During this time of Covid 19, I’ve experienced God’s presence more profoundly than I have in a long time. Despite all the suffering, that has touched my family as well, I’ve pressed in, and He has been there. He’s come to me in the night, has given me the book idea I’ve been asking Him for the last 18 months, and I’m seeing answers to prayer I’ve prayed a long time. Though I was leaning toward sharing what He has been teaching me, as we prayed together last week, I saw sorrow seeping through so many of your posts. Also, as I consider what is going on in our world with Covid, with rioting over injustice to blacks, and even with the sad diagnosis of pancreatic cancer of a man we have so come to love in Tim Keller, this is where I feel led to take us. We must truly learn to lament, with the help of psalms and Lamentations. And there is a new book that does the best job I’ve seen yet in helping us to do just that.
The book that won the book of the year at Christian Book Awards was by a new author. I got it right away, and indeed, it is powerful. Here it is:
Pastor Vroegop of Indianapolis is with The Gospel Coalition. I’d like you to get it right away. I realize it may take you more than a week to get it, but Amazon allows you to turn the pages through chapter 1, or you can download chapter 1 on your Kindle for free for next week. It’s half the price on kindle, but you, like me, may want a hard copy.
Here is a short clip from Pastor Vroegop:
One of the things he led his church into doing was to have services of lament for particular hurts. I’d like to try to do that together sometime during this journey through zoom. But that will be down the road.
So get your book and we’ll get started next week. One nice thing about this study is that if you miss a week, you won’t really be behind, for we are going to look at 4 different psalms and 5 different chapters from Lamentations.
This week I’m going to share with you how God has led me in writing, and one of the most powerful sermons I have listened to (ever) and ask you to listen as well. Selfishly, I’d love your input and prayers — and then next week we will launch Dark Clouds Deep Mercy. It will be sooo good.
Highlight from Last Week:
Your prayers, your honesty in your posts, the sadness seeping through, plus my own leading lined up to lead us into really learning how to lament. There are so many broken relationships, tough marriages and jobs, and just so much pain. God gives a way to deal with it, and we are going to learn to do it better than we have in the past. Thank You, Lord!
Our own “Laura-Dancer” leads women in dance for worship. She was remembering dancing to the song “Keep Your Lamps Burning.” This particular you-tube version uses pictures from the Harriet Tubman story of helping slaves escape. As Pastor Vroegop said above, the African Americans have suffered so much, they know how to lament, they know how to tell their souls this is not the end of the story. Here is what Laura posted:
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Will you journey with us through the lament this summer? (If so, order your book right away!)
Monday: Wrestling with God
During Covid 19, God has come to me and blessed me with His presence. It has been so sweet, and I’ve asked Him, “What is my part in this, if any, for I want this sweetness to continue.” He has been unveiling secrets. I’ve listened to so many sermons, but the most powerful one is this one, from Martyn Lloyd Jones on Wrestling with God, which I mentioned last week. I’d love you to listen sometime during this week and share your notes and thoughts. (Tim Keller has a great sermon on this, and is often easier to listen to, but he himself keeps quoting this sermon from Jones.)
3. Start listening to Jones and share your notes — then keep listening through the week, sharing notes as you go. Some of you will do it all at once, and some in parts.
Monday: Waiting and Listening
Perhaps He had to slow me down to get me to really listen: no speaking, no pickleball, no inviting people over, and no traveling. For those of us who slowed down, I think we have seen the value in that.
3. If that has been you, what will you do differently when this is over?
4. One of the first things Jones said that caused me to ponder is that how we are when we are
alone reveals how authentic our relationship is with God. Otherwise, we may simply be
carried along by the momentum of a movement or those around us. That spoke to me during
this time. What thoughts do you have on this?
Tuesday: First Light
I’ve been reading more, listening to more sermons, being still before Him more. I’ve been singing hymns and repenting more honestly. Then, He began to give me pictures in the night, that I thought might be a book idea. At first, it was stories I remembered about “naming” – parents who truly sought God in the naming of their children. I wrote a post about that when our grand-daughter Lily was born — a post that has gotten a lot of attention.
https://deebrestin.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=9544&action=edit
So I began to try to write a book about naming, but it seemed more like an article. Then I discovered, as He gave me more light, that naming was a part of the puzzle, but not the big picture!
4. Do you have any thoughts on the above — and do you have a naming story to tell?
Wednesday: More Light
Memorizing 1 John has taught me so much. (Only book I’ve memorized, unlike my friend Twila who has memorized 1/4 of the New Testament, it seems all I can do to keep from losing 1 John!) But one truth that drums through 1 John is that it is those who walk the light they have been given that get more light.
So, I kept praying about names, and asking Him for more light. I began to go over just the word “name” in Scripture. This passage became radioactive:
But now, this is what the LORD says –
He who created you, Jacob,
He who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
They will not sweep over you.
Isaiah 43:1-2
5. Last week we learned from George Muller to meditate on Scripture and then make it personal through prayer. That is how you make your soul “happy” in the Lord. Do it with the above.
Thursday: Big Picture
This made me think about how God knows our names, summons us by name. I looked at the seven He named before birth — but that didn’t seem to be it. And then! He drew my attention to seven (that number again) to whom He called out so urgently that He said their name twice. They are:
Abraham! Abraham!
Jacob! Jacob!
Moses! Moses!
Samuel! Samuel!
Martha! Martha!
Simon! Simon!
Saul! Saul!
I began to study each of them, digging for gold, and am finding it. They all surrendered to God eventually and experienced His presence. But telling myself to surrender may not be helpful — I need to know what helped them to surrender. And I’m seeing it, with one building on another. I’m trying to appeal to a wider audience than just the kind of wonderful women that come on this blog — so am currently drawn to this song title. Of course, the song promises we get out of the shallow by finding the perfect soulmate, but that’s not the truth.
Far
From
The
Shallow
(Experiencing the Presence of God)
6. That’s all I’m going to tell you, but wonder if this, honestly, is a book that would intrigue
you? I would so appreciate your prayers for: wisdom in writing, for God to open a door if it is
to be, and for me to trust.
Friday: I Won’t Let You Go Unless You Bless Me
7. Jacob’s cry is what we all should cry. Please share the rest of your comments from Martyn Lloyd Jones Sermon and how it applies to you.
Saturday: Pray for our Summer Study
8. Would you pray here for our summer study and that God will bring those He wants to come?
9. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
165 comments
1. That’s all I’m going to tell you, but wonder if this, honestly, is a book that would intrigue you. I would so appreciate your prayers for wisdom in writing, for God to open a door if it is to be, and for me to trust.
Dee, anything that you have written that I have read has always been excellent. I love the title of this one! And I love that song, too-very emotive and powerful in terms of the different range and tone.
Lord, I pray for Dee as she waits on you for this new book. Awaken the true writer in her and make the words flow so she knows they are from you. Keep her from distractions. And guide her as she decides on a title, the artwork that goes with it, and the blessing of a publisher. May the Spirit inspire her and give her a clear vision for this book. Take away anything that will deter honor to your name. Thank you, Lord, for what you are doing and going to do with this book.
Hi Dee,
The choice for your summer study is an important one for where many of us are at in this season. I followed and was well led and blessed by your ‘Jesus our Bridegroom’ series with Kathy Troccoli in the early 2000’s. Count me in for this one!
Lynn Marie
It is so good to have you join us. I always feel a kindred spirit with those who resonate with Jesus as our Bridegroom!
Welcome, Lynne Marie! Glad you can join us.
Welcome to this special place!
Looking forward to the summer study!!
Welcome Peggy!
Welcome, Peggy. I have a really good friend named Peggy as well!
So glad you are joining us!
Hello –
I’ve been following you for many years now but have never felt I could fully commit to an on-line study due to other commitments (e.g., Bible studies, family, work, life, etc.). Since we’ve not yet returned to “normal life,” this may just be the time to join your group and I’m looking forward to this study.
So very glad to have you Karmen. Tell us a bit about yourself!
Karmen, I was like you for a few years, too. Busy but God continued to draw me here. And I am thankful He did. Still busy but He has provided the time for me to participate. Welcome!
This is the place to be this summer!
Karmen ~ Welcome to this beautiful place.
The Man Who Wrestled with God: It has been a long week and I have finally completed the sermon. Though at the beginning I had a hard time keeping focus as the words were hard to hear clearly, I finished with an awed conclusion, “Yes, we are what we are by the grace of God.” Our walk with God is very personal and is a relationship in which God does interfere in our lives and causes us to come to grips with the conflict we face as to who we are in Him. The one thing that matters in life is to be blessed by God. There is a consequence from our interaction with God- we are humbled by this relationship. Jacob came away changed by being made lame, forever limping from the physical struggle he had. We all are born of God and are created as unique individuals who must have our own personal interaction, but will find peace with God by being justified by faith.
1. Jacob’s cry is what we all should cry. Please share the rest of your comments from Martyn Lloyd Jones Sermon and how it applies to you.
I will cling to you, O Lord until you bless me/us.
Comments on Dr. Jones:
1. An authentic relationship with God is personal. What does a man do with his solitude? Make an effort to isolate yourself. God knows me as an individual not just a cog in a large wheel of mankind. We were not born en mass. We were born individually.
2. You are conscious of having been dealt with by God. He corners you. He is the Hound of Heaven. O Love that will not let me go by George Matheson.
3. You are brought to the realization that to be blessed by God is to know Him. God must come first.
4. One receives the blessing of our justification by faith. A great transaction has been done. The first blessing to stand on. Jacob was a new man. 2 Cor 5:17
5. Jacob was humbled-he had a limp. A thorn in the flesh to remind him of his dependence on God. We are never the same when God has humbled us. To come to the presence of God is to be humbled.
6. Christian joy is holy joy.
Application: For me to not look at my lack or limitation as disfavor but to see it as a refining tool being used by the Lord so I will press into Him and depend on Him. That I will always remember that He delights in blessing me through my personal relationship with Him.
Saturday: Pray for our Summer Study
7. Would you pray here for our summer study and that God will bring those He wants to come?
Lord, I pray that this summer study will be a time of deep connection with you and with one another. Please bring those women who you want to come and join us. Speak to hearts so that they would yearn and hunger for you and your Word. Encourage our hearts and strengthen Dee as she leads us. Guide her every step of the way. And may “self” stay out of the way and you, our Lord will be kept enthroned in our hearts and minds.
9. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
To savor my aloneness and have a keen awareness that God is always with me.
Can’t wait until this study begins
Glad you are joining us Mary!
8. Would you pray here for our summer study and that God will bring those He wants to come?
Dearest Lord, Thank You for Dee and our bible study blog. It means so much to me to have deep conversations about Your Word. It is the most important thing for sure. Thank You for all the women here and for the silent participants as well. I am forever grateful that we have the ability to be here together, encouraging each other, loving each other, and helping each other learn about You! Guide others to our special blog place so they too, may experience this very important learning with us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
9. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
I suppose that my take away is the wrestling with God bit of the Jacob story. I have wrestled but not yet succumbed to my new life in Christ. I pray that I am able to humble myself enough to get to that point before it’s too late.
Looking forward to this study, especially now. Thank you!
Welcome Linda P! So glad to have you.
Linda, Welcome to this beautiful place ~
Dee, I have been silently following since my husband asked me to cut down on my computer time, but I would like to follow along with your summer study. It looked from the email like it was a separate sign up from the regular blog, but when I clicked on it, it brought me here. Is there something else I need to do?
Mary B
Mary so good to see you here! You just need to get the book to begin. It’s in last weeks blog post. Take care!
Mary B — you should be on now as long as you come on from the same device I shouldn’t need to approve you.
I plan to join you as well. Thank you for the opportunity.
Welcome aboard Tammy Jo!
Welcome, Tammy Jo!
Welcome Tammy Jo ~
Ive tried to sign up for Bible studies in the past but it never goes through.
Here’s to hoping that the 3rd time is the charm
It was Cynthia — so sorry it was trouble. Welcome.
Welcome Cynthia ~
I have the book….looking forward to this study Dee
How wonderful my dear Patti, friend forever!
Looking forward to tomorrow!
Wonderful Kimberly!
Kimberly ~ Welcome to this wonderful place to study together.
I’d like to join in please!
So wonderful to have all these new (and some returning) friends here! Welcome everyone!
Hello Friends,
I will keep signing in as Lynne Marie Monique for this summer study but you can all just call me Lynne.
Will do — I think you are the only Lynne who spells it that way!
Being French-Canadian, the official spelling for my name would have been Line! Am actually glad my mother didn’t go that route. She felt spelling it Lynne, with an “e” at the end was maybe a good compromise. I think one of the reasons I connected so well with your video series with Kathy was that your banter back and forth brought out the characteristics of Kathy’s latin cultural background and her Italian-Catholic heritage. I felt right at home.
Welcome to this beautiful place, Lynne ~
Looking forward to start this new study tomorrow.
I’m looking forward to this study. Thank you Dee.
Aloha Dee – So excited to finally have the opportunity to join you for one of your studies…being in quarantine has given me more freedom to do the things that matter most…staying close to GOD! I’ve never done a study with you so I’m a little unsure about the process and time difference? I also have a MAC which is sometimes cooperative and sometimes not. I had my husband purchase my book from Amazon and I have it sitting here on my table. Just wondering, if Im unable to join you tomorrow due to our Fathers Day celebration with our children, will I be able to see what the beginning of the study was about…so many questions…please forgive me?!
Mahalo and Blessings from Kailua, Oahu
Phylis Toguchi
Phylis, welcome! Dee’s studies are somewhat self-paced. Each day has an assignment but if you are unable to do a particular day you can easily catch up the next. Because we post our answers as text, time difference does not matter. Just read through others’ answers and respond IF you feel so inclined. Much of the learning comes from reading the others’ perspectives and insights.
Hope that helps! I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it as we start. Glad to have you here.
Looking forward to this study.
♥️🕊️
Hello Dee, I felt drawn by the Holy Spirit to join your study this summer. But then life got in the way and I have just begun to read and listen.
When the audio of Martin Lloyd Jones first began I thought it sounded boring, however I continued to listen and the Lord began to speak to me about exactly what my prayer of lament had been 2 hours before.
My children have all been under attack for years now and the attacks seem to be getting worse. I have felt the responsibility to protect them and fight for them as a widow, their one remaining parent. God showed me very clearly through this sermon that I must stand aside and let them struggle, He is allowing the trials to bring them to their personal relationship and surrender to Him. I asked His forgiveness for my lack of trust and also for the unforgiveness I felt toward those who hurt them. Thank-you for this study and your obedience to the Lord. I prayed for you to have wisdom in your writing…
God Bless,
Lydia