He Shows the Way Forward

There in the solid black
of forested night
our wheels weaved through
gravelly rocky ridges
and pitted chasms.
We shoved ahead
through streaming mud,
glad for a Shepherd
who sees in the dark.

But then we braked,
hearts sinking in silence
when headlights hit a lake
--oops, not a normal lake,
a wide muddy puddle
slyly barring the way
while licking woodland
on both its shores,
hungrily lying in wait.

What to do? Was there
no way through the slush?
Should we just back up?
Then a buzzing light
zigzagged through brush
behind clustered trees
then zipped toward us
and a man emerged
riding motored wheels.
He stopped to see
this strange surprise:
white women stranded
beside the lake, confused.

“Where are you going?
There? Yes!” he said,
“Your goal, that village
lies straight ahead
and yes! I think
your vehicles
can make it there
just by following
this deviating detour
that we all take! 
It’s right behind me—
a route around 
this sinister space.
God be with you!”

Two wheels could flash
with simple ease
along the narrow path 
but our four wheels 
took the plunge in mud,
one-word prayers rising.
We dove into the dark,
bushes brazing our sides,
following faint outlines
of the one way out . . .
and there it was!

We left the brush
and up ahead we saw
fire lights! Relief!
There was the village!
We’d swerved and curved
on an unknown road 
with bated breath,
our hearts bowed low
before our faithful Guide
who sent his messenger
to show the hidden path,
the one way through!

That night in the West African wilderness, 15 years ago, a coworker and I were doing our best to get out to a village for a meeting. We felt courageous until we saw that flood of water over the road, consequence of a recent downpour. There was no way to get our car to swim across. Everywhere we looked we saw tall grass and trees. Ready to give up, crying out for wisdom, we were astounded when the motorcycle did not just keep on going past us. The man who stopped to see if we were all right, and who then gave us directions, was an answer to prayer! He was so kind that we trusted him and yes, we made it through!

That kind of dilemma takes various shapes in our lives. We think we know the way to plan our next steps when, suddenly, that “door” is closed. Our hearts cry out to our Guide, our Good Sheperd: “Which way should I turn? What is your plan?” We pray like the psalmist:

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long. (Ps. 25:4-5 NIV)

So how can we find out what the Guide is saying?

Our first resource is his truth, what is written for us in his Word. Are you reading it with serious intention? The Bible outlines essential truths that we must live out, and when we have a question about a path to take, we need to measure that path against them. For instance, which path coordinates with the greatest commandments? When Jesus was asked which commandment is the most important, he answered it clearly:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  (Matt. 22:36 -40 NIV)

So first of all, is my choice of paths congruent with loving God with all that is in me, and loving a person or people he has placed in my life? The kind of love for others that Jesus was talking about was love that cared first of all for the well-being of the other person, not only my own (see John 15:12-17). Jesus applied it in a startling way:

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (Jn. 15:13 NIV)

Dying for someone else may indeed be a choice for some, but there are other more “mundane” applications. Am I willing to give up my control of my time for a service God puts in front of me, underlining that he made me for this? Am I paying attention to my spouse as I should? Am I upholding justice for those who are vulnerable in my community or country, even when there is pushback? Am I willing to lay aside my plans for personal prosperity in order to obey what God is specifically putting in front of me?

Each one of us needs to take these commands seriously and see how they apply to current circumstances. Then, if God’s path for my future involvement is a current dilemma, we must spend time in prayer, waiting quietly for our Lord to impress his plan on us. What gifts has he given me to use for him? What need is calling to my heart?

Tim and Kathy Keller give good counsel about discerning which possible courses of action are bad, good or best:

“How can we choose the right path? After getting advice from others, choose the best course in light of any relevant biblical texts, the opinion of authorities (in family, church and state), your conscience (James 4:17), an examination of your motives, the best use of your gifts and abilities in God’s service, and finally an assessment of your decision’s impact on others. Look at each factor and then choose well.”[1]

Our Lord does have purpose for you.

What leanings or holy desires has God put in your heart? Do they come to you while you are praying, or through the advice of a godly person who knows you? If you have not been in prayer or devoted contemplation, don’t jump to a conclusion without going back to that position, and talking to a trusted advisor. (For more insight about this process, see https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-i-find-gods-will-for-my-life )

[1] Keller, Timothy with Kathy. God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life.(Viking, Penguin Random House LLC, 2017), p. 229.

Seasons Change!

The tree has turned crimson
in this season of brilliance
that leads to the season of loss
when all that remains is skeletal.
Even now her high branches undress,
letting go of her headdress, leaf by leaf.
But certain ones cling, resisting
the chilly wind trying to rip them off.
They decorate the twigs pointing high
to the pearly moon shining in blue sky.
This is their testimony to the truth:
if we look upward, our eyes can see 
beyond the temporary moment
we call “now.” And we can choose
to relish the changes coming soon.
The moon is waning, one side dark.
But let the weeks fly by and then
a full moon will grow back to view!
The tree will lose its autumn glory
and rest in welcome winter snow,
its branches coated by the cold
until spring comes and baby leaves
will come to life, greening the world.
We know it’s true: this too shall pass
whatever loads us with distress;
seasons change, and promises remain.
Look upward and relax in hope!


We just went through a critical moment for our country. Some rejoice; some grieve. No matter your reaction, this is like the time that seasons change and move on to the next phase.

When I saw the sugar maple in front of our house losing its top leaves, I was intrigued by the way the branches that were slowly going nude were like a fan pointing up toward the sky. And when I lifted my camera that morning, I saw that just above the tree was a waning moon. The fan was pointing it out, speaking to me: “Look up! See what else is changing!”

And it reminded me of what Paul wrote about courageously moving ahead in his ministry no matter what challenges would come. When we know the truth, the good news that Jesus is our Savior and that his light shines in the darkness, we don’t hide it. Instead, we live it out, realizing that the way we move forward reveals that knowing Jesus is what has changed us. Yes, we just “jars of clay,” which is a way of admitting our personal weakness. When we keep pushing ahead we are showing that our strength comes from him, not ourselves. And no matter how hard it is, we know that this is a passing season. What lies ahead is totally worth the current struggle!

Your position in this time of upheaval may set you in a fragile situation in some contexts. The is this : keep listening to the Spirit who guides us, or in other words, “fix your eyes” not on what you see in the world but on the hope that keeps us going: There will come a time when everything will be made new, not only cleaned up but changed forever by our Lord. For now, we must not pin all our hope on what we see and hear in this world. Things change. Seasons move on. But we are to fix our heart’s eyes on eternal truth, on the God who loves us and is always at work.  We must acknowledge what he is accomplishing for his purposes. And doing this, we continue forging ahead in the ministry he gives us, shining his light—not ours!—into darkness.

13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:13-18 NIV)

White-hot Jangling

Nerves jangle today,

endings rubbed raw

by the gritty friction

of stress jostling stress.

I’m paying the price

in white-hot sensitivity,

emotions on the edge

ready to fall if pushed

too far.  The abyss

stretches before me.

I step back and take stock.

I’m crushed, Lord Jesus!

How not to despair?

I crawl before you,

weighed way down,

and beg you earnestly:

please lift this load,

at least enough

for me to rest

and find new strength.

Reach into my heart,

bathe me in peace!

Guard each access

to my swirling thoughts.

Keep out the searing darts

that scorch my hope!

Then by your Spirit

glue my eyes on you

so that I always know

the truth: you are here.

I choose to wait on you,

expecting only good things

from your gracious hand,

the outflow of your heart

that carried all my griefs

and stumblings long ago

and lifts them to yourself

today as well. I’m blind

to what is coming,

but you already know

your purpose in this heat:

how you are shaping me

into the useful pot

you planned so long ago

when you formed me

in my mother’s womb.

Your fingers press gently

on my malleable form.

I am loved. I release

my fears and let you work.

I don’t know all you might be dealing with these days. But it’s true: there is chaos all around! Just listening to the news brings home that reality. And then there are personal testings, like conflicts or illness or economic fragility or the challenges of aging. The list can go on and on. But changing the vantage point brings peace that has nothing to do with all of that. It is called living by faith in the King who is our Father, Rescuer and Protector. Yes, living in this world includes suffering. To release our fears we need to remember crucial truths.

There have been many eras of political chaos, when the psalmist urged God’s people to remember who is ultimately in charge:

The LORD is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. 2 Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. 3 How long, LORD, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? 4 They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. 5 They crush your people, LORD; they oppress your inheritance. 6 They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. 7 They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.” 8 Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? 9 Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? 10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge? 11 The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile. 12 Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD, the one you teach from your law; 13 you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. 15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.  (Ps. 94:1-15 NIV)

Our Father God uses suffering to shape our character, giving us strength to endure through his love and the gift of his Spirit, and assuring us that a wonderful glory is ahead. We have joy in that assurance:

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. 3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance, character, and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  (Rom. 5:1-5 NET)

In his timing he will make all perfect in the new world he is preparing:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. 2 And I saw the holy city– the new Jerusalem– descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more– or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.” 5 And the one seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new!” Then he said to me, “Write it down, because these words are reliable and true.” 6 He also said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the one who is thirsty I will give water free of charge from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Rev. 21:1-8 NET)

With our heart’s eyes fixed on him, we have this enduring hope: a future forever with him, with no tears or distress. Meanwhile, we can shake loose the weight of worry:

6 And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand 7 by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. 8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. 10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen. (1 Pet. 5:6-11 NET)

The key to finding joy in the midst of “white-hot jangling” in this world is faith, trusting in the Sovereign Yahweh who has prepared a way for us through this chaos to our everlasting reward: forever with him. Meanwhile we resist the enemy and rejoice in the safe place where we stand, obeying his urging to cast our cares on him and live a life that follows his right commands. This is the God of all grace, he called us to live forever because of Christ Jesus, and he “will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us ((1 Pet. 5:10 NET).

Welcoming Morning

Black, brown and gray squirrels

run through the wet grass

welcoming morning, breathing in

new day adventures while searching

for snippets that satisfy.

Burning bushes burst into flames

while tall trees gradually yellow

and let go of their delicate leaves.

I crunch them as I walk the road,

savoring the mellow gold.

I soak in quiet respite from noise.

The world keeps turning, churning

with angst, fear, selfishness, wars.

Yahweh is still King! The birds sing

praise songs, and so will I.

He knows my heart and soul,

only he is in control

of what is planned for me,

tiny as I am in this universal sea

of waves crashing, leaping high.

During this autumn season it is difficult to make myself leave the warm house to step out into cold (often windy) weather. But I’ve committed myself to walking, so at dawn I layer up and make sure my ears and hands are covered, then take off. It is a new day, a grace to be thankful for.

So what can I notice today in this Detroit neighborhood that will boost my gratitude?

Here and there squirrels are hopping about, sniffling what is in the grass. Once I saw two young ones wrestling; one tried to climb a tree trunk but the other one was holding him tight. He struggled and got free. Like me, he was chasing down a happier day.

I am also searching for snippets that satisfy. I find them in the maple trees turning crimson, the sun sneaking up behind a cloud sitting on the horizon and guilding it, the golden carpet of leaves on the sidewalk. And I thank God that I can walk and treasure these moments. People I love are homebound, waiting for recovery from surgery, or waiting to be taken to surgery. Others have run out of prescription meds, and restarting the process of access is taking a few days. Some are overwhelmed with late hours, multiple jobs, little time to relax. They come to mind, and I pray for God’s hand on their hearts and lives. I have a lot on my plate today too, and wonder how I should push myself through to get it all done.

I had scanned the news before leaving the house, and there was way too much distress in it. I need to let the world noise fade away and rejoice instead in peace, the Guide leading me hither and yon through the neighborhood, showing me hidden treasures of beauty. So I lift my heart and welcome the morning. I will follow the loving prompts of the Spirit within me, who knows what he has planned for the rest of the day as I move on to “next things.” 

I pass a large Black man that I recognize since we both walk the same streets most days. He is listening to a broadcast from his phone and I  can hear a voice say: “So if you turn to second Corinthians . . .” Yes! He is meditating, his own way. I shout out to him: “I love Jesus too!” He grins and responds: “Amen!”

So I am reminded to just soak in the new morning with its brisk breeze and bright colors and protection from tripping on broken sidewalks and the beauty of ancient trees that would have a century of stories to tell. The Creator thought of all these things, and I am wowed that he is walking with me.

Starting with praise, prayer and perception is like fueling the car for the journey. I come home grateful and ready to take next steps, to accomplish what is put before me, welcoming this morning!

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lam. 3:22-24 ESV)

Unveiled

My veil is off.

I stand before you

as I am, Yahweh,

nowhere to hide,

and nothing between us

except your brilliant light.

Mesmerizing,

absolutely pure,

clarifying

(in its every sense),

your radiance hugs me,

encircles me

and sticks to me

softly glowing

to radiate the truth:

who you are

and who I am becoming

while I live in your Presence,

the burning bush my home.

It might seem self-promoting to talk about standing in the light of God’s presence and living in “the burning bush.” So let me explain the biblical teaching that impacted me with this imagery of spiritual transformation. None of the radiance that might be flowing from us and “bearing fruit” is due to our own worth or talents: it all comes from being sanctified, made increasingly holy through the work of the Spirit in us.

God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, revealing to him his true name: Yahweh (I AM). It was a frightening, unexpected moment.  Moses could not bear to keep looking at the bush. Shocked that the glory of God was revealing itself to him in burning light ,he “hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. “ (Exod. 3:6 NET)

Years later he spent forty days and nights meeting up with God on the mountain, receiving God’s covenant words to pass on to his people:

27 The LORD said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread, and he did not drink water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. 29 Now when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand– when he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to approach him. 31 But Moses called to them, so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and Moses spoke to them. 32 After this all the Israelites approached, and he commanded them all that the LORD had spoken to him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses finished speaking with them, he would put a veil on his face. 34 But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. Then he would come out and tell the Israelites what he had been commanded. (Exod. 34:27-34 NET)

Now Moses was the one who was reflecting God’s glorious light on his face! The people were afraid to come near him and he had to convince them to listen to the message he brought them, from Yahweh. He knew, however, that they could not handle that bright light that would reflect off him each time he spent time with Yahweh to speak with him. While with his God he wore no veil, only when he came back out.

Moses never claimed that he deserved that glory. He knew it was only a result of being called into God’s presence as his servant. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, underlined that same truth. Yes, God had used Paul and his cohort and accomplished amazing things through them, but that did not mean that they were to be viewed as intimidating. He needed to make it clear that any radiance emminating from them was coming from their relationship to God as his servants. Through Jesus’ self-sacrifice and resurrection there was now a new covenant, not one written on stone tablets but on hearts by the work of God’s Spirit:

. 5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as if it were coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6 who made us adequate to be servants of a new covenant not based on the letter but on the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:5,6a).

After explaining the greater glory of the new covenant, which is not written on stone tablets but on the hearts of the covenant people, Paul writes that a veil is meant to conceal the light that radiates from this intimate connection with God–that is why  Moses wore it when he came out from his place of meeting with Yahweh. But now it is not to be concealed!  Instead, whoever becomes a follower of Jesus and enters into the new covenant, they no longer are kept from seeing God’s glorious plan or from living in his presence. This intimate connection is what gives his servants the courage and privilege to not only live in his light but to radiate it to others! We have new freedom and, through his Spirit, we are in the process of being transformed. This transformation is actually measured by degrees of glory! God’s light shines from us increasingly through our interaction with him and his empowerment:

12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we behave with great boldness, 13 and not like Moses who used to put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from staring at the result of the glory that was made ineffective. 14 But their minds were closed. For to this very day, the same veil remains when they hear the old covenant read. It has not been removed because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 But until this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds, 16 but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:2-18 NET)

This transformation is through the Spirit’s work in us—also called sanctification. One key activity that keeps it increasing in us is doing what Moses did: spending time in conversation with Yahweh, then living out what we learn from him and sharing it with others. So let’s take a good look at our participation in this growth. Are we in this kind of relationship with God? Are we spending time focusing on him and his messages?  Are we doing what he tells us to do? How are we then radiating the light of his glory as we live our lives?

We are only adequate to radiate his light, and bear fruit, through his work in us!

I Am That Ewe

I am that sensitive ewe                                                                             

that cries out what she sees

lurking by the precipice,

then cowers in the shade,

hiding out, because rams

turn to push her aside

and other ewes grimace

with disdain and shock.

Did I not see that danger?

Am I really that near-sighted?

I struggle along, at the edge.

But there are others with me:

my special mate and certain friends.

We move on with the flock

but carefully go silent.

Some think our tears are dew drops.

But as I rise, next morning,

I hear the Shepherd call my name.

He has not left us lonely.

His staff reminds me: he alone

can guide me and protect me.

No one but him truly knows

what lurks behind thorn bushes,

or which cliff edges crumble.

I breathe out. Breathe in. Calmed.[1] 

When we walked through our beloved village, Tiepogovogo, during our years in Côte d’Ivoire, I loved watching the sheep who were at home there. They sometimes just searched for shade under a tree or next to a hut, sometimes they were canvassing the dirt for food. It was when they needed to go out to find good pasture that they were shepherded, often by a young teen who would need to keep them away from pitfalls like wandering into the road or taking off alone. I was reminded of how we are compared to sheep in the Bible. We need our Good Shepherd’s care or we get into trouble.

When I was going through a situation where I had called out warnings but was treated as irrelevant, I landed on Isaiah 40 where it is underlined that the Shepherd watches over the most vulnerable sheep in his flock with special care:  the little ones, and their mothers who feel responsibility for them.

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isa. 40:11 NIV)

Maybe you feel responsible for someone who needs care, whether or not you are a parent or caregiver or friend. Or maybe you are responsible for the success of a project. The weight can be heavy.  And there are those moments when we feel like that ewe at the edge of a cliff where a misstep could lead to a terrible fall.

 Are you caught in a situation where you feel danger is lurking for people you love, or for your community, or your nation? Do you sometimes feel rejected by those very people because you see a situation from a different point of view?  In these days, especially in this political season, that actually seems to be quite common.

The Good Shepherd knows when his sheep need special attention. Sometimes it’s the young ones that can’t keep up with the others. Sometimes it’s the mom, the ewe, that is trying to care for her baby while the flock is moving on ahead. Whoever needs special attention is immediately cared for by him..

As that chapter in Isaiah moves on, the exclusive greatness of our God is described. It elevates the picture of the Shepherd to the King of the Universe who is aware of all that is happening and ultimately in charge. Ponder these verses, all the way to the end, and find your hope in him, the loving all-knowing God who gives his people strength when times are rough.

22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.

26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isa. 40:22-29 NIV)

[1] “I Am That Ewe” is one of the poems published in the book When He Whispers: Learning to Listen on the Journey.” (available on Amazon and Christianbook.com).

A Jolt of Joy

Now, heart focused on the Godhead,

love makes the air too dense to breathe.

His presence bathes the world in light.

My eyes must squint against the glare:

his holy essence, who he is.

Joy jolts me unexpectedly.

Reality is so rock-heavy

only my lightness of being

keeps me from going under.

If, astonished at this transformation,

my sensors pull back, quivering,

and turn to safer foci like

the joy that slipped in sideways,

it diffuses into aftermath

and I am left still wishing

that the feeling could remain

without the threat of intimacy

and all that light exposing me.

The truth is that this pulsing joy

refuses to be idolized,

to take one jot of radiance

from the One, the holy Other.

Its impulse is my brush against

the edges of his ways, and only comes

when heart’s eyes center on my God

and I burst open like a flower.

Joy registers the shock.

Have you experienced those moments of ecstatic joy when you suddenly find your very soul leaping to a new level of worship? When it happens, you want to cling to it for as long as possible. It feels like a taste of what it will be like to see our Lord God in person and know him in a whole new way. If only it would last! The temptation is to focus on that feeling and pursue it rather than the Person that inspires it.

When we are truly worshiping him, hearts lifted to him, joy may embrace us within. One place where I experience it is when I join his people in songs of praise, remembering who he is; it can bring tears of joy to my eyes. Going to his temple, there is protection from the storms outside, real peace. Psalm 84 uses the imagery of a bird finding a safe place for her nests right there where God’s people are singing his praise:

2 I desperately want to be in the courts of the LORD’s temple. My heart and my entire being shout for joy to the living God. 3 Even the birds find a home there, and the swallow builds a nest, where she can protect her young near your altars, O LORD WHO RULES OVER ALL, my king and my God. 4 How blessed are those who live in your temple and praise you continually!  (Ps. 84:2-4 NET)

There we remember his blessings and the wonders he has done. We reflect on salvation, and on his ongoing outreach past all the barriers people around the world have put in place. We rejoice when we hear about those who have been going through trouble but continue to flourish and bear fruit—like when a global worker (missionary) shares how the Lord has been at work in a tough place.

For you, O LORD, have made me happy by your work. I will sing for joy because of what you have done. (Ps. 92:4 NET)

Even when we have not yet seen the answer to our prayers and our community includes those who oppose our Lord, who turn against us, we can go with the psalmist to petition God for the blessing of joy: he is our source of real joy:

Vindicate me, O God! Fight for me against an ungodly nation! Deliver me from deceitful and evil men! 2 For you are the God who shelters me. Why do you reject me? Why must I walk around mourning because my enemies oppress me? 3 Reveal your light and your faithfulness! They will lead me, they will escort me back to your holy hill, and to the place where you live. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to the God who gives me ecstatic joy, so that I express my thanks to you, O God, my God, with a harp. 5 Why are you depressed, O my soul? Why are you upset? Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to my God for his saving intervention. (Ps. 43:1-5 NET)

At times what is needed is to confess our sin, every failing. Repentance brings us into God’s presence with confidence in forgiveness, and then joy erupts in praise:

By David; a well-written song.  How blessed is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned! 2 How blessed is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. . . . 5 Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD.” And then you forgave my sins . . . 10 An evil person suffers much pain, but the LORD’s faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright! (Ps. 32:1-3,5,10-11 NET)

Jesus himself underlined this to his disciples: obedience to his commands results in joy. This is not temporary joy, but joy that accompanies our ongoing deep fellowship with him as we live in his love and live out his love. What an amazing gift that is, joy that does not depend on a circumstance or a momentary emotion but on union with him that expresses itself in genuine self-giving love!

9 “Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. 12 My commandment is this– to love one another just as I have loved you. 1 (Jn. 15:9-12 NET)

Yes, those moments of exultant joy are genuine results of worship and thanksgiving. Yet there is also a continuous joy embedded in our souls when we remain linked to our Lord, filled with his love and living it out in our relationships. That is “complete” joy that is not dependent on circumstances but on union with him. It does not only pulse within in us for a moment, but is living there inside us when we are truly attached to him. When we obey his commands, walk by faith and trust in him, we cling to his loving character as our never-ending assurance. It is that complete joy. What a gift!

Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. 2 For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants. 3 Trust in the LORD and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires. (Ps. 37:1-4 CSB)

Let’s desire joy!

Psalm on Divine Paradox

rock solid you are

no end or beginning

sea caverns beneath

sky  spaces above

all of these speak you

to me

your love is movement

like shimmering aspens

wind wafting grass

splashing white water

freely crashing

healing

sealing each rupture

with fire and kindness

in the stillness

glory shouts

you are here

present

everywhere around

and deep inside

my yearning soul

paradox abounds

and I cry

holy

The majesty of God and the imagery he uses in Scripture to help us understand him leaves me lost in wonder. So I have collected some verses to use in praise of his amazing greatness—join me in contemplation and worship:

ESV Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

ESV Psalm 31:3 For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me . . .

ESV 1 Samuel 2:2 “There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.

ESV Romans 1:20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made . . .

ESV Job 11:7 “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?

NIV Job 9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.

ESV Psalm 93:4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty!

ESV Psalm 148:4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!

ESV Psalm 76:4 Glorious are you [LORD}, more majestic than the mountains full of prey.

ESV Isaiah 30:30 And the LORD will cause his majestic voice to be heard and the descending blow of his arm to be seen, in furious anger and a flame of devouring fire, with a cloudburst and storm and hailstones.

ESV Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

ESV Psalm 19:1  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

ESV Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

ESV Revelation 4:8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

ESV Psalm 99:2,3 The LORD is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!

My Tent of Meeting

This is my “tent of meeting”

where you, Lord, meet with me,

no pillar of cloud necessary

because you live in me.

This tent is a protected space

where I pour out my heart

and listen as you respond.

It’s portable, moving with us

no matter where we go.

Sometimes the tent is high

 up in the sky like a plane flying

to yet another destination.

The ride might become rough,

stormy turbulence blown in.

We bounce, but I can always

see you there. You care.

You tenderly strengthen my soul,

your presence making me whole.

Moses needed time with you

before beginning your work.

Joshua stood there listening,

meditating in solitude,

preparation in process.

May I find moments like that!

Like Moses may I be refueled,

made ready for what lies ahead

here in my tent of meeting.

I’m writing  while in a hospital waiting room, waiting for my husband to wake up after surgery (the doctor says it went well). So this is my current “tent of meeting!” We had to be here at 5 a.m. so I brought my Bible, in my phone, my notebook and computer. People bustle and talk, but the Lord has been meeting with me. (And Glenn’s surgery went well!)

We just rode across the United States in an airplane a couple of days ago, and once again I had time to sit in silence, contemplating and listening to the Voice. All through life I’ve found him always there, when I am aware and focused.

You probably have key stories to share too, those times when life seemed to take over but you could still interact with our God. Just like the Israelites wandering through the desert for 40 years, their tent of meeting carried along with them, we always have ours at hand. We just need to turn our hearts toward that place and enter it, worshiping him, sharing concerns and listening to him!

Peace Inside the Noise

Peace seems so elusive

in this fractious neighborhood

where you have placed me—

that is, when I contemplate

the dirt and hurts and screams

of metal and motors and crowds.

But when I turn my heart

east to the Rising Son

and fix my inner eyes

on light and rainbows,

my inner ears on the birds

singing pulsing praise psalms,

then I find that peace that is

way beyond our understanding.

Your promises stand solid

in the crunch of shifting values

and political confusion.

Your presence fills the universe,

grieving at the fractures and the pain,

applauding when your children

push aside the darkness and live love,

making them the actors in your plan

to change the world, to bring the nations

into your new creation

where health and truth and beauty

will replace this sick morass.

I choose to turn to you, today

and every day, my hand in yours,

your Spirit the fresh air I breathe,

your heart my hope and treasure

while I walk on ahead, sidestepping

garbage and letting your song

speak peace inside the noise.

When we were living in Ferke, Côte d’Ivoire, huge trucks, carrying loads north to Mali or Burkina Faso or south from those countries to Abidjan, would park along the wall that encircled our courtyard (see the photo above). We would hear music blasting, motors starting, people noise–especially in that big city space (all dust) where merchants would promote their wares at high volume, or political events would draw crowds. It was noisy, evening and morning. I would try to have quiet moments with my Lord but found it hard to block out all the distractions.

The Lord taught me to choose to focus on him, to find peace even in the middle of all that. We were blessed with many trees–mango, lime, golden rain, frangi pani. I could look at his creation and soak in beauty. Birds formed a morning chorale. The Word of God was open before me. I could turn the eyes of my heart to the Creator, the Light of the World, the One who loves me and watches over me–the One who is always teaching me. He showed me how to find his unmatchable peace within the noise.

Last week a tornado passed through this Detroit area. Fortunately it did not hit our neighborhood, but it ripped up trees in the beautiful Belle Isle park in the middle of the Detroit River. I went there on Labor Day with a friend, hoping to find a picnic table somewhere near the water in spite of the downed trees and crowds there for the holiday. We finally did find one by Lake Muskoday on the northwest side of the island, no one nearby at all! We sat down to enjoy the peace, only to find out that motorcycles and cars passing by on the road behind us were celebrating with noise: roaring motors and blasting music. Conversation had to pause every now and then and wait for quiet. But our eyes were focused toward the lake with its quiet waters and lily pads, then two canoes paddling by. We delved into the Word and prayed. It was truly “peace within the noise.”

Whatever noise, sorrow, chaos or bad news is deflecting your vision from the Son, ask him to give your heart-eyes focus on him. He is everywhere, even in the middle of the storm that tears down ancient trees or people noise that hurts your ears. He is the Prince of Peace who gave himself for you, who is always accompanying you. Turn to him and acknowledge his presence:

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. (Ps. 73:23 NIV)

Remember, Jesus himself promised peace, even when trouble is all around. This is not just quiet. It is inner calm that comes from him:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (Jn. 14:27 NIV)

Let’s find that peace inside the noise!