Sun-Shiny Day

Yesterday was a “stormy” day for me.  It was like the challenges I am facing were so huge and I couldn’t see over or past them – they were just overtaking me through the storm.  Although nothing has changed today in relation to what the problems are, today it’s like the storm has passed (amazing what fighting and keeping your eye on the Lord and in His Word can accomplish in our hearts by His grace and mercy!).  I was reminded of the 1st verse of the song: I Can See Clearly Now -- because it’s like I can see now the issues in perspective and they have become smaller (or I have become "bigger" in Christ making them look smaller) – now seeing “all obstacles in my way” and the “dark clouds that had me blind” are removed – and the bright Sun-Shiny Day is here. 

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

I really desire to “get” to the second verse and bridge, tho... 

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there’s nothin’ but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin’ but blue skies

Because although I see things in perspective, the pain and bad feelings are not gone. Looking all around I don’t see “nothin’ but blue skies” – But I know that the Lord is faithful in all that is going on and definitely when my vision is focused forward to Him and trusting Him and clinging to Him that when I “Look straight ahead [toward the hope of heaven there’s], nothin’ but blue skies” in that direction and that gives me hope!!  Romans 5:3-5  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

Yay!

I love this picture. It reminds me of what Joy is.  It's like the rain can still be here, but it also can be a bright Sun-Shiny Day and the rain no longer seems overwhelming but a faithful reminder that God is at work...

Fighting the Good Fight of Faith

Inevitably there are times in our lives when we need to put in to action what we are counseling others to do. This is one of those days for me. 

I struggle to find comfort in God's plan.  I struggle to understand why God is doing what He is doing. I struggle to think right and to think how the gospel applies in this situation.  My emotions are clouding my thinking...

"Why would God do this? Why would God handle this situation this way? I don't understand..."  ...not in an angry, accusing tone, more like a confused, weary one.

How would I counsel someone who comes to me with this?

Well, obviously, I would preach the gospel to them.  I would tell them of God's perfect plan - of His perfect love for them - How the Spirit Himself intercedes for them with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26) and how Christ is praying that they would not lose faith (Luke 22:32) -- even when we can't seem to find the words to pray, and all we seem to be able to do is cry.  It doesn't depend on us, ever.  It's all about Christ and what Christ has done for us, what He does through us, keeping our eyes fixed on the joy that is set out before us, that being, a life free of pain and suffering, of endless joy and peace in the presence of God forever.  There is a day coming, and we anticipate it with great hope.

I would encourage them in their fight - that it's difficult to fight to do the right thing.  It's so much easier to give into self than it is to purpose to glorify and choose God.  But I would also remind them that choosing self proves to be the more difficult road in the end -- good understanding produces favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard (Prov 13:15) and that the choosing God becomes the way less difficult path --  Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matt 11:28-30).

I would remind them that nothing can separate them from the love of God (Romans 8:38).  And that there is no condemnation in our sin for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1, 31-34) -- Satan accuses, trying to bring us in as deserving punishment and being condemned - but Christ not only abolished death, but covered our all our sins and now we are imputed with the righteousness of Christ, so God sees us as He sees Him.  No one, then, by accusing can condemn us, when God, the Judge, absolves.  In that we rejoice and is it an assurance of our salvation and future glory.

I would remind them of the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances.  We cannot be thankful and discontent at the same time.  Thankfulness causes us to see the good, to dwell on the good and that encourages our hearts and brings us peace (Phil 4:4-9).

I would encourage them to confess and repent from an ungrateful, not trusting, and discontent heart

I would challenge them with some homework to get them started in putting off their current way of thinking and putting on the correct way of thinking: When they become frustrated (or unthankful/discontent or events in which they feel failure, criticism, sadness, defeat):

        1.      What your thoughts are about the circumstance?

        2.      What are you tempted to do or say in response to this  

                 circumstance?

        3.      What do you want that you are not getting?

        4.      What is God’s perspective about the situation?

        5.      What are His promises, instructions and exhortations that 

                 apply to this situation?

        6.      What will you choose to think, desire, do and say at this 

                 time?

I was needing today to preach all of this to myself... I needed to choose the road that seems difficult but in reality proves to be the one of ease.  

By the grace of God and with the help of the Holy Spirit I am fighting! I am finding out what I want that I'm not getting and how instead I need to be responding. I am confessing and repenting of my sin and sinful heart. I am thanking God for His provisions and care and comfort and for His goodness, and timing, and love for me in all circumstances... 

Please pray for me as I fight and for my faith to be strengthened.