Encouragement grounded in Scripture
Rooted in truth. Anchored in Christ.
New reflections weekly.
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Coming out of Hiding
There’s many a lesson among those letters in red. Many decisions He calls us to make among the confusing stories He tells.
In Matthew 5:15-16, Jesus shares with us the importance of not hiding:
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Our hiding has a purpose for us. For our very human experiences. We hide because of fear. We hide because…well, isn’t it all rooted in that? Fear? Fear of criticism. Fear we will not be accepted. Fear we will be misunderstood. Fear we will fail. Not live up to the expectation from ourselves. Others. We hide this glorious light under a huge basket of fear of what others will think.
For several years, I’ve done the same. I told myself I was disengaging from social media because it was “toxic.” Not good for me. Took too much of my time. And yes-it does/is those things. But so is Netflix. So is endless hours of crocheting. So is hiding in a book. They all result in one thing-hiding His light under a basket.
Why did I find it easier to hide? To not tackle the fear head on?
To squelch the voices that wanted me focused on numbers, likes and follows. If I didn’t post, I couldn’t be concerned with these things.
This focus, in turn, creates comparison and envy; something I am constantly battling against. Removing myself from it, I thought, would squelch this. It just turned outwards to actual people I began comparing myself to in real life.
It has greatly impacted my own creative processes, because what used to be a source of shining light, I hid. I haven’t written in probably three years. Aside from sermon writing, I don’t remember the last time I simply wrote what God had shown me in living this everyday life.
In an effort to silence the noise of the world, and my head in general…I’ve silenced my voice altogether.
In the 4th Chapter of Esther, the author warns about the danger of remaining silent. Mordecai urges Esther to be bold. Speak up. The people she loves and from whom she came are at risk.
“If you keep silent at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
It is tempting to retreat. At times, yes-even peaceful. In some ways, retreat has been good. It has created balance, rest, and restoration that have been much needed.
However, retreat has also created a stirring that has been present for a time. In contrast, I am very restless. There’s a bubbling tension under the surface that simmers. A need to let the “light” out. A constant nagging for “more.”
The “more” I believed was God telling me to do more, serve more, be more…and yes, that is partly true. But really…it was about Him. More of Him. More people to know Him. More courage to speak. More light in the darkness.
It’s time.
Time to stop retreating and calling it rest.
To move from reluctance and fear, towards action and faith.
Time to stop hiding under a basket.
The light will shine in the darkness
You’ll see more of this.
More messages of His grace.
More thoughts grounded in Scripture. Less hiding and more of Him.
More light. His light.
Welcome to Grace and Grounds. May we journey together to be bold-and most importantly graceful in sharing the One who grounds us.
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Bearing the Light in the Darkness
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:8-9, NLT
The world has been filled with things that are not of God for thousands and thousands of years. Pick up the Bible and read the passages in the Old Testament, and you can read stories of those who crafted and bowed down to false idols, and rejected God’s teachings and way of life. Who encouraged others to do the same; and this still occurs today. In fact, Satan works overtime to ensure this happens. It pleases him to turn people away from God. It pleases him when people reject the message of Jesus and the Gospel. He will do whatever he can to prowl around in darkness, and tempt people away from a godly way of life, and he uses the most desirable things to do this-wealth, fame, and all things to do with it.
See, apparently the Grammys aired last Sunday. I say, apparently…because I only know about it from the commentary and opinions that I have seen posted on the internet and social media since then. And we are a week in. If there is anything I know about Satan, I know he uses the mind to influence. The senses. The eyes, and the ears. So, everytime a video has been posted, an image of his likeness or message has also been displayed for everyone to take in…once again. Garbage in. Garbage out.
The realm of darkness now has a much wider audience thanks to social media, the internet, and the vast number of people to whom Satan can broadcast his message of evil. It is broadcast all over, seen for days, viewed by millions, and paraded in the public square for all to see. Then shared again on social media pages for critquing, viewing, and partaking in whether we ever wanted to see it or not, and the message is often the same from evangeligical circles: “Condemn this evil. Rebuke these rituals. How dare anyone who calls Jesus, Lord, be in the presence of those sinners!” But, I wonder at times, if the way in which we are responding, is the answer? Are we missing one part of Jesus’ message in John 3:16…perhaps we skip verse 17: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. If Jesus didn’t condemn, who exactly are we to?
Ephesians 6 talks about this Satan that was put on full display last Sunday evening. This one we portray in modern stories and pictures as a red demon with horns. We are reminded who he is: For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12, NLT). People are not our enemies. The people who are wrestling with evil and darkness are not our enemies. In fact they are people, loved by God. Those He desires to be saved. Captured by THE enemy, not OUR enemies. So why do we condemn as if they are?
And how do we respond differently? Ensuring we are Jesus, not condemning as He didn’t come to do, but also rebuking and pointing them to the way, as we are called to do?
On Wednesday, Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky had its regularly scheduled chapel service. Several days after the Grammys aired. Several days after people continued to talk about the “deplorables” of the world that gathered on and around that stage. They worshipped. They repented. They prayed. They shared testimonies. And as of today, they continue to.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, NLT
When evil is paraded in the town square, it is our human response to react with anger. I am filled with righteuous anger. However, condemnation and hate filled opinions of the people who either speak against or don’t is not the answer. Condemnation against those who attended the “parade” is not the answer. Neither is it for those who orchestrated the “parade.” Remember, our fight is not against people, it is against the enemy. Against evil. And God has overcome evil. With His light.
He has placed this light inside of us. His children. And the fact remains that He loves ALL people. Yes, even those who walk in darkness, and His desire is to reconcile them to His amazing light. Condemnation will not do this. Responses like those in Wilmore can.
So what do we do with evil?
We realize it for what it is: a scheme of Satan and not a fight against each other. We have got to stop fighting against each other, and start praying for each other. Brothers and sisters of Christ, and for those that are lost to their wayward lifestyles. Pray we will walk in unity as a church. Pray for those that are lost in sin. Pray their eyes will be opened to the light of Christ. Pray for salvation.
Carry your “light” wisely. What do I mean? Do not use it as a method to wield judgement and condemnation on others who simply sin differently than you do. A general rule here: Remember how you came to salvation in Christ. Was it through a message of grace? Or a mesage of fire and brimstone? It was likely the first. Use that to reach people, always seasoning your message of holiness with grace.
Last, but certainly not least:
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3, NIV
God desires that everyone come into His Kingdom, and so this should be our greatest desire as well. If we see the evil of this world, and we know a person is drowning in it, our next action should be to bow down and pray for their deliverence, their protection from the enemy, and their safety. That God would be revealed to them. This is what pleases our Heavenly Father and stops the schemes of Satan.
Remember, friends…God has already conquered evil. He overcomes darkness again and again and again, and we get to participate. Let us remember that once we were in darkness, and look back on the message we needed to be removed from its grips. It was not a message of shame, but one of love, compassion, and grace. He has placed this message of light in us, and given us the authority to go and draw others near to Him. We have a holy responsibility as Christ ambassadors to make His light so bright that its flame is too bright to miss. Too bright to put out. It’s the one others are drawn to over all others.
Let’s ensure that our words, deeds, and actions spark the light that shines so bright that darkness simply flees. What changes do you need to make in your words or actions to be a light in the darkness today? How do you need to ensure that others see Jesus in you?
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Thankful for what isn’t
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT
In 1990, country music artist Garth Brooks released a song titled “Unanswered Prayers.” In it, as with most country hits, he reflected on an old flame he once prayed to God would be his, but undoubtedly was not to be. Ending each chorus with this refrain: “Some of God’s greatest gifts are all too often unanswered prayers.”
On this day, we will sit around tables. We will write posts. We will reflect on all the ways in which we have been blessed. During this month of “thanks,” we will focus on gratitude, and most often the ways in which God has answered our prayers, and given us what we have wanted. Made us laugh. Times we have felt joy. Times we have known love. Things of which we can know without a shadow of a doubt were “good.” We will not reflect on those things that God did NOT do for us.
But what if He is also calling us to give thanks for these, and be grateful for those things He doesn’t give us. Those prayers that go unanswered. Those times when we were struggling, full of despair. Grief. When it looked like all we kept meeting were barriers upon barriers. When He removed people from our lives, and we didn’t know why.
See, we often see these as obstacles. Even at times punishment. And they can be. If we are not being obedient to God, He can provide struggle to disrupt us, and move us back to the right path.
But He can also allow struggle for growth. To refine us and make us more like Him as the word says in Romans 5:3-5. He can use these trials to “help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
We can see barriers as “no’s,” when often they are placed there to teach us to persevere.
We can see removals as rejection, when often God knows that person can’t go where we are going. He knew they wouldn’t be able to walk in the room He wanted us to walk into.
What we deem as “unanswered,” God is working for good, but in the midst of the suffering. The pain. The rejection. We don’t often see this, and we certainly are not thankful.
It’s why Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. So can we boast about what He has not allowed to happen in our lives? The unanswered prayers? The ways in which we have endured suffering?
The person He removed, because it taught us to forgive, and to honor the relationships we do have?
The suffering we endured because it produced faith and a reliance on God we didn’t have before?
The setbacks and barriers He placed in our path; because it taught us not to give up on His purpose for us?
Today, as we reflect on all that God has done that yes…is certainly oh so good, may we also reflect on the things that have not been, but how He has turned them for the best.
For His unanswered prayers.
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“Smile more” is not working
I had a conversation today with someone I treasure. Someone I see as a strong force, a usually joyful person. Someone going through a tough time, and still smiling. My thoughts as she expressed her frustration in her struggle, and her desire to continue to temper her growing anger were that she wore it so well. I would never have known, but should it be this way? Should she continue to smile and pretend her way through this?
I have a phrase I hate to hear. It’s because it’s been said to me frequently: “Smile. You need to smile more. You look so mean.” Yes, I have been told I would “look” so much nicer if I would simply smile.
I am a deep thinker. I am also a deep feeler. If I feel happy, I smile. If something funny happens I laugh. If I am observing, and watching others, and taking it all in-I am most likely not all grins. I assure you, I am also kind, and full of compassion towards others.
But why the desire for me to smile more? Should I continue this facade even if things are going horribly? Does it make you more comfortable to know that I am “faking it ’til I make it?”
Paul was pretty clear about our responsibility when others were burdened: Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2, NLT
I don’t see in here where he told anyone to “smile more.” To “fake it.” To hide all their problems away because privacy was power. He was clear we needed to be there for each other.
And it’s clear if you look around at the hurting world, the news headlines, and the people around you-smiles are not working. People are hurting underneath that mask.
I see masks daily as a therapist. Clients who come into my office with their lives falling apart who tell me everything is great, fine, OK. And I know underneath the surface is a simmering volcano of bottled up emotions about to erupt.
Why do they hide it? Because someone told them that was the “family tradition.” Therapy wasn’t cool. Smile more. Don’t you dare disconnect, or set a boundary-you may make someone mad.
There is an acronym I learned in grad school for the word “fine.” Fearful. Insecure. Neurotic. And Emotional.
But we are totally ok with “fine.”
The world is not ok.
Smiling is getting us no where, and “fine,” is an overused word to make someone else feel comfortable.
I think it’s time to shoulder those burdens. Even if it makes you uncomfortable. We ask that WWJD question, but are we comfortable with the answer?
He would be comfortable looking past the smiles, and asking “Are you really doing OK?” And then be comfortable sitting with the tears.
He would be comfortable checking on someone who has gone silent, instead of assuming they are being distant, rude, or don’t have the same “energy” as you. He would check on them, and make sure it’s not the heavy burdens they are lifting that have given them no energy at all.
He would look beyond someone’s contemplative resting face, deem them worthy of approach, and engage them in a chat. Seeing them as worthy, and not someone to be avoided.
So, I wonder…if we consistently did this. Approached this broken world in the way of Jesus, instead of retreating from what we deem uncomfortable, would we not even have to tell people to smile more? Would we just see more of them?
Would we see more burdens carried? More hearts lifted? More people who feel they have reasons to smile?
I wonder.
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out of the fog
Your own ears will hear him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21, NLTIn my daily travels recently for my current position, I have been blessed by the beautiful scenery offered by the mountainous terrain of the Blue Ridge. However, anyone who has ever made this trek over “the mountain,” as those of us from these parts call it, know-rainy days mean a foggy highway trek. If you are looking to see any mountainous terrain. Forget about it. You will likely see nothing.
It was the first of one of these foggy mornings for me this year. And it seemed fitting for the reason I was heading this way. Grief counseling in a school dealing with a sudden crisis. I was expecting the top of “the mountain” to have less visibility. I was not expecting it to have zero.
If you have ever been here, picture it with me. Hands gripping the steering wheel. Nothing but guardrails on your right and the fear of running up on a semi on your left. Or worse…a 50 car pile up. Because at this point, you can’t see two inches in front of you.
Everything is blurry. Murky. Cloudy. Vague. You knew where you were headed. But now you are not so sure. You are just hoping it’s not off the side of the mountain. If you don’t get some clarity soon, you are going to head in the wrong direction.
The same can be said about our spiritual path. The purpose God has for us. We have heard from God. We know exactly what He has told us to do, but somewhere along the way we end up in the fog, and we begin to see things with less clarity. Things seem vague. We don’t have clear vision, and we start to question and doubt what we know we heard.
So, what happened?
You got focused on the fog. You got lost in it, and it most likely had to do with mixed messages.
Perhaps a story will help.
Saul has just been chosen to become the first king of Israel, and he is doing a fine job. He has defeated the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11), and he gives all glory for this defeat to God. But then something happens. He stops seeking God for wisdom. Enter Samuel. Samuel also claims he was told by God to bring a message to Saul: “It was the Lord who told me to anoint you as king of his people, Israel. Now listen to this message from the Lord! This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I have decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came from Egypt. Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation-men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.” (1 Samuel 15:2-3).
Saul? He didn’t do this. What did he do? He “spared Agag’s life and kept the best of the sheep and goats, the cattle, the fat calves, and the lambs-everything.” (1 Samuel 15:9). He did this because he thought he was “called” by God to…simply because he was king.
Quite a “foggy” situation, don’t ya think?
Yet, this is where we find ourselves at times. We heard what God told us. We know the vision He placed on our hearts, but we end up in the weeds, because there is noise, constant messages, and chatter all around us, and the message becomes blurry. We begin to wonder if we ever heard Him at all.
We lose focus because we consult all our human devices, we consult people, we may even talk our “vision” to death and get too many opinions, and we lose the clarity that God intended when He originally called us to something.
So, how do we get out of the fog?
Well, on the top of that mountain on that dreary October day, I gripped the steering wheel, and called on Jesus. Because I was simply terrified. A simple prayer as I white knuckled it, and stared straight ahead. “Lord, please. Please get me through this fog. Please. Please help me off this mountain. Lord, please. Please get me off here safely. Please help me see again.” Until, the fog lifted, and I could see miles ahead.
Is this what you need? A simple prayer to drown out all the noise? “Lord, please help me see again?” But perhaps, it doesn’t stop there. Getting alone with Him is necessary too in order to seek the path He intends for you to be on. Not the one your friend is on. Not the one you keep hearing about in Bible Study. God wants us to seek Him, and not everyone else. When was the last time you did this? When was the last time you searched what His Word said about what He had to say about it, and not what the internet, or your buddy had to say about it?
Are you turning to the right and to the left for all the answers, and still in a fog? Still with no clear answers? It’s time to shut off that noise, and turn to Him. Turn to His Word, simply be still, and listen until you hear Him simply say-“This is the way.” Then, my dear…you’ll finally be out of the fog.
About Me
I am January! Wife, mother, meemaw, pastor, and mental health provider who makes it through the day with my coffee, my journal, and my God. A simple human, navigating life through the messy and sometimes chaotic. All focused on Him.
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