I’m so glad you’ve come! Even if you are not internet savvy, this is easy — and if you have trouble getting started, just send your question to david@deebrestin.com. There is both a Bible study to do and a Moody program to hear.
If it’s your first time participating in the online Bible Study please check out the
Getting Started page for more information.
BIBLE STUDY
Every Sunday for ten weeks a new Bible study will appear for you to do at your leisure throughout the week.
The first time you post, it will need to be approved, so we keep out spammers — but after that, whatever you write will simply appear. I will give other enriching resources: U-Tube videos of the featured hymn or spiritual song or free sermons from the best of the best. You may want to order the book to read along, and I believe it would enrich you, but you do not have to have it to do this online study.
MIDDAY CONNECTION ACCOMPANYING PROGRAM WITH GREAT MUSIC!
Every Monday for ten weeks, you can listen to the accompanying Moody Broadcast. You can either:
Listen live at noon central on Mondays if you have a Moody station or listen live online by clicking here: http://www.moodyradio.org/middayconnection.aspx or listen online at your convenience a day after the program has aired by clicking on the above and going to past programs. We will give a link here as well when it is available.
BIBLE STUDY
Whether you have come because you are in the midst of suffering, or want to be ready when it comes, or long to comfort others who are suffering, you will be strengthened. The image the psalmist uses frequently for the feelings that we have when catastrophic news comes is that of drowning.
I felt that way when I received news that my husband had cancer, and then again, when he died. I also had similar feelings when my daughter was in a dangerous relationship and when my son had prodigal years. Many of you have had those feelings when you faced betrayal, bereavement, or broken dreams of infertility or divorce. With many circumstances we feel we have lost control, which is what a drowning person feels.
Suffering is a part of life. Christianity, of all the world religions, is unique when it comes to suffering, for we alone have a God who entered into our suffering, who is acquainted with our sorrow. Behind the laments of the psalmist, you can often see Jesus, the suffering servant who was acquainted with sorrows.
ICE-BREAKER
1. Share your name and one reason you have decided to participate in this ten week study on The God of All Comfort.
We will begin with a psalm this week. One important principle for interpreting Scripture is to interpret genre according to genre. Psalms, for example, are poetry — and you interpret poetry differently than prose. You look for the central meaning of the word pictures, rather than pressing each point. For example, the psalm you are about to look at pictures God riding on the wings of the wind to come to the rescue of His distressed child. This is a Word picture designed to show you the heart of God for His suffering child — and that is what you must see.
Read Psalm 18:1-5
2. What are some word pictures the psalmist uses for God in verses 1-2?
3. How does he describe himself in verses 4-5? How does this express the feelings of drowning?
4. In Psalm 18:6-19 the psalmist uses a dramatic word picture to describe God’s response to His child’s cry. Describe it.
5. What phrases particularly impact your heart and why?
When we imagine a rescue, we usually think of being delivered from our circumstances — and yet the Bible talks about two kinds of “rescues.”
6. In Hebrews 11:29-31, find three examples of being rescued from circumstances. Share a time when God rescued you from your circumstances.
7. Read Hebrews 11:36-40
A. Give a few examples from the above of those were not rescued from circumstances.
B. And yet they WERE rescued. What promise is given in Hebrews 11:40? What is the “something better?”
C. How can their trust in the midst of suffering help to make us “perfect” or mature?
D. Share a time when God did not rescue you from your earthly circumstances, but gave you hope that one day things would be made right.
A contemporary example of someone not rescued from circumstances but who was sustained by hope is Horatio Spafford, author of “It is Well With My Soul.” Spafford has often been called a contemporary Job. He lost an infant son, his wealth in the Chicago fire, and then sent his wife and four daughters to England to a D. L. Moody Crusade, with the promise he would follow soon after.
But that ship went down at sea and his four little girls perished.
His bereaved wife sent this famous telegram with the message: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”
There is a video with five hymn stories called Amazing Grace: Hymns that Changed the World, that I heartily recommend. Watch an excerpt from it below.
The lyrics that came to Horatio all revolve around the cross and the hope it gives us. He knew this wasn’t the end of the story — that his daughters were delivered to “something better” and that they would be together with them one day.
Meditate on these lyrics:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul.
8. What stands out to you from the Horatio Spafford story?
9. What truths can you find in his lyrics that might sustain you in the midst of suffering?
10. What water images and rescue images can you find in this hymn?
Listen to the Midday Connection program # 1 online (past programs will be available on Tuesdays) and share what stood out to you.
11. What stood out to you from the program?
12. If time permits, you will be greatly blessed by listening to this free sermon by Tim Keller on suffering: Click here: http://sermons2.redeemer.com/sermons/suffering-if-god-good-why-there-so-much-evil-world
What stood out to you from this message?
When I learned that my husband had advanced cancer, I was speaking at a large retreat where Kim Hill was leading worship. Truly, I felt like I was drowning, even when I was speaking, I felt like the words were coming out of my mouth in slow bubbles. After I spoke the retreat coordinator announced Steve’s diagnosis and Kim came up to lead in worship. She led us in “It is Well with my Soul.” My daughters and I were frozen with grief. Annie was silent. Sally was weeping. I had the fleeting thought I should be a better witness.
13. Why was the fleeting thought I had a wrong thought?
One of the things we will learn in this ten week study is that God wants honesty from us because He wants intimacy with us.
14. Why is it impossible to be intimate with someone who is dishonest?
15. The psalmists often lamented, as their way to hang on to God in the midst of grief. See, for example, Psalm 13. If you are in the midst of high tide grief — write a short lament here.
16. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
UPDATE: Here is the link to the “God of All Comfort, Part 1” on Moody Radio: Link
375 comments
Read Psalm 18:1-5.
2. What are some word pictures the psalmist uses for God in verses 1-2?
I noted how David does NOT say, “The Lord is A rock, A fortress…”
But over and over, David uses the pronoun MY: MY STRENGTH, MY ROCK, MY FORTRESS, MY DELIVERER, MY SHIELD, THE HORN OF MY SALVATION, MY STRONGHOLD”.
3. How does he describe himself in verses 4-5? How does this express the feeling of drowning?
“Cords of death encompassed me” – being bound, helpless
“torrents of destruction terrified me” – helpless, bound, now a torrent – a picture of engulfing water – is engulfing him; it is terrifying
“the cords of Sheol surrounded me” – death is coming, it is imminent, all around him, closing in.
“the snares of death confronted me” – death has him trapped, there is no escape
4. In Psalm 18:6-19, the psalmist uses a dramatic word picture to describe God’s response to His child’s cry. Describe it.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried to my God for help.”
David’s cries for help came into God’s ears – He hears.
God is very angry that someone is harming His son. His anger is like an earthquake and a consuming fire. God arises from His throne and comes down; it’s a apicture of a massive storm, a canopy of darkness, thick clouds, thunder and lightning, hail.
His voice is like thunder.
The Lord makes war on David’s enemies, sending out His arrows He scatters them, then the word picture is a flood of water and a blast of wind that lays the foundations of the earth bare; nowhere for the enemy to hide.
The drowning David is rescued by God. “He drew me out of the many waters”. “He brought me forth also into a broad place.”
Why did God rescue David? Because He delighted in him.
5. What phrases particularly impact your heart and why?
All the uses of the word “my” by David. David knows His God, personally, intimately. I want to know Him that deeply, too.
As I read this psalm, to me it speaks also of our greatest enemy, death (and satan).
Can death be also a picture of rescue? The phrases “He took me, He drew me out of many waters, He delivered me from my strong enemy, the Lord was my stay (in the day of my calamity)”.
Death always seems like you lose, a loss, not a victory, a triumph of evil, not good. For those who are in Christ, He rescues us because He delights in us. Can I hope to picture death as a different kind of rescue? I think I learned that God always responds. Whether to restore life, or rescue the soul from the dying body.
Loved your contemplation of “MY ROCK…”
AND RESCUES US BECAUSE HE DELIGHTS IN US….
My name is Dawn and I joined this study a couple of weeks ago. It has been so enriching and life changing. I feel such a connection with the ladies here, knowing that we are struggling with the same issues, praying for and mentoring one another. I am in the midst of grieving and I really need a reminder of the comfort of our Lord. I am anxiously looking forward to it.
I’ve been blessed by your presence here, Dawn. So glad you are with us!
This is only my second day on the Bible Study, and I just want to expres my excitement and thanks to Dee and all of you. What a blessing to be studying God’s word and receving the insights from so many sisters in Christ. I admit that since I have not had real deep connections within the body, (apart from the little time I have with my friend I mentioned earlier)I have been wasting so much time on facebook. This blog is of such value since the Word has the power to change our lives. thank you thank you.
What is so beautiful about this blog is when I see those of you in the lowest valley of a trial imaginable, which is death and some other really hard trials, go through the process of grieving, and then see how God is working in your heart to comfort, heal and draw you closer in, it brings such encouragement to me and I know when that time comes where harder-core trials happen in my life, there will be women here who are built up and maturing in the Lord who were once drowning that I can draw water from.
I have had trials of suffering such as my son being diagnosed with Autism..an ongoing one, and other trials but there are harder ones in life out there. So my hope is that by doing this study and gleaning from you all as well that when those times come, and they will, that I will say with Dawson Trotman’s wife when He died, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens and His sovereignty rules over all.” Such trust.
1. Share your name and one reason you have decided to participate in this ten week study on The God of All Comfort.
My name is Chris, I have long respected Dee and have profited from her teaching and willingness to be open with her struggles in the past. I was thankful to have been invited to the blog and followed along during the last study. My reason for joining the study is the loss of my 17 year old son Daniel. He was assaulted last July, receiving trauma to the back of his head resulting in a severe brain injury. Investigation into what happened has yielded next to nothing
For 2 weeks after his surgery, he showed slow but steady signs of improvement, despite suffering horrible neurostorms. The third week we were faced with finding a long term care facility where he could be weaned off of the ventilator, pneumonia had impeded is progress with this. He suddenly became very ill, with a fever of 105, a sudden drop in blood pressure which left him with liver and kidney damage. The next 6 days were an intensification of the nightmare we had been trapped in. When you dare to think things can’t get any worse sometimes they can. After horrible seizures moving to a new hospital and dialysis, one and then both of his pupils were ‘blown’. We waited for our sons to arrive and then unhooked the respirator on August 17.
He was a sweet thoughtful boy who had no enemies. I have been struggling.
Chris — I really don’t have words — this is such a deep wound. All I know is that I’m so very glad you are here.
Chris S. I know you have been struggling for a very long time. Your in my prayers all the time. Love you
Chris, I agree, I am so glad you are here. I have been praying for you and will continue to do so. Wish I could give you a hug.
Chris,
Your story is painful for me to read. I can’t imagine what you have gone through. I also wish I could be with you right now and hug you and take some of the pain from you, to me. The hymn “It Is Well With My Soul,” and the story of the author and his family is one of pain also. God is good, all the time. We don’t know how He is working in our lives because we can’t see the whole picture, only a small piece of the puzzle. I am praying for your family. This blog is the perfect place to be. Thanks for having us Dee 🙂
Thank you Dee, Joyce, Rebecca, and Laura
We sang “It Is Well With My Soul” at Daniels Memorial service.
I too believe we see only a piece of the puzzle, and yet I seem unable to rest from trying to understand.
I wish I could be more childlike in my faith.
I know the picture is small, but my avatar is a picture of Daniel and me.
When we feature bloggers again, we will have to see a bigger picture.
This is your first summer without Daniel, and painful memories of this time are sure to flood you — praying for you —
Thank you Dee, I so want the memories to be sweet, but now they just seem to rip fresh holes in me.
This is my first day on the study. I have been looking for a bible study for a while now. I have been having a rough time in my marriage for a while. I have tried to stay in God’s Word. Thank you for this study.
Sandra — so glad to have you. You will find support and understanding here.
Welcome Sandra and all you new ladies!
David, my website manager, put a link to The God of All Comfort program and the bottom of the post, after the last question.
Tell your son-in-law, David he has done a fantastic job!
Tell David, BRAVO!! LOVE IT!!!!!
Hello to all. I am so happy to see all of those who have joined us, blessings to each of you. I have been doing this study with Dee since January of 2010. It has been wonderful for me, so many thrilling moments of discovery. God’s word is such a treasure and discovery in it is exciting because it is Him we find.
I have just come back from some days away and I see that I am quite behind. Hopefully I can catch up. I love all the new pictures. Elizabeth, is that your volunteer flower by your steps?
oh Anne–I was just thinking of you today–missed you! Yes, that’s my little flower that God put between the bricks leading to my door–they are actually still there–new buds keep coming–snapdragons in June? amidst cement and brick? Only HE can do that! Maybe I’ll get brave enough to post a pic of me 😉
Rebecca–you’re are beautiful! Love the new picture!
Thanks Elizabeth! 🙂 I put it up for this study as well as for my blog which I have revised.
love your blog–just subscribed!
Rebecca and Elizabeth, you are BOTH so pretty!
missed you too, Anne
To all who prayed for my meeting today with the pastor’s wife–thank you. I had an amazing time with this sister in Christ and feel a real kinship with her. I am excited to see what God has in store for us.
That’s wonderful — maybe you’ve found a church home?
I think so and hope so. I know I would be happy to be a part of aministry where my heart resonates with the leadership and where there is a ministry compatibility.
Just read this in my e-mail Terri. Wow! So glad to hear! Looks like God is taking good care of you!
so many were not saved, were tortured, had to hide, died for their faith and yet they died to a better thing, an eternity with the one who loves them more than any other….Oh how pain and loss make us LONG to be in the fathers arms on His side of heaven. to live is Christ, to die is GAIN.
I will never forget the story in “Stepping Heavenward” when she Elizabeth is visiting a woman who has lost all of her children and her husband to an illness and is bedridden herself. Elizabeth has been in a deep depression after loosing her dear 5 year old son. The woman was so joy filled, spoke with such love of Jesus and Elizabeth just could not understand (neither can I I’m afraid to admit) what the woman said is that everyone she loved on this earth was like a link in a chain stretching between God and her and as each link was taken away she got closer to her dear Savior. Elizabeth asks if then she should pray to loose everyone she loved, Oh no, they can be the tools God uses to shape you into His useful vessel….WOW
its been a while so I may of mixed up quotes a little but thats the main point.
I have been in a “not easy” marriage for almost 20 years. some days are much better then others, He is a believer and a very good man so I know I have it MUCH easier than some. The thing I have learned is that I can only go to God to fill me up, not my husband, not my kids, only God. I treasure the relationship me and my future bridegroom have because I have had to fall on my knees before him in pain so often.
think i need to change my picture, we look like little ants:)
You are so pretty, how about a picture of just you?!
Cyndi, I loved your comments and thoughts above. It does help ease the pain we all go through at different times in our lives.
Thanks Joyce, It does not make the pain go away! but knowing that one day it will all be worth it makes it easier to bare. you really are a night owl:) your encouragement of others in the middle of your suffering amazes me. I was so convicted by your comment last week about being happy to give your daughter a shower…I had just been grumbling in my heart that I had to give Lily one again, its a 40min. process and I had things i wanted to do…shame on me! thanks for your example!!!
Thank you, Cyndi. Annie, (Dee’s daughter) talked about feeling thankful, like her daddy, Steve, at his funeral. It’s in Dee’s blog here. I think about Steve and am so thankful for even the smallest things I can do.
I am the wife of an independent Baptist Preacher and was not raised in Church so I feel like I have missed a lot of knowledge. The knowledge I have missed some people just assume that I have by being a Pastor’s wife. I would like to learn more to help the Ladies in our Church all of whom are my senior in age and experience. There are not a lot of good studies around anymore just for women.
Welcome Sheila!
Sheila — what wonderful motivation you have for coming. Welcome.
Thank you both. Hope I can listen to the broadcast for some reason I can not get it to play.
I forgot to mention that I live in South Carolina.
Wow! So missed you all last week while out of town! Now look at all these comments! Welcome to all new comers! You will enjoy this group of ladies. So excited to dig in as well. My name is Angela and I decided to participate because I love Dee and her wisdom. God has really used her in my life as a mentor for years now. I have been blessed by that. I have also been mentored by these lovely ladies who are authentic and real. So amazing to be here as we all grow together in HIM. I love any group of women who truly desire to know Him more and in that the overflow of His love is extended toward one another.
Will be back to answer soon. Will listen to what I can. Hubbie is out of town would appreciate prayer. Feeling uneasy but I know HE holds me.
Oh and I love the new look of the blog.
Thanks, Angela. Welcome back!
Angela, I missed you too! I will pray while your husband is out of town for him and for you and the kids.
Rebecca, how do I get on your blog? Angela, post yours also, please.
Hey Joyce! Here is Rebecca’s blog! http://truththumper.wordpress.com/
Here is mine http://refreshmysoulblog.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for the prayers!!
2. What are some word pictures the psalmist uses for God in verses 1-2?
My strength, my rock, my fortress, my shield, my stronghold. These are so valuable to me, in the weakness of my health that I cannot control, I can stand strong in my Lord, in His strength.
3. How does he describe himself in verses 4-5? How does this express the feelings of drowning?
He describes himself entangled in the cords of death, overwhelmed by torrents of destruction, coiled in the cords of the grave, confronted by the very snares of death. The feeling of being overwhelmed, involuntarily held in place, in the face of destruction and death.
4. In Psalm 18:6-19 the psalmist uses a dramatic word picture to describe God’s response to His child’s cry. Describe it.
God’s rescue is dramatic, with smoke and fire and quaking and shaking, everything moves before the King of Kings! What an entrance! Oh for eyes to see such a sight! The Lord descending from above, making enemies flee before Him as He reaches for me, in whom He delights. WOW! What a God! There needs to be a stronger form of punctuation than an exclamation point to describe the power of our God!!!
5. What phrases particularly impact your heart and why?
My favorite part, after visualizing such majesty and might, the greatness of the love shown by “He rescued me because He delighted in me.” I see the imagery; I look at all creation and see a multitude of reasons to delight in Him, yet He delights in me. What a loving Father we have!
When we imagine a rescue, we usually think of being delivered from our circumstances — and yet the Bible talks about two kinds of “rescues.”
6. In Hebrews 11:29-31, find three examples of being rescued from circumstances. Share a time when God rescued you from your circumstances.
1) The Israelites from the Egyptians as the Red Sea opened for them to cross; 2) the people of Israel as the walls of Jericho fell before them by the hand of God and 3) Rahab and all her family in Jericho, because she helped the spies of God’s people Israel when they went to spy out the land.
As I think back to the times God has rescued me from circumstances and situation, it reminds me of His unconditional faithfulness. Thanks to a Godly mother and grandmother, I grew up knowing God. I am the oldest of four sisters, who grew up with a father on the road, in the bottle or behind bars most of our growing up years. I will just say that left us very vulnerable, but for the protection of our heavenly Father things could have been far worse for all of us. As a young woman, I went far from home and all of the associated stigma and drama and sadly far from God. I strayed into some extremely dangerous places where I am sure there were more risks than I know of, yet I know that God kept me safe. I may have gotten some bumps, bruises and broken bones along the way, but again it could have been far worse. I found my way back to God fifteen years ago and will never stray again. I want to know Him more every day of my life and learn to love like Jesus.
7. Read Hebrews 11:36-40
A. Give a few examples from the above of those were not rescued from circumstances.
Many of Jesus’ disciples and followers were jeered, flogged, chained, put in prison, stoned, sawed in two, put to death by sword, destitute, persecuted, mistreated, wandered in deserts, mountains, caves and holes in the ground.
B. And yet they WERE rescued. What promise is given in Hebrews 11:40? What is the “something better?”
Eternal life in His very presence, united in our love and dedication.
C. How can their trust in the midst of suffering help to make us “perfect” or mature?
We learn that we can transcend suffering through trust that after this temporary time we will suffer no more, but have perfect joy in the presence of our Lord in Heaven. The truth will be known and celebrated by all, celebrating the salvation that came through the one and only perfect Lamb of God.
D. Share a time when God did not rescue you from your earthly circumstances, but gave you hope that one day things would be made right.
I told you that my husband and I both have health issues. To make a long complicated story shorter, we both have spinal issues that cause severe pain and greatly impact our daily life. We are not paralyzed, but of course there is ongoing degeneration, so there are no promises. During more difficult times I spend more time praying, interceding, reading the Word and studying. My husband struggles with depression. One time God gave him a dream of heaven and when he woke up he was so elated. He actually felt pain free while he slept when pain usually invades his sleep and dreams and was so excited that God gave him that reprieve from now to look forward to heaven. Our Lord is so gracious to His children.
8. What stands out to you from the Horatio Spafford story?
I have always clung to that hymn like a drowning person would cling to a lifesaver. Now that I know the story it will encourage me even more. What a gift to be able to write the words that encourage generations while going through such pain.
9. What truths can you find in his lyrics that might sustain you in the midst of suffering? The verse that goes “though Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come. Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
10. What water images and rescue images can you find in this hymn? 1) When peace like a river attendeth my way; 2) when sorrows like sea billows roll and possibly 3) when I think of buffet I think of a ship on a body of water being buffeted by the wind in the storm.
Good thoughtful answers, Barb. So many, including you, are loving this:
“He rescued me because He delighted in me.”
Barb, I just had my third back surgery 3 weeks ago. I’m still not feeling like it helped…again:( I know what your going through. I will pray for you and your husband.
Thanks you for your prayers Joyce. I will pray for your surgical recovery and God’s healing touch as well. Three weeks is still pretty recent, it is possible that you will see more improvement once you fully recover from the procedure. I will be praying for joy-filled and better than expected outcomes. Blessings sweet sister.
8. What stands out to you from the Horatio Spafford story?
That His hope is in Christ. That this horrific trial among trials isn’t the end and he has so much to look forward to in the future. His daughters are with the Lord and he will see them again in Glory with the Lord. He was focused on eternity rather than his circumstances here on Earth.
9. What truths can you find in his lyrics that might sustain you in the midst of suffering?
This song has been a stalwart in my life. My theme song. I love it and especially so when I learned of the story behind it, but after going through studies here on Dee’s blog the past year or so it means even more than before.
You know, I have noticed that he reflects on the Gospel for his sustenance!
First, this stuck out to me:
“That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.”
So when suffering, if I feel Jesus is no where to be found and feel he doesn’t care or he wouldn’t have allowed this. I go back to the Gospel. He died so that He could walk with me through this. Prior to Him shedding his blood on the cross I was separated from him and was really alone. Now when trials come I can reflect on the truth of the Gospel and remember he regarded this helplessness in me and shed his blood for me so that I could come to Him for comfort and peace.
And here:
“My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”
Good Morning My Early Morning Friend —
This is so key:
First, this stuck out to me:
“That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.”
So when suffering, if I feel Jesus is no where to be found and feel he doesn’t care or he wouldn’t have allowed this. I go back to the Gospel. He died so that He could walk with me through this
“I go back to the Gospel”–I love that Rebecca. I was thinking the other day how this study has finally given me understanding of what it means to “preach the Gospel to yourself every day”..I have heard that for years, even said it–but never fully got it until Dee’s teaching.
OH–and I LOVED your testimony on your blog today!
8. What stands out to you from the Horatio Spafford story?
He experienced unbelievable loss– It amazes me that he could actually pen those words so soon after his loss. Obviously, one can only do so if our foundation is so deep and strong.
9. What truths can you find in his lyrics that might sustain you in the midst of suffering?
Despite our circumstances, we can have peace–
We will experience trials and when we experience these trials, Satan does come in to try to discourage us, but despite that, we can be encouraged that though we are helpless, , Christ is not ,
Christ has compassion on us– he gives us hope
This song reminds me that our life here is only a part of it all for us. Our faith will be made sight in eternity. When we get there we will see that our lives on earth were so brief, and what seems like such a long trials here was just a blip on the screen.
10. what water images and rescue images can you find in this hymn?
When peace like a river….
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Though satan should buffet—buffet has to do with being knocked around by the wind-
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll—This is not only a water image, but a storm image and it reminds me that the storm will be over!
11. What stood out to you from the program?
I resonated with what Dee and her daughter said about satan wanting to cause attachment disorder between us and God. This is so true and I feel like I am just coming out of that myself. The inability to receive comfort from him.
The lies come and we can only defeat them with the truth. We have to combat the lies with God’s truth. And we have to do it over and over and over, never give up speaking the truth.
The illustration from the Screwtape letters performance was such a great reminder of the spiritual warfare that goes on behind the scenes, the things we cannot see. I want to send satan screetching and clawing in defeat. that picture will stay with me!
I love the quote from Theresa of Avila-when we get to heaven , this life on earth will seem like one bad night in a hotel.
And I loved hearing all the different artists singing the song. There were so many great reminders for me and I thank you for this program today.
Terri — how good to have you here and your thoughtful answers.
This so true:
our life here is only a part of it all for us. Our faith will be made sight in eternity. When we get there we will see that our lives on earth were so brief, and what seems like such a long trials here was just a blip on the screen.
And thanks for listening so carefully to the program.
8-10 the first time I heard this story I was reading it out loud to my kids, It took me forever to stop crying long enough to read! It just seems like some are given so much more to bare than others. I love that he does not say “it is well” he does not say that he’s OK, he said that the eternal part of him that belongs in heaven will be OK. he is looking heavenward for ALL his comfort, knowing his sin will no longer entangle him and he will be set free from all sorrow…..and he asks for it to come quickly! I love his humanity.
I will never sing this song with out thinking of horatio up there with Jesus and all his children….
I think some times we forget that God did not tell us we would have an easy life, he told us “in this world you WILL HAVE TROUBLE, but to take heart I HAVE OVERCOME THIS WORLD” we get so caught up in what we want, what we see, what we think we “deserve” that we forget all HE is not letting us see yet, that what He wants is more important then what we want and that what we “deserve” is eternity apart from HIM.
its not so much about what is happening TO us, but what is happening IN us that God cares about, He wants to be a part of it, everyday He longs to go on this ride with us, if only we would let him hold us in our tears rather then kick and scream, we would make it a lot easier for HIM to comfort us.:) talking to myself here:)
Cyndi — you are so easy to love:
its not so much about what is happening TO us, but what is happening IN us that God cares about, He wants to be a part of it, everyday He longs to go on this ride with us, if only we would let him hold us in our tears rather then kick and scream, we would make it a lot easier for HIM to comfort us.:) talking to myself here:)
thanks Dee:)
I love your answer “I love that he does not say “it is well” he does not say that he’s OK, he said that the eternal part of him that belongs in heaven will be OK.” If we can manage that mindset and hold on tight to the Lord, everything we ever have to suffer will pass. As God’s children, we are never without hope, if we can only remember these truths. Or just remember to stay in the word so that God’s truth can rain over us until we are soaked through and then it will reign in us.
This is my first time participating in any type of blog anything and I love reading everyone’s answers. I did not know what to expect, but what a diverse group of ladies to learn from and be stirred by. Thank you everyone for sharing!
the reserection is going to swallow up the suffering your going through right now, your suffering will make eternity even bigger and better.
you have to have a LIVING HOPE
Angels want what we have, they are entranced by the gospel because they really get what HE did.
I AM HIS LIVING HOPE, we are the only reason he came down, we are what fill Jesus with JOY. the thought that I am his living hope will make HIM MY living hope.
Cyndi–somehow you make it all so real for me–“we are what fills Jesus with JOY”! I see that in you–mixed with precious humility and a gift of humor, every post you make me smile and that is HIM in YOU–so thankful for you being here!
Im afraid you may make the humility thing harder Elizabeth:) you are so good at building me up. everytime I feel like I jsut don’t have time for this study you make me feel like it’s worth the extra effort! thanks sister:) and Im really not all that funny in person….I think it’s my unique spelling that makes me sound so funny..lol
these are my notes from the Keller sermon…sorry:)
Joyce, I forgot who wrote this encouragement to you as I read it in my e-mail, but she is right! YOU my friend are such an example of the kind of love God has for us. I admire you, you are so kind, gentle and humble. Always thinking of others as more important than yourself. If I ever had a death in my family I would want someone like you to sit ‘Shiva’ with me. Is “shiva” the right word? I remember Dee explaining it to us, just not sure if I am saying it right. Regardless you get what I mean. You are a blessing sweet Joyce!
Thank you so much, Rebecca
13. Why was the fleeting thought I had a wrong thought? Because it wasn’t honest. Your continuing to speak at the retreat and share with the ladies what was going on was your witness.
14. Why is it impossible to be intimate with someone who is dishonest? You can’t trust them or believe what they are saying.
15. The psalmists often lamented, as their way to hang on to God in the midst of grief. See, for example, Psalm 13. If you are in the midst of high tide grief — write a short lament here. How long will I feel this pain? How long will I suffer? When will I find peace and comfort and happiness again? Yes, I will see her again but how can I find comfort in that when every day seems to last forever?
16. What is your take-a-way this week and why? That there is hope. Not just a light at the end of the tunnel that I am trying to reach but the Light is in the tunnel with me.
Your honesty is so good, Dawn. Also heart-wrenching. I am so sorry.
The Light is in the tunnel with you. Good.
Love to you
Just as a sidebar, I would like to know what Horatio Spafford’s wife’s view of her life was. The same with Job’s wife. We all read and discuss Job’s suffering. His wife, who bore, nursed, and nurtured those 10 children must have suffered too, but all most people do is criticize her.
Good question. Very different women.
Job’s wife said “Curse God and die.” I heard a sermon by Keller in which he talked about how Job talked to God, whereas his wife talked about God. Your lament was so good Dawn because you talked to God.
Horatio’s wife’s trusted– that comes through in the movie I mentioned above.
So happy to be notified of this Bible study,it’s an answer to prayers.
So glad you are here.
Welcome Jane and Carrie!
1. Share your name and one reason you have decided to participate in this ten week study on The God of All Comfort. My name is Carrie. I followed along with the last study on idolatry and got a lot out of it. This time I would really like to participate and take time each week to join with everyone else in learning what God has to teach me.
Great, Carrie!
welcome Carrie–so glad you are here!
Psalm 18 is my favorite! I am happy to talk about it.
5. What phrases particularly impact your heart and why?
Psalm 18:28- For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
There was no army and giant, any enemy that David could not overthrow. He won and won! facing battles, fears, anxieties … ” and by my God have I leaped over a wall!”
But it was so small, so small, before the biggest victory of David: Acknowledge that the Lord was all- All his strength. Having mastered his heart by God. Receiving the gift of being connected to Christ.
About see the promises,
A little history: My grandfather accepted Jesus after much suffering. After his new life he began to preach about Jesus. He sang and read the Word all day. One day when he was singing songs to me (I was 11) he said: I’ll see you still serve God. But he did not see. He died when I was 12 years old. When I accepted Jesus in my 16 years of age I knew that my grandfather saw with eyes of faith. My husband is pastor. How could I imagine.After me, my family accepted Jesus. My parents, my brother, my sister in law, nephews, uncles, cousins …many others.
see how nice: My spiritual mother (whom God used in my conversion and that takes care of me until today- I’m 30 years old) was born the same day that my grandfather was born.
Beautiful things of God!
Dee, thank you ! Thanks for the article. Beautiful and make us think more about all that the Lord is and what He does – Even if there are circumstances that we see only with eyes of faith.
Ah, about himn… the Portuguese version of the hymn is different. But also beautiful. How beautiful is the original version of the hymn.
Oh! how many new sisters! if we were one cell would have multiplied several times. I liked the new face of the blog too. beautiful!
I already know the fragrance of this ‘room’. but unfortunately, I spent a few weeks without reading the articles. I have missed! So, Nice to meet all the new sisters: Terri, Sheila, Barb, Bev, Janice, Lucy, Jackie, Janet, Jillian, Gail, Meg, Shelly, Laura, Rhonda, Beth, Siverlene, Barb, Karen, Sharon, Melody…
Im Pollyanna and I live in the most beautiful countries in the world: Brasiiiiillllll 🙂
and here we are in winter season, I mean, considering that we call a cold breeze of winter. 🙂
much love, love, love of Jesus to all!
Polly
How wonderful to hear some of your story, Pollyanna. How interesting about your grandfather and spiritual mother.
I LOVED reading your testimony Polly! So incredible–beautiful how He drew you to Himself and your grandfather led the way for your family.
Missed you Pollyanna, so glad your back!
Pollyanna, I love the story of your grandfather! How he saw with the eyes of faith and how God answered his prayers for his family for years after his death and will continue down through the generations until His return. Yes, beautiful things of God. And very encouraging to me. Love to you also Polly.
Pollyanna, Thanks for sharing your story about your grandfather and spiritual mother! How wonderful! 🙂
6. In Hebrews 11:29-31, find three examples of being rescued from circumstances. Share a time when God rescued you from your circumstances.
The Israelites were delivered to dry land through the Red Sea; the walls fell down; Rahab’s life was spared
There have been big times—health crises, marriage crises, infertility to adoption trials…but lately I have been amazed at the innumerable “little” things He does to rescue me from mistakes—like being in the car headed out and running back inside to get my phone, and realizing oh no, the fridge was left open…or I’ll go outside to get the mail and He has me look up and see my husband left his wallet on top of the car…things like that happen ALL the time, where I know it is all Him saving me from little mishaps that would be really annoying!
7. Read Hebrews 11:36-40
A. Give a few examples from the above of those were not rescued from circumstances.
They were beaten, imprisoned, stoned, killed, persecuted, mistreated. We get the Voice of The Martyers magazine and I confess sometimes I can’t even continue looking at it. They have a link on their website where you can write to those imprisoned for the faith in Christ. It humbles me beyond words.
B. And yet they WERE rescued. What promise is given in Hebrews 11:40? What is the “something better?”
I have not read this verse in a long time—it really blessed me “40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”—what could be better than eternity with Him? Seeing Him face to face, in the Holy of Holies.
C. How can their trust in the midst of suffering help to make us “perfect” or mature?
We are all one body of believers—their faith encourages us, as I am so encouraged by the faith of so many of you here who have endured losses and grief I cannot imagine—and you are here, still hungering after Him.
D. Share a time when God did not rescue you from your earthly circumstances, but gave you hope that one day things would be made right.
I think of when my dad died. I was the only one to not get to the hospital before he was gone. There were many many years of things left unsaid between us. He had been an alcoholic all of my life, but still his death was early and very unexpected. I had prayed for years that he would apologize to me for the past pain and we could “make things right” (those of you who “know” me know I have struggled in the area of forgiving when there is no remorse). But that time never came, he was gone, that hole in my heart stayed wanting fulfillment. That night I took a bath in my childhood home, and as I lay there my very logical brain said (I’m not sure how theologically correct—but I was young and it helped), “it MUST be OK then. God would not take him away if I wasn’t going to be able to go on and live a joyful life without Dad’s apology—that one piece I thought I had to have, obviously I don’t because God would not have allowed this for me to just wither up and die without that piece.” And it was, and has been, a very long and hard road, but I held on to that peace from Him—soon after I was in a Bible study called Sonship (World Harvest), and I learned to call on Him as my Abba. I finally have the Daddy I missed in an earthly form. That sounds all rosy, and of course there is still struggle. But last week’s study truly, truly broke the chain of unforgiveness in my heart towards my Dad. For the first time ever I saw my dad at the feet of Jesus, as the younger Son, and I believe Jesus’ love is poured upon him, and I am thankful.
8. What stands out to you from the Horatio Spafford story?
I think I most loved what Dee mentioned on the Midday program—that he was thankful to have a reason to show his love for God. There are no words but WOW.
9. What truths can you find in his lyrics that might sustain you in the midst of suffering?
I like the “Whatever my lot,”—it leaves nothing out—whatever happens—like Paul—contentment whatever the circumstance…and this “Thou has taught me to say,” He was TAUGHT—we are taught by Him, by His word…and we must be taught, this is not our natural response!
Then, “Though Satan should buffet…”—it is Satan, he is the enemy. I have a few friends who are hesitant to say a certain trial may be from Satan, they can seem afraid to admit his reality—but he is real, just not the All-Powerful One!
10.What water images and rescue images can you find in this hymn?
“peace, like a river…sorrows like sea billows roll” It reminded me of one of my very favorite passages I have shared before, Isaiah 43…vs 2 says “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
Listen to the Midday Connection program # 1 online (past programs will be available on Tuesdays) and share what stood out to you.
11. What stood out to you from the program? (I answered this with details on an earlier post a few days ago—it was amazing!)
Wonderful answers, Elizabeth. I see how Abba is healing your pain with your dad.
Thank you Dee–your vulnerability to share your story in The God Of All Comfort, as well as your teaching here, has been the primary instrument God has used to heal a 40 year old wound. I thank you for your courage to bare your soul, something I am so hesitant to do, but because you have, you have allowed Him to use you to be a powerful ambassador for Him. Much love to you, para siempre!
Dee,
Is there a way to get the Midday Connection from Monday in a .mp3 format, or itunes format? Thanks!
Laura–if you go directly to the Moody site–it will let you download to itunes: http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramDetail.aspx?id=71563
You can download most of the programs on your IPOD, but I think what you can do with mine is download the link to your computer, as David has done at the end of this post, and it takes you to MIdday to play. Because we used music throughout these programs, and there are copyright issues, my understanding is that we can’t download them to IPODS. If someone figures out a way we can, let us know!
Read Psalm 18:1-5
2. What are some word pictures the psalmist uses for God in verses 1-2?
my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3. How does he describe himself in verses 4-5?
The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.
How does this express the feelings of drowning?
No hope of escape, no strength to overcome
4. In Psalm 18:6-19 the psalmist uses a dramatic word picture to describe God’s response to His child’s cry. Describe it. To me Gods response seems terrifying, until he sets David in a wide space
This is verse 19 from The Message;
He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved–surprised to be loved!
5. What phrases particularly impact your heart and why?
Surprised to be loved stands out to me. I struggle to believe that God loves me
When we imagine a rescue, we usually think of being delivered from our circumstances — and yet the Bible talks about two kinds of “rescues.”
6. In Hebrews 11:29-31, find three examples of being rescued from circumstances.
By an act of faith, Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry ground.
By faith, the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for seven days, and the walls fell flat.
By an act of faith, Rahab, the Jericho harlot, welcomed the spies and escaped the destruction that came on those who refused to trust God.
Share a time when God rescued you from your circumstances.
When I was a wild teenager I became separated from a group that I had gone to an amusement park with, I had been drinking and decided my best bet was to hitchhike home. I had stopped in a bar and had left there with a couple of guys on motorcycles. I do not know where we were headed.
The group I had been with searched for me even after the park had closed. They had stopped at a gas station and called my mother. She began to pray and just at that moment the motorcycle I was on pulled into the gas station.
I felt chills when I heard that my Mom had been praying just as I pulled in.
7. Read Hebrews 11:36-40
A. Give a few examples from the above of those were not rescued from circumstances.
those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood
B. And yet they WERE rescued. What promise is given in Hebrews 11:40? God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours.
What is the “something better?”That they would receive the promise
I thought of Jim Elliot’s statement, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.’
C. How can their trust in the midst of suffering help to make us “perfect” or mature? We can look to their example
D. Share a time when God did not rescue you from your earthly circumstances, but gave you hope that one day things would be made right.
I am still struggling mighty with this question, I know that Daniel is in heaven, whole and healed and worshiping God.
I struggle with why the trial came upon us. I didn’t pray for protection for my kids as often as others did. I prayed for God to move in their lives whatever that would take. Now I am afraid.
I didn’t pray for miracles in the hospital, I prayed to be obedient in the trial; I tried to count my blessings. I wonder if I had prayed differently if things would have gone differently.
I have wondered if God didn’t lead me to pray for miracles because that wasn’t his plan, or if I was too weak to ask. I could not ask in faith without doubting, so I did not ask.
It is hard to be so honest
my father in law prayed for my husbands healing for years and lost his faith when if did not answer for a while. My husband is a diabetic and his church made his dad feel like he was not healed it was his fault….how horrable! It is fine to be afraid, it is fine to be very sad, but it is not fine to blame yourself in ANY way….God is God and in the end what you did or did not pray was not what determined the end….we live in a fallen stinkin world that Satan is the prince. I hate it that you hurt so bad with your loss, but I can not stand to think that you may blame yourself in ANY way, please throw that lie back into the pit of hell where it belongs……I don’t meen to sound critical in any way, Im so glad that your honest with your feelings, I just wanted to make sure that you understand…..THIS WAS IN NO WAY YOUR FAULT.
Cyndi is right, Chris. God knew your heart and you were grieving so bad, your holy spirit was praying for you anyway.
Chris- even though my loss is different I too struggle with questioning things I did or did not do. I believe that this is a prime tactic of satan to torment us. Honesty in our inmost parts is a very healing thing. When I was little my parents would say- I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong. I think we need to really admit honestly what is wrong before God can minister to those broken places in our hearts.
Chris — I’m so glad Cyndi responded to you as she did.
The truth is, life and death are completely in the hands of the Lord. We are told He has counted our days before there were any of them. (Psalm 139:16) We cannot arm wrestle God Almighty into doing what we want. Though He tells us to pray, to seek, to knock — and so we do — we must not think we can control Him. Therefore, the reverse is true as well. Daniel did not die because you failed to pray for protection, or to be obedient, or to be thankful. That is a lie from the enemy designed to make you back up from such a capricious God. We cover you in the blood of Jesus, Chris — that you not believe this lie.
I do understand. I beat myself up about so many things after Steve died — but I have been rescued from the enemy’s deceitfulness, and I pray you will be too.
You are beloved. He rescued Daniel to something better, and He will rescue you as well.
Stay with us, Chris — no matter what the enemy tells you.
Thank you everyone, I wish I were a more positive, encouraging, joyful presence here. I hope that will come, I am thankful to have a place to be honest.
To clarify, I did pray to be obedient, and counted my blessings which were many. I repeated the lyrics to “I’ll Praise You In This Storm” almost continually. I seemed unable to pray for healing, like it would have been hoping too much. Itold a friend that I felt that I had been led out into the wilderness.
I think that I struggle not with thinking that I could have controlled God if I had prayed differently; it is more a feeling that my prayer life is deeply flawed.
Even before this happened I struggled to be still before God.
I spent time reading my bible, reading good books, and listening to sermons, but the quiet joy of sitting at Gods feet and feeling loved by him that others describe has eluded me.
I have felt him guide me, and speak to me in the past I find no fault with him, I believe his ways are higher than my ways. It is me, I feel blocked somehow from progressing in trust or something, I used to feel pretty confident, now I just feel confused
I went into robot mode during the hospital stay, my husband could not enter the hospital room without hyperventilating and sobbing. I was able to set my emotions aside and be there, next to his side almost 24/7.
Afterward the denial and numbness were so strong; it seemed all too unreal to be true. I could not seem to access my pain.
The pain comes back in measures, I am glad it doesn’t come all at once.
Sorry I know this is disjointed, but if I overanalyze I won’t ever get this all out
Chris S–I just want to say, without sounding trite, just the fact that you are HERE among us, seeking Him so intimately makes you an encouraging presence to me personally. You are living proof of His mighty power to uphold us though sea billows roll. Praying for you~
Thank you Elizabeth
I continue to pray for you, too, Chris
Chris. S. Thank you for sharing this: ” I thought of Jim Elliot’s statement, He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” I’m trying to take this in and “chew” on it. It is very meaningful!
Dee thank you for those words of encouragement. I listened to Sally talk about the ways of Satan on the program and was completely able to identify with everything she said. While my husband was in the hospital I prayed daily and asked others to pray for his healing. After he passed I have spent many days thinking about the way I prayed, what scriptures I read and how I prayed. Many days and nights I have been assaulted by Satan who constantly tells me to stop praying and believing, because God did not answer my prayer for my husband’s healing. I know how hard it is to hold on in the midst of such an assault. I continue to beat myself up about many things both before my husband went to the hospital and afterward, but I am praying daily to hold to God’s word. I am so thankful to have a place to honestly speak about my fears and anxieties.
Silverlene, Above this, Dee said “Chris — I’m so glad Cyndi responded to you as she did.
The truth is, life and death are completely in the hands of the Lord. We are told He has counted our days before there were any of them. (Psalm 139:16) We cannot arm wrestle God Almighty into doing what we want. Though He tells us to pray, to seek, to knock — and so we do — we must not think we can control Him. Therefore, the reverse is true as well. Daniel did not die because you failed to pray for protection, or to be obedient, or to be thankful. That is a lie from the enemy designed to make you back up from such a capricious God. We cover you in the blood of Jesus, Chris — that you not believe this lie.
I do understand. I beat myself up about so many things after Steve died — but I have been rescued from the enemy’s deceitfulness, and I pray you will be too.”
Please try hard everyday to NOT listen to the Devil whispering those awful things to you. Praying for you!
Hi Chris I am praying for you. I understand how you feel about praying and not being sure. There have been many days when I questioned if my husband would have survived if I had prayed differently. I am seeing a Christian Grief counselor who tells me to remember that Satan knows when we are weak and is ready to attack. I too wondered if I was asking in prayer but also doubting. Your honesty is beautiful and it helps others to be open about our conflicting feelings (talking to myself especially). Bless you for being willing to share.
The honesty of all the different women on this site so deeply touches my heart. I so appreciate your willingness to be vulnerable.
I really relate to you Chris, talking about your inability to be still before God. Before my illnesses began to dictate the pace of my days, I was constantly busy-with work, with studies, with trying to know more of God. The more I tried to cram in, the more I kept hearing the verse “Be still and know that I am God.” It is good that you are searching for that now. I fight the guilt of having been too busy in my health to stop and wait for God and now I have more stillness than I ever imagined. I cling to God’s word more than ever.
One of my favorite things is to read the word aloud with my husband. The presence of God seems to fill the room and His peace that passes understanding brings me to that place of stillness and worship before the throne. I notice too that it really helps change whatever attitude might be trying to drag us down. I know that everyone probably has their own way of getting quiet before the Lord and thought maybe if we shared them, it would help you find your way too.
You are in my heart and prayers, may God bless you this moment with an insight into His presence.
Barb, You are a woman of substance-deep substance. As Dee said once to another dear sister here in the midst of suffering-“God has enlarged you.” Your testimony of the intimate place God has you now in the midst inspires me so.
You, Silverlene and Chris have so much to bear. You are both loved here and in our prayers
Thank you Silverlene, I am glad that you have found your way here too.
Chris, it sounds to me like you prayed with spiritual maturity. You prayed as the Spirit led you. The Spirit prayed God’s perfect will with you, as it says in Romans 8:26-27 “26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” You were praying God’s perfect will. There are no “if only I would have…” It hurts, I know.
4.Ps. 18: 6-19: When I see myself in such distress I feel like my cry has become so feeble and so faint that I’m not sure He can hear it. But my cry does reach His ears and then He begins to move heaven and earth to come to me. He began to separate the channels of water and push back the flood until all the water was pushed away and once again there was dry land- the very foundations of the earth-I’m on solid footing once more.
9.Horatio Spafford’s losses came one after another and were intensely personal. This is how I feel becuase the difficult times have gone on so long with multiple losses before these and many more losses that loom in the near future. There are days when I feel like I have been knocked down by wave after wave and wonder if it is worth getting up again. Then I remind myself that even though Spafford’s and my sorrows are rolling in like “sea billows” we can say it is well with my soul- because we know where our loved ones are and we will be with them in eternity.
13. It made such perfect sense but I had never thought about the fact the evil and suffering are only relevant if you believe in God! If you don’t believe in an absolute truth then there is no evil and suffering would just be a relative term as well. I do know but it was wonderful to hear again that I am His living hope and He is my Living Hope!
16. Oh Lord, my flesh tells me that You have abandoned me. My heart tells me I did not do all the right things and I have not been good enough. You tell me that You will NEVER abandon me. You agree with me that I cannot do all the right things or be good enough! If I could have done that then You would not have come to die for me. Let me cling to Your Word and Your Truth and “consider” Jesus.
Lucy — I absolutely love your answers. Your whole response is a contemporary Psalm 42 where the psalmist’s soul is crying out and then the psalmist has to speak the truth, to hope in God. I’m so very glad you are with us.
Listening to Midday Connection now!
Welcome Early Bird Rebecca.
😉
11. What stood out to you from the program? (I apologize for the length as I don’t have time to edit.) 🙂
First of all it was really a blessing to hear Sally and to get an update on what she is doing there in Chicago! Even though I don’t know her well, I so admire her.
The first thing that stayed with me is when Dee said that music is evangelistic the way a star is evangelistic.
There was so much here..SO many things I wrote down so I will narrow it to this: When Dee described what “Satan should buffet” means, I realized I didn’t really know what it meant in context of the song. Then when Sally interjected with the de-attachment syndrome and what that means it really brought this home to me. I have always known Satan will trip us up, but I think it has to go from head to heart because I don’t really think about it much and believe me, trials come every day. I do want to be ready though for the bigger ones that WILL come down the pike. I know I will grieve, but I want to trust God in the midst of grieving and not to back away from him.
So here is what I took away from this: In the midst of a trial Satan WILL come in and tell me lies-telling me I can’t really trust God-so back up from Him. Then later when Sally said that she has learned the wiles of Satan and that he isn’t that smart. Loved that! She knows how he works so that she can be ready with scripture to combat him. I think it is great to say we are ready with scripture to combat Satan, but do we know or are we familiar with how he attacks? Sally said she is familiar because he does the same thing over and over. He causes her to question God’s character.
Another thing was when Sally told of her thoughts of God’s character when it happened. I thought to myself at first, have I ever questioned God’s character? I don’t think I have-why?..hmmmm…THEN IT HIT ME..My response was to ignore God when our big trail hit after we were told Isaac had Autism. I was in the ‘i am going to fix it mode’. Sally is honest with God..I was not. Perhaps in one of the biggest trials in our life I did the de-tachment thing and listened to Satan. It is actually in my testimony on my blog i posted yesterday when we were told my son had Autism. Why was I trying to be in control when that happened, and do I still do that when harder trials come? God has changed me this past year since doing Dee’s online studies, and I thought I was honest with God as I lamented to Him in prayer and told Him I will trust Him and confessed my sins but have I ever been really honest with Him about how I am viewing Him in the midst of a trial? This could be a deep issue God is drawing out.
Oh Lord, give me a heart like Sally’s, like Dee’s, like Horatio-I haven’t been honest with you and I want to be honest with you at all times. Lord thank you for yet another lying layer you are peeling away…Lord I feel ashamed, yet I am overflowing with Joy knowing you are listening right now and you brought me here because you love me so much you wanted me to hear you through Dee and Sally. Funny, Lord..Sally didn’t talk much yet her words were full, because of you. Thank you Jesus.
Glad you didn’t edit–this is all so good! The attachment disorder part was key to me as well.
I have been thinking so much about what Dee shared on the Midday connection about attachment disorder and how satan wants us to form attachment disorder between us and God when we go through difficult times. I have been talking this over with the Lord, and have confessed that I fell into this.
I can’t believe how just recognizing and acknowledging this to the Lord is changing me. I have felt so emotionally unattached to the Lord–It was kind of like being committed to a loveless marriage.
I am getting excited about being excited about the Lord.
I am still processing this, but these are my thoughts this morning. Wish I had more time this morning to just hang out with the Lord, but I have to get to work.
I read this and was so moved, Terri. Sally read it to, for she’s with me, and said, “Wow, Mom — did you read this?”
I have felt so emotionally unattached to the Lord–It was kind of like being committed to a loveless marriage.
I am getting excited about being excited about the Lord.
wow this is all so overwhelming to me. Prayer would be appreciated!
I do pray for you, Meg — tell us more.
I also had another thought,
It was also mentioned on midday connection as to how what is going on in the world can impact us..we should be ready before the storm. You know, I AM noticing it seems like every time I go online to read the news it is getting worse. It seems like the world is erupting. Greece, the UK, teen flash mobs, the middle east. Israel is preparing for a possible war. I don’t want to seem like an alarmist because it may not get worse as Israel is usually always preparing. But I don’t think I have seen it like this before.
I have also seen how God is intervening in the church with reformers like Keller and Carson to bring us back to Him. I wonder if God in his great mercy is preparing us for the days ahead.
Oh, and I am not done.. 😉
I got off line and had to jump back on and say this real quick. I think we should be earnestly praying ahead for Dee’s Stonecutter study coming out next year. Also for the God of All Comfort study both here and in the future, that they would go out and be heard by many, many more, like Keller’s studies. I think this is the heart of God-that we come back to Him. God’s heart is like the heart of the Father in the prodigal son story. I believe God is using these studies to do that.
Rebecca, I so appreciate your posts. I will have to check out your blog. I agree with you totally about God preparing His children to deal with the issues of the world. I have felt that stirring increasingly this past year and it has intensified since the multiple disasters this past March in Japan. I read the news online and it becomes another prayer time. You look so young, but your words are so mature in the spirit. You are a good encourager and teacher!
Barb,
Thanks so much for your encouragement! I appreciate your posts too! I do appreciate the godly wisdom you have given from the posts I have read so far. I hope you stay!!
11. I loved hearing Dee’s voice on midday:) she sounds so soothing and gentle! hows that for deep? lol also, when Sally shared about the attachment disorder my heart was once again softened for my dear husband. This is him, he has attachment disorder with God, he wants to go to Him with all his heart but he just does not know how……..another way to pray.
I don’t want to sound like I have it all together and Paul is the one who needs to do all the changing, I know that is not true. But I feel so very blessed because I can FEEL my Fathers love, I KNOW he is holding me in his arms when Im broken, I have an EMOTIONAL attachment to HIM….and it is such a comfort! I just long for Paul to know that same peace and joy.
Cyndi–I so relate to wanting my husband to really know the peace and joy in the same way. I know Paul is diabetic and it’s different, but my husband is on bipolar meds for what they call a mood disorder, and anti-depressants…I truly believe it is all a result of his terrible childhood…that said, he is a Christian, but it just doesn’t seem to get to his heart–you know? I spent last week pulling up all the Keller sermons I could find on “falling in love” with Jesus…never really found what I was looking for, and then I remembered, as I know you know, that the best thing I can do is pray–and let the Holy Spirit fan that flame in my husband, but I empathize dear friend, and will pray with you…sorry for the spiel! ;0
I loved your spiel:)
13-14 because perfection and strength are not “good witnesses” honesty and openness are. you were thinking that your pain made it look like you had no faith. that is wrong thinking:) I know this in my head, but man is it hard to get to my heart! I fear that I would have the same fleeting thought as you Dee. I fear I take pride in having it all “put together” but I am learning that God does not ask us to have it all put together, but to be real and let him put it together for us.
I lost a baby at 13wk. pregnant and right before I started to miscarry I felt like something was just not right. I prayed “God if this baby is not going to live would you please let me loose it now so that I don’t have to go through any more of this pregnancy” within min’s I started to bleed and I knew. I was so comforted by the fact that God had let me pray that prayer right at the right time, he prepared my heart for the loss and showed me that He was right there with me through the entire thing. we found out that the baby had died 4 weeks before, but God was waiting for my heart to be ready and focused on HIM. I will never forget how loved I felt by Him. not sure why i share this story but Holy Spirit just told me I was supposed to:)
That was God’s mercy that had you pray that at that moment. Wow.
8. What stands out to you from the Horatio Spafford story?
I have known of the story of this hymn for many years, it has always been a favorite, we sang it at Daniels memorial service.
I felt so bad for his wife, I wonder if she had guilt about why she had survived her children.
I admire his ability to worship in spite of his grief
9. What truths can you find in his lyrics that might sustain you in the midst of suffering?
That Christ has seen my helplessness and died for me
That ALL my sins are paid for , and there is hope, this life is not eternity
10. What water images and rescue images can you find in this hymn?
peace, like a river,
sorrows like sea billows –unending, unrelenting powerful come to mind
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Wanted those of you who prayed for Domenic to know that he was released to go home last week, no brain trauma therapy required. I am so glad there story was not like ours was.
I had mentioned Brians concerns about his mother embarassing him at commencement. Yesterday she was found barely alive having overdosed on many different pills. She suffered a stroken as well. They do not think she will make it. She has two older daughters and Brian. Truly a tragic story.
For those who have joined since the start of the study, Domenic was hit by a truck while riding his bike, his parents were spiritually seeking,and are even more so now. Domenic is going to be fine.And Brian is my husbands son, we came close to getting divorced 19+ years ago, he had an affair and Brian was born. He has lived with use full time since 6th grade and recently graduated from high school. His mom has had a drug problem for a long time.
Yesterday they said she had overdosed, it appears they had jumped to conclusions. This facebook message update for our kids was posted by my husband
Since Brian’s mother has been moved to University Cleveland there has been a more thorough assessment performed. It appears she did not overdose. She suffered a blood clot in her heart which ultimately caused her to experience a stroke. She probably took a few pills for the head pain and tried to rest. She did not have an extraordinary amount of medication in her system. The bleeding on the brain worsened and she was not found for several hours.
The family all met with the staff this morning and said their mother’s wishes were clear made very recently when she was ill with Pneumonia. She did not wish any additional care that was merely keeping her body alive. The bleeding is continuing and they will remove ventilation and give her comfort medication today. There is not good estimate of when she will pass. They said hours or days? Brian is staying at the hospital
I am sorry that I never told her that I forgive her
So hard, Chris.
I’m so thankful for Dominic’s recovery. I will pray for Brian’s mom. I admire you so much for all you have been through and are loving God so much!
I’m praying for Brian, to help him get through this.
Read Psalm 18:1-5
2. What are some word pictures the psalmist uses for God in verses 1-2?
Strength, Rock, Fortress, Savior, Shield, Power, Safety
3. How does he describe himself in verses 4-5? How does this express the feelings of drowning?
He is dying….Falling down and down. Suffocating, drowning…I picture Jonah going under.
4. In Psalm 18:6-19 the psalmist uses a dramatic word picture to describe God’s response to His child’s cry. Describe it. I love God was angry…the earth shook. Not only do we enter into His suffering but He enters into ours and comforts us. He is so merciful and comforting to us. He is all power and never leaves or forsakes us. Though He is sovereign over all allowing the painful circumstance. He is still angry at it. It is interesting to me. He is the ALL MIGHTY warrior and Savior who goes through anything to reach down and save us…Even death on a cross. How amazing is He?
5. What phrases particularly impact your heart and why?
Just His power and majesty. He is over all yet comes low to rescue little us.
Loved hearing the program!! Loved how it does a great job summarizing Chapter 1 of the book. Love how I got to hear about attachment disorder again and rejoicing greatly with how much God has grown me since the study on it a few months ago. PRAISING HIM greatly and praying for freedom with the others here. Oh God, Aslan be on the move, blow on us. 🙂
Oh and since then I have been going through the Psalms and praying through them…It has been so beneficial. I am up to Psalm 60 now. Such a blessing. So helpful.
Sorry all these are right after one another!! Ha but when you got the time you gotta take it right! I am thankful that I remembered that great CD by Amy Shreve! If you all do not have it it is so worth the purchase!! So good.
Read Hebrews 11:36-40
A. Give a few examples from the above of those were not rescued from circumstances.
So interesting to read this part…Those who were forced in hiding and disguise. I often remember Jeremiah and his violent death. Oh the stoning like Steven who looked like an angel..They did not wrong, were faithful but still got killed.
B. And yet they WERE rescued. What promise is given in Hebrews 11:40? What is the “something better?”
Oh I love that their rescue is Heaven. No better of a rescue than that. The something better is Christ.
C. How can their trust in the midst of suffering help to make us “perfect” or mature?
If they can trust esp those who did not get to see Christ then we can who have seen the better thing. What was written in the past was written to teach us (romans 15:4)
D. Share a time when God did not rescue you from your earthly circumstances, but gave you hope that one day things would be made right. Well, my big thing right now is my daughter and the recent realization that she has autism. THis was hard processing the grief of my dreams for her. I am often tempted to worry about her future. Yet I know I can trust the perfect one who made her perfect. One day all things will be restored and what a joy that will be.
I understand your pain and worry about your sweet daughter, Angela. I felt the same grief and lose when I found out Kendra was not “normal”, when she was born 24 years ago. You lose your dream of that perfect little baby and grieve like a death.
my brother is autistic. He was adopted as a “healthy” toddler in 82. He is now in his late 30s and lives next door to my mom and dad. he takes care of the lawn, comes over and does thier dishes, they are the center of his world. we all moved away but he stayed. there are struggles of course but so many blessings as well. live with your daughter will be different, but It will be good.
Thanks sweet ladies! My girl always says she wants to live right next door to us and I would be great with that. 🙂 We will see since she is only 7 now.
13.Why was the fleeting thought I had a wrong thought?
Because you actually were being the “better” witness-your transparency, your honest grief, being real and honest about where we are as a Christian, is reflecting Christ, reflecting truth.He loves that–and as you said, hates pretense of any kind.
14. Why is it impossible to be intimate with someone who is dishonest?
It’s a veneer—you aren’t seeing what you’re really getting, you cannot trust. Reminds me of a house with a brick facade—you think you’re looking at a brick house, but the sides tell you it’s not. This whole topic is an emotionally loaded one with me! I tend to err on the side of telling the truth at all costs, too often without enough tact or grace! But growing up, truth was a relative term—to our church, the country club, neighborhood, we were the Cleavers of Leave It To Beaver. Inside our 4 walls, there was continual chaos. I learned early I could not trust what I’d find at home, what response I’d get to my feelings…a constant shifting sea. Since then, I have gravitated towards those who will be honest with me—even if it hurts—because the idea of something left unsaid, shoved under a carpet is far worse pain in my mind. Of course some things really are best left unsaid! I’ll stop here…;)
Sorry–just realized I spieled and didn’t answer the point! If we cannot trust, there cannot be intimacy–there cannot be love without truth.
13. Why was the fleeting thought I had a wrong thought?
Because it wasn’t honestly how you felt. The best thing here is that the thought was ‘fleeting’! I think if it would have stuck, you may not be where you are today in intimacy with the Lord-how tragic that would have been. And selfishly we wouldn’t be benefiting from it. 🙂
Elizabeth, you didn’t spiel at all!! I can totally relate! I am still thinking through this question.
14. Why is it impossible to be intimate with someone who is dishonest?
I am wondering why someone would feel they have to be dishonest about who they are or about what is really going on inside, though we all struggle with this I am sure at times. I am sure it could be for a number of reasons but I am thinking perhaps the root is pride. Pride puts up walls. I think that is why God hates dishonesty because it is a near sin of pride and it makes us pull back from Him and be less willing to be vulnerable before Him. I think it grieves Him. That is the same dynamic in our relationships with one another. Our relationships can’t grow deeper if we are dishonest about who we are.
Rebecca,
I was thinking about reasons why we are dishonest with God and he reminded me of a couple reasons that I have been dishonest with him.
1. Because of shame. My family of origin were very shaming, and whenever we did anything wrong or said the wrong thing we were shamed. I carried this for a long time, and my shame and guilt often prevented me from talking honestly with God. I beleived that some feelings were wrong, and so I couldn’t admit them, often not even to myself. Even though I knew (in my head) that his blood covered all my sins and shortcomings, I struggled with the shame. I was set free when I really learned the difference between guilt and shame, and conviction of sin. Guilt and shame comes from the enemy and there is no solution–and it affects your image of who you are and makes you feel worse and defeated. Conviction of sin comes from the Holy Spirit and there is a solution– repentence that sets you free.
2. Another reason that I have not always been honest with God is just not wanting to deal with it right now. Maybe it is just denial. Sometimes I rationalize that I am too busy to deal with it now, but it is probably just avoidance. If I admit my feelings to God then I have to take time to deal with it.
I think I need to spend some more time thinking about this.
You know I resisted joining this online Bible Study for over a year, because I thought it was a poor substitute for “real” relationships. To my surprise and delight, I am finding this to be very real and unlike a one hour Bible study, because we are able to read and process this on our own time we can learn from each of you. Thank you all for being a part of this. I am learning and growing from the interaction.
Terri, OH thanks! I RESONATE with #2. I agree.
I felt the same way you did about doing an online study. I thought..Yikes! I prefer face to face, and yet God has worked both out in my life. This blog is a very unique way for God to move. I am privileged to be a part of it and God has given me the desire to pass what He is showing me on to others. I AM learning though to be wise with timing! Just call me a bit ‘overzealous’, but the Holy Spirit is helping me to have self control. I am learning by watching Dee how she patiently lets the Lord work in our hearts and takes us from the very beginning even though she is already at the end so to speak. 🙂
Please pray for Kim, our sister here. Kendra and I were at her fireworks stand yesterday and met her for the first time! We gave her big hug’s!! It’s so nice to have Kim and her daughter-in-law, Melody (did I get her name right?) here in Kearney, NE and also Tracy lives here! We are all sisters here, with you all. I haven’t actually met Tracy yet in person. It’s because Dee use to live here for years and we are follower’s of her!
Anyway, Kim e-mailed me and ask for prayer today as everything broke down (cash register and Debit Verifone) in their third generation fireworks stand. Her and her sister and their family is running it. Her sister had to go home with heat exhaustion this morning, (It was 101 degree’s yesterday and I think even hotter today) and Kim is not feeling good. All they have is fans. She ask me to please pray for them. So I’m asking everyone here to please pray for their health and for all their things to run properly and for them to get through this week. Thank you so much my Dear Sister’s
ok, dear Joyce! Ill pray! come visit me in Brazil too! 🙂 love, polly
Maybe they would consider moving their Fireworks stand to a more moderate climate? We could use one closer to the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska… our temps have been in the 60’s and I am still sweating:) I will definitely keep them in prayer. Thank you for being available to pass the word. I guess being new to the group, I am curious where everyone is located.
Dee, could we have everyone say the state they live in again?
Polly, I wish i could !!!
Lord, We thank you that you are the God of all Comfort and that you are our protector and provider. Lord we can trust you with our day. Lord we thank you for Kim and we ask that you would protect Kim and her family and keep them safe through the heat this week and that you would make your presence known to her this week. We pray this in Jesus name..
Oh Praying!! So fun you got to meet.
7. This has been a hard question for me. At first I thought the something better is His presence in their suffering but did not see how that could benefit us that much. Then I thought it must be faith but I really think it is both. Without His presence in their trials they could not have endured. His presence led to visible faith, that is faith lived out and visible to us. I will never forget Richard Wurmbrand’s testimony of how sweet was the presence of Jesus in his suffering. Another was in Heavenly Man. This man was tortured in prison and said that he felt guilty for languishing in prison while his wife and children suffered without him. That is extraordinary to me. What treasure did he have that would make him feel that way?
So my answer is that they suffered as they did that they might walk in faith and that their faith would help us to trust that He will be with us also in trials. In this way we might also have faith and would be made perfect with them.
Once, many years ago I was taking communion in church when I felt the sweet presence of the Lord that I had never felt before. In my heart I heard Him ask me “What is the desire of your heart?” My answer was immediate and without thought and I now know inspired by the Spirit. I wanted my parents to be saved. Some years later my mother developed dementia that led to her death. I kept talking to her about salvation but she just did not seem to understand. God did not heal her and she died, unsaved as far as I knew. When I brought this to the Lord He asked me to trust Him and I did. Not really thinking about it much more. I had peace. After a few years God brought it up and I knew that she was in heaven. I asked how and knew that is was the last time I talked to her about salvation. She was no longer able to speak and got very agitated by what I said. It kind of scared me. But at this moment with God, I knew that she had made the decision. Another beautiful and mystical thing of God. I have always treasured this in my heart but now it makes more sense to me. I see how it built my faith and my ability to rest in God even when I am in pain.
The story of my father is not as profound but this experience has helped me to trust with even less evidence. I do not think God would inspire that prayer from me if He did not know it would be answered.
Anne, My sister-in-law, you know…Mary Kay, that has the same thing your mom died of and is only 65. I had an opportunity to talk to her about the Lord and heaven about a year ago, before she started showing symptoms of the horrible terminal dementia. I’m so glad we had that talk, as I wasn’t sure of her faith in God. Now, she is not able to speak or walk or hardly eat and stiff all over. I whisper in her ear that I love her and God loves her. Her eye’s look at me and I know. She knows and can’t express herself. My mom had dementia also, but she was 89 and had it for several years, slowly getting worse. But a heart attack took her home to God. I know that God understands when they are not in their right mind. He still knows their heart. We got to pray with mom before she died and she said she was not afraid to die. I know she is with Jesus. I wasn’t raised in a christian home, but before my dad (died at 68 yrs.) and mom died, they each prayed with someone, before they died. What a wonderful blessing that is, for the Lord to let them live so long as good moral people, but give them the chance to finally give their hearts to God before they died! I think that is wonderful…but I’m making sure I am prepared before I die!
Anne — I agree with your answer:So my answer is that they suffered as they did that they might walk in faith and that their faith would help us to trust that He will be with us also in trials. In this way we might also have faith and would be made perfect with them.
The story of your mother is profound — and God tenderly speaking to you about her. Thanks for sharing.
Joyce — so glad to know you talked to her and have this peace.