Day 10-11 Stay The Course

I remember hearing President Reagan say these words, expressing his unswerving commitment to policies of peace through strength, and prosperity without government intrusion. He wanted us to wait and watch, letting the natural results of those concepts bear their own fruit.

James 1:4 admonishes us:
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
This between the acknowledgment that "tribulation worketh patience", and "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally..."

I've asked God for wisdom. I've committed my works to Him. Now the challenge is to 'stay the course'; continuing faithfully while I wait for the fruit of the labor. Yes, still no breakthrough, no fireworks, no 180-degree turn to set me on a new course.

There were many trials and testings for young David, as he waited for his turn on the throne of Israel. We're told repeatedly that he behaved himself wisely, and encouraged himself in the Lord his God. The Psalms are filled with his determination to walk with the Lord in purity and holiness despite the struggles of his own mind and heart.

Psalm 17:15 especially impresses me today:
"As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness."

Lord, let me be patient in the path You have set before me. Let me continue on faithfully, keeping my eyes on Yours, and not on any one or any thing else. Let me look forward to the satisfaction--not of vengeance on my enemies, nor personal vindication, but--with being transformed into Your likeness.

Day 9 Help Thou Mine Unbelief

As I wrote "tormenting fear", I was struck by the telling nature of the phrase. The Lord and I have had numerous discussions about this topic, and there are 'way too many facets to cover in a brief blog post. Suffice it to say that the basis for fear is unbelief. I simply do not truly believe in my heart God will protect me. Maybe I attribute to Him the failings of those authorities in my life who claim to represent Him. Whatever the cause, I've put myself in charge of the protection detail. I do have to say that hasn't turned out so well.

I John 4:18-19 speaks to this:

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us."

Mature, complete, "I've made the decision" love is designed by God to cast out the torment that comes with fear. He loved me before I knew Him, and desired blessing for me above all else. He wants me to leave the driving to Him because His perfect love knows all about what is best for me.

When I make the decision to fully trust His justice and judgment, He is able to bring it all around for my good. When that happens, others are able to see and worship, and find His good in their lives as well.

Mark 19:23-24 tells of a man who sought healing from Jesus for his demon-possessed son. "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightaway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief."

Can I believe?  Will I?  It seems then, that I need to add a prayer to my daily petition for 'the list'. Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief!" 

Day 8 Sorry And Safe

So why is this such a battle for me? Why can't I just let things go? I'm realizing the heaviness of my life--this "I'm so consumed with everything on my plate, and in my heart" feeling--is because of all these people I'm continually dragging around behind me. A little like Pilgrim's huge burden in Pilgrim's Progress. Or maybe a LOT like it.

If an offender doesn't say they're sorry, then it's apparent they don't think they did anything wrong, right? If they don't think it was wrong, then they will just as likely do it again, right? How can I ever feel 'safe' without their acknowledgment, and their assurance that they intend that it not happen again? I can well understand why the Lord instructed us in Matthew 5 and 18, to go to those with whom we have offenses (whether they or we are the offenders).  It's unbearable to live in this tormenting fear!

But there has to be an alternative, because sometimes the 'going to them' doesn't produce the desired results. (One of my culprits looked me straight in the face, understood my pain, and within a couple weeks--with spoken purpose--did it again! ) God didn't create robots. Our free will allows us to choose our ways, and too often, those ways cause pain in the lives of others.

Sometimes God shields us, sometimes the blast hits us full force.
Sometimes we get to see His working, sometimes we don't.
Sometimes we're exonerated, sometimes we just have to live it out.

II Corinthians 12:9-10 - When the Apostle Paul cried out to the Lord for the removal of a torment in his life, the Lord replied:

"...My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect (complete) in weakness. [Paul's response] Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me... for when I am weak, then am I strong."

Pretty counter-intuitive. But the idea here is that I determine to access the grace Christ offers [the strength and desire to do His will]. By focusing on His grace, I demonstrate that I am willing to trust His justice and judgment in the bumps and bruises of everyday life. Even when those wounds come from those closest to me.

Lord, I've been in Your courtroom every day for the last eight days, saying that I "will" to forgive these, my offenders.  Trouble is, I keep walking out with their dockets still in my hands. Let me trust You enough to leave those charges on Your sacred Bench, and walk away in Your grace and freedom.

Day 6-7 Trusting Obedience and Grace

This exercise still feels very 'wooden' to me.  It seems I'm just running "the list" by rote, with no feeling except the desire to do right. I keep expecting to 'feel' something, some release, some softening, something!

Proverbs 16:3 teaches the foundation for "trust and obey".

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Well, that's what I'm trying to do, Lord.  I do desire to be right with You, and I am, by Your Grace, determined to faithfully seek to release these people.  It's noteworthy that King David used the all-caps "LORD", reminding me that my Savior is to be the LORD of my life: my Master, Sovereign, Commander-in-Chief.

I am noticing some positive side effects from the discipline required to keep up this quest. Today, I was working again on a long-standing project with one of the 'offenders'.  We've had such contention over it, that I've mostly backed away, but it is still a mutual endeavor.  The stiffened body, tight jaw, shallow breathing showed clearly the tension they felt.  I was incredulous. Really? I dip my oar in, and you get so tense you can't breathe?  The Lord laid His hand on my mouth, helped me defer and back away from spewing the things that so 'need to be said'.  After a bit, things relaxed, and a good outcome was achieved.

Thanks Lord, for grace. Let me continue to be 'silent' on my resentments, allowing Spirit's work in my heart and in those of others.

Days 4-5 Jailor or Jailed?

I've awakened both mornings, by God's grace, speaking forgiveness. It seems important to work down throught the list first thing each morning. It has surprised me how often during the day I find myself arguing again with one of my 'prisoners'. I know just what I want to say to each one; things that need to be said, to convince them of their wrongs.

If I keep old offenders imprisoned in my heart, waiting for them to give back what they took from me, do I not then become a prisoner as well? How much of my time is spent in the dungeon of my heart, guarding their cell door? How much do I cut myself off from others, and from God, by investing so much energy in keeping alive the memory of their offenses?

As long as I maintain an attitude of unforgiveness, do I not put myself under the judgment of Psalms 66:18?
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."

Oh Lord, let me continue on this journey. Let me continue in Your grace, faithful to accept Your strength and peace.