Life, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness

Why do you exist? Seriously....why are you here? Many of us have pondered that question at some time or another. Perhaps you have asked, "What on earth am I doing? What is life all about?  What does it mean to live, love and be happy?  Is it possible to be happy?"  Many in this world would say a resounding no...that it is not possible to be happy.  Others would emphatically say, "Yes....it is very possible to always be happy!"  Somewhere in the middle, there is a place where we can rest and do so quite comfortably. 

Life, love and the pursuit of happiness is found only through a restored relationship with Christ.  If you go any other way, you will find yourself falling short, being incomplete, and essentially empty.  So why do we exist?
God has designed you and I to Glorify Him! All that we do, all that we are, should exist to Glorify Him. It is interesting to note that even those that claim to not know God are used by Him to Glorify His Name! Take Pharaoh of Exodus as an example. In Exodus 9:16, God specifically told Moses to tell Pharoah that "I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." With good folks and even with bad folks, God desires that He is glorified.  Somehow, some way, He is going to make that happen.  We can be for Him, or against Him.  Pharoah chose to be against Him, yet God used Moses to tell Pharoah that "you are here so that I can show my power and my name proclaimed!"  Can you imagine what Pharoah was thinking?  I bet he was livid!  I am certain that he was furious and wanted to punch Moses in the face!  I must admit that there have been too many times when I have developed Pharoah-like thinking.  Sometimes I feel that I know what is best and it is my way or the highway.  It is funny when I do that!  I am like a big dog whose bark is worse than his bite.  I make noise but run with my tail tucked between my legs when something jumps out of the bushes of my life.  I have come to realize that God is bigger.  God is better.  His way is perfect.  His way is marvelous!  His plans for me are much more than I could ever dream of doing on my own.  He has created me to glorify Him by showing me His power and proclaiming His name in all the earth.  Guess what?  He has created you for that very same reason!  Whatcha gonna do about it?  

Dealing With Regrets

I have used this phrase made popular by Dandy Don Meredith on Monday Night Football in the 1970's many times. Dandy Don, known for his wit and his heavy Texan accent, stated "If if's and but's were candies and nuts, we would all have a Merry Christmas!" Obviously, whether Dandy Don originated this statement or it came from someone else, I am certain the reason it was stated first was all about regrets. Something happened and someone responded, "If only I had done this" or "But what if I had gone down this path?" I could spend hours perhaps even days thinking about poor decisions I have had in my life. Some have been life changing. Some have changed the lives of others. Some were good. Some were bad. Some have made me say, "whew!" Some have made me shout with joy. Some have made me cry. All however, have made me into the person I am right now. Am I the best I could possibly be? I am far from perfection. To assume so would mean that God is finished with me. If (there goes that word again!) I believe in the Word of God, it tells me that I continue to be a work in progress. So shall I live with regrets or shall I anticipate rewards? If scripture in verses like Philippians 1:3-6 are true, then the best is yet to come! Verse 6 in this great passage states, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This presupposes a good work has been started, in spite of my misgivings, shortcomings, and regrets. So we have to press onward and upward! The Philippian theme of a greater future continues in chapter 3 with verses 12-14. Here is my paraphrase: "Forget the past. There is nothing you can do about it both good and bad. But you can keep going. You can have hope. You can know that God has a purpose and a plan for your life! So press on! Don't stop! You have a huge plan from a huge God because of a huge sacrifice made by His Son." Therefore, when I allow myself to begin to regret, I shall strive to become more like Paul who has determined that in all states...yes even the most regrettable, I will be content and I will rejoice. Why? Because living with regrets stinks! Been there. Done that and I have several of those t-shirts! My prayer is this: Lord help me to live in your will, your way, your wisdom and with no regrets.

Horses and Horsepower

Recently I watched the 1969 version of TRUE GRIT on AMC. John Wayne just can't be beat! As I watched this great western, I watched as the character portrayed by Glen Campbell (the Rhinestone Cowboy)shoots the horse out from under the bad guy. I remember thinking, "don't you know that PETA would have had a field day with this movie!" Then later on in the movie, John Wayne's horse is shot and falls on the Duke, leaving him just out of the reach of his Winchester. Of course, he is able to retreive his gun and shoot the bad guy as well as get out from beneath his fallen horse. After watching the movie and totally enjoying dreaming about being a cowboy, I turned over to ESPN to watch the 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona, the race where modified Porsches are driven by Indy, Grand Prix, and NASCAR drivers for a 24-hour period. I must admit that being a cowboy is still a dream but so is being a race car driver!As I watched, I saw one driver stall his car in a curve because his clutch went out and then couldn't start it because his battery had died. His chariot had failed him.

In this adventure from horse to horsepower, I found myself reflecting on my recent reading in Psalm 20:7. The passage in the NIV reads "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." The Duke and the bad guys in True Grit trusted in their horses. The professional race drivers were trusting in their chariots and their horsepower. Both ended up in predicaments that indicated failure. Fear, disappointment, and many other emotions prevailed. I could not help but think about the many horses and chariots I have had in my life in which I have placed my trust. Relationships, paychecks, vehicles, toys, selfish desires, all of which had led me down a path of disappointment. The Psalmist once again reminds me to place my trust in the name of the Lord. If I could trust just the name of the Lord, is it possible that I could also trust the Lord Himself? The answer is a big YES! Lord, help me to not put my trust in horses or horsepower or things that I could label as such, help me trust You completely, wholly,and with the understanding that it is You that works for the good of all things of those who are called according to your purpose. Thank you for being such a God that just with the mentioning of your Name, lives are transformed!

Got Counsel?

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Ps 16:7Where do you get your counsel?  Do you trust the daily horoscope?  Does your political party make your decisions?  Do you have friends on Facebook or Twitter that help guide your decisions? I once heard author John Eldredge say something like this: "Are you trying to figure out what God wants you to do?  Just ask Him!"  When I heard this I was mad!  Surely there is more to this I thought! man  I mean seriously, this man is speaking to thousands of people right now and is a proven best-selling author and he says "Just ask Him?"  As I regained my thoughts and began to tune in more, I realized that I had once again been guilty of trying to make life and the will of God too complicated.  Then I got mad because I wasn't the one up on stage sharing this incredible truth. 
We are so bad at going everywhere to learn God's will for our lives except going to God Himself.  The Psalmist knew that his counsel came from God.  The amazing thing reality is that when one's heart is aligned with God, we can follow Him with our eyes closed!  Okay, it doesn't literally say this, but it sure is implied.  Notice the truth of this verse, "even at night my heart instructs me."  In my mind, I am thinking that at night time one sleeps and the eyes are closed.  So, if I am receiving counsel from the Lord, when I sleep with my eyes closed, my heart or my inner most being that is connected to the heart of God, will instruct me!  Talking about "peace that passes ALL understanding!"  No wonder we call Him Wonderful Counselor! 
So how does the Lord counsel?  The answer is simple.  He counsels through His word.  Want the counsel of the Lord?  Want get it even when it is nighttime?  Get into His word.  Hear it. Read it. Study it. Memorize it.  Meditate on it. Better yet, do it!

Treasure lost?

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,

let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

The Holy Bible  : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Ps 14:7

 

For years humanity had lost its treasure.  In the Garden of Eden, man had everything he needed.  His treasure included walking with God, having food and water, having a helpmate, and had dominion over all the animals.  The deceiver deceived.  The treasure at hand suddenly became boring its beauty became dull.  Selfishness was conceived and separation from God occurred.  The treasure was lost.  Humanity realized that life without this treasure was miserable.  This misery was compounded by hopelessness, despair, agony, and the desire that something could happen that would change.  The promise of salvation seemed like a fairy tale that would never come true.  Stories were shared from generation to generation that Hope was coming.  Some thought it was ridiculous.  Others continued to believe.  The Word of God revealed the direction from which Hope would come, "out of Zion."  Where is Zion?  Zion was considered to be the citadel in Palestine which was the center of Jerusalem.  It was the ideal nation and society envisioned by Judaism.  It would only make sense that out of Zion, salvation would come.  The Bible is so cool to point us to this incredible place called Zion.  There are over 100 Old Testament references to Zion and several New Testament references like 1 Peter 2:6 and Revelation 14:1.  This particular verse in Psalm 14:7 reminds its readers that the truth of Zion is linked to fortune.  This is not a reference for material gain or instant wealth, but a reminder that God's plan is to restore His people and make them much better than they could ever imagine!  Colossians 2:2-3 remind us of this connection!  Check it out for yourself!

 

 

² My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The Holy Bible  : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Col 2:2-3

 

Salvation has indeed come to us from Zion.  The fortunes have been restored!  They are both found in Christ!  Why are you looking anywhere else? 

 

 

Sick at Heart

I am sick at heart.

How long, O Lord, until you restore me?

Tyndale House Publishers: Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 2nd ed. Wheaton, Ill. : Tyndale House Publishers, 2004, S. Ps 6:3

 

What a confession!  I wonder just how many people have come to a point in their lives where they have thought this?  What about those that have actually said this out loud?  There is no doubt that this is a terrible place to be.  Sick at heart.  Not necessarily a physical heart disease as we might hear about that comes from high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and congestive heart failure.  The Psalmist is talking here about a sick heart that perhaps comes with depression, sadness, despair and agony.  The NIV uses the phrase "my heart is in anguish."  There are times when we struggle because life can be tough.  After all, there is sickness, death, pain, and suffering in this world.  The Fall of Man as outlined in the Book of Genesis describes how that all came to be.  However, even in this verse of gloom there is hope!  "I am sick at heart.  How long, O Lord, until you restore me?"  Did you catch that? It is not "can you restore me?"  It says, "How long, O Lord, until you restore me?"  There is a sense of hope in this verse.  It does not lead one to think that God can't accomplish restoring a sick heart.  In fact, it shows that not only that He is able, but it is anticipated.  Are you anticipating God to restore you or are you experiencing gloom and doom in a way that keeps you clouded and hopeless?  Here is the big picture:  God is able and God will restore you, if you are willing to let Him.  Perhaps you need to pray this prayer:

"Father, I know you love me.  I know you have washed me and my sick heart with the blood of Christ.  Help me Lord, to realize that from this day forward I will be restored and in the big picture, I am redeemed!"

 

Next, it may be helpful to remember the great passage found in Ephesians 3:20-21,

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

The Holy Bible  : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Eph 3:20-21

 

Reflections on Psalm 5:7

But I, by your great mercy,

will come into your house;

in reverence will I bow down

toward your holy temple.

The Holy Bible  : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Ps 5:7

I don't think the majority of Christians today fully understand the mercy of God.  I am reminded daily of my sinfulness and just how unclean I am.  My uncleanliness prohibits me from being able to approach a Holy and Just God.  Just a few verses preceding this verse in Psalm 5:4, we are reminded that God is not a God that takes pleasure in evil nor One where evil can dwell.  I am absolutely unable to approach God because I am a wicked, evil person by nature.  I don't mean to be that way, but I am.  In fact, all of us are.  The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Indeed, we are but filthy rags before a pure and clean God.  Psalm 5:7 reminds me that by His great mercy, I can come into His presence.  His great mercy?  Wow.  What an understatement!  I am convinced that the older I get the more I recognize just how great is the mercy of God!  It seems that the harder I try to live a life of purity and holiness, the further I fall.  However, the great mercy of God is always prevalent and helps me to realize His love more and more.  In fact, the more I learn and experience the mercy and love of God, the more worshipful I become.  I am realizing the truth of the second half of this verse, "...will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple."  I learned a long time ago that I don't necessarily have to be in the house of God to worship Him.  I have been able to worship Him in many places- along a beach, in the woods, on a mountaintop, in my car, in my house, and many other countless places.  Even though there have been many places of worship I have been able to experience the Holiness of God, it always helps me to be among other believers who are experiencing in their walk the truth of this verse and have recognized just how great God's mercy is to us. Last week at an Advent service, we sang as a community of faith the beautiful Christmas song "O Holy Night."  For years I have felt that I needed to sing that song on my knees in reference to the line "fall on your knees, oh hear the angels' voices..."  As we sang this beautiful hymn, I was pleasantly surprised that many of the people of God in this particular service were on their knees with hands raised high.  I worshipped because they were worshipping.  As the old country preacher might say, "it was catchin'."  We need other believers to come along side us as the writer of Hebrews reminds us to "spur one another along."  We do need this.  However, there are times when I need to realize through my private worship that I have comprehension that Almighty God is great with His mercy and when I realize this, I must be reverent with my posture, my place, and the position of my mind.  In fact, as we have just started the hoopla of celebrating a New Year, I am recognizing that in my life I must worship more, not just on Sundays in a service, but I must worship more daily.  Part of my worship has been to commit to studying for a year the Book of Psalms.  Five days into this study, I am realizing just how great God's mercy is and already am I wanting and desiring to worship more. Wow!The best is yet to come!!