagination to gaze upon its root system, abundant leaves, vines, and finally, the grapes. Think about the weather, too, as you look at the vine. Are the grapes glistening in the sun, or is it perhaps misty and rainy? Once you feel immersed in imagining the grapevine, read John 15:1-11 and then write down anything that comes to mind while you absorb the passage. Spend time in prayer.
Day 2 - God frequently appeared to people in the Old Testament through visions and unusual transformations of nature. When He first reached out to Moses, He spoke from a burning bush. Read Exodus 3:1-6 and envision yourself in the story in place of Moses. What thoughts cross your mind when you get close enough to feel the heat of the flames? What about when you hear His voice for the first time? As you imagine yourself taking off your shoes and kneeling before God, be encouraged. Like Moses, you may feel ill-equipped to know God, follow Him, or be used for His glory. But also like Moses, God will bring about great things through you if you’re yielded to His hand in your life.
Day 3 - Psalm 1:3 gives us a beautiful picture of a believer devoted to God. Read it in a few different versions. Pray your favorite one back to God and then write down anything you sense Him whispering to your heart.
Day 4 - Jesus often used word pictures to help us “see” an invisible spiritual truth. Read Matthew 7:24-27 and contemplate what Jesus wants you to see in this passage? Write down how you think it applies to your life right now. Then spend time in prayer asking God to reassure of His promise to set your feet on the solid rock.
Day 5 - Psalm 23 is paints one of the riches pictures of God’s tender care and provision for those He loves. Spend time reading the psalm in several different versions of the Bible, including The Message for a fresh perspective. Then spend time visualizing yourself as God’s child resting in the pasture. Meditate on the promises He’s made to you.

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Glimmers in the Fog

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