Why Did This Happen, God?
LYSA TERKEURST
Yesterday we discussed the importance of depending on the Word of God as our compass throughout life. Following the Lord's directions will change behavior and challenge our thinking, attitudes, and desires. He leads us to think differently about ourselves, our values, and and even the difficulties facing us.
We naturally want to determine our own course in life.It seems like the only logical way to get where we want to go. But being wise in our own eyes is pride. To combat this tendency, the Lord instructs us to fear Him and turn away from evil (v. 7). This "fear" is not a horrified dread of the Father, but an attitude of respect that motivates us to obey Him for both our good and His glory.
We naturally want to keep our money for ourselves. A desire for a better lifestyle or fear of not having enough leads us to hang onto everything we get. But our compass directs us to honor God by giving Him the first part of all we have, trusting Him to provide for our needs (vv. 9-10).
We naturally hate God's discipline. His painful reproofs seem to prove that He doesn't care about us. But our heavenly Father says His discipline is the evidence that confirms His love and delight in us as His children (vv. 11-12).
Sometimes in our desire to follow the Lord, we focus on obedient actions-doing what He says-but miss His directions concerning our attitudes and thought patterns. To stay on God's path for our lives, we must make course corrections not only in our behavior but also in our hearts and minds.
How to Handle Praise
Proverbs 27:21
How do you respond when someone compliments you? Some people absolutely love receiving praise because it lifts their spirits and makes them feel valuable. Others are uncomfortable with it. They look down at their feet or offer reasons why they really don't deserve such praise.
For Christians, there's another dilemma. We're called to be humble, so what are we to do when others say good things about us? Because pride is always waiting to raise its ugly head, we need to be careful not to let praise puff us up. Some believers think that accepting a compliment is a sign of pride, so they make a big show of giving all the glory to God. That's fine, if it's really what's in their hearts, but too often it becomes a rote "Christian" response that's geared to impressing others.
My advice is simply to say, "Thank you very much." Then whisper a prayer in your heart to the Lord, thanking Him for the blessing, recognizing that anything worthy of praise ultimately comes from Him. If you felt encouraged, let the person know how the comment blessed you. If you receive praise for an achievement that was really a group effort, be sure to redirect the compliment to all those who were involved. A blessing is always more enjoyable when it's shared.
Our character is tested by the praise that comes to us. Every compliment that bounces into our ears should quickly rebound up to the Father. If we hold onto it, the poison of pride will begin to infect our hearts. But if we pass the praise to God, humility takes up residence in our souls.
A Godly Response to Criticism
Proverbs 15:31-33
No one likes criticism, but encountering some is inevitable, so we need to learn how to respond in a godly way. Although you might be tempted to become defensive or angry, remain calm and listen. The words may hurt, but great benefits come to those who carefully consider what is said.
If we refuse to accept reproof, we'll limit our potential for Christlike character development and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come through difficult experiences. If God allowed the situation, you can be sure that He wants to use it in transforming you into His Son's image. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered with kindness or harshness, your goal should always be to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord. Remember that you are responsible only for how you handle yourself, not for how the other person is acting.
When a criticism comes your way, be quiet and listen until the other person has finished. Make direct eye contact to show attentiveness and respect. When your critic finishes, thank him for bringing his concerns to your attention, and tell him that you will consider what he's said. Ask the Lord if the accusation is valid. Let Him search your heart and either affirm your innocence or convict you.
Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. It's a chance to let your Christian character shine by showing love to your critic. If he is angrily attacking you, your respect and kindness become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also an occasion to humble yourself and accept the Lord's correction.
Responding to Accusation
Luke 12:11-12
When conflict occurs, the natural reaction is to blame someone else and defend yourself. But believers must respond differently. Once, I was publicly chastised for a wrong I had not committed. Thankfully, the Lord enabled me to remain calm rather than react angrily. Praying first is always the best response in a crisis. When we do, God supernaturally provides that which we can't muster up ourselves.
We don't have to react to criticism with anger and self-protection the way the world does. Instead, we are called to represent Christ in every situation by depending on Him. In responding as He directs, we bring Him glory and cause unbelievers to want to know the source of our strength.
That Ye Might Believe
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:30-31)
The gospel of John is the one book of the Bible specifically written with the purpose of leading men to Jesus Christ and salvation. It is structured around seven specially selected miracles of creation, or "signs" (John 2:11; 4:53-54; 5:9; 6:13-14; 6:19-21; 9:6-7; 11:43-45), each requiring supernatural power as well as knowledge. The book also contains many affirmations of His deity (there are seven great "I am" statements) and many exhortations to believe on Him (e.g., John 3:16) interspersed around the seven signs. Finally, there is the detailed description of the last supper, the crucifixion, and the resurrection, climaxed by the glorious affirmation of faith by doubting Thomas, and then our text stating the purpose of the entire book.
If we are to be effective witnesses for Christ, we can do no better than follow this same procedure. It is most significant that this begins with a strong emphasis on the special creation of all things, with an exposition showing that Christ Himself is the Creator (John 1:1-14). The judicious use of Christian evidences (e.g., the miracles) demonstrating the truth of His many claims of deity, climaxed by the overwhelming proofs of His own bodily resurrection (John 20:1-29), all interwoven with an uncompromising emphasis on the inerrant authority of Scripture (e.g., John 5:39-47; 10:34-36) and a clear exposition of His substitutionary death and the necessity of personal faith in Him for salvation (especially John 3:1-18), all combine to make the most effective way of bringing men to an intelligent, well-grounded decision to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. HMM
Good Affliction
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." (Psalm 119:71)
This seems like a strange testimony. Affliction is often accompanied by complaining or discouragement, but seldom by a statement of satisfaction and thankfulness, such as in our text for today.
Nevertheless, in terms of the long-range goal of character development, afflictions are often good for us, helping to make us more Christ-like, and preparing us for our ministry of service to Him in the age to come (Revelation 22:3), if only we profit from them and submit to them as we should.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray," testifies the psalmist, "but now have I kept thy word. . . . This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Psalm 119:67, 50). Such testimonies have been echoed innumerable times throughout the centuries, as godly men and women have drawn closer to the Lord through His comforting Word during times of affliction than they ever were during times of ease.
In fact, afflictions often draw even the unsaved to the Lord. They would never come when things are going well, but many do come when, in times of sorrow or rejection, they are forced to the end of their resources. It is then that "godly sorrow [literally, 'sorrow from God'] worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
As for those instances when God's people suffered in ancient times, it was said: "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them" (Isaiah 63:9). Although no such affliction "for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11). HMM
Adam and Mrs. Adam
"Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created." (Genesis 5:2)
In these days of sensitivity concerning sexism, it is important to focus on God's own evaluation of the two sexes and their respective roles in the divine plan. As Creator of both, He alone can speak authoritatively about this matter.
Both man and woman were created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), and thus, in the categories of salvation, rewards, and eternal fellowship with their Creator, both are surely equal. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. . . . There is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28).
At the same time, when God created them, He named them both "Adam," as our text notes. This is actually the same word as "man," as in Genesis 2:7 ("the LORD God formed man"), etc. Thus, it is biblical to use the word "man" generically, when referring to the human race in general. When the woman was formed out of Adam's side, Adam said, "She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man" (Genesis 2:23). Here a different Hebrew word is used for "man" (ish), and "woman" is isha.
Adam also gave his new bride a personal name. "Adam called his wife's name Eve ['life-giver']; because she was the mother of all living" (Genesis 3:20).
There is, therefore, nothing demeaning in using "man" as a generic term for both men and women, for this usage is sanctioned by God Himself. Nevertheless, each individual has his or her own distinctive personal name, and God deals with each of us individually on that basis. Our obedience and faithfulness to the divinely ordained role each of us is called by Him to fill is God's criterion by which He measures us for eternity. HMM
The Finished Works of Creation
"For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." (Hebrews 4:3)
Here is a strong New Testament confirmation of the Genesis record of a creation completed in the past-thus not continuing in the present as theistic evolutionists have to assume. Whatever processes God may have used during the six days of creation, they are no longer in operation for "the heavens and the earth were finished, . . . on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made. . . . And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:1-3).
The record in Genesis could not be more clear and specific, but the fact that it is in Genesis tends to demean it in the minds of many scientists and theologians. So they prefer to believe in a continuing evolution and long ages in the past. But the writer of Hebrews once again confirms the fact of a completed creation: "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his" (Hebrews 4:10).
The writer is not trying to defend the completed creation as such, but merely assuming it as a commonly acknowledged truth. In fact, God's "rest" from His works of creation is taken as a prophetic type of the spiritual rest of a Christian believer when he ceases trusting his own works of legalism and relies fully on the finished work of Christ for his eternal salvation. On the cross, before the Lord had died for our sins, He had cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30), and our debt for sin was fully paid. God's great work of redemption was completed, just as was His work of creation, and now we also can rest from our "dead works to serve the living God" (Hebrews 9:14). HMM
LYSA TERKEURST
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
Has God ever hurt your feelings? I'll be honest, sometimes I'll read those verses from Philippians listed above and think to myself: This is a tough pill to swallow.
Content in any and every situation?
Really?
A few years ago my middle daughter was a state champion gymnast. To see her do gymnastics was like looking at God smile. She was beautiful, graceful and captivating to watch.
Then one night while practicing for one of the largest tournaments she'd ever competed in, she fell. It was a move she'd done hundreds of times with the greatest of ease. But this time something went terribly wrong and that one mistake destroyed her gymnastic dreams.
We spent a year going from doctor to doctor only to be told she'd never be able to support the weight of her body on her injured shoulder again.
I'll be honest . this was a tough pill to swallow. Watching a 14-year-old girl wrestle with the fact that her dreams were stripped from her doesn't exactly lend itself to feelings of contentment. Now, I know in the grand scheme of life, people face much worse situations. But in her world, this was huge.
It was so tempting to want to wallow in the "why" questions and tell God He'd hurt our feelings.
Why did this happen?
Why didn't You stop this, God?
Why weren't my prayers answered?
Have you ever been there? Have you ever had a big situation in your life where you just couldn't process why God would allow this to happen? Or maybe even a small annoyance like losing your keys or having a flat tire on a morning you really needed to be somewhere.
It's so tempting to wallow in the "why."
Asking why is perfectly normal. Asking why isn't unspiritual. However, if asking this question pushes us farther from God rather than drawing us closer to Him, it is the wrong question.
If asking the why question doesn't offer hope, what will?
The what question.
In other words: "Now that this is my reality, what am I supposed to do with it?"
Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things"(NIV).
I like to call this verse, "Directions on Where to Park My Mind."
And that's exactly what Ashley had to do with her dashed gymnastics dreams. Instead of wallowing in why did this happen, I've had to help her say:
This is my reality, now what am I going to do with it?
What can I learn from this?
What part of this is for my protection?
What other opportunities could God be providing?
What maturity could God be building into me?
Switching from the why to the what questions paves the road to parking our minds in a much better place.
Is it always easy? No.
But is it a way to find a perspective beyond situations where we feel God has allowed something in our lives we don't understand and we absolutely don't like?
Yes it is, and I pray this helps you today.
Dear Lord, I want to process everything I face in life through the filter of Your love. I know You love me. But sometimes it's just hard to understand the circumstances that come my way. I find myself consumed with trying to figure things out rather than looking for Your perspective and trusting You. Thank You for this new way to look at things. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)
It's not unusual for my son, Ryan, to call me on a Saturday morning and say something like, "Hey mom, I just ran 13 miles! What are you doing?"
"Well, I just ate breakfast. I plan to brush my teeth in a few minutes. Oh yeah, I brushed my hair."
But 13 miles? Umm, no.
Then my husband started running. He'd come through the door, soaked in sweat, breathing as if there weren't enough air in the room. Before long he was running a couple of miles. Then he started running 5K's and eventually half-marathons. One morning I walked outside in my running shoes and coordinated running outfit.
If they could do it, so could I.
I took off, feet pounding the pavement. It felt great at first, but not too much later my chest constricted. My legs felt like they weighed 1,000 pounds. I started marking out goals.
If I can make it to the next mailbox.
If I can make it to the stop sign.
Finally, I sat on the curb in an attempt to catch my breath. I had barely run a mile.
I walked home and put my running shoes in the closet. This running thing was for someone else. Not me.
Later, I learned the first mile is often the hardest, even for accomplished runners. You are finding your stride. Your lungs and heart and legs are moving into new territory from sedentary to active.
I gave up too soon. I was too hard on myself.
In today's key verse, the apostle Paul finds himself in a unique situation. He wrote powerful letters to the church, but when he arrived in person the people weren't that impressed. Some said he was too timid (2 Corinthians 10:1). Others believed his speaking wasn't that great (2 Corinthians 10:10).
Paul could have turned around and given up.
But he didn't. It wasn't about how great a speaker he was or how inspiring he might be in person. He had been given authority in Jesus' name to overcome whatever had a strong hold on his life.
All that was required of him was to keep running. The results would come through the power of Christ.
Years ago I started the process of healing emotionally. I was a mess inside. That first "mile" in the healing process was hard.
I was breaking old patterns of behavior. I was pushing through feelings. I was learning who I was separate from the past. There were many times that I was unimpressive. If I had based success on my performance alone, I might have given up.
I'm glad I didn't because God was demolishing things that had controlled me with every step I took.
There was no speed limit. If I stopped to take a breather, He gave me rest in those places. If I didn't have all the answers, He showed me the next step. All that was required of me was to keep going. His divine power was working in me every step of the way.
Maybe you've started the healing process and it seems hard. Or perhaps you tried it once and it didn't work, so you gave up.
Put your shoes back on, sister. Your Heavenly Father wants to bring you freedom too, and He promises to be in the race with you.
Recently I started running again. I might never run 13 miles before breakfast, but I'm celebrating the fact that the shoes are on my feet and I'm moving forward, wherever that takes me.
Heavenly Father, I'm putting my shoes on. I'll celebrate every step forward and run toward the finish line with my arms in the air praising You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one.' I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'" Hosea 2:23b (NIV)
Growing up, I was an uncoordinated kid.
One of the ones who was often chosen last for the kickball team in gym class. And even then, only because there was no one else left to pick.
If you, too, have ever been picked last, the idea of being chosen by God might sound rather foreign. Some of us might even need to rethink what it means to be chosen.
To be chosen by God means we are His first choice and His best choice. Unlike the kids in the gym, He didn't shrug His shoulders and say, "Well, I guess I'll take her if no one else will."
Not at all.
When Jesus' hands were nailed to a cross, His fingers pointed to you and me - He intentionally chose to die for us. He chose you and He chose me and He chooses us every day.
Isn't that amazing?
The book of Hosea in the Bible beautifully illustrates this concept for us. Hosea was a prophet whom God told to marry a prostitute and thereby show the nation of Israel how she'd been unfaithful by worshipping false gods. Hosea chose Gomer, a woman who would birth his children, yet leave him time and again for another lover. (For more, see Hosea chapters 1 and 2.)
All through the book of Hosea, we see both judgment and hope, destruction and restoration. Hosea proclaims both sides of God, which reflect His one heart - God's faithful love for His people, warning them for their good.
Just like God chose the nation of Israel and Hosea the prophet chose Gomer to reveal His love, God chose you. In fact, you are a chosen woman of God.
It's so easy to look in the foggy mirror that is my life and see all the reasons why I shouldn't be chosen and loved: I'm selfish, I wander from God, I have mixed motives, I'm not good enough . oh, the reasons are unending!
However, the more accurate mirror of God's Word reflects the truth that I am chosen and loved. And, that my friend, includes you.
In today's key verse, God's Word to Israel reminds us that even though we have made mistakes and might feel rejected and unworthy of love, God still pursues us. The message of Hosea is still God's message to us.
In other words, Israel's identity was a chosen and loved people of God. Our identity is chosen and loved women of God.
Thankfully, I've learned God doesn't love me because I am cleaned up, religious or even because I am a Christian. He loves me because He is love. We didn't earn His love and we can't lose His love either.
The Bible says, "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8b, ESV). He didn't choose to love you because you were lovely, He loved you and then you became lovely. Your value comes from His inherit value.
Look into the mirror of your soul and see Gomer reflected back at you. She was the beloved bride and so are you. Embrace your true identity as a chosen and loved woman of God!
Lord, thank You for choosing me, even when I feel unworthy to be chosen. And thank You for loving me when I didn't do anything to earn Your love. Please speak words of truth over me when I'm tempted to doubt I am chosen and loved. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" James 4:6 (ESV)
Did you know it's possible to get demoted from Room Mom to Assistant Room Mom?
It is.
It all started at the school open house. My little pig-tailed daughter and I walked into her new teacher's classroom. She greeted us with a warm smile and told us to look around the room and check out all the papers that were on her desk.
I knew what papers were on the desk, so I quickly made my way there.
And there it was .
The purple sign-up sheet, listing all the volunteer roles for the year. And with a blank line next to the most coveted spot for all the moms at this school.
Room Mom.
Room Mom seemed like a Pinterest dream come true for me. The chance to be at my daughter's school for all her important events and to unleash my DIY skills!
I couldn't believe the space was blank. It was never, ever blank by the time I got to the open house each year. So I quickly wrote my name down and went home to get my party-momma hat on.
This is going to be the best year ever!
And it was . for about four weeks.
In the midst of all the Room Mom excitement, several doors of opportunity opened up for me in other areas of my life. I took on a part-time job, began speaking at events and my afternoons were spent shuffling kids to this activity, and then to that activity.
Before I knew it, I was completely overloaded. I was desperately trying to fulfill all the commitments I had made, including Room Mom. However, returning emails in a timely manner became hard and my availability to help cut out crafts became limited.
And after my Fall FAIL party craft [Pinterest lies. Oh how it lies!], one of the other moms began to get frustrated with me.
Soon after, I got an email from my daughter's teacher explaining that she felt like this other mom might have "more time" to fulfill the Room Mom assignments and suggested I assist her.
Well then.
To be honest, the teacher was right. The other mom could do this Room Mom thing in her sleep. She was great at it! And she did have more time to offer than I did.
Still, something inside me ached in knowing people had become so frustrated with me, and I had no idea. Pride had clouded my vision. I couldn't even see how my overloaded schedule was affecting the people around me. I just kept telling myself I was doing the best I could.
In reality, I needed to admit my overload and ask for help.
So now, when I'm sensing my schedule is overwhelmed, I ask myself the best reflective question I've found:
Right now, what is it like to be on the other side of me?
After I ask that question, I take notice of the commitments I've made and adjust them to avoid frustrating the people who are depending on me to fulfill my obligations.
Right now, what is it like to be on the other side of me?
This question helps me pause, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show me anything I need to change.
Right now, what is it like to be on the other side of me?
It's the question that helps me step into conflict and see the perspective of the person I've offended or frustrated.
Yes, this question leads to a hard-humble place. But it's also a grace-filled place, like James describes in our key verse today.
When I pause to ask what its like to be on the other side of me, God gives me a perspective that is beyond what I can see. And no, I've never checked that Room Mom box again. [smile]
Lord, thank You for the grace You bring to us through humility. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
God's Compass for the Heart and Mind
Proverbs 3:7-12Yesterday we discussed the importance of depending on the Word of God as our compass throughout life. Following the Lord's directions will change behavior and challenge our thinking, attitudes, and desires. He leads us to think differently about ourselves, our values, and and even the difficulties facing us.
We naturally want to determine our own course in life.It seems like the only logical way to get where we want to go. But being wise in our own eyes is pride. To combat this tendency, the Lord instructs us to fear Him and turn away from evil (v. 7). This "fear" is not a horrified dread of the Father, but an attitude of respect that motivates us to obey Him for both our good and His glory.
We naturally want to keep our money for ourselves. A desire for a better lifestyle or fear of not having enough leads us to hang onto everything we get. But our compass directs us to honor God by giving Him the first part of all we have, trusting Him to provide for our needs (vv. 9-10).
We naturally hate God's discipline. His painful reproofs seem to prove that He doesn't care about us. But our heavenly Father says His discipline is the evidence that confirms His love and delight in us as His children (vv. 11-12).
Sometimes in our desire to follow the Lord, we focus on obedient actions-doing what He says-but miss His directions concerning our attitudes and thought patterns. To stay on God's path for our lives, we must make course corrections not only in our behavior but also in our hearts and minds.
How to Handle Praise
Proverbs 27:21
How do you respond when someone compliments you? Some people absolutely love receiving praise because it lifts their spirits and makes them feel valuable. Others are uncomfortable with it. They look down at their feet or offer reasons why they really don't deserve such praise.
For Christians, there's another dilemma. We're called to be humble, so what are we to do when others say good things about us? Because pride is always waiting to raise its ugly head, we need to be careful not to let praise puff us up. Some believers think that accepting a compliment is a sign of pride, so they make a big show of giving all the glory to God. That's fine, if it's really what's in their hearts, but too often it becomes a rote "Christian" response that's geared to impressing others.
My advice is simply to say, "Thank you very much." Then whisper a prayer in your heart to the Lord, thanking Him for the blessing, recognizing that anything worthy of praise ultimately comes from Him. If you felt encouraged, let the person know how the comment blessed you. If you receive praise for an achievement that was really a group effort, be sure to redirect the compliment to all those who were involved. A blessing is always more enjoyable when it's shared.
Our character is tested by the praise that comes to us. Every compliment that bounces into our ears should quickly rebound up to the Father. If we hold onto it, the poison of pride will begin to infect our hearts. But if we pass the praise to God, humility takes up residence in our souls.
A Godly Response to Criticism
Proverbs 15:31-33
No one likes criticism, but encountering some is inevitable, so we need to learn how to respond in a godly way. Although you might be tempted to become defensive or angry, remain calm and listen. The words may hurt, but great benefits come to those who carefully consider what is said.
If we refuse to accept reproof, we'll limit our potential for Christlike character development and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come through difficult experiences. If God allowed the situation, you can be sure that He wants to use it in transforming you into His Son's image. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered with kindness or harshness, your goal should always be to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord. Remember that you are responsible only for how you handle yourself, not for how the other person is acting.
When a criticism comes your way, be quiet and listen until the other person has finished. Make direct eye contact to show attentiveness and respect. When your critic finishes, thank him for bringing his concerns to your attention, and tell him that you will consider what he's said. Ask the Lord if the accusation is valid. Let Him search your heart and either affirm your innocence or convict you.
Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. It's a chance to let your Christian character shine by showing love to your critic. If he is angrily attacking you, your respect and kindness become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also an occasion to humble yourself and accept the Lord's correction.
Responding to Accusation
Luke 12:11-12
When conflict occurs, the natural reaction is to blame someone else and defend yourself. But believers must respond differently. Once, I was publicly chastised for a wrong I had not committed. Thankfully, the Lord enabled me to remain calm rather than react angrily. Praying first is always the best response in a crisis. When we do, God supernaturally provides that which we can't muster up ourselves.
- Spiritual discernment. The Lord, who perfectly understands the source of every problem, can give us insight beyond our limited perspective. Perhaps there's been a communication breakdown, a feeling of jealousy on the other person's part, or a mistake we unknowingly made. The Holy Spirit can show us how to approach our accuser and see beyond hurtful words or actions.
- A quiet spirit. Our human nature wants to react quickly so that we can defend ourselves. That's why we must first deliberately focus our attention on the Lord and experience the inward peace He alone makes available to us (John 14:27).
- Wisdom. Jesus told His disciples the Holy Spirit would give them wise words to say when they faced hostile authorities. He'll do the same for you. Ask Him to put a seal on your lips until He shows you what to say and when (Ps. 141:3).
We don't have to react to criticism with anger and self-protection the way the world does. Instead, we are called to represent Christ in every situation by depending on Him. In responding as He directs, we bring Him glory and cause unbelievers to want to know the source of our strength.
That Ye Might Believe
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:30-31)
Good Affliction
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." (Psalm 119:71)
Adam and Mrs. Adam
"Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created." (Genesis 5:2)
The Finished Works of Creation
"For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." (Hebrews 4:3)
Thanks for Everthing
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20)
Being thankful for everything that happens in his or her life to a Christian believer is listed in this section of Paul's letter to the Ephesians as one of the evidences that a Christian is indeed "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).
That is not all. Not only for everything, but in everything, we should give thanks to God. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
These two commands are easy to obey when the living is easy, as the song says, though we might easily forget to do so. But when the Lord is allowing us to hurt for a while, thanksgiving becomes hard. It is hard while we are experiencing the difficulty and just as hard when it has passed with no relief in sight. The two small prepositions "in" and "for" are different in New Testament Greek as well as in modern English, and God really wants us to learn how to thank Him both during and after the hard experience.
Because He has allowed it for a good purpose! The apostle James urges us to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" (that is, "various testings"); "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4). Paul says that we can even "glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:3-5). Patience and real love will come to characterize an habitually thankful Christian. HMM
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20)
The Eternal Cosmos
"He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass." (Psalm 148:6)
In this central psalm of the last five psalms comprising the "Hallelujah" epilogue to the book of Psalms, the entire physical creation is exhorted to praise the Lord, as all the universe is restored to its primeval perfection. All the people of the earth, all the angels, even all the animals, will praise the Lord.
Furthermore, in some way which can only be understood by faith, the entire inorganic creation-sun, moon, stars, mountains, winds, everything-will be able to praise Him. Even the primeval waters above the heavens (Genesis 1:7-9) will have been restored, and they will praise the Lord (Psalm 148:4-5).
And all of this will continue forever and ever! The new heavens and new Earth-that is, the renewed heavens and Earth, with the curse removed (Revelation 22:3)-the sun and moon and stars, with the eternal throne of the Lord Jesus established on the earth in the New Jerusalem, in the midst of all the redeemed men and women of all the ages-all of these will forever be a praise to God.
God is not capricious, and He does not fail. He will not "uncreate" what He has created. "Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever" (Ecclesiastes 3:14). The earth must yet be purged by fire (2 Peter 3:10), but it will be renewed in righteousness (v. 13) and without any evidences of the former regime of decay and death.
And then it will last forever. "And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever" (Psalm 78:69). "[God] laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever" (Psalm 104:5). "And they that turn many to righteousness [shall shine] as the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3). HMM
"He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass." (Psalm 148:6)
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