Understanding certain biblical passages can be difficult. Sure, some are straightforward. But others, not so much. So I want to encourage you to keep at it, and to consider this. Panning for gold is work. Picture someone knee-high in a river, with a gold pan or some kind of filter. They work through the soil, … Continue reading More precious than gold
psalms
For when you’re struggling with contentment
Psalm 62:1 is so honest: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint…” It reveals total desperation, and a request for help from the only One who can truly give it. Sometimes you just don’t feel great. I get it. Maybe you also feel like you’re … Continue reading For when you’re struggling with contentment
Good guilt?
In Psalm 38:4 David said, “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.” Can you relate? Feeling guilty is no fun. But let’s explore whether some guilt can actually be a good thing. First, there is Loud Guilt. It’s that guilt you feel when you’ve clearly done something wrong. Maybe you’ve … Continue reading Good guilt?
Becoming less busy
“Busyness” is a strange thing these days. On one hand, some people subconsciously take pride in telling others they’re “busy” because it projects the idea that they’re important. When one person asks another how they’re doing they often reply, “Good—busy, but good,” when in reality they’re no more busy than everyone else—but it just seems … Continue reading Becoming less busy
A licence plate or a message from God?
Frederick Buechner was upset about his daughter’s illness. If you’ve ever worried about a sick child maybe you can relate to that gut-wrenching reality. He was sitting at the side of the road parked in his car depressed and afraid. All of a sudden, another car came up from behind him as if out of nowhere … Continue reading A licence plate or a message from God?
A willing spirit
In Psalm 51:10 David asks God to renew him. Then in verse 12 (CSB) he says, “sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.” The idea of a "willing spirit" resonates with me because it’s something I also want… especially on those days when my spirit is stubbornly UN-willing! An UN-willing spirit neglects God, neglects … Continue reading A willing spirit
Credit where credit is due
Psalm 115:1 starts like this: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” It’s a prayer for God to get all the glory. And yet we don’t always glorify God, do we? Jud Wilhite pastors a church in Las Vegas. He writes, “God … Continue reading Credit where credit is due
A purpose that offsets your pain
In Psalm 37 David is feeling frustrated by his lot in life. He feels persecuted and under threat. He has a concern that bad people seem to prosper more than good people. He’s angry, and has somehow been hurt or is hurting. But this is what he says: “Do not fret because of those who … Continue reading A purpose that offsets your pain
Dry patches and what to do about them
If you believe in the God of the Bible, you know it’s important to cultivate your relationship with him. But it’s not always easy. Dry patches come and try to expand their real estate in your soul. And you’re not quite sure how to beat them back. If you can relate to this, here’s some advice. … Continue reading Dry patches and what to do about them
