On The Move
I grew up living right behind the high school I attended. It meant that we had baseball fields and football fields in our backyard. It was great! However, every fall as school was starting, our house was flooded with a monotonous clicking noise. It was the marching band practicing, and when they practiced, they used a metronome to keep them in rhythm. While it kept all of the musicians in unison, it nearly drove everyone in my house crazy!
I wish life’s valleys came with a metronome. David claims that he “walks through the valley of the shadow of death.” He walks through it – he doesn’t run through it, he doesn’t walk around it, he doesn’t climb out of it; he walks through the valley. It seems as though there are two equal but opposite responses to the life’s valleys. The first is to run through or take a shortcut around the valley. We are averse to pain and typically want it to end as quickly as possible. Sometimes we’ll minimize the ache so that we can get out of the valley as quickly as possible. When James wrote to the church about hardships, he said, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4) The word perseverance literally means ‘to remain under.’ James is encouraging Jesus followers not to run through the valley because God shapes them through the experience.
The second temptation we often face in the valley is to stop altogether. Painful experiences can stop us in our tracks and cause us to shut down. David doesn’t run through the valley, but he also doesn’t set up a camp in the valley. In the valley it can be so easy to lose our joy, to doubt God’s presence and goodness, and to stop moving forward. David’s subtle claim is that God’s presence with him allows him to keep moving forward. However, there are also times when the wisdom of a counselor or trusted friend can be helpful in getting unstuck.
If there were a metronome beating in the valley, it would set a pace balanced between patience and persistence. If you’re in a valley today, pause and ask Jesus if you’re running, camping, or allowing him to lead you through. If you’re not in a valley right now, think back to the last time you were. How did you respond?
Today pray a simple prayer: Jesus, help me hear your voice and stay in step with your Spirit. (Galatians 5:16)
Remembering That My Shepherd is With Me
What difficult circumstances face you today? Are you plagued by anxious and fearful thoughts, or wondering where God is when you’re hurting? Do you feel like the darkness is sometimes overwhelming?
Sometimes, when we have lingered for what seems like eternity in a difficult valley, we can lose sight of the promise of God to be with us and to guide us through it. We aren’t always sure that the outcome will be for our ultimate good, or that we have nothing to fear in the darkness.
When our four children were young, the Good Shepherd led us on a long and difficult journey through a dark valley. It was in that place, like few others in my life, that I sensed He was showing me what it meant to live in the reality of His presence. To know the strength, comfort, peace and joy that He intended for us to experience in Him.
The journey began one morning as I drove home from the doctor with a diagnosis of pneumonia. I was talking to the Lord about my husband who had not shown up at the doctor’s office as planned. Just as an ambulance passed me on our windy mountain road, I looked ahead to see the pieces of his mangled motorcycle beyond the roadblock in front of me. The officer standing in the road told me that he believed my husband would live, but that he had a lot of broken bones. In a moment, life changed for our family. The next few years were filled with hospitals, surgeries, recoveries, therapies and wondering how to hold it all together with four small children.
Those years were also filled with the reality of Jesus’ nearness, and tender presence with me. He was showing me that no matter how painful or difficult my circumstances, He was close enough to hear my exhausted, whispered cries for help.
I often look back and remember His goodness, and faithfulness throughout that time. Intentionally recalling God’s provision of Himself in that dark journey has not only helped to strengthen me in other difficult times, it has given me joy. He continues to teach me that His nearness really is for my ultimate good. (Psalm 73:28, NASB)
How have you known His presence in the story of your life? Take time today to remember the ways that God has been with you and share with someone today. It will encourage both of you.
Verses for reflection and prayer:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
You will make known to me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy... Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
The Valley
A valley . . . how can such a serene refuge, a place that feels so safe, suddenly turn into an evil lair? When I read Psalm 23:4, I envision myself as a lone sheep who is clueless, ignorant of my surroundings, and grazing my way into a dark gathering of trees centered at the valley floor. I’m unaware of the dark, threatening shadow creeping up behind me until it’s too late and the predator pounces.
This all might sound a little dramatic and contrived, but I think it best illustrates how Satan pursues us with evil intentions. He is a thief, a wolf (John 10:10-12), a lion (I Peter 5:8), a predator. We’re warned to be sober and watchful, but often we fall prey to the adversary. What is the evil spoken of by the psalmist? Natural disaster? Financial loss? Divorce? Hunger? Or is it something more? What would be the worst evil of all? Eternal separation from the Shepherd and death. Notice, the writer doesn’t say he is exempt from evil, but he simply doesn’t fear it.
We all encounter evil and suffering – no one is exempt. Using the world system (I John 2:16), Satan and his diabolical host work to accomplish the greatest evil of all – spiritual abduction and murder. He determined to pull us from the hands of the Good Shepherd – forever. He will growl, threaten, even maim us, sending us running in fear from protection of the Shepherd; confused, terrified, vulnerable. Satan is not some equal and opposite dark opponent to Christ. Instead, using twisted and perverted imitations of the very good and perfect gifts the Father provides (James 1:17), the Evil One allures, entices, and causes doubt. He works day and night to pull us from the abiding presence of the Shepherd using any means available.
Yet, through faith in Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep, we fear no evil. Even when you face death, rest assured – you will never be taken from our Savior’s hands. You will be with Him forever. Absolutely nothing can separate us from His love. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39). Why would we fear anything or anyone else if we don’t even fear death?
Today - right now, the Shepherd has you covered in the dark valley, no matter what or where it is. Walk in the light of His love, for perfect love casts out fear. (I John 1: 7 & 4:18
Even in the Shadows
Having grown up in Southern California, I realize that I’ve been spoiled rotten by our weather! If the temperature dips into the 60s, I call it cold. If it rains at all, I complain. It doesn’t even strike me as unique to wake up on Christmas morning to a bright sunny day with clear skies and a high of 82. The truth is that we are blessed to live in a land that is so saturated by the sun.
There’s an analogy here to our spiritual lives. I think that many of us would have to admit that we’ve been spoiled rotten by the gracious gift of God’s presence in our lives. Many of us have seen and experienced God’s love in our families, friends and churches. The truth is that we are blessed to live in a land that is so saturated by the Son.
However, just because we have so many blessings, doesn’t mean that we don’t experience the shadows. Even though, God’s love is all around us, sometimes we experience dark times. Psalm 23 calls these times, “the valley of the shadow of death.” David had experienced incredible blessing, but he still walked through dark valleys where he couldn’t see the light of the Lord. He doubted and wondered if God was even there at all (Psalm 10:1; 74:9). If that was his experience, then it might be ours as well.
You see, it is easy to see God’s gracious hand of leadership when you are resting in the lush green pastures or drinking from the cool waters of His love. But what about those times in life when we don’t see or feel God? When there is a shadow over your life and all feels dark? What about those times when it just seems like God isn’t there? When you pray and it feels like no one is listening. Have you experienced times like this? I know I have.
The good news that David proclaims is, even in the darkest valley of death, “You are with me.” Even in the shadows. Not just on the bright sunny days, but on the dark and cloudy days as well. The God of the Universe as revealed in Jesus wants to meet you there. He hasn’t left you. Do you believe that?
Here’s a song to reflect on as you ponder this: “Trust in You,” by Lauren Daigle: https://youtu.be/qv-SXz_exKE
The Delivery Date of God's Promise
Waiting is never easy, especially in today's instant gratification society. We're hungry so we go to the drive-through. We're bored so we stream Netflix. We want (more) things so we order Amazon Prime day-of-shipping. There's no end to our immediate satisfaction! But much to our frustration God is not this way. God declares in this chapter: I don't do my work instantly and I don't work for your pleasure or comfort! While we want God to act immediately, He takes seventy years to do what He wants.
There were many prophets in Jeremiah's day that were prophesying that Israel should fight for a forceful, violent, and presumptuous return to the Promised Land against the Babylonians (Hananiah in verses 28:10-17 and Shemaiah in verses 29:24-28). But these prophets were prophesying their own agendas and dreams, at the encouragement of the people (29:8).
Those prophets could not live in the tension of an extended stay in exile. But that's exactly why God takes His time: God invites His people to live in the tension. The tension is inconvenient precisely because it forces us to make a redundant decision to believe. "God, why am I waking up again with this crushing depression?" "God, I have cried out to you for years about my children - when will you show up in their lives?" "God, will you ever help me pay these bills?"
We languish in unideal circumstances on the daily. And in God's sovereignty, He delights in our constant choice to believe. He desires the faith of His people and the tension of unideal circumstances is a necessary precondition for faith.
But he does not allow us to languish in the tension without anything to cling to. Rather he has equipped us with all of His promises, fulfilled in the resurrected life of Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Jeremiah and the faithful remnant of Israel heard rightly from the LORD. It would take a long time to see God's promises delivered. But when seventy years passed, the people of Israel returned, and their temple was rebuilt! God does as God says! Even though they do not arrive based on our demands or expectations, God's word never fails. He is never late. His promises arrive at their exact appointed time. (Habakkuk 2:3).
Who's Got Your Ear
Thomas John Watson Sr., the IBM Chairman of the Board In 1943, said, “I think there is a world market for about five computers.” Clearly, he got that wrong. Fortunately, his opinion didn’t dominate IBM’s direction in the years following.
In Jeremiah 29:8-9, the prophet points out that leaders aren’t always speaking words from God.
Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the
prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name.
I have not sent them,” declares the Lord. (NIV)
These “prophets” and diviners had become the Hebrew King’s consultants, and many became key influencers of the Jewish people who were the first ones exiled in Babylon before the final Old Testament destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, we read that these “prophets” and diviners were telling the king, and the people, the opposite of what God had already promised through his real prophets, and they wanted to silence the voices that were actually from God. These guys even called for Jeremiah to suffer consequences for speaking God’s truth. They wanted to see his arrest, imprisonment, and death. These leaders were living in sin yet claiming God would never condemn his chosen king or people. They were wrong. God disciplines those he loves.
So, what voices are influencing you these days? If Jeremiah was writing to us, would he replace the words “prophets and diviners” with “politicians and media,” “podcasters and bloggers,” “reporters and novelists?” The important consideration for us isn’t the information delivery format, but whether the voice is proclaiming truth. And the caution is to ask ourselves; “Am I listening to this voice because it is telling me what I want to hear?”
Spend some time in prayer today asking the Lord to give discernment regarding every voice of influence you permit yourself. Also, pray to be a good voice of God’s love and truth to those you influence.
Make Yourselves at Home
Have you ever felt like an exile? Maybe you were the new person at school, sitting by yourself and feeling like you were a social exile? Or maybe you feel like a spiritual exile, wishing for a more innocent era where Sundays were reserved for church and rest only, not football or kids’ sports or household chores.
Or perhaps, like the Israelites you were forced from your country of origin, looking for a safe place to live – maybe waiting to return home. Yet, despite the worldliness of the Babylonians, the Israelites were told to go live their lives – build houses, plant gardens, eat the food of the land, marry and have kids.
This passage reminds me of my in-laws, who were, in essence, exiled from their country of birth. Born in Indonesia at the brink of World War II, both of my in-laws and their families were forced into internment camps. After the war, those of Dutch-Indonesian descent were forced to leave the only home they ever knew, boarding big ships for the Netherlands, and leaving behind all they were accustomed to – the tropical climate, the food, the way of life.
In their new land, even though they knew the Dutch language, their darker-skinned Indonesian roots made them stand out. Assimilating into the new culture might not have been easy, but they did, indeed, learn to eat the new foods and put down roots. And again they did as described in Jeremiah 29:7 (Message), “Make yourselves at home there and work for the country’s welfare.” They became teachers, accountants and academics.
As young adults, my husband’s parents married and immigrated to the United States, where, again, they needed to find work, a home, and learn to eat yet another culture’s cuisine. And again they did as described in Jeremiah 29:7 (Message), “Make yourselves at home there and work for the country’s welfare…”
Do we work to make the place we live in better? What about the second part of verse 7? As it says in the Message: “Pray for Babylon’s well-being. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you.” Are we praying for our city?
Let’s use Jeremiah 29:12-13 to pray:
Lord we pray our city will call upon You and come and pray to You, because You will hear us. Help us seek You and find You, as we seek You with all our hearts.
A Bigger Word
One of the things that I love about studying the Hebrew language of the Scriptures is that it has words that are so much bigger than English words. What I mean is that there are certain Hebrew words that are so full of meaning that they just can’t be translated by one or two English word. For some of them, it literally takes multiple sentences to understand one word. One of those words is in our passage for today. It is mentioned four times in the two verses above. Read the passage again and see if you can pick out the word?
Did you get it? The word is translated as “welfare.” And no offense to the translators, but if ever there was a word that just wasn’t big enough to explain the concept behind this word, it is the word “welfare.” God’s plan is so much more than a desire for His creation to “fare well.” I know that God wants a whole lot more, because the word is a much bigger word: shalom.
Shalom is a HUGE word! We have nothing like it in English. It is often translated as “peace,” but it carries with it the idea of being safe, sound, healthy, whole, perfect, prosperous, and complete. It signifies a sense of well-being and harmony both internally for individuals and externally for societies. A world filled with shalom would be a world in which men and women live in right relationship with God, with one-another, and with creation so that our communities are ones characterized by flourishing and justice and peace. It is a world that functions the way that it was created to function.
This is God’s plan for His people. Shalom is what He wants us to seek in the city. It is an all-encompassing desire to see our neighborhoods, our schools, our parks, our marriages, our businesses, our gardens and even our animals flourish the way that they were designed to flourish. This is a big task! In fact, it was too big of a task for them and it is too big of a task for us; which is why we need Jesus. But there is good news. Shalom is what Jesus came to give us. Not just internal wholeness, but external wholeness as well. This is what Jesus meant when He said, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest. John 10:10 He came to give us shalom.
Spend some time today thinking about where you see the lack of shalom both internally and externally. What is one step that you can take toward this life of shalom?
Our Life, His Rule
We were sitting on the Watchtower Cliff looking out at a beautiful valley, when a spider the size of a tangerine started crawling on my leg. As calm as I could, I told my kids to carefully go to their mom (who wisely stayed a few feet back from the edge). They complained, begrudgingly moved, and with a quick flick the spider was dispatched 4,000 feet down the cliff. My kids had no idea the spider was there; they had no idea that a scare might have sent one of us down the cliff instead of the spider! We often have a limited view and need a little help seeing the bigger picture.
The Israelites sometimes forgot the bigger picture. They forgot how much God cared for them, how He guided them, and how He knew exactly what they needed. Imagine being uprooted (NOT BY CHOICE!) and placed somewhere foreign. Being exiled would bring fear, anger, frustration, and naturally we would want to blame someone or something. The Israelites who were exiled pointed their fingers of blame towards Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon. I would have blamed him as well!
That is why God’s statement in Jeremiah 29:4 stands out, … the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent … God was correcting their understanding and told them that in His authority, He had sent or carried them into exile. Of course, Nebuchadnezzar was involved in the exile, but it was God who had ultimate authority. If God is doing something there is always a reason! God’s plan has a purpose that is always bigger than we see. Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding ... reminds us that we can trust God’s authority always. Since God is sovereign, He chose to send His own Son to die for us so that we can trust our life with His rule.
Jesus came for us so we could trust Him as our king. We can trust our life to His rule, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. I can relate to the exiles and their frustration, but I have learned to pause and seek Jesus in those moments. When I am frustrated with life’s circumstances, I ask a couple of questions. Jesus, where am I not letting you rule? Where or what am I hiding from you? Maybe asking Jesus a few questions can help you see the bigger picture.
Jesus please rule over my life and let me trust in you always, Amen.
The Bonhoeffer Question
As our writing team was discussing Psalm 121, I found myself asking the question: is this psalm true? While I know it’s not a question we’re supposed to ask when we’re reading the Bible, I think it’s a fair question in light of what the psalm posits. The psalmist made the claim,
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.
Keep you from all evil? That’s quite the categorical and absolute statement. It would be easier to get behind if the author had said, “God will keep you from most evil.” If we’re honest, doesn’t it seem as though evil touches even the most devoted and pure-hearted followers of Jesus?
My mind immediately went to the virtuous Dietrich Bonhoeffer. During the Nazi’s rise to power, Bonhoeffer stood up to Adolph Hitler and stood his ground as a follower of Jesus calling out both his country’s abhorrent actions and the church’s apostasy. For those reasons, he was imprisoned and hanged only days before the American liberation of the POW camp. Was he kept from evil? I was lamenting this story and imagining it as an example of the way this psalm doesn’t seem to match with reality. However, during the course of our writing team’s conversation, I was struck by the truth that it’s completely unfair for me to state whether God has kept someone else from evil. Certainly, from the outside, it seems as though Bonhoeffer’s life was overcome by evil, but Bonhoeffer himself might say otherwise.
In fact, I now believe he would argue quite ardently that “the Lord kept him from all evil; he kept his life.” Knowing that his life on this earth was quickly coming to a close, Bonhoeffer sent one final message to George Bell in England: “This is the end, for me the beginning of life.” He echoes what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). I’m convinced that Bonhoeffer died more in love with Jesus than he’d ever been previously and after he breathed his last breath was ushered into his glorious presence.
When Christ is our supreme treasure, we are untouchable. When Jesus is our ultimate prize and our deepest affection, there is nothing that can stand against us. In the same way that no amount of water outside of a boat can sink it, no amount of evil outside of us can snatch us from our savior’s hand. Being kept from “all evil” doesn’t mean that we won’t be attacked by evil, it means that we won’t be defeated by evil! He will keep our life, just like he kept Bonhoeffer.
Today take some time and reaffirm your love for Jesus. Pray back Paul’s words, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” And then thank Jesus for keeping you and protecting you from evil.
Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor