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It seemed fitting that the sky hung heavy and low. It seemed right that the wind was bitter, howling with the fierce shriek of winter around a tiny country cemetery. There was a very small hole in the ground and a very tiny casket to be put into it. It seemed appropriate that we all stood numbed by the cold of that day.

A friend of mine once wrote a poem about Adam, Eve and God in the Garden of Eden. It was a good poem, well constructed with a strong rhythm and powerful images. One of those images often comes to mind when bad things happen to good people. It’s an image of God curled into a fetal position, and the wailing sound of His weeping.

Sometimes we ask hard questions. Why did that baby have to die, God? Why is my friend suffering with a painful cancer? Why are those people in Africa starving? We don’t usually get a good answer to those questions. They leave us numb and they leave us wondering if God is there.

But then there is that image and that sound. In my friend’s poem God mourned the first disobedience, the first break in His relationship with the creatures He put on the earth.

The picture my friend painted with his words was of a God who cares, a God who feels our pain, a God who mourns with us, especially at the graves of tiny babies.

He is also a God who will answer. He is a God who acted to redeem all that was broken in our world. He is a God who continues to do so. The redemption was accomplished on the cross of Calvary, but it is not yet complete. As the writer of the book of Hebrews said, God “… waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:13).

The process is sometimes painful, but the world will one day be made entirely new, entirely redeemed. The scriptures talk about creation groaning as we wait for that day. The groans do not fall on deaf ears, nor will they remain unanswered forever. One day that tiny baby will rise, whole and perfect as God intended him to be.

God’s plan is unfolding. What then, should we do in those times when we groan and feel there is no answer? Again, scripture tells us – “To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Humility before God bows the knee and continues to believe. Humility before God acknowledges His sovereignty and calls Him good. Even when babies die and the pain of this world overwhelms, humility before God says, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Image: healingdream / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

• I’m totally committed to helping my kids get through college debt-free.
• I’m totally committed to losing 20 pounds before my next high school reunion
• I’m totally committed to keeping my marriage intact.
• I’m totally committed to helping my children learn how to say no to peer pressure.
• I’m totally committed to upgrading my education so I can put some money towards retirement.
• I’m totally committed to limiting my spending this Christmas season.

The list goes on and on, as varied as the women who read this blog. But there’s one answer I hope would rise to the top. It’s found in Titus 2:14 which says, “He (Jesus Christ) gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right.”

Regardless of our age, race, circumstances, or financial status, if we’re Christ’s followers, then we ought to commit totally to doing what’s right according to His Word. For instance, practicing self-control even when our kids act like a bunch of wild hyenas. We restrain ourselves when we feel like buying something we don’t need, especially if doing so means increasing our consumer debt. We refuse to gossip about the neighbor even though we know a juicy little tidbit about her. We return extra change when the grocery clerk makes a mistake. We turn off the TV when an inappropriate show comes on. We fulfill our commitments even though doing so means being inconvenienced. We say yes to God when He asks us to serve in a way that stretches us beyond our comfort zone. And on and on and on.

Can you imagine the difference in the world if every individual totally committed to doing what was right according to God’s Word? There’d be no need for divorce courts or child protective services or conflict mediators. Wars would be non-existent. Corrupt governments would cease. Honesty and humility would prevail. Even pollution wouldn’t be an issue because everyone would do what’s right in caring for the environment. The impact would span the globe and affect every area of life on earth.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. Nevertheless, we can make a difference where we live by following Paul’s instructions and totally committing to doing what’s right. Will you join me in doing so?

I love the picture of Jesus that Scripture paints. It shows us that He was a friend, in tune with the needs of those He cared about and wanting to spend time with them. It also shows us that He was a servant. He called them to have breakfast, and then He gave them the bread and the fish that He’d prepared. “When the disciples got to shore, they saw that a charcoal fire was burning and fish were frying over it, and there was bread…then Jesus served them the bread and the fish.”

A few days prior, this same Jesus had been crucified and buried. Then He rose victorious from the grave, conquering death once for all. Imagine – He could have been celebrating His victory on a throne in heaven. Instead, He bent over a fire on the beach and fried fish for His friends.

What a picture of Christ’s divine humanity! What a model of humility! This picture moves me to gratitude for the privilege of serving a Master who cares for His followers as He does.

It also reminds me that, in the midst of the busyness of life, Jesus wants relationship with His followers. He wants us to slow down, to step out of the “busy boat,” and to spend time in His presence – talking, enjoying each other, discussing concerns and delights, and praying together. Do we respect His wishes? Do we spend time with Him as we would a good friend?

When life gets so busy that it threatens to crowd out our quiet time with Jesus, let’s remember this picture from John 21. Let’s recall Jesus waiting on the beach for His friends as dawn broke, with a meal prepared to meet their needs.

He’s waiting for us in the same way. We don’t want to miss it!

He was Saul’s son, the rightful heir to the throne. But because Saul was such a doofus, God transferred  the royal lineage to David. That meant one thing – Prince Jonathan would never assume the throne. If you were in his royal boots, how might you have felt? Betrayed? Bitter, perhaps?

Jonathan could have said something like, “David – you’re supposed to be my friend. How could you do this to me? You know I’m the heir to the throne, so get outta the way and let me take over. I know my dad’s been a jerk, but that doesn’t give you the right to take my place as the next king.”

But no. Jonathan fully supported David and committed himself to helping his friend achieve what God had ordained for him. “Don’t be afraid,” he told David. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father is well aware.”

What a model of humility! In fact, Jonathan’s attitude reminds me of Philippians 2, the chapter that speaks of Christ’s humility. He existed in the form of God but didn’t demand and cling to His rights as God (v. 6). Instead, He gave up those rights for our sake, so that we could become all that God has ordained for us.

Are we willing to give up our personal rights for the sake of others? Are we willing to give up our dreams or aspirations to enable someone else to succeed? Wow – that’s a challenge. It’s so contrary to mankind’s way of thinking in a society that encourages us to look out for ourselves and stand up for our rights.

“God, help us to model Jesus, the humble King, and Jonathan, the humble prince. Grant us the desire and ability to set aside our personal rights for the sake of others. Help us see life through Your eyes – to see the bigger picture of what You want to accomplish and to joyfully jump in to do whatever’s necessary to help it happen. Amen.”

Have a great weekend!

In Psalm 59, David recalls a time when Saul sent soldiers to his house to kill him. He asked God not to kill his enemies on his behalf, but to stagger them with His power and bring them to their knees. What a prayer! As I thought about this verse, I decided it would make a good prayer not just for my enemies, but for other believers. Here are a few examples:

* For those engaging in sinful behavior — “God, stagger them with Your power. Show them that You’re in control. Help them understand that they will give account to You someday, and that You hold their destiny in Your hand. Bring them to their knees in repentance as they grasp who You are.”

* For those overwhelmed by fearful circumstances — “God, stagger them with Your power. Remind them that You hold the universe in Your hands and call the stars by name. Nothing is too difficult for You. Bring them to their knees in acknowledgement that You are the Almighty, and You are their shield and fortress.”

* For those afraid of embracing God’s assignment for them — “God, stagger them with Your power. Give them the courage to step forward into the unknown and to trust You for the details. By Your power, grant them everything they need to get the job done. Bring them to their knees in praise as they see You work in and through them in amazing ways.”

* For those who are proud in spirit — “God, stagger them with Your power. Show them their frail state in contrast to Your endless might. Reveal to them their inadequacy, and then show them Your eternal strength and wisdom. Bring them to their knees in humility as they understand who You are.”

It’s a great prayer for me, too. “God, stagger me with Your power. Leave me awestruck as I gaze upon You and learn to know You more intimately. Remind me that You are Almighty God, able to do more than my imagination can comprehend. Bring me to my knees in humble adoration, and keep me there moment by moment. I love you.”

How about you? What’s your prayer?