DO YOU GET TONGUE-TIED WHEN SHARING YOUR FAITH?
DO YOUR HANDS GET CLAMMY WHEN YOU EXPLAIN WHY YOU BELIEVE?
I’m facilitating a summer study for skeptics. Two weeks ago one of the skeptics asked such a good question: “Why do you pray? What do you get?” I fear those whom she was asking looked like deer caught in the headlights, for we so wanted to give the “right” answer. What I heard expressed was platitudes. I could tell that our sincere question-asker wasn’t satisfied! My friend Twila had to miss that week and I e-mailed her we’d dropped the ball. She said, “Oh, I wish I’d been there, because I know what I would have said!” She then e-mailed me a testimony, based on Psalm 18 (which has many parallels to this week’s Psalm 40.)
I told her that I so wanted her to share her story, and that perhaps God would give her a chance the next week. I didn’t want to force it, but to trust His Spirit, but I also knew that Twila is an introvert, so I decided to sit next to her on the sofa in case I needed to elbow her.
I have been reading an illuminating book on introverts called Quiet, by Susan Cain.
It is a secular book filled with wisdom. It has truly caused me to reflect on how often we let the talkative people dominate and steer, to the loss of discussion groups, church search committees, and all kinds of arenas. (An interesting observation the author makes is that quiet people are more able to speak up on blogs where they are not trampled by loquacious extroverts.) Twila has been a gift to me as I have spent my first year living year round in this remote wilderness of Wisconsin. I know she is a quiet stream that runs deep, for to increase her intimacy with God she memorizes. Last year she memorized Ephesians, James, and Romans — this year she’s memorizing Hebrews. And so, I elbowed her when I thought it was time for her to share her story. (I was actually saying, Do you think this might be the time? But it is hard to communicate all that through an elbow!)
She looked surprised and asked, “You want me to share my story? On Psalm 18?”
I decided it was the right time, so said, “Please!” (Now there was no hiding that we had conspired!)
And so she opened her Bible to Psalm 18 and explained that she had suffered for ten years in a clinical depression. She said, “Let me read to you how I felt.”
The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
Then she began to cry, saying she hoped she could get through this. I told her I was sure she could.
She laughed through her tears and continued.
In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
She cried again. Everyone was listening. The woman who had asked the question, my sister Bonnie, and the religious who don’t yet get the gospel. “And this,” Twila said, “is what happened.” Then, with tears streaming and Marietta searching her purse for Kleenex to give her, Twila bravely shared:
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry.
Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.
He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.
He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,
with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, Lord,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
“And this is why I cry out to God.” She continued:
He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
At our coffee break the question-asker came over and put her arm around Twila and thanked her for her helpful answer. So simple. When apologetics fail us, a testimony has power. I was blind but now I see. I was sinking and He put my feet upon a rock. I was grief-struck and He restored my joy.
Sara Grove’s Conversations says, “We’ve had every conversation in the book — but have I told you this is all that I have and all that I am?” Here’s one video version of that great song:
Sunday Icebreaker:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Monday -Tuesday: Your Turn
2. Review some of the psalms in Book One that impacted you and choose one part of one and write a paragraph testimony on a word document, concise and clear, and come back here and paste it in.
3. Tuesday is our own Joyce’s birthday. I don’t usually acknowledge birthdays here, but Joyce has been with us from the beginning and has prayed so faithfully for all of us. She is now standing in the need of prayer — all the problems with her back, her constant care for Kendra, her adult child who is disabled mentally and physically, and the lack of a good resolution on the horizon are weighing on her. Indeed, I know she feels often like this psalmist. May we intercede for her together, using the psalms.
Wednesday-Friday Bible Study
This video from Chrissie Zeph of Redeemer reminds me of Psalm 40:
4. Read Psalm 40 aloud to yourself.
A. What testimony is in verses 1-3?
B. What do you learn about God in verses 4-5?
C. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 8-17?
5. What passage from Psalm 40 quickens you and why?
6. How is this psalm an answer to Psalms 38-39?
7. Share a time when God seemed silent, but finally, broke through.
8. Read Psalm 41 aloud to yourself.
A. This psalm shows a gamut of emotions, as does Book One of the psalter. Find some of those emotions.
B. How can you see Christ in this psalm? Are you becoming more aware of Christ in the psalms? If so,
share.
C. What quickens you from this psalm?
D. Pray this psalm.
Saturday
9. . What testimony from your blog sisters ministered to you and why?
424 comments
2. Review some of the psalms in Book One that impacted you and choose one part of one and write a paragraph testimony
Psalm 32: 1-11
vs. 7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Trouble is everywhere. A 19th century hymn says that we are ‘tossed about….with many a conflict, many a doubt.’ and that we have ‘fightings and fears, within, without’. This strife, I experience daily on some level. Family, health, financial worries. Almost any story in the news. And the personal fears that encompass me. (insert personal examples) This scripture says that God is my hiding place and He protects me. I have found that though He often does spare me from huge catastrophe, my life is still filled with trouble. And I shouldn’t be surprised since Jesus, Himself, clearly told his disciples that ‘in this world you WILL have trouble'” (John 16:33) but He continues with, “Take heart. I have overcome the world” Jesus says that “I have told you these things (John 16:33) so that IN ME, you will have peace.” I have come to realize that the troubles in this life, the cancer, the break up of relationships and families, the oppression, the sweeping natural disasters are bound to come. These are the ‘fightings and fears without”…… outside my self. Then there are the enormous ‘fightings and fears’ within. God is HOLY. Perfect. Completely honest and just. His standard for humans to have the perfect fellowship with Him, that they once had in the Garden of Eden is impossibly high to achieve. Psalm 15 gives the requirements. and I have utterly failed on every single one of them. Yet, there is One who has met them entirely and without fault. That One is Jesus. And because He met those requirements perfectly, he carried all my failures, my sin on Himself when He died. (Isaiah 53, Romans 8:1-5) Because I know that my sins are forgiven by the One who carried them on Himself, I know that the greatest ‘trouble’ of my life cannot destroy me, does not condemn me. I know that my soul is not bound by sin but is in God’s hands and freed from the tyranny of sin and the devil. I still need to daily confess my sins to Him, for I will never meet His standard. But when I do, (Psalm 32: 1-6) I am forgiven and I am free. The ‘heavy hand, the groaning, the strength sapping doubt and fear and guilt’ is removed. I am protected from eternal destruction because of Jesus. I have His righteousness covering me which protects me from the worst of my trouble.
And when all the other troubles come, and they do, I know that God is with me. He surrounds me with songs of deliverance. He gives me the peace that Jesus talked about. And as He says, He instructs, teaches, counsels and watches over me. I can’t imagine going through all the daily troubles without His presence and His comfort, knowing He is beside me.
vs. 8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Wanda, I am nodding my head and saying amen all through this. Especially this:
I wanted to tell you that I admire you and you have been an inspiration to me since you joined the blog. I especially am always struck by how you slow down and savor and glean from what the Lord is showing you (a year to go through Bonhoeffer, etc). It has inspired me to slow down and learn slowly – I am so fast to just want to “know it all” and speed through books. But the sweetness is in the moment of continued revelation from Him. Thank you for sharing your heart here Wanda. I am grateful for you. Blessings.
Wanda–this met me right where I am today–just what He would have me cling to “And when all the other troubles come, and they do, I know that God is with me. He surrounds me with songs of deliverance. ”
beautiful!
This is beautiful, Wanda. I agree with Jill…you do take the time to slow down and really see and ponder.
Wanda, what a lovely testimony to the peace, trust, faith, etc. provided when surrendering ourselves to the Lord and His plans.
Thank you all so much for your prayers. I am waiting today for the doctor’s office to call with the surgery schedule. I believe it will be around the 25th of this month. I will let you know when I have a specific date.
The recovery in a face-down position is the most threatening to me because I will have to have help to function because of the position. As a pastor’s wife, I am often the one providing help, not generally on the receiving end. However, I took the plunge and asked a church member to anoint me with oil during our closing hymn on Sunday. Another church member got to me first and, with an emphatic stance, said, “we are praying for Sherry.” What a privilege to have people in your congregation to pray a spirit-filled petition for you. Her prayer was a testimony to me of her strength in the Lord. The one who anointed me asked God to heal me, even as we await surgery. These two ladies would not recognize their actions as a testimony but they are. I suspect many of us “testify” a lot more than we think we do.
I am told the chair I must rent to manage the face-down recovery will still give me access to my iPad, so I hope to be able to keep up with all of you. I know that this is part of God’s plan to help me re-establish the priority of spiritual practices, but definitely not the way I envisioned the beginning of my retirement. “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” May I glorify you, Father, through my surgery and recovery.
And, for those of you beginning new jobs, envision them as the ministry that God has called you to participate in. These jobs are given because there are people there that God is trying to reach and he has chosen you and your gifts and circumstances specifically for that purpose. Be mindful that all you can do is live your life realistically in front of your co-workers and students. The Holy Spirit will produce the change in their lives because of your willingness to “Go unto the world.” May you have God’s joy as you seek your new ministry avenues. Amen.
Sherryl–you were so on my heart yesterday after reading about your surgery, and the face-down recovery, oh I cannot imagine. I kept thinking of Joni E. Tada–I read her bio when I was young and I remember that part in her recovery, and it does sound so hard. I am so thankful you have a Church family to support you–and yes, we will be lifting you up here. I like what you shared “I suspect many of us “testify” a lot more than we think we do.” You are testifying too, to all of us with your faith in this trial.
Such a good insight here, Sherry. Will be praying that you will have sweet communion with the Lord during this difficult time.
I second that Wanda…..May this trial, Sherry….be a sweet communion with the Lord and a testomony of his love. Who knows you may be sharing your testomy with ones you have never met…..as your looking down…..upon Jesus feet! Praying for you~
Sherryl, So thankful that you have and are relying on support from others. Praying for you — for surgery and well as for face-down time, that you would sense God’s presence and enjoy being still with him. Have you seen those face-down chairs? If not, you might want to google. The bottom part reminds me a little of those ergonomic chairs. The chairs are sorta comfortable, but I’ve heard that people get sick of sitting in them. If you check it out ahead of time, you might be able to come up with other contraptions to have some variety. The thing people sometimes rent to sleep with reminds me of the horseshoe-shaped travel pillows. Will also pray for good sleep for you during the recovery process (I think sleep would be the hardest part for me — unless maybe I had a massage table! Know anyone with a portable one you could borrow for a few days — the ones with the hole for the face??). Are you on FB? If so, we can add you to the group for prayer requests so that you can keep us updated. Let me know next week because I still am somewhat computer-free this week. (just refreshed page to see if this will post & I have a hunch it will show up in a weird place — comment box looks different??)
Sherryl, know that your receiving the help of others is a gift to them. When I was in Stephen Ministry, we read a book on the gift of receiving…it is often hard for those of us who are used to being on the “giving” end to be on the “receiving” end. I’m so glad that you were able to graciously accept the prayers and petitions of your congregation members…for your sake as well as theirs. “I suspect many of us “testify” a lot more than we think we do.”…I agree…we may never know what a gesture might mean to another and/or the reflection of the Lord’s love it provides.
So good, Nanci…..the gift of receiving. And I really like Sherryl’s quote that has been re-posted a couple of times today too!
Sherryl, will be praying for you, and I’m glad you have people willing to come alongside and help you. A lady in my Sunday school class went through the very same thing a few months ago. It was something about a “bubble” that needed to stay in place (in her eye) and so she had to stay in that face down position for many days, and in a special chair. She is doing well now. I know it’s hard for you to be on the receiving end of help, but as you wrote about those of us here beginning new jobs, that they are a ministry chosen for them, I hope you can envision that those who will help you during your recovery are doing the good works that God has planned for them to do…ministering to you!
6. How is this psalm an answer to Psalms 38-39?
In Psalms 38, 39, he waits but does not hear or feel the Lord’s response: Psalm 38:15 “But for you, O LORD, do I wait;”; Psalm 39:7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?”
Finally in Psalm 40, the Lord hears: Psalm 40:1 “I waited patiently for the LORD;he inclined to me and heard my cry.”
4. Read Psalm 40 aloud to yourself.
A. What testimony is in verses 1-3? That the Lord hear his cry and saved him, setting him secure on the rock, but only after he patiently waited. This testimony is so amazing that “many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” The fact that the psalter waited is a part of that testimony.
B. What do you learn about God in verse 4-5? He in increasingly generous. His thoughts are consumed with us, even more so now than when he created us. He has been more kind to us than we will ever be able to tell with words.
C. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 8-17? This reminds me of Psalm 1. When Christ let himself be unrestrained what poured out of his heart (and mouth) was glad news. He spoke of God’s deliverance. Even Christ was telling God’s testimony?! Wow. I have not thought of it exactly this way before. Christ asks God for mercy in His dark hour and thanks Him for deliverance. He also prays ‘against’ those that would seek to take His life, however, I wonder if Him praying for them to be brought to dishonor would be a prayer of brokenness so they would find mercy? Does anyone find mercy in a prideful, honorable stance? Or must we all be humbled to realize His gift? He was also “poor and needy” (reminding me of Rich Mullins song “You Did Not Have a Home”).
5. What passage from Psalm 40 quickens you and why? I am struck by v. 4 “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust….” and v. 9-10 “…I have not restrained my lips….I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation….”
I struggle with this. I am convicted. I know there is sensitivity in sharing, and wisdom in not “scaring people away” but in my own heart I see mistrust. Trusting myself to discern that “they will not understand.” And so I am restrained. Oh God, forgive me. I have feared my own failure in moments of opportunity and not trusted YOU and your multiplied wondrous deeds toward us! I have felt my heart threatening to explode for months and yet I keep it restrained for I “know” that most won’t understand or will be offended that I speak of Christ and God’s hand or will condemn me. I need to share His love! I need to share that He cares for ALL. God is. And yet even in this admission my little scared wounded often rejected heart cowers and says “Will it hurt? Will I be rejected? Will I be laughed at?”
Oh Soul! Don’t you know?! It doesn’t matter for it is in His hands! His shield is about you! His words do not return empty and He is trustworthy. To walk into repeating the things that I most fear repeating … but this time my trust is in Him. Amen and God help me.
Jill, you are so right on…how often I too miss opportunities for fear of how I might be perceived, and then beat myself up for my lack of trust…such great soul talk, “Oh Soul! Don’t you know?! It doesn’t matter for it is in His hands! His shield is about you! His words do not return empty and He is trustworthy.”
I am confused as to which day really is Joyce’s birthday now. However, I am going to post my psalm-prayer for Joyce now.
My prayer for Joyce for her birthday, based on Psalm 23:
O Lord, please lead Joyce, and comfort her that may she not want. May she be aware of all your blessings in her life, despite the heavy workload and health issues she is experiencing. When she is exhausted from caring for Kendra, please give her rest and restore her soul. Come to her in ways she cannot miss, renew her strength and lead her in the way you have planned for her. Even when her life circumstances and financial worries seem overwhelming, keep reminding her that you are with her, so she can be calm, and may you ease those worries. When the inevitable trials come, please comfort her and uplift her spirit. We praise you for bringing Joyce into the world, and we celebrate the anniversary of that day when she was born. Thank you for all that she contributes to the lives of others, especially all of us on this Bible study blog. You bless all of us, Dear Lord, and our cups overflow with love and fellowship. May goodness and mercy follow Joyce all the days of her life, and may she walk with her hand in yours, and worship often and joyfully in your house. In the name of her Savior and Shepherd, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Beautiful ‘psalm 23-based’ prayer, Deanna. I am still just learning how to use these psalms as personal prayers and I love these clear examples. Amen to all that you prayed for Joyce.
Oh Deanna….that was so beautiful and meant so much to me!! I’m like Wanda…I wish I could pray the Psalms so personnal and clear. You brought joy to my heart!! Thank you so much!!
You too Wanda…Thank you!
What stood out to me and why? Dee, I am very encouraged by the way you have engaged with women who are not believers, and formed a relationship with them such that they would trust you enough to come to a Bible study for skeptics. I think that is so cool. And I was encouraged that when Twila cried when starting her testimony, you were able to encourage her that she could do it! And I’m also encouraged that she felt safe enough in your group, to continue sharing, which meant “lamenting”, crying. And I also was very glad that someone went to her after and put her arm around her and thanked her for her sharing. That I see as giving her comfort. I think as Christians (maybe that person wasn’t even a Christian yet) we fail to give comfort. On the other hand, although I think the testimony by Chrissie Zeph of Redeemer is a great testimony, I’m a bit uncomfortable with it. I guess I need to share that I’m a 60 yr old single, who was attending a Bible School back in 1977, out of state. My father who I was very close to, died in 1973 of a brain tumor. While I was in Bible school, in Oregon, the lady who had led me to the Lord, and who was going to retire to Oregon while I was in Bible school there, died from leukemia. I stopped to see her in the hospital in Montana on my way to Bible school. Then the start of my second semester, I had a phone call that my mother was in the hospital and had a brain aneurysm. I flew home and with the Lord’s help had my mother moved to a better hospital for brain issues than the one my father died in. I need to back up here and say that before moving to Oregon, I completed nurses training. Anyway, I became a caregiver for my mother who did very well in her surgery, but was disabled. And a surrogate mother for my 14 year old brother, who at that age was a full blown alcohol, having been introduced to pot and alcohol by my 20 year old brother. After my Dads death, my mother became his enabler. I also had 2 older brothers, who after my Dads death and my mothers disability, became very interested in taking financial advantage of my mother. Needless to say, this was not a situation that I was anxious to go back to. Within a year of my Mom’s surgery, her mother and father died, and my father’s mother died (his father died in my childhood.) Then, the only of my Mom’s sisters who really had my back, died at 50 from a blood clot. I’m going to stop there, it really doesn’t get a whole lot better. Although I do need to say, that praise the Lord, He has provided me with my own little very darling house, and I get great joy from my native gardens. Mom is now in a nursing home, and I am now on social security disability. Another Praise the Lord, because they almost never award it on the first application, and they did that for me! Praise the Lord! Now I’m going to ask your indulgence, and quote from the forward of Michael Card’s book A Sacred Sorrow: Reaching Out to God in the Lost Language of Lament (Quiet Times For The Heart). Please note that the forward was written by Eugene Peterson. You can go to Amazon and read the forward there also. Here goes: It’s an odd thing. Jesus wept. David Wept. They did it openly. Their weeping became a matter of public record. Their weeping, sanctioned by inclusion in our Holy Scriptures, a continuing and reliable witness that weeping has an honored place in the life of faith. But try it yourself. Even, maybe especially, in church where these tear-soaked Scriptures are provided to shape our souls and form our behavior. Before you know it, a half-dozen men and women surround you with handkerchiefs, murmuring reassurances, telling you that it is going to be alright, intent on helping you to “get over it.” Why are Christians, of all people, embarrassed by tears, uneasy in the presence of sorrow, unpracticed in the language of lament? It certainly is not a biblical heritage, for virtually all our ancestors in the faith were thoroughly “acquainted with grief.” And our Savior was, as everyone knows, “a Man of Sorrows.” A number of years ago my mother died in Montana. My brother and sister, our spouses and children, gathered and prepared for the service of worship in which we would place our grief for her death and gratitude for her life before God.As the first-born I was appointed to conduct the funeral. I lived in Maryland at the time and so except for our immediate family and a few old friends, knew almost no Scriptures-several psalms, Isaiah’s strong words of comfort, Jesus’ parting words to His disciples, Paul’s architectonic Romans 8, John’s final vision of heaven. I had done this scores of times over many years and always loved doing it, saying again these powerful, honest words that give such enormous dignity to death and our tears. While reading, the air now thin between time and eternity, without warning lament surged up within me. I tried to keep my composure and then just let it go. I knew I was making everyone uncomfortable but remember thinking, “They get to cry so why not me? Why am I the only one not permitted to weep? I had read these same Scriptures at the burial of my father eight months earlier, and at that moment it came to me that my parents had always been ahead of me, a barrier against my own death, and now they were gone. I felt suddenly exposed, alone. I was next in line. I gave in and let the lament out in uncontrolled sobs. It probably didn’t last long, maybe twenty seconds or so. I wiped my tears, got my voice back and continued with the Scripture readings and the rest of the service. The benediction pronounced, I ducked quickly into a small room just off the chance. I didn’t want to see or talk to anyone. My twenty-two-old daughter slipped in beside me. We sat together, quiet and weeping our own “sacred sorrow”. And then a man I’d never seen before entered and sat down. He put his arm across my shoulder and spoke some preacherish clichés in a preacherish tone. Then, mercifully, he left. I said to my daughter, “Karen, I hope I’ve never done that to anybody. She said, “Oh Daddy, I don’t think you have ever done that.” I hope not. End of preface by Eugene Petrson to Michael Card’s book previously mentioned. To go back to the video by Chrissie Zeph, I have a book sitting on my table “Bright Days Dark Nights with Charles Spurgeon, in triumph over emotional pain.” In Hebrews 11, and I don’t think I’m saying this very well, but some heroes of faith had some good outcomes, and some had some very bad outcomes. Even Spurgeon had some dark nights. I’m probably reading more into it than most would, but the video of Chrissie Zeph seemed to sew up the issue of depression a bit too neatly for me. But probably Dee, you didn’t intend for people to think that once you become a Christian, that depression is over. Because I know that you don’t believe that. I was thinking about posting this on your blog, Dee, and wasn’t sure that I had the energy, but then heard about Robin Williams suicide. And that gave me the energy to do it. I’ve only read and followed along, I did write to you once, Dee, and you responded very kindly. But I thought this morning, depression is something that we, in the church, need a new paradigm for. And for that, we must have someplace safe to talk about it. At my church, it’s not safe to say out loud that I have physical pain, much less emotional pain, for crying out loud! (pun intended-a good def of Lament is crying out loud.) The place I get most triggered to cry is at my church, but the one time I couldn’t help myself and went to the prayer room to lament, you’d better believe someone got there quick to get me to stop! Anyway, I am sure this is a safe place to share, thank you for giving this introvert a chance to talk. In closing, I want to refer to Revelations 7:17 and Rev 21:4, I truly think that some of us are going to wake up in heaven, still crying. And, I forgot something I really wanted to say. I think perhaps the testimony of Joyce, whose birthday it is, is the better testimony, although I loved the Twila’s testimony, and she was brave beyond words to share it, but Joyce continues to cling to God in faith, without an outcome. Joyce, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday! Your faith inspires me! And Dee, as my ps I want to say that I am so grateful that you shared years ago that your husband Steve loved Sarah Groves “conversations.” Because of that testimony, I bought that cd and have loved and been comforted by it ever since.
Thanks so much for writing and sharing. I certainly can see how Christie’s testimony could give you the idea that you come to Christ and your depression is gone — that is dangerous. I’m sure her testimony is true, yet it could give a misleading impression certainly. You have been through so much and certainly do know sorrow!
Marianne, I agree with many things in your post. I hadn’t watched the Chrissie Zeph video yet, and went to play it and got a message that said ‘Sorry, something went wrong with the playback’. So, I can’t comment on that at this point. (will try again soon, to watch). Mostly, I just wanted to say that 1) I need to get Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card. Nila has mentioned it a couple of times and it got my attention then…and now, your powerful story. 2.) I am SO saddened to hear of the multiple sorrows that came into your life in such a short while. Oh….that touches my heart. I have known sorrow….but mercifully, some of it has been spread out over some years. I am in a season of life where I have experienced the loss of more than one friend in the past year and a half to cancer and a good friend is seriously fighting for his life now. So….I know a little of the ‘domino’ effect of many losses. 3) I do love how you brought out the testimony of someone continuing to endure pain and yet trusting the Lord with such importance. I am with you on that. I wrote not too long ago, that it stirs my heart so much more to hear of someone experiencing ‘Habakkuk’ faith than rejoicing and proclaiming that ‘God is Good’ only when good things abound. 4) I often go to church with a heart of lamenting within me. Or even a heart that is reflective and thoughtful. I have a huge struggle with a Sunday church service being called a ‘Celebration’ and with the first songs being very loud and boisterous. As if this is how we ‘wake up’ everyone and get them to rejoice in the Lord. It’s why I rarely attend the first part of the worship services at my local church….and why I keep seeking God’s leading as to continuing there (even though we have been very active, involved members for 25 years…….the worship service has changed a lot in that time). Just some thoughts. I’d be anxious to hear others’ view on public lamenting. In my experience it has not been a common thing in our culture, even at funerals. Also…..just an aside. My small town community in Minnesota was hit hard by the news of Robin Williams death as just one month ago, while in treatment at Hazelden, he graced our small city and stopped at a few local businesses. (many celebrities are treated there. it’s very rare for them to be seen). My daughter was one of the very few, who had the privilege of meeting him and serving him that day as he stopped in the coffee shop where she works. It’s been very, very sad to remember that day and to hear the news yesterday. I do agree that we need safe places to cry and lament.
Later: Just heard the Chrissie Zeph testimony and I really liked it. I think there are so many people like her everywhere. People who are seeking, seeking…..drawn to the church even but not realizing the whole picture. And until they personally see, ‘yes…I AM a sinner’……freedom can’t happen. Chrissie is young. She hasn’t had the life experiences that most of us on the blog have and in that way, maybe some of us personally don’t relate to her story…..but I think hers is a very valid and common experience of people her age. Her story can really impact people with similar situations.
I also loved your pun, Marianne!
Marianne, Your tender words were a great introduction to you and the life the Lord has graced you with. I love your praises to the Lord all along the way…..even though your walk through the valley has been so very long. I understand your reaction to the video….even as I watched it, I was thinking about a few here in our fellowship who continue to struggle powerfully at times with depression. Even after long years of faithfully following Jesus. Spurgeon is truly a great example of one powerfully used of the Lord, wildly in love with the Lord……and yet, suffering in this way. There’s so much in this mortal life that we cannot comprehend….and to weep with those who weep….AND to rejoice with those who rejoice is, at times, very hard. I think we’re called to rejoice with Chrissy that the Lord has mercifully brought her to the other side of depression, it would seem. At the same time we should weep with those who continue to walk through that valley. Wanda added some good insight too with her simple observation that “Chrissy is young”……definitely something there.
Again, thanks for sharing so openly with us. God is obviously working mightily through your life!
Marianne, thank you for sharing so personally from your life. I so agree with your feelings about Joyce and the testimony of her life…how she keeps clinging in faith, without an outcome…a long perseverance in the same direction. It sounds like you have also clung to your faith through many, many hardships.
Jackie–Nila mentioned it earlier, and I too am hoping you are doing ok–praying all is well!
Thanks for giving me a shout out Elizabeth! I was experiencing a complete “blackout” from responding this week! You are so dear and my soul is enriched by your heart, as evidenced by so much of what you post here!
We are working on the blog problems!
Dee – please personally thank David and his team for whatever they did to get me back in the flow of things! SO appreciative!
Thank you, Kerryn, for answering my question and posting the link to TED talks 🙂
Diane–any news on Krista’s interview?
Scotty Smith’s Prayer today–wow–from Song of Songs, he says “We are the “beloved”—the Bride upon whom you have set your deepest affections, and for whom you’ve given your very life…Help all of us realize, (the unmarried, the happily married, and the miserably married), that you are the Spouse we always wanted, and the one to whom we belong. And more importantly, help us believe that you are the Spouse who always wanted us. Nothing is more compelling or transforming than your love. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and loving name.”
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/2014/08/12/a-prayer-for-responding-to-jesus-desire/
WOW, ELIZABETH. IT’S SO GREAT TO READ THIS!
So glad you saw this Dee–I thought it was so so good–and surprising!–of course I smiled and thought of you as I read 😉
The first paragraph blew me away! Great find!
WHERE IS MY “LIKE” BUTTON???
ha! as soon as you said that Rebecca….I instinctively wanted to ‘like’ THAT comment!
This is good, Elizabeth…I already passed it along to my Sunday school teacher, as just last Sunday we were talking about praying every day to experience God’s love for us.
2. Review some of the psalms in Book One that impacted you and choose one part of one and write a paragraph testimony on a word document, concise and clear, and come back here and paste it in.
Dear Lord, You are ever faithful, answering “me when I call to you”…providing “relief from my distress.” Oh, Lord, how often I “seek false gods,” comparing myself to perfection or others around me, worrying over things clearly out of my control, experiencing discontent rather than gratitude, not loving as I should, seeking others’ approval. Dear Lord, help me to turn away from these false gods and back to only You, the One and ONLY Lord God. Thank You for your undeserved mercy…for being ever faithful and trustworthy…for drawing me back and closer to You…for allowing me to dwell in a peace only You can give.
David thinks he has the problems worked out — would any of you who were having problems let us know if they are over?
testing post..I’ve been good today on Chrome (with java disabled–whatever that really means). I still don’t see the bold/italic or linky thing…but I’m more than OK without those. thanks for all your hard work David!
Testing..1.2.3..working for me! I have the bold, italic thingy working on mine. 🙂
OOOH It’s back!!! Yippe DAVID!!! Bold Italic–linky 🙂
I like this ‘proof’ that all is working! Elizabeth. And Rebecca, ‘java disabled’ ? I could be considered disabled until I HAVE some java most days! Wonder what that means!? 🙂
Wanda-lol! Never thought of it that way..i have a new saying now! :))
Yeah! Yes, thank you David and staff!
I emailed Jackie to let her know it most likely will work for her now..So hopefully she can get on. I am sure she will email me to let me know.
7. Share a time when God seemed silent, but finally, broke through.
I changed my answer here a few times, so this example is a little less direct, but I think it fits. While my kids are younger than everyone’s here, we have some unique circumstances that have caused a lot of struggle with especially one. This past week we were listening to Paul Tripp’s “The Heart of Parenting” (so good), and at one point, he made it painfully clear that there is absolutely nothing we can do to change the heart of our child. He kept saying it over and over—and I looked at my husband and we were both like deflated balloons. I mean we knew it, but to hear him say it so strongly–ugh. It wasn’t until in my bath that night that it hit me—that truth is only depressing to the degree that I don’t believe God’s power to change hearts.
“But God” really hit home in a new way for me. And I took that further over the next few days, and I realized that every time I am fearful, doubting, trying to control a situation…every time, there is at the root something I am not believing about God in that moment. Am I believing, and living that He truly loves me as much as He loves Christ? Am I resting fully in His nothing-is-greater-power? Trusting in His perfect, holy goodness? I know this isn’t “new” stuff—but He broke through another layer and it got a little deeper—and oh how I need that!
Oh Elizabeth — one day may it be this child saying Psalm 18!
Elizabeth-So loved to hear how God came to you again..You said you ‘knew it’ but it hit you this time..Isn’t He amazing how He bends down to us yet again?? He knows our frames and the timing indeed! Sweet how moldable your heart is.
Amen Dee! 🙂
“I know this isn’t ‘new’ stuff—but He broke through another layer and it got a little deeper”
You are correct, “this isn’t new stuff,” but oh how we need to be continually reminded for it all to really sink in…thanks for the reminder, Elizabeth.
Testing 🙂
OH…..I need this reassurance for my kids who are well into their 20’s/early 30’s. Thanks for sharing it, Elizabeth.
Hmmmmmm…….
Dear Joyce, one of the Psalms we have studied that has really touched my heart is Psalm 3. I wanted to repost the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir singing it because it’s just SO good!
http://youtu.be/pRsNWuiGv5U
He IS a lifter of our head and our shield when we are feeling so low.
Dear Jesus, I know that you will be Joyce’s shield with her back pain and with her stressful responsibilities at home. Thank you for the blessing of the new helper for her and Kendra. I know that you will reach down from your holy mountain to help Joyce, in fact we expect that you will do this. Joyce’s job in this is to not be fearful. We are here to lift each other up on earth, and receive great joy when doing so. Strike the enemy, Lord! Please bless our friend Joyce. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Laura….I loved that video of the choir singing…thank you so much! The only thing better would be if you were down front dancing to it!!Thank you so much for your prayer…Oh so precious!
The Lord reaches down already and every day to help me and I praise him so much for all the blessings he gives! One of the best is you all here….lifting each other up everyday!
Monday -Tuesday: Your Turn
Review some of the psalms in Book One that impacted you and choose one part of one and write a paragraph testimony on a word document, concise and clear, and come back here and paste it in.
There are so many passages from Book 1 of Psalms that has spoken to my heart. It was hard to choose but a recent situation brought Psalm 34:1-10 to the forefront. And so as not to belabor my story, I would just say that I was placed by a colleague (I still hope it was unintentional but I did feel blindsided) in what could have been a very embarrassing situation in front of other colleagues at a conference.
I sought the Lord and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Lord, I am in a predicament. I need your help! “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered in shame.” This poor (wo)man called and the Lord heard her; he saved her out of all her troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
The Lord provided the help I needed from other colleagues, He directed ALL the details and I can really say, “Taste and see that the Lord is good-He was VERY good to me that day! V.10 “…but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
That day has really left an imprint in my heart of the kindness and goodness of the Lord to me. It was very personal and I have felt His loving arms surrounding me when I could have easily fallen apart.
Ernema….I pray everyday would be like that one day for you. That’s what God does…he surrounds us with his loving arms and holds us up! Praise God!!
Lord, I am praying for Joyce tonight. Psalm 36: 5 says Your love reaches to the heavens and your faithfulness to the skies”. May Joyce feel your love and faithfulness. May she find refuge in the shadow of your wings as in v. 7 as she face the many challenges of her own health needs as well as Kendra’s. May she experience the abundance from your house (vs. 8) in tangible and intangible ways and find that with you is the fountain of life. Amidst her suffering, may she continue to see your sufficiency and your ever close presence. Surprise Joyce, dear Lord with a special gift that ONLY you can give. Because you are faithful, I pray these in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you so much Ernema. The harder it gets sometimes, the closer I feel his presence. Thank you Father for protecting us all in your wings….our refuge and fortress. Please lift up all my sisters, here Lord….as we all need you desperately. We trust in you and you alone!
Thursday…for my birthday I get a massage (my first) and a clean house (my house cleaning lady)….what more could I ask for?!!!
wow Joyce!!! How sweet..I bet you are looking forward to tomorrow!! Happy for you. :))
House cleaning and a massage! Wonderful, Joyce 🙂
Joyce, I hope and pray that massage will make your back feel just wonderful…there are so many documented, science-based researched benefits of massage for the body! ENJOY!
http://youtu.be/2xzGCcMCYPA
4. Read Psalm 40 aloud to yourself.
A. What testimony is in verses 1-3?
David was in a pit of depression but He turned to God for help and God rescued him and not only pulled him out but God was His Joy…for God put a new song in his mouth.
B. What do you learn about God in verses 4-5?
That when we are in the pit and make Him our trust rather than man He will come and rescue us-it may not happen as quickly as we like but it will come..It may not happen until we are with Him face to face, but regardless it will happen. I think of Jesus here too!
C. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 8-17?
That He too suffered in the deep pit of depression when He became man and when He took on our sin and was separated from God. The absence of God brought on the worst despair..I think in that instant Jesus knew what it felt like to be encased in the prison of depression but I would say He knew it worse than we could possibly imagine. Yet I also see an expectation of God’s deliverance at the same time and that He was thinking of us as well.
5. What passage from Psalm 40 quickens you and why?
Verse 3: He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
I see this as Him working this out in me as He transforms me for the future! Yet I also see this in the future..but it isn’t just about me it is about Jesus-for I will be with Him because of Him, I will be like Him..all beautiful, baal removed from my lips. His ‘new song’ that He has placed in my heart has brought me closer to Him now and while I get to experience Him now…it is only in part but in the future-OH.
It is truly beautiful that EVERYTHING matters now-every moment, every minute of the day because of the future!!
love this perspective Rebecca, I needed this reminder! “It is truly beautiful that EVERYTHING matters now-every moment, every minute of the day because of the future!!” You do have such a beautiful song to sing for Him!
4A. What testimony is in v. 1-3?
The blessings/benefits God provides in our waiting, (i.e., restored hope, firm foundation, new attitude, a witness to others).
B. What do you learn about God in v. 4-5?
The Lord blesses/benefits those who place their trust in Him alone, who are not prideful or turn to false gods/idols. The Lord’s blessings/benefits are many…beyond human comprehension.
C. What do you learn about Jesus in v. 8-17?
*desire to do the will of God; obedience to God’s will with the right heart motivation
*God’s law is in His heart
*proclaims the God’s righteousness publicly, speaking of God’s faithfulness, salvation, love and truth.
*seeks the Lord’s mercy and protection in His love and truth (truth and love…hey, that’s the gospel!)
*feelings of being overwhelmed by the vast troubles assailing Him
*seeking God’s pleasure in saving Him; seeking God’s help…God is His deliverer in His need.
*shame, confusion, and disgrace to those who seek to take His life; praise and worship of the Lord for those who seek God.
5. What passage from Psalm 40 quickens you and why?
v. 6…sacrifice and offering You did not desire, … burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.”
Yesterday I read a blog entry written by Kate McCord (In the Land of Blue Burqas) titled “going through the motions”. I thought, “no, going through the motions is bogus…doing things without the right heart motivation is meaningless.” When I re-read her final paragraph:
“The empty motions; the obedient church attendance, the deadened participation, the hopeless Bible reading is the most intense spiritual warfare in which we will ever engage. The faithful are heroes. They drag one heavy foot after another. And someday, when the sun finally rises, they step again into the warm light of God’s presence.”
it seemed to make more sense…sometimes, “going through the motions” is the best we can do, and in so doing we are keeping the faith in a sense.
In the bible commentary for v. 6, it talks about how acts are “meaningless unless done for the right reasons. Today we often make rituals of going to church, taking communion, or paying tithes. These activities are also empty if our reasons for doing them are selfish. God doesn’t want these sacrifices and offerings without an attitude of devotion to Him.”
Perhaps the heart motivation can still be present in a sense when the best we can do is to keep on keeping on (i.e., go through the motions).
…any thoughts bible study blog sisters?
Nanci–your #5, and your question at the end, reminded me a bit of what Elisabeth Elliot says about ‘do the next thing’. This from one of her radio broadcasts: “Have you had the experience of feeling as if you’ve got far too many burdens to bear, far too many people to take care of, far too many things on your list to do? You just can’t possibly do it, and you get in a panic and you just want to sit down and collapse in a pile and feel sorry for yourself…”Do the next thing.”
Elizabeth, I used to listen to Elisabeth Elliot every morning on the radio…“You are loved with an everlasting love, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” And I also remember her saying that phrase, “Do the next thing.” Thanks for reminding me!
Susan — love the new picture, pretty lady.
Your beautiful Susan!!
Nanci, this is interesting topic about heart motivation. 1) That people can become deadened, so to speak, where they do, as your commentary says, meaningless acts done for selfish reasons, or just as a ritual. 2) The comments by Kate McCord bring a different perspective to it, that there are seasons in our lives where it is like dragging one heavy foot after another. I’ve been there; in church worship while the “happy” praise songs are being belted out yet I feel like a piece of wood, just mouthing the words but not feeling any joy. I think that going through the motions is, at times, the best we can do. We are still doing them because deep down we don’t want to give up on our faith.
Nanci, I appreciate your thoughtful post. When I read your post, I started to wonder “What is right heart motivation? How is heart motivation related to feelings?” After pondering this (in my blessed computer-free state), I do believe that having the right heart motivation and going through the motions can fit together. God knows the motivations of our hearts, and our emotions may not reflect the heart motivation. Actually, you’ve captured the essence of depression (at least the stuff that is not so severe that a person still can function) — EVERYTHING involves going through the motions. I think I like the Kate McCord post better than the commentary on this one 😉
Thank you, blog sisters for your thoughts on my question regarding heart motivation. I think the key is that the Lord knows and understands our heart motivations better than we do ourselves. I feel somewhat convicted…I have been thinking of times when I have shut down and shut things out rather than “going through the motions” to my detriment…I can see that “going through the motions” can be a trusting in the Lord, where as the “shutting things out and/or down” can truly be a lack of trust in His providence. So much to ponder…thank you again for your comments…:)
:)…….overwhelming day today, but I had been trying to post a bit the past few days…..no go! Let’s see if this works….and hopefully I’ll be back tomorrow! I feel like I’ve never seen so many prayer requests that are so indicitive of great need as even this week…..praying for you all…..
Love seeing you back Jackie:)
Yay! It’s working again for me!!!!
I always seem to be a day late on my comments!
Psalm 18 has this little vs. stuck in the middle of it that just jumped right out of the page at me! It it the truth that saved my life when I was depressed as a high schooler and encourages me to smile and have great confidence in HIS love for me now.
HE RESCUED ME BECAUSE HE DELIGHTS IN ME….I HAVE NOT DONE EVIL BY TURNING FROM MY GOD.
WOW does this encourage me! I have not done evil…..BY TURNING FROM HIM….so when I am sinking and feel like a total failure the only real thing I can do to make HIM disapointed in me is to TURN AWAY FROM HIM. Because HE delights in me HE longs for me to delight in HIM, to BE with HIM to WORSHIP HIM to TRUST IN HIM. I dont have to be perfect, i dont have to always have it right, i dont have to have all the right answers…I just need to REST in the fact that HE DELIGHTS in me.
Not just the me that adopted 2 special needs children or the me that is a campus minister or the me that teached sunday school or the me who coaches the Volleyball team because they cant find anyone else to do it…..BUT the me who checks facebook before i pick up my Bible, the me that can’t seem to love my youngest the way she needs to be loved, the me that did not cook dinner last night and the me that watched netflix all day because I was just to tired to do anything else…..
HE DELIGHTS IN ME…..and for this busy, crazy day….that is enough 🙂
Cyndi – Amen! He certainly does delight in you……He knows our frame, doesn’t He?? I sometimes have “crash” days too….when I feel like I’m just frittering away the day! Not to take away from the fact that we NEED rest! And your life would be one where rest is certainly required! I remember when I had 2 kids in high school and I could see that life was getting away from me! Too MUCH running and too little time in the nest…..I went before the Lord and He seemed to make it very clear to me that some things had to be taken off my plate. I had a great sense of peace about immediately resigning as an officer in our Pony Club (you would not BELIEVE how time consuming THAT was!!) and as a Lay Counselor in our church. Both of the things I resigned from were quickly covered by others……and God gave me such a joyous sense of freedom and renewed vigor for all of the life that was left on my plate!! Don’t be afraid to say no. And even if God really does have a very full plate for you to manage right now……remember “seasons”…..life is all about seasons! It’s only for a little while! Others here have mentioned Elisabeth Eliot’s quote “Do the next thing”……not “do it all”, but “do the next thing”……there’s some real sanity in that!!!
Yes, I have “taken out” a bunch of stuff. I used to homeschool them all so my schedule now is much calmer 🙂 I am a mom of 5 ranging from 21 to 10 🙂 Everything I do is the stuff that I feel that God is calling me to do. It’s just so freeing to know that Im doing it because He has giving me the energy and grace to do it and it is a pleasure to do it and not because I am trying to earn Gods or other peoples approval! Dee has helped me let go of that idol and I am so much less stressed now 🙂
Love hearingl this, Cyndi!
Cyndi…your not alone…we all have our own ways of escape …..just praying God draws you in and closer than ever….he longs for you so much!!
Cyndi, SO encouraging…thank you.
“I just need to REST in the fact that HE DELIGHTS in me. Not just the me that (insert good things Nanci has done or does)…..BUT the me who (insert areas of Nanci’s shortcomings)…..HE DELIGHTS IN ME … and that is enough.”
Laura – I love your picture! It’s just how I imagined you…beautiful and spunky!
Thanks for prayers for my sons – they arrived home late last night. I love that they like to go and do things, yet worry about them doing all that driving. And Ryan told me that last weekend during the white water rafting, another boat rammed theirs and they ended up in the water and their boat sank and he almost was swept under a rock. Those prayers kept him safe. They were able to get on a big rock and get their boat back up and going.
Susan – what a wonder to see the “excitement” your guys encountered….and God’s hand upon them! I understand your heart cries to God for your kids! My oldest son Zack is the only one of my three young adult children who follows Christ. He is – GENERALLY – pure joy in my life…..BUT, this summer he went back to bull riding…..after a 9 year hiatus that I was sure was PERMANENT!! He was a good bull rider in high school….went to Nationals, etc…..BUT …..it’s not quite the same this time around. He’s had a little “success”, but last week “got his bell rung” as they say around the rodeo world….meaning he got hung up and knocked out. I could write volumes on this subject….but I’ve had to learn to accept that he is an adult, he is a follower of Christ (!!) and what he does is between him and Jesus! That said…..your prayers for his retirement from bull riding would be gratefully accepted!
Bull riding?!! Oh my…that would be hard on one’s body! Let’s pray he changes to something milder!
Oh Jackie…..that’s hard on a mom! My nephew does a lot of rodeo and I’ve seen pics of him in mid air….head down ready to hit the ground, when he’s been bucked off a horse. His mom can’t wait for winter when rodeo season is over. Peace to you and I hope Zac changes hobbies too…….
I’m praying Zack will want to retire from Bull Riding!
So glad to hear your sons are home safely, Susan. Oh….sometimes, it’s good we moms don’t hear the stories until after the fact! God knows it all.
🙂 Thank you Lord!
What testimony is in verses 1-3?
God responds to cries for help and puts everything right. v1 stood out to me… I waited patiently. God did not necessarily respond immediately. It took patience. How much patience, I wonder. I think of those who wait patiently all their lives, still trusting that God will put everything right. The heroes of Hebrews 11… These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. (Hebrews 11:39) And the current day heroes we know personally, who persevere in the faith that God will put everything right.
So good, Kerryn. To think of so many who wait their whole lives and remain faithful. Hebrews 11….what a perfect example.
4. Read Psalm 40 aloud to yourself.
A. What testimony is in verses 1-3? the testimony of one who waits, who is patient, and who is delivered from the ‘slimy pit’……(that could be so many things). the Lord places his feet on solid ground. A sure place where he does not slip and get stuck in the mud and mire. He then, responds with singing and praise to his deliverer which impacts those around him to seek and trust in the Lord. Concise testimony of redemption!
B. What do you learn about God in verses 4-5? His wonders are beyond counting. They are beyond our finite minds to declare. (I loved teaching first graders the great big word ‘INCOMPREHENSIBLE’ as one of God’s attributes.) The person who trusts in the Lord (and waits patiently…even though He is unseen and we don’t always know what He is doing)…..is blessed. In contrast to those who look to a proud, haughty, seen person who runs to idols.
4. Read Psalm 40 aloud to yourself.
A. What testimony is in verses 1-3?
David’s testimony is that he derived four benefits from waiting upon the Lord:
(1) God lifted him out of his despair.
(2) God set his feet on a rock
(3) God gave him a firm place to stand (solid ground as opposed to mire).
(4) God put a new song of praise in his mouth.
B. What do you learn about God in verses 4-5?
God has done many wonders, and God has an infinite amount of plans for us (too many to name).
C. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 8-17?
Verse 8 reads, “I desire to do your will, O my God….” This is the same attitude of Jesus portrayed throughout his life, and when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Verse 9 “I proclaim righteousness…I do not seal my lips….” Jesus came as the prophets foretold, proclaiming the gospel of God’s righteousness and forgiveness of sins. Verse 10 “…I speak of your faithfulness and salvation….” Verse 13 “Be pleased, O Lord, to save me…come quickly to help me.” This sounds like Jesus on the cross. Verse 17 “Yet I am poor and needy…” Jesus became poor and needy in order to accomplish salvation for all of us on the cross.
5. What passage from Psalm 40 quickens you and why?
Verse 5 – “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” This passage so wonderfully expresses what I have come to know in my life. I have seen and am seeing daily the wonders of the Lord. I take comfort in knowing that His plans for us are so many that they can’t all be listed — His love for us is infinite and all-encompassing.
6. How is this psalm an answer to Psalms 38-39?
Psalms 38 and 39 are sounding as though God has let the psalmist down — that God has not come to him when he was in trouble. Psalm 40 states that God does come and God does help.
7. Share a time when God seemed silent, but finally, broke through.
I’m recalling when my husband and I were trying to sell our house, so we could buy our retirement (present) house. We had done everything we knew to make the house more appealing. We hired a real estate agent (a friend who we felt would look out for our interests). We put the house on the market at a good time to sell it (summer). It sat there and sat there — through open houses and showings, and some dry times when even that didn’t occur. We were praying to God to find the right person/persons to buy our house. We could see our new house being built, getting closer and closer to being finished. Panic was starting to creep in — what if we didn’t get the money out of the old house in time to apply it to the new one?! Then it happened — in late October a grandmother/mother/daughter combination came through and looked at our house once. In November, they asked to see it again. In December they asked to see it once more — and then they made an offer, which we accepted. We had closing near Christmas time with possession supposed to happen the second week of January. Then our builder called us and said “It is going to take one more week to finish your house.” Fortunately, we were able to turn to the buyers and they agreed to let us live one more week in our old house. It all timed out perfectly for us, as we were able to move only once (not twice, as would have been the case if our house had sold earlier when we were anxious about it!) It was hard enough for us to move when I was 60 and my husband was 76; but with God’s perfect timing, it went off as smoothly as possible.
Deanna, I love the story of your house! That was in God’s timing!!!
Marianne, I, too, think Christians do not do enough of the “real talking” about mental health issues. Seems we would rather put on this mask that everything is OK. In reality, God uses us when we are weak and dependent on Him. It is imperative that we share the “real” issues we have. Just as we are to be vulnerable toward God, we need to be open and honest with those around us.
Verses 8-17: “As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.” I must be ready and willing to admit that I need Him in my life. I cannot grow in Him, nor can I glorify Him unless I am aware of my own failures and my own needs. We all know that you cannot convince a person they are an addict. But, an addict cannot be healed until he or she admits they are an addict. In the same way, we cannot experience the closeness of God until we admit we are a sinner. It is only then that we can receive the joy of His forgiveness and the knowledge that the Lord is our help and deliverer. This is why I know I will be able to handle the dreaded face-down recovery after my eye surgery. In my own power, I cannot. But God can, because I am willing to admit that I cannot do it on my own.
My surgery is scheduled for August 27 about 3pm. I just found out that of the three methods the surgeon can use, two will require the face-down recovery, one will not. She will not know which treatment to use until she is actually in the eye. Lord, grant me the grace to be patient, to trust the surgeon, and to trust you through this ordeal. Amen.
Will be praying then and for great recovery Sherryl
I’ll be praying to, Sherryl…successful surgery and fully healed. Thanks for sharing the date and time of your surgery.
C. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 8-17? Again, I see Jesus in His greatest hours of sorrow. ‘troubles without number surrounded HIm‘ ‘May your love and truth always protect me’ which could be a foreshadowing of His prayers in Gethsemane as He was facing the horrendous suffering that was about to come upon Him. The truth of who Jesus is, was mocked, insulted and abused….He asked for ‘God’s truth and love to protect Him.’ I’m always taken aback, when I see Jesus in the psalms praying ‘my sins have overtaken me and I cannot see’. But then, I remember that ‘he became sin for us’…..and oh, how our sin overtook Him, when He was even abandoned by His Father on the cross. His heart failed. He died. He pleaded with His Father to deliver Him.
5. What passage from Psalm 40 quickens you and why? “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart. I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and truth from the great assembly.” When given the choice of speaking or ‘hiding’ my faith….I feel I am guilty of hiding. It is much easier for me to live out that faith than it is to speak it to those who don’t know or understand. I’m not sure what to compare ‘the great assembly’ to. If it is an assembly of believers, that is not hard for me. But if it is unbelievers….even ‘one on one’ is hard. I need to pray that I will not hide, nor conceal God’s truth, love and the righteousness that is mine because I am clothed in His righteousness.
6. How is this psalm an answer to Psalms 38-39? Wow! I actually saw this coming and mentioned it in one of my responses last week. Verses 1-3 perfectly segue into God’s deliverance, even after the seemingly hopeless ending in 39:13. It almost makes me wonder about the chapter breakdowns and divisions of verses. Maybe these first verses of 40 were meant to be the resolution for 39 and it really wasn’t supposed to end with the psalmist preferring that God turn away? Just a thought.
Yes, Wanda, that is a very interesting thought!
I may not be posting much this week. Shared prayer request via facebook. Extreme sustained dizziness all week, so not able to drive or read very much. Missing this discussion here and sad about that. Value your prayer on this. I don’t know what’s wrong. Waiting for doctor to call me back.
Happy to see you are back Jackie : )
My, Nila, that doesn’t sound good. Praying for you, and hoping your doctor can get to the bottom of it fast.
Nila – I just read your post and went to my knees in prayer for you. Were you checked out after your car accident on Sunday? I’m thinking that might not be coincidental…..but I do pray for true wisdom on the part of your doctor.
Oh Nila….praying for you!
6. How is this psalm an answer to Psalms 38-39? Psalms 38 and 39 are in despair. They focus on the hardship at present. Psalm 40 tells of His faithfulness and power. It is soul talk. Psalm 40 is reminding of God’s works, who He is and what He does.
7. Share a time when God seemed silent, but finally, broke through. God has been “silent” most of my life, speaking a few times to me in order that I would not lose faith. This was mostly because my ears were not open, my eyes were closed. But 1 year ago He opened my eyes and broke through in a literal instant. I had cried out for so long, not really even knowing what I wanted or needed, and “He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
5. What passage from Psalm 40 quickens you and why?
Verse 17 :as for me I am poor and needy but the Lord takes though for me. You are my help and deliverer.
I see myself as this ” poor and needy soul”, so desperate, so fragile and afraid. Like a baby in a crib, crying out in the darkness looking for my father. Suddenly, He hears me and He comes! Rescues me, cradling me in His arms as He calms and protects me.
this is beautiful, Roshanda
mary e.–on my heart, praying all is well~
Yes Mary, how are you?
I’m praying, too, Mary.
8. Read Psalm 41 aloud to yourself. A. This psalm shows a gamut of emotions, as does Book One of the psalter. Find some of those emotions.
Weariness, sickness, remorse, betrayal, hope
B. How can you see Christ in this psalm? Are you becoming more aware of Christ in the psalms? If so, share.
Wow-the reference to Judas in verse 9 “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”
John 13:18 “I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’
Christ’s enemies in v. 7 “All who hate me whisper together about me;they imagine the worst for me.”
Reference to the Resurrection in v.10 “be gracious to me,and raise me up”
Ascension in v. 12 “set me in your presence forever”
8.C. What quickens you from psalm 41?
I kept thinking I was “done” and more and more came to me—this Psalm is rich!
v.3 “The Lord sustains him on his sickbed”. I know we will be completely restored and perfect in Heaven. But it comforts me to remember that He is here with us NOW. The “sick bed” ONLY exists on earth—and this reminds us that He is here with us, sustaining us, in whatever we are going through now, today.
v. 6 “And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words…” oh the LIES of the enemy! I have had a specific lie that started 6 weeks ago—meant to bring me to utter fear once again. It amazes me how the Enemy knows exactly what to say to each of us to try to lure us away from our Father. So wormy like that, but He is squashed by our King!
v. 11 “By this I know that you delight in me:my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.” Christ has won the battle. Motivated by love, He has made certain that the enemy will never be able to triumph over me. He cannot snatch me from God’s hand. He cannot take me in death. I am God’s child and receive all the protection and privilege as the Daughter of the King.
v.12 “But you have upheld me because of my integrity,and set me in your presence forever.” Because God looks at me and sees Christ, I am clothed in His righteousness. My dirty rags removed, His robe enfolds me. And He has promised I will be with Him for all eternity! Amazing Love how can it be?!
4. Read Psalm 40 aloud to yourself.
A. What testimony is in verses 1-3?
David waited patiently for God and was rewarded, with God lifting him “out of the mud,” and giving him “a firm place to stand.” David was joyous afterwards and praised God.
B. What do you learn about God in verses 4-5?
He gives blessings to those who trust in Him. There are so many blessings that David can’t speak of all of them.
C. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 8-17?
He wants to be faithful to God. He speaks of Him to all He can. He is being persecuted and begs for God to help Him. He also asks for those who persecute to be shamed (He wishes harm on them?).
5. What passage from Psalm 40 quickens you and why?
The first few verses are on my heart right now.
“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” Psalm 40:1-3
The reason this is striking to me is that this is exactly how I feel and what I long for to happen! I wait, expectantly, for Him to lift me up and set my feet on firm ground. I want to sing His praises to all!
6. How is this psalm an answer to Psalms 38-39?
I see over and over a pleading for God to ‘hear’ him in 38-39 and a desire for his presence for he felt as if God abandoned him. Then in 40 the Psalmist is rejoicing in that God heard him and delivered him-God is his satisfaction. His affections are on God and his confidence is stronger that God will deliver him again.
Happy Birthday Joyce! A morning prayer for you: Abba Father….just like the psalmist, Joyce has waited patiently for you. Some days her life is so very hard. The burdens that are the cup you have given her….the steadfast love she has for Kendra and her desire to meet Kendra’s needs…..and now, her back being a source of trouble……it all just seems to be too much. But every day you are inclining toward Joyce and her cries. You are reaching down to her and drawing her up from the pit. You are the One who has set Joyce’s feet upon a Rock – the Lord Jesus Christ….and her steps will be secure. You have put a new song of praise in her mouth…..and oh, the blessing as that overflows and drenches all of us sharing in this study! Just as Marianne pointed out to us, our own Joyce is a tremendous testimony to a life that has put her trust in you, Lord. May Joyce’s life continue to shine forth the gospel each day. “As for you o Lord, you will not restrain you mercy from Joyce; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve her!” So she has testified to us again and again…..but the reality here in this broken world is that Joyce is feeling poor and needy….it looks like she is being called to do the impossible. She so needs to know that you have “taken thought for her” . You are her help and her deliverer……O God, do not delay! Oh Abba….today we celebrate that many years ago you, on this day in time, completed the loveliness of knitting together Joyce in her mother’s womb….and she entered this broken world….but oh, you had taken thought for her…..you knew she would be yours……and what joy she would bring to so many. Help Joyce to rejoice in you and to see your fingerprints all over this, her special day! Amen.
Joyce, Happy Birthday~
And Amen to Jackie’s prayer here for you.
Yesterday, as I was laying on my bed with my eyes closed (acute labrinthitis seems to insist on this position for now), I thought of what it would be like if all of us blog sisters were in one large room, actually getting to be with each other. I imagined us being able to talk face to face, some huddled in prayer over another, some laughing, some with silent tears……. but all in one large room together, praying and talking. And even though we aren’t all in one place geographically…… we are in the Spirit. And in heaven, it will be one of our beautiful realities to finally meet each other.
Nila – that was an incredible post! As you are in distress…..you are thinking on things that are lovely and eternal. I see Him bending down to tenderly listen to your heart, Nila. Please let us know how you are progressing as you are able…….prayers for you will continue.
Oh Nila…..How your thoughts here are joined by my own. I had this very same image impressed on me yesterday! I was feeling a bit down….not exactly sure of the reason, feeling rather lonely and I almost posted…’I wish I was in a place (I envisioned it outdoors on an evening as lovely as it was here last night) sitting comfortably with ALL of the sisters here. How we would talk and laugh and comfort and build up each other!” And of course, heaven came into my mind as well. I am praying for you today, Nila. May sweet peace overwhelm you.
Yes Nila….it will be a glorious day!
Wish we could be together now too…but like you said….we are in spirit….Thank You Jesus…so much!!
Thank you for the Birthday wishes…..I wish for (pray for actually) as I blow 65 candles out today ( not really….as I’d have to call the fire department)…..that God will heal your eyes just as he healed the blind.
Thank you and prayers going your way!
Nila, this picture brings tears. My sisters here are dear to me though we have never met face to face. What a beautiful vision! One in Christ!
Happy Birthday dear Joyce!!!
Thank you so much sweet sister of mine! You cheer my heart so much.
4A. It looks like David is testifying to his own soul about the past faithfulness of the Lord in his life, as he fortifies himself to pray about the “evils have encompassed me beyond number.” (v. 12…..) The picture of God inclining to me and hearing my cry has always been a phrase that melts my heart. I had a tender, tender daddy here on this earth….and oh, how I can STILL see him bending over and inclining his ear to me! My earthly father gave me reel upon reel to “picture” my heavenly Father’s love. Our Abba doesn’t just move toward us and truly listen. No, He draws us up from the pit! He gives us LIFE in Jesus, who IS the Rock he sets our feet upon! And so, he puts a new song of praise to Him in our mouths….and that won’t go unnoticed. MANY will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in the Lord. A life being lived out with this kind of security and praise to God can be a blessing indeed to every life we touch! To God be the glory.
AMEN JACKIE!
6. How is this psalm an answer to Psalms 38-39?
Hmmmm…..this is difficult. Psalm 38 speaks of David/Jesus being in turmoil and “hunted” by his enemies. He is in anguish, he begs for The Lord to deliver him from his situation.
In Psalm 39, he is professing what he will do to make things better (hope). He will accept his position and not say anything about it. He will continue to have faith that The Lord will come to rescue him.
In Psalm 40 he is delivered. His patience has paid off.
4B. Our God is generous beyond measure. He is a God of abundance. He has MULTIPLIED his wondrous deeds and thoughts toward us…..that word multiply can mean to “breed and propogate”….wow, what LIFE is in this! Just as when Jesus took the few little loaves and fish…..and provided MORE than enough food for thousands! Sadly, so many of the thousands “missed it”……we don’t want to miss seeing God’s interventions and provision in our daily lives! Oh Lord, restore the awe of You into our ordinary days. Because of You, they are anything but ordinary……but we need eyes to see. Amen.