Waiting for anything isn’t natural. The idea you have to remain inactive, stationary and pause until expectations are fulfilled can be agonizing. The longer one waits, the greater doubts grow, wondering if prayers will be answered.
How long must your servant wait?When will you punish my persecutors? – Psalm 119:84
Several Psalmists describe their anguish waiting to experience God’s promises. As the wicked prosper without any penalties, cries for justice may go unnoticed for years. Thus, screams of frustrations point toward heaven hoping for action to occur soon.
Answer me when I call to you,my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress;have mercy on me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 4:1
In this silence, impatience often boils over. This is when most turn their back on God. For those clinging on to hope, only time will dictate whether or not faith will be reignited. How long must we wait O Lord? Keep praying til your requests become reality, following in the footsteps of the persistent widow, Luke 18:1-8.
In my own life, hope and confidence tend to go hand in hand. When things are going well, I trust God will provide and in most cases the Lord does. However, as soon as my confidence is shaken, I experience arid periods, where doubts of yesteryears creep into my mind causing me to wonder, “will anything good ever happen to me again?”
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. – Ecclesiastes 3:11
At the beginning of 2014, my wife and I endured similar struggles, hoping to find a good paying full time job, yet feeling abandoned by God for half of last year. In the darkest of debt and despair, the Lord heard our cries, offering positions for Leanne in May and me in June. Although every month has its ups and down, these two blessings from above, James 1:18, has strengthen our faith and is slowly erasing doubts planted by the Devil.
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 4:1
As time flies by, I have come to believe that each person created by God has a lottery ticket deep inside their heart, soul and mind. For some, a gift leads individuals to a career, doing what they were born to do, one day leading to financial wealth. Others may have hidden talents uncovered, resulting in an amazing personality, cherished friendships and life long memories with those whom they love. Meanwhile, most people allow circumstances, past failures and unforeseen events to interfere with success as the doubts of yesteryears block lifelong dreams from coming true.
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; James 1:6-7.
Looking ahead in 2015, I believe writing is my lottery ticket. Starting this venture 3 years ago, my passion has spawned 1 complete movie script and another nearing completion. Although initial rejections of the film Express Yourself has left scars on my soul, only 38 pages separate me from cashing in my next lottery ticket, Behind the Devil’s Door. While only God knows the ultimate outcome, I press on the take hold of that which Christ Jesus has called me to do, Philippians 3:12-14. May faith in Jesus elevate you to leave the doubts of yesteryears for the promises of Ephesians 2:10.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
What if an individual’s life was on Sports Center each night? At the end of the day press conference, reporters would fire away with one question after another. Before you are able to get to sleep, you have to give an account for daily wins and loses. Could you handle the heat or would you exit the stage quickly, frustrated by the media’s scrutiny?
However, when the roles are reversed, what will you say on the other side of the microphone? Will you kick a man when he is down, stick a nail in the coffin or bury those struggling through a rough stretch? Or will you show discretion, give someone the benefit of doubt and see the progress, little be it may, in those who you are paid to follow?
As Christmas approaches, don’t be that guy or girl who turns into the Grinch. Rather, open your heart to Immanuel, replacing the darkness of sin with God’s light. If Jesus was on the other side of the microphone, you might be surprised by what He may say about your life? Nonetheless, His words would be consistent with the Bible, filled with hope, joy and peace toward mankind. Let your actions speak louder than words so that if the microphone does find you, praise will flow from your tongue.
As a former teacher, boundaries are essential to define, maintain and uphold with consistent discipline to ensure a healthy learning environment. The moment this line is challenged, pushed or questioned, reason must be ready to account for these dissenters. If seeds of doubt enter this discussion, lying spirits will lie on the line until it disappears.
Outside the classroom, the world has ample examples to illustrate this fact. Do you remember when Bill Clinton, during his impeachment hearing responded, “it depends on what the meaning of the word is is?” Unfortunately, this has become a common tactic for politicians to avoid answering the question at hand. Bobbing and weaving like a champion boxer, truth is disappearing as lying is blocking the line of integrity.
Where did honesty go? Do we have to put out an APB, all points bulletin, to locate it? Perhaps, communities need to begin to police each other, like the old days when every child had multiple parents where there’s wasn’t around. Instead of justifying poor actions, making excuses for bad behavior and playing the victim card, individuals need to start Lent early by giving up lying before the line of right and wrong disappears forever.
When negativity bombards the air waves, the best thing you can do is disconnect, unplug from a world that appears to be falling apart. Unless you do, you might be swayed to join in the blame game, casting stones instead of developing solutions for these problems. However, the moment you allow silence to draw near, you will find the lone source of hope.
It’s sad to see grown adults act like children throwing a tantrum on television. In the absence of real leadership, kids follow in the footsteps of their parents, thinking this is normal behavior. This isn’t the America that I remember, the place where I grew up. Instead I see souls who have given up, become dejected and are now filled with bitterness.
Once you escape voices of the disenfranchised, beyond the sunrise and sunset, you will find one who is worthy to be praised, Psalm 113:3. Like the words of David in his days of doubt, the Lord was his rock, providing a place where he could stand, Psalm 40:1-3. The next time the media causes you to become depressed, just turn it off. When you do, turn your eyes toward heaven, for this is the only place you will find the lone source of hope.
Whether you’re a child busy day dreaming or an adult trying to crunch financial numbers, everyone has a desired destination. Some dreams may appear lofty, others middle of the road with a few unrealistic. Nonetheless, without vision, people perish, Hosea 4:6, dying inside without anything tangible to live for.
Israel longed for a promised land, African Americans envisioned a nation free from slavery and the poor seek a life without hunger. On the road to success, doubt, a lack of resources and time stand in the way. Depending upon the voices you hear, the people you surround yourself with and what you choose to believe, your destination may be altered, seeing but never reaching the Land of Oz.
The apostle Paul understood this concept, writing to the church in Philippi, Philippians 3:12-14. Pride didn’t get in the way of his goal. Despite his past ideology, Paul set his mind on heaven. While his life was cut short on earth, martyred for his belief in Christ, faith allowed this servant of God to reach his desired destination. May promises like Philippians 1:6 encourage you to never waiver until you arrive where you belong.
One of my favorite Vince Lombardi’s quote is”Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” However, if Vince’s team, the Green Bay Packers, did not respond to the vision he cast, Super Bowls would have been lost and his fame erased from history. In a flash, when success is not achieved, songs of praise and promises often turn toward doubt and in football cries for FIRE the coach escalate.
At the pinnacle of the Egyptian Empire, a new king forget what Joseph had done to save their citizens from 7 years of famine, Exodus 1:8-10. Thus, 400 years of slavery ensued. Once finally freed, the Jews witnessed of one the greatest miracles ever recorded, Psalm 106:9-11. A spontaneous celebration of singing praises to God followed, inspiring a new devout belief. Nonetheless, as time widdled away, promises of faith faded from the memories of those who saw the Red Sea part in two.
Not much has changed since the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. People still experience a roller coaster of emotions, drawing near to God, then falling away. Perhaps, there is a lesson from the past, one which involves clinging to the promises of God. Despite what you may endure, fight through or see, God’s faithfulness never ceases, Psalm 106:8. Since the Lord does not let go, press on to sing songs of praise like the apostle Paul in Acts 16:26, until the power of the Holy Spirit breaks through any walls of doubt that remain.
Before the first rain drop touched earth, mankind had lost touch with God. Like a New Year’s Celebration, out with the old and in with the new, boundaries were eliminated. This mentality is described in Genesis 6:1-6, causing the Lord grief. In an age of wickedness, Noah found favor with the Lord. Unlike Adam and Eve, Noah actually did everything the Lord commanded, Genesis 6:22. Building an ark the size of a football prior to the existence of rain, now that’s faith beyond comprehension.
Abraham was an old man when the Lord came calling. The thought of a nation as massive as the sand on the seashore must have been enticing, Genesis 12:1-3. However, there’s just one problem, elderly men don’t have children with elderly women. As time ticked away year by year, most people would have given up, quit and called it a life. Just as a doctor once confirmed in Luke 1:37, “nothing is impossible with God” so Abraham held on until his first child was born.
Today, skepticism abounds, with countless souls disappointed by lies, hypocrisy and unbelievable promises. Although in their hearts they want to believe, troubled minds hardly ever come around to faith, side tracked by doubt. Perhaps the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16 still serves as a stumbling block to the wise. A fool doesn’t have much to lose whereas the wise have their reputation to hold on to. Regardless of the barriers that are present, may Christ like lives and transformed saints shine light into a dark world so that faith can be embraced by the lost.
Aimless, chaotic and dis-organized are terms associated with haphazard. Although there is nothing wrong about being casual, some things require your full attention. Unfortunately, as standards across the board continue to decline, a new mindset has developed, “why should I follow all the rules if no one else does?”
This seed of doubt has inspired a generation with a faith that can be best described as haphazard. On Sunday’s, most people put on their happy faces. By Monday, the memory of church often fades, depleted by stress and worry. If traces of faith are neglected by believers, the love for God and others can disappear, replaced with selfishness.
Subsequently, many walk away disappointed, like the rich young ruler who tried to impress Jesus in Matthew 19:16-25. The moral of this story is that no one is ever good enough to earn their way to heaven, Romans 3:9-12. Regardless of your level of commitment, redemption can only be obtained through Christ, Romans 5:6-8. While a haphazard faith may be a current reality, pray that the Word of the Lord, Romans 10:17, will resurrect dead or dying souls.
Always is one of those words that is regularly spoken, yet rarely applied. Similarly, patience is a trait people know they need, but refuse to pray for it. Consistent, unfailing and unconditional are terms that characterize God’s love. However, when God turns out the lights during a trial, many respond with complaining, doubt and frustration.
On the other hand, the last thing individuals who experience death, gloom or tragedy need to hear is their loss is all part of God’s will. While answers might be provided over the course of time, broken and wounded hearts need time to sort through the pain inside. Yet, when God does turn out the lights, always is a good place to start.
According to the author of Psalm 105, when you don’t have the energy to press on with life, look toward the Lord for strength, verse 4. However, this isn’t something you can do occasionally. Rather, the Psalmist urges his audience to always seek God’s face. If you want answers, sometimes or most of the time doesn’t cut it. Therefore, the next time God turns out the lights, illuminate this darkness with faith ignited by God’s Word, Psalm 119:105.
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