Psalm 22:1-5 (also spoken by Jesus on the cross…) says: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my [groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest. Yet You are holy, O You who inhabits the praises of Israel. In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed.”
David, in a time of persecution and weariness, waivers between crying out to God – and reminding himself of what God had accomplished in His people – in times past. Note that David doesn’t complain – as he starts the prayer with “My God” – Jesus taught us to pray by initiating it with, “Our Father”. David still pours out his turmoil of circumstance – yet declares the history of God’s righteousness and mercy towards His people. He slowly allows the victories remembered to outweigh the present struggles – so he may continue in the place God had him in, as well as to be refreshed.
In a season in which we are slowly being pressed (2 Corinthians 4 – pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned…) – maybe it is time to remember the great mercies and victories He has done in the past – Psalm 126:2-3 says – “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy’.”
There is something to be said for having a heart of thanksgiving every day – 1 Thessalonians says that the offering of thanksgiving in all circumstances is the will of God in Christ for us – Unfortunately, it seems that we are hearing the trickling of complaints in God’s people arising. Criticisms, fault-finding, judgementalism, complaints about the crisis, and a giving in to the weariness; are mainly symptoms and displays of our unmet expectations being elevated over what we cannot control. When status quo is interrupted – many suffer cognitive dissonance because change can be difficult. I invite you to examine yourself and ask this question – What are my unmet expectations, in which change might be affecting my joy? – Even write those things down – then ask the Father for His Grace in you to arise – so that your joy remains complete.
I really believe it is time for heroes to arise in this SEASON. I do believe the reality is; that this season will affect the future – and life as we know it…but in all of this arises the opportunity for heroes to be revealed in us – where we can identify voices which speak about contentment on earth – and a passion for the Kingdom…which means our eyes must begin to be elevated on to a desire for the King to be made known. Today is the time for these heroes to arise – heroes of calling, heroes of servanthood, heroes of faith, heroes of compassion; examples of what is truly important in being a disciple and friend of the Messiah.
Many of us will have to ride this out for months – while some only weeks. For example, in Israel right now – one cannot go more than 100 meters away from their home. Imagine that for weeks to come…I believe human nature is predisposed to fear the unknown – more than the cause of what creates the unknown. Many pastors are currently teaching on fear, and while that is good on a surface level – the longevity of this situation turns fear into a situational acceptance – and then dismay, or hopelessness, which can ensue when there is no relief. This is why an encounter with God is so important in the home. In the early church – the new believers attended the Synagogues to hear the teaching of Scripture every Sabbath (Acts 15:21) – but met together in homes for fellowship and the Presence of God. Our Spiritual life must grow deeper than a simple attendance of a gathering – and into the place in which we live. Relationships (both friends and family) will grow deeper, naturally, when the Presence of God is alive. This is a Kingdom model…We were made for this – in a time such as this.
Is it possible to make a commitment to yourself and family/friends – to practice the Presence of God? – By partaking in Prayer, Worship, and Scripture – Instead of making it a ritual – make it real – talk to the Father – he cares for you – No GOOD thing will He withhold from those that walk uprightly…You may find the greatest joy and blessing in this season than you have ever experienced. Some of you may begin to hear the voice of the Father for the first time…Some of you will have personal breakthroughs in forgiveness, relational restoration, and becoming whole. I believe some of you may even find so much peace in Him (Shalom), there will be literal healing in your soul which you have never had. This is the time for the Holy Spirit to be poured out in you…I believe when we come through this – believers will not be fragmented, but ready to engage a world which needs Jesus.
In Joshua 24:14-15 – Joshua puts a line in the sand as it pertains to the people of Israel – He wanted them whole to be able to go into the Promised Land – He tells them – “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This was a season where change HAD to come – in order for the people of God to advance.
This is an opportune moment for all of us – Become a hero today for the generation of tomorrow. I’ll end with this story… I recently heard Ravi Zacharias tell a story about his grandson who is 6 years old. During the week of Passover/Resurrection – his 1st grade teacher would take a day and wash the feet of her entire class – to show servanthood, love and the lifestyle of Jesus. She had done every year for many years – but Ravi’s grandson Jude did something different this year…after she did this, he asked the teacher if they (the students) could wash HER feet. She was shocked because it had never happened before and she agreed. After the students one-by-one washed their teacher’s feet, Jude told the teacher – “Now your feet are clean…and your heart’s a little purer because of it – and the fact is, our hearts are even more pure because you washed ours first.”
That’s a hero! – Who’s hero will you be in THIS season?
