In these days of separation, social media is a blessing. It keeps us connected. And we need that in these days of quarantine or social distancing or self-containment, or whatever we are calling it these days.
Community is important. Being connected to friends and family and church are vital parts of our existence. We need connection. We crave connection. But these days, we are so limited in how these connections can take place, and that makes social media such a valuable thing.
We connect these days by Facebook and Instagram. By texting and messaging. By video chats and Zoom. And we also use the old-fashioned method - the phone call.
These are valuable assets in this crazy virus-controlled world we are living in. We need to stay connected, and sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones, as I have on Facebook Live videos, to connect with people.
Social media has helped us to stay connected. In that way, it is a blessing.
But there is a down side to social media. Everything we see or here on social media isn't true. It isn't posted with good intentions. In fact, that applies to all media.
We have become more and more aware in recent days just how much the news media tries to control the narrative of our lives. How much media - both news media and social media - are being used to spread fear and panic. This is the curse of social media. Of all media.
How do we navigate these troubled waters without being led astray?
Be cautious.
Before you jump to accept something you read on Facebook and begin to share it with the world, check the facts. Is it true. Is it honest. Is it helpful.
Be connected.
More important than your connection to social media is your connection to the Word of God. That is the plumb line by which everything must be measured. Before you share something to social media, ask the same questions. Is it true. Is it honest. Is it helpful. And ask one more questions. Does it honor God?
This last one has caused me to think much more carefully about what I post. And to take down some things I had posted in the heat of the moment! We have all been guilty of those kinds of posts. But let's be careful!
Know the truth.
Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32)
Knowing the Word, and the God of the Word, helps us make wise decisions. About what to believe and what not to believe. About what to post on social media. About so many things!
To know the Word means we will be spending time in the word. Not just a quick verse of the day, or reading a quick morning devotion, but spending time in the Word. We should be like the Berean Christians in the book of Acts who "examined the scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
We are living in challenging times. We are bombarded with information. A 24-hour news cycle. Social media in various forms. And because we are at home right now, we look to those sources for our information. But as we do, let's be cautious. Let's not fall into the trap of believing everything we see and hear on social medial.
Let's hold everything against the plumb line of God's Word.
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NASB)
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
Draw a Circle
"Go home. Lock yourself in your room. Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk draw a circle around yourself. There, on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle." (Gypsy Smith, 1860-1947, British evangelist)
I'm not sure when I first came across this quote from Gypsy Smith, but it's on my mind today. It has me doing a lot of thinking.
In the craziness of the world we are currently living in, this quote has caused me to do a lot of thinking.
Between viruses and politics and so many other things gone wrong, there's a lot we would like to see changed in our world. And that has me thinking today about change.
I'm not sure when I first came across this quote from Gypsy Smith, but it's on my mind today. It has me doing a lot of thinking.
In the craziness of the world we are currently living in, this quote has caused me to do a lot of thinking.
Between viruses and politics and so many other things gone wrong, there's a lot we would like to see changed in our world. And that has me thinking today about change.
About what needs to change. About why I want it to change. About what's really important.
There are some things, some circumstances, in my life that I would like changed. Certainly I would like the state of emergency to be lifted. I would like for social distancing to be a distant memory. I'm sure all of our thoughts about change fall along those lines.
But this morning I'm wondering if I am too focused on the circumstance? Too focused on things like changing circumstances and not enough focused on what needs to change in me?
It occurs to me that I may not be the only one. That there may be others out there who are doing the same thing. Focusing on what needs to change - or what we want to change - in our circumstances, and giving far too little attention to what needs to change in us.
Perhaps it's our attitudes. Or our frustrations. Or our anxieties. Or our selfishness. Or our prayerlessness. Or our tempers. Or our relationships. Or our worship. Or lack of. Or our prayer life. Or lack of. Or our focus.
Perhaps we're concerned about our country. About the virus. About politics. About the loss of our freedoms. About the changes that are happening all around us.
Whatever it is, maybe it's time for us to draw a circle, as Gypsy Smith suggested. Perhaps our focus should be on what needs to change in us rather than what needs to change around us. Perhaps through all this God is trying to get our attention. Perhaps it's time to draw a circle.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)
Friday, April 24, 2020
Diary of a Virus. What to Believe?
I had previously referred to these posts as "Diary of a Pandemic". But it seems that designation, like so many things in our world right now, is up for debate. Apparently the definition of pandemic is fluid, and changes with the times, perhaps to support a particular narrative. I don't know. In any event, I'll just refer to it now as a virus, which is something I think we can all agree on.
The longer we are in this situation, the more things seem to change. In the last week I've noticed greatarguments debates about whether stores should reopen. About getting people back to work. It's too soon. It's not soon enough. We argue about the statistics. About whose fault it is. Is the President doing too much. Is he doing enough. This must really be all his fault, after all. (I make that last remark with a great deal of sarcasm; it is not his fault.)
In the beginning we were told that this virus came from bats or from a wet market in a tiny remote village in China. The only thing about that theory which we now know to be true is that it came from China. In the beginning, the biggest reaction to the virus was fear. Once we learned that the virus is man-made, fear was replaced with anger. Or perhaps it is more correct to say that we added anger to our fear. And that is not a good mix.
I cannot say with any degree of certainty who or what or why or how this virus came to be a part of our lives. But it is a part of our lives. People are getting sick. Some of them are very sick. And many have died. But what is also true is that many, many people are recovering.
The news media has had a field day spreading blame and stirring up panic. They are quick to report sicknesses and deaths, and to misreport information, perhaps to fit their own personal narratives. Again, I don't know the who or what or why or how. But oh, how I miss the days when the news media reported "just the facts, ma'am".
We're living in a crazy world. We're bombarded with a 24-hour news cycle and with social media posts, many of which have no basis in fact. It's hard enough to try to keep yourself and your family healthy and well fed, without having to constantly battle news reporting to try to discern truth from error.
In these challenging time, there is one truth - one firm foundation - we can hold on to: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 NASB)
How thankful I am for that unchanging truth.
The longer we are in this situation, the more things seem to change. In the last week I've noticed great
In the beginning we were told that this virus came from bats or from a wet market in a tiny remote village in China. The only thing about that theory which we now know to be true is that it came from China. In the beginning, the biggest reaction to the virus was fear. Once we learned that the virus is man-made, fear was replaced with anger. Or perhaps it is more correct to say that we added anger to our fear. And that is not a good mix.
I cannot say with any degree of certainty who or what or why or how this virus came to be a part of our lives. But it is a part of our lives. People are getting sick. Some of them are very sick. And many have died. But what is also true is that many, many people are recovering.
The news media has had a field day spreading blame and stirring up panic. They are quick to report sicknesses and deaths, and to misreport information, perhaps to fit their own personal narratives. Again, I don't know the who or what or why or how. But oh, how I miss the days when the news media reported "just the facts, ma'am".
We're living in a crazy world. We're bombarded with a 24-hour news cycle and with social media posts, many of which have no basis in fact. It's hard enough to try to keep yourself and your family healthy and well fed, without having to constantly battle news reporting to try to discern truth from error.
In these challenging time, there is one truth - one firm foundation - we can hold on to: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 NASB)
How thankful I am for that unchanging truth.
Monday, April 20, 2020
The Power of a Handwritten Note
When was the last time you got a handwritten note in the mail?
It's a lost art, really. And that's sad.
We sometimes get notes via e-mail. Or maybe we get texts. Or tweets. Or Facebook messages.
But what about a handwritten note. In an envelope. With a stamp on it.
We may get a birthday card or a Christmas card, and those occasionally come with a hastily scribbled personal message. But not often.
During my recovery from knee surgery a few years ago, and again during my stroke recovery, I was often encouraged by messages from friends and family members. Texts, messages, e-mails, Facebook posts. Even a number of get-well cards that came via snail mail! I read each one, treasuring each message. But the ones that meant the most to me came in an envelope, with a stamp, and were not only signed, but contained a hand-written note. Sometimes just a sentence. Sometimes two. Occasionally a paragraph. Handwritten and intended just for me.
Handwritten notes are rare these days. They occasionally come for birthdays or Christmas or during times of sickness. But even then, they are rare. Even more rare are the handwritten notes that come just because. I think that's incredibly sad.
Perhaps we're in too big a hurry. Or we're too stressed. Or perhaps it's because we have managed in our culture to condense all our communications to 140 characters, electronically transmitted.
I have a box in my closet, and a file folder in my desk drawer, of handwritten notes I've received over the years. Some on fancy stationery. Some on a cute card. Some on plain, lined, notebook paper. Some on the cover of the church bulletin. I always save handwritten notes. When I first began this habit, I had no idea that one day they would be nearly as extinct as the dinosaur!
Sometimes, particularly on tough days or dreary days or days when nothing seems to be going right, I reach into the folder and pull out a note. And reading the note again encourages me. Lifts my spirits.
That's the power of a handwritten note. Its effect goes far beyond its initial reading; it lasts and lasts and lasts.
Could it be time for us to revive the art of note writing? To slow down a bit and send a word of encouragement, a word that will last.
Yes, it will take time. And effort. And yes, we will have to perhaps buy some note cards and envelopes. And yes, stamps are expensive. But what is it worth to encourage someone today?
When was the last time you encouraged someone? When was the last time you sat down and wrote a note? On paper. With a pen.
Why not do it today? I dare you.
"....encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25 ESV)
Friday, April 17, 2020
Diary of a Pandemic. What Day Is It?
One of the realities of this pandemic season is that I most often have no idea what day it is. Every day seems just like every other. There are no regular events, like going to church on Sunday or going to choir on Wednesday night, that help to define the day. I've begun marking days off on the calendar in an effort to keep on track.
This is such a strange season. No regular Sunday gatherings with my church family. No Sunday after church lunches with friends. No exercise class. No Weight Watcher meetings. No impromptu lunch or dinner get-togethers with friends. And the list could go on....
Many things about life these days are different. I miss the phone calls that say "Did y'all eat yet? Do you want to meet us at...". I miss just wandering through Belk's or Kohl's or some other store, not because I need anything, but just because I enjoy it. I miss grazing the sample stations at Costco. I miss going to church on Sundays. I miss choir practice.
There is much I miss these days. But I'm finding there are some good things about this season.
- A slower pace of life
- Remembering that I actually do know how to cook!
- Not listening for the sound of the alarm clock
- Taking time to enjoy the sound of birds and the beauty of my neighborhood
- Time to reflect on how much I have to be thankful for
- More time for Bible study and prayer
- More time to read
This list could go on as well.
While there is much about this season that I don't understand, I'm becoming increasingly aware that I don't have to understand it all. Because God does. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows all about what and when and why and how long. And in that I take great comfort.
Certainly I would like this to be over sooner rather than later, but I rest in knowing I don't have to be concerned about that. God is in control. God is God, and we are not. He was and is and always will be sovereign.
I take great comfort in that. Even if I don't know what day it is.
"His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What hast thou done?'" (Daniel 4:34-35 NASB)
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Therefore
We are in the midst of a pandemic and our anxiety grows.
But we must remember.
Therefore.
That's the word we must remember.
It's there in Psalm 46, right between verses 1 and 2.
Therefore is a word of conclusion.
It's a word that says because this is true.
Therefore is a word we need to hold on to.
When we are stressed.
And when we are frustrated.
And especially when we are anxious.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2 NASB, emphasis mine)
But we must remember.
Therefore.
That's the word we must remember.
It's there in Psalm 46, right between verses 1 and 2.
Therefore is a word of conclusion.
It's a word that says because this is true.
Therefore is a word we need to hold on to.
When we are stressed.
And when we are frustrated.
And especially when we are anxious.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2 NASB, emphasis mine)
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
My Prayer
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Monday, April 13, 2020
Easter Reflections
Yesterday was Celebration Day. Resurrection Day. Yesterday we celebrated that Jesus did exactly what He said He was going to do!
Yes, this Easter was very different from the Easter celebrations we have become accustomed to. Yet still we celebrated. And perhaps, in some way, this was a better celebration than our normal celebrations. Because we weren't distracted by what to wear and preparing a large meal and would the music be exactly right and all the other things that tend to distract us. This year we could celebrate without distractions.
The events of Easter are familiar to us. We know what happened that Sunday morning in Jerusalem so many years ago. It's important to know what happened. But it is also important to know why.
We know from the Old Testament than sin was dealt with by a system of sacrifices. But the New Testament tells us that the sacrificial system was not sufficient to restore the relationship between God and man.
"For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." (Hebrews 10:4)
And so Christ died.
"Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18 NASB)
On that Friday of Passover week, Jesus - our Passover Lamb - died to take away the sins of the world.
But He didn't stay dead!
Friday tells us that the sacrifice was offered, the once-for-all payment for sin was made. Sunday tells us that the sacrifice was accepted. And that is the message of the empty tomb.
The sacrifice has been made. The sacrifice has been accepted. It. Is. Finished.
That's the point of Easter. No matter which translation we read from or which Gospel we read from, the message is the same.
"When He [Jesus] had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:3b NASB)
"But He [Jesus], having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God."
(Hebrews 10:12 NASB)
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
(Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
What do these verses have in common? He sat down.
What's the significance of that? He sat down because His work is completed. The sacrifice has been made. The sacrifice has been accepted. It. Is. Finished.
Matthew's Gospel tells us that "toward dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave." There they encountered an angel of the Lord, whose first words to them were "Do not be afraid." (Matthew 28:5 NASB)
The women had arrived at the tomb in despair. But the angel told them not to be afraid, and reminded them that "He is risen, just as He said." (v. 6)
The angel reminded the women that Jesus had done exactly what He said He would do. And that's a good reminder for us as well. It's easy to not be afraid, to believe God, when things are going well. But sometimes we get a little forgetful when the tough times come.
Here in the middle of this "Easter story" is a reminder to remember. And a reminder to fear not. That's a particularly important take-away from this passage as we are in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. When so much of life is off kilter. When our Easter celebrations are not "normal". When we are sheltering in place. When we don't know what will happen next or how long this will last, it's easy to forget. What a comfort to find this little reminder tucked right in the middle of this story. Don't be afraid.
The crucifixion was not a surprise. The resurrection was not a surprise. God had it all under control. And He has all the current circumstances under control too.
There's one other nugget from this passage for us to keep in mind today. In Matthew 28:8-10, as the women were leaving the tomb, they met Jesus! And what did Jesus say to them? Go tell.
The challenge of Easter for us is the same as it was on that first Easter morning. Go and tell. Because once you have met Jesus, you just have to tell somebody!
The news of Easter is the best news ever! Even though we live in a world that doesn't know or care about the news of Easter, even though we are in the midst of a pandemic, we still have the same responsibility to tell. The same commission.
A great price was paid for us, and with that price comes great responsibility!
"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 15:56-58 NASB)
Yes, this Easter was very different from the Easter celebrations we have become accustomed to. Yet still we celebrated. And perhaps, in some way, this was a better celebration than our normal celebrations. Because we weren't distracted by what to wear and preparing a large meal and would the music be exactly right and all the other things that tend to distract us. This year we could celebrate without distractions.
The events of Easter are familiar to us. We know what happened that Sunday morning in Jerusalem so many years ago. It's important to know what happened. But it is also important to know why.
We know from the Old Testament than sin was dealt with by a system of sacrifices. But the New Testament tells us that the sacrificial system was not sufficient to restore the relationship between God and man.
"For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." (Hebrews 10:4)
And so Christ died.
"Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18 NASB)
On that Friday of Passover week, Jesus - our Passover Lamb - died to take away the sins of the world.
But He didn't stay dead!
Friday tells us that the sacrifice was offered, the once-for-all payment for sin was made. Sunday tells us that the sacrifice was accepted. And that is the message of the empty tomb.
The sacrifice has been made. The sacrifice has been accepted. It. Is. Finished.
That's the point of Easter. No matter which translation we read from or which Gospel we read from, the message is the same.
"When He [Jesus] had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:3b NASB)
"But He [Jesus], having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God."
(Hebrews 10:12 NASB)
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
(Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
What do these verses have in common? He sat down.
What's the significance of that? He sat down because His work is completed. The sacrifice has been made. The sacrifice has been accepted. It. Is. Finished.
Matthew's Gospel tells us that "toward dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave." There they encountered an angel of the Lord, whose first words to them were "Do not be afraid." (Matthew 28:5 NASB)
The women had arrived at the tomb in despair. But the angel told them not to be afraid, and reminded them that "He is risen, just as He said." (v. 6)
The angel reminded the women that Jesus had done exactly what He said He would do. And that's a good reminder for us as well. It's easy to not be afraid, to believe God, when things are going well. But sometimes we get a little forgetful when the tough times come.
Here in the middle of this "Easter story" is a reminder to remember. And a reminder to fear not. That's a particularly important take-away from this passage as we are in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. When so much of life is off kilter. When our Easter celebrations are not "normal". When we are sheltering in place. When we don't know what will happen next or how long this will last, it's easy to forget. What a comfort to find this little reminder tucked right in the middle of this story. Don't be afraid.
The crucifixion was not a surprise. The resurrection was not a surprise. God had it all under control. And He has all the current circumstances under control too.
There's one other nugget from this passage for us to keep in mind today. In Matthew 28:8-10, as the women were leaving the tomb, they met Jesus! And what did Jesus say to them? Go tell.
The challenge of Easter for us is the same as it was on that first Easter morning. Go and tell. Because once you have met Jesus, you just have to tell somebody!
The news of Easter is the best news ever! Even though we live in a world that doesn't know or care about the news of Easter, even though we are in the midst of a pandemic, we still have the same responsibility to tell. The same commission.
A great price was paid for us, and with that price comes great responsibility!
"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 15:56-58 NASB)
Friday, April 10, 2020
At A Distance
"Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance." (Luke 22:54 ESV)
At a distance. Three of the four Gospels include this information. That Peter, after Jesus was arrested, followed Him to the house of the high priest at a distance.
Peter, who had been with Jesus almost from the beginning of His public ministry.
Peter, who had said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16 ESV)
Peter, who had been with Jesus at the Transfiguration.
Peter, who just a short while earlier had said, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." (Luke 22:33 ESV)
Peter now follows Jesus at a distance.
What about you? How are you following Jesus? Are you following at a distance?
Something to think about.
"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23 ESV)
At a distance. Three of the four Gospels include this information. That Peter, after Jesus was arrested, followed Him to the house of the high priest at a distance.
Peter, who had been with Jesus almost from the beginning of His public ministry.
Peter, who had said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16 ESV)
Peter, who had been with Jesus at the Transfiguration.
Peter, who just a short while earlier had said, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." (Luke 22:33 ESV)
Peter now follows Jesus at a distance.
What about you? How are you following Jesus? Are you following at a distance?
Something to think about.
"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23 ESV)
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Out of Tune
In these days of Covid-19 and social-distancing and sheltering in place, do you find yourself being a little out of sorts? A little out of tune? I know I do. And so that seemed a good topic for today's post.
In the years since I first sat on a piano bench in our living room and learned to play the brand new spinet piano my parents had purchased for me, I have had opportunity to play many pianos. Large ones and smaller ones. Brand new ones and older ones. Concert grands and small spinets.
I have played in living rooms and practice rooms. In churches, large and small. In gardens and under tents. In grand concert halls and in much smaller venues. And even though I am no longer able to play as I once did, I am still aware that all these places and all these instruments have something in common. For a piano to sound its best, no matter who is playing it, it needs to be in tune.
When our younger son was about three years old, he began learning to play the violin. Although he has since abandoned the violin in favor of the guitar, I still have very vivid memories of those early days with his tiny violin. The first song he learned to play was Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, followed by five variations on that theme. From the beginning notes of Twinkle to the Bach minuets that came later, all of us within earshot of Brandon's violin learned early on the importance of an instrument that is in tune. In fact, I would venture to say that nothing sounds quite as bad as an out of tune violin!
Any musical instrument needs to be in tune to sound its best. The writer of the hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing used that analogy in this hymn line:
"Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy praise."*
For us to live life the way God intends, for us to praise Him as we should, for us to be reflecting Jesus and letting our light shine for Him (see Matthew 5:16), we need to be in tune. Even in these days of Covid-19. Perhaps especially in these days.
The reality of life is that sometimes we are out of sorts. Out of tune. It happens because life happens. We are tired or insecure or frustrated. Our feelings have been hurt. We've been offended. We're discouraged. We're lonely. We're angry. We're sad. We're jealous. There are any number of reasons or events or emotions that send us over the edge, and those differ from person to person. And our emotions haven't been put on hold because of a virus. Perhaps they have been enhanced. What sends me into an emotional puddle and puts my life out of tune is likely different from what would do the same to you. Put I would venture to say that we are all dealing with a roller coaster of emotions in these stressful days.
Especially since my stroke I sometimes find myself a bit out of sorts. Out of tune. And it happens more often than I remember it used to. Perhaps it's all part of the natural course of things following such a major trauma. Perhaps it's the fatigue that is part of stroke recovery. Perhaps it's the frustration when I can't remember things or when I get words jumbled up or when I can't do what I was once able to do. Whatever. The reality is that sometimes I'm out of tune. And if I'm going to be completely honest with you, it's something I am struggling with in these recent days.
You may find yourself out of tune as well. It may be because of this virus or for some other reason. The circumstances of my life are not the same as yours. You may be out of tune because of a personal relationship. Because of a different health concern. Or a financial difficulty. Maybe you lost your job or your spouse was laid off. Maybe there's an issue with one of your children or your grandchildren. Maybe you were falsely accused of something. Maybe someone you thought was your friend turned out not to be. Maybe your best friend is being anything but friendly. Or maybe it's just this virus. Whether it's a virus or it's finances or relationships or something entirely different, you may find yourself a bit out of sorts. Out of tune.
There are as many reasons for being out of tune as there are people. Perhaps more. We all have different life circumstances. We all respond differently.
Whether we have a major meltdown or we are just a bit out of sorts, the reality of life is that from time to time each of us is a bit out of tune. When those times come, and they will, what are we to do?
1. Read and Remember.
I am a big advocate for writing things down. (I have always been a big believer in writing things down, but especially in this post-stroke season of my life when remembering is such a challenge.) Writing down your prayer list. Writing out your prayers. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down all the reasons you have for being grateful. These out-of-tune-times prove the value of those lists. When you are out of tune, when you are discouraged, when you are frustrated, when you feel you've hit rock bottom.......these are the times you get your journal out, not so much for writing as for reading. In these out-of-tune-times you read back through your lists and you remember.
When you refresh your memory with all the good things about your life, with all the ways God has blessed you, and with all the good things that have happened to you, then you are encouraged. Reading the list helps you remember God's goodness to you. When you remember how good God has been and remember all the ways He has blessed you, your focus is turned away from your negative circumstances.
"This I recall to my mind, and therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." (Lamentation 3:21-22 NASB)
2. Change your focus.
Often we are out of tune because we are spending so much time thinking about everything that is wrong with life. Maybe we are spending too much time thinking about this virus! This focus only causes us to be more out of tune. Turn your focus away from yourself and your circumstances, and toward God. This requires a deliberate act of your will. Choose to think differently. Choose to change your focus. Think about God, about His character and His ways. Think about the names by which He is called in Scripture. Make a deliberate effort to focus your attention toward Him and away from your circumstances.
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
3. Talk about it.
I don't mean talk about it to your friend or your neighbor or to the entire social media community. Rather, I mean talk to the Lord about it. Tell Him exactly how you feel, and why. Pour out your heart to Him. In the words of the old hymn, "Are you weary, are you heavy-hearted? Tell it to Jesus."**
Spending time in prayer, being honest with God, is the best way I know to get your heart back in tune.
"casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NASB)
4. Choose joy.
Make a deliberate choice, as an act of your will rather than your emotions, to choose to be joyful in spite of your circumstances. It may take a while for your circumstances to change. Just like a piano, the more out of tune your life is, the longer it will take to tune it. But no matter how long it takes for circumstances to change, and even if they never do, choose joy.
Make the choice. I've often heard Kay Arthur say we should "Philippians 4:8" everything. It's good advice.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8, NASB)
Remembering and refocusing and talking to the Lord always helps get me back in tune. These are the things I'm doing today to get myself back in tune. If you're feeling a little out of tune today, I'm praying these suggestions will help get you back in tune, too.
"Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 NASB)
* Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: words, Robert Robinson; music, John Wyeth
**Tell It to Jesus: words and music, Edmund S. Lorenz
In the years since I first sat on a piano bench in our living room and learned to play the brand new spinet piano my parents had purchased for me, I have had opportunity to play many pianos. Large ones and smaller ones. Brand new ones and older ones. Concert grands and small spinets.
I have played in living rooms and practice rooms. In churches, large and small. In gardens and under tents. In grand concert halls and in much smaller venues. And even though I am no longer able to play as I once did, I am still aware that all these places and all these instruments have something in common. For a piano to sound its best, no matter who is playing it, it needs to be in tune.
When our younger son was about three years old, he began learning to play the violin. Although he has since abandoned the violin in favor of the guitar, I still have very vivid memories of those early days with his tiny violin. The first song he learned to play was Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, followed by five variations on that theme. From the beginning notes of Twinkle to the Bach minuets that came later, all of us within earshot of Brandon's violin learned early on the importance of an instrument that is in tune. In fact, I would venture to say that nothing sounds quite as bad as an out of tune violin!
Any musical instrument needs to be in tune to sound its best. The writer of the hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing used that analogy in this hymn line:
"Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy praise."*
For us to live life the way God intends, for us to praise Him as we should, for us to be reflecting Jesus and letting our light shine for Him (see Matthew 5:16), we need to be in tune. Even in these days of Covid-19. Perhaps especially in these days.
The reality of life is that sometimes we are out of sorts. Out of tune. It happens because life happens. We are tired or insecure or frustrated. Our feelings have been hurt. We've been offended. We're discouraged. We're lonely. We're angry. We're sad. We're jealous. There are any number of reasons or events or emotions that send us over the edge, and those differ from person to person. And our emotions haven't been put on hold because of a virus. Perhaps they have been enhanced. What sends me into an emotional puddle and puts my life out of tune is likely different from what would do the same to you. Put I would venture to say that we are all dealing with a roller coaster of emotions in these stressful days.
Especially since my stroke I sometimes find myself a bit out of sorts. Out of tune. And it happens more often than I remember it used to. Perhaps it's all part of the natural course of things following such a major trauma. Perhaps it's the fatigue that is part of stroke recovery. Perhaps it's the frustration when I can't remember things or when I get words jumbled up or when I can't do what I was once able to do. Whatever. The reality is that sometimes I'm out of tune. And if I'm going to be completely honest with you, it's something I am struggling with in these recent days.
You may find yourself out of tune as well. It may be because of this virus or for some other reason. The circumstances of my life are not the same as yours. You may be out of tune because of a personal relationship. Because of a different health concern. Or a financial difficulty. Maybe you lost your job or your spouse was laid off. Maybe there's an issue with one of your children or your grandchildren. Maybe you were falsely accused of something. Maybe someone you thought was your friend turned out not to be. Maybe your best friend is being anything but friendly. Or maybe it's just this virus. Whether it's a virus or it's finances or relationships or something entirely different, you may find yourself a bit out of sorts. Out of tune.
There are as many reasons for being out of tune as there are people. Perhaps more. We all have different life circumstances. We all respond differently.
Whether we have a major meltdown or we are just a bit out of sorts, the reality of life is that from time to time each of us is a bit out of tune. When those times come, and they will, what are we to do?
1. Read and Remember.
I am a big advocate for writing things down. (I have always been a big believer in writing things down, but especially in this post-stroke season of my life when remembering is such a challenge.) Writing down your prayer list. Writing out your prayers. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down all the reasons you have for being grateful. These out-of-tune-times prove the value of those lists. When you are out of tune, when you are discouraged, when you are frustrated, when you feel you've hit rock bottom.......these are the times you get your journal out, not so much for writing as for reading. In these out-of-tune-times you read back through your lists and you remember.
When you refresh your memory with all the good things about your life, with all the ways God has blessed you, and with all the good things that have happened to you, then you are encouraged. Reading the list helps you remember God's goodness to you. When you remember how good God has been and remember all the ways He has blessed you, your focus is turned away from your negative circumstances.
"This I recall to my mind, and therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." (Lamentation 3:21-22 NASB)
2. Change your focus.
Often we are out of tune because we are spending so much time thinking about everything that is wrong with life. Maybe we are spending too much time thinking about this virus! This focus only causes us to be more out of tune. Turn your focus away from yourself and your circumstances, and toward God. This requires a deliberate act of your will. Choose to think differently. Choose to change your focus. Think about God, about His character and His ways. Think about the names by which He is called in Scripture. Make a deliberate effort to focus your attention toward Him and away from your circumstances.
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
3. Talk about it.
I don't mean talk about it to your friend or your neighbor or to the entire social media community. Rather, I mean talk to the Lord about it. Tell Him exactly how you feel, and why. Pour out your heart to Him. In the words of the old hymn, "Are you weary, are you heavy-hearted? Tell it to Jesus."**
Spending time in prayer, being honest with God, is the best way I know to get your heart back in tune.
"casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NASB)
4. Choose joy.
Make a deliberate choice, as an act of your will rather than your emotions, to choose to be joyful in spite of your circumstances. It may take a while for your circumstances to change. Just like a piano, the more out of tune your life is, the longer it will take to tune it. But no matter how long it takes for circumstances to change, and even if they never do, choose joy.
Make the choice. I've often heard Kay Arthur say we should "Philippians 4:8" everything. It's good advice.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8, NASB)
Remembering and refocusing and talking to the Lord always helps get me back in tune. These are the things I'm doing today to get myself back in tune. If you're feeling a little out of tune today, I'm praying these suggestions will help get you back in tune, too.
"Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 NASB)
* Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: words, Robert Robinson; music, John Wyeth
**Tell It to Jesus: words and music, Edmund S. Lorenz
Monday, April 6, 2020
Casting
I fall into that latter category. Fishing is not something I have any desire to do, nor something I really know anything about. All I know about fishing I learned from watching other people fish. Nothing I know about fishing is based on personal experience.
Casting, for example.
I have never cast my line out into the water in hopes of catching a fish. At least, not that I can remember. But I have watched it being done. By my husband. And my sons. And my grandsons.
What I have observed about casting is that it does not mean just dropping the line into the water right at your feet. Casting means flinging that line as far out into the water as you can.
Perhaps that's the picture Peter was painting for us when he wrote these words:
"Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NASB)
All your anxiety. All your cares (KJV). All your worries.
Casting them on Jesus. Flinging them on to Him. Not dropping them by your feet where you can pick them up again!
In these days of Covid-19, when anxiety is so prevalent, are you casting your anxiety on Him or are you holding on to it?
Something to think about.
Friday, April 3, 2020
Diary of a Pandemic. Are We Having Fun Yet?
"Are we having fun yet?" is one of those Feaster family phrases you will surely hear if you hang around us for very long. Most often, that phrase is used to mean we definitely are not having fun! And that makes it a very appropriate title for this post. This social distancing, sheltering in place, quarantine....whatever it is, it is most definitely not fun!
I miss seeing my friends. I miss eating out in a restaurant. I miss choir practice. I miss my church family. I miss being able to visit my family. There are a lot of things that make this hard.
But if we focus our attention only on how hard it is and how miserable we are, it only becomes harder.
So perhaps a change of focus is in order.
Today I'm thankful for the gift of laughter. I learned during my stroke-recovery months how important it is to maintain a sense of humor.
Today I'm thankful that I am able to find things around the house to entertain myself. Thankful for books and music.
Today I'm thankful for the sunshine so I can get my exercise by walking outdoors.
That's the beginning of my list. What's on your list?
In the difficult seasons of my life, I have found comfort in the Psalms. And once again, in this difficult season, that's where I have turned. Currently I'm following a Bible reading plan from @YouVersion called "Psalms and Proverbs in 31 Days".
It's a simply plan, really. You read 5 Psalms and 1 Proverb each day, based on the day of the week. For example, today is the 3rd day of the month, so I read Psalms 3, 33, 63, 93, and 123, along with Proverbs 3. If you decide to begin at the beginning, you would read Psalms 1, 31, 61, 91, and 121, along with Proverbs 1.
Whether you follow this plan, or some other, I encourage yourself to spend time in the scriptures. In these troubling times, they can be a source of great comfort.
"But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head."
(Psalm 3:3 NASB)
I miss seeing my friends. I miss eating out in a restaurant. I miss choir practice. I miss my church family. I miss being able to visit my family. There are a lot of things that make this hard.
But if we focus our attention only on how hard it is and how miserable we are, it only becomes harder.
So perhaps a change of focus is in order.
- What are you thankful for today?
- What has made you smile today?
- Who can you encourage today?
Today I'm thankful for the gift of laughter. I learned during my stroke-recovery months how important it is to maintain a sense of humor.
Today I'm thankful that I am able to find things around the house to entertain myself. Thankful for books and music.
Today I'm thankful for the sunshine so I can get my exercise by walking outdoors.
That's the beginning of my list. What's on your list?
In the difficult seasons of my life, I have found comfort in the Psalms. And once again, in this difficult season, that's where I have turned. Currently I'm following a Bible reading plan from @YouVersion called "Psalms and Proverbs in 31 Days".
It's a simply plan, really. You read 5 Psalms and 1 Proverb each day, based on the day of the week. For example, today is the 3rd day of the month, so I read Psalms 3, 33, 63, 93, and 123, along with Proverbs 3. If you decide to begin at the beginning, you would read Psalms 1, 31, 61, 91, and 121, along with Proverbs 1.
Whether you follow this plan, or some other, I encourage yourself to spend time in the scriptures. In these troubling times, they can be a source of great comfort.
"But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head."
(Psalm 3:3 NASB)
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