I Don’t Have to Know It

“Certainly praying takes some admissions, that is, recognition of your state as a man. But this admission does not lead to shame, to a feeling of worthlessness or despair, but rather to the discovery that you are a man and God is God.

To pray is to walk in the full light of God. At that moment, conversion occurs, the restoration of the true relationship.

This conversion brings with it the relaxation which lets you breathe again and puts you at rest in the embrace of a forgiving God. The experience results in a calm and simple joy. For then you can say: ‘I don’t know the answer and I can’t do this thing, but I don’t have to know it, and I don’t have to be able to do it.'”

-Henri Nouwen

Where Were You?

‘But I wonder, where were you? When I was at my worst, down on my knees? And you said you had my back, so I wonder where were you?’

If you listen to pop music, you know these are lyrics from the song ‘Maps’ by Maroon 5. It’s a song that has absolutely nothing to do with what I’m going to write about, but just stay with me here for a minute.

Right now, there are a lot of people hurting about a lot of things. Perhaps something fairly recent, or something that happened a long time ago.

It could have been the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, your health, financial well-being…anything. Whatever it might have been, the hurt is still there and along with it, frustration and even anger.

Sometimes, traumatic or significantly stressful events can lead to a loss of faith and a turn away from God. After all, where were you God? When I was at my worst, down on my knees? Why would you do something like that? If you really loved me, why did you make me sick or take that person away from me? Why me? Why don’t you listen to me? How could you let that happen?

I love God deeply…but I would be lying if I said I’ve never thought these types of things in the past. I can remember nights yelling at God, being upset about my circumstances, and wondering why it seemed like He wasn’t doing anything or why He wasn’t listening.

Let’s face it, there are times when it can feel like God’s just not there.

But He is there, and the reason for writing this post is to encourage anyone who’s experienced something difficult that is testing your faith or that has even caused you to throw your hands up with God.

Things don’t always make sense. Life is definitely not ‘fair’ as we would call it. I am not trying to minimize the pain you are experiencing, nor can I understand exactly how you’re feeling or what you’re going through.

But I can speak from personal experience in saying that, God will lift you up when you can’t lift yourself up. He will bring you out of valleys and let you stand on top of mountains. He will never, ever give up on you and He does have a good plan for your life. These aren’t just feel-good words to fill up a blog post…it’s the truth.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

So I’d just encourage you today to reach out to God, whether it’s been a long time or if you never have. It doesn’t mean things will magically get better right away. He’s not a genie in a bottle who just grants wishes. But God does listen to our prayers. He hears the cries of the brokenhearted. And, He will get you through whatever you’re going through.

Psalm 107:6
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

And if you never have before, you don’t have to be an ordained minister or know the ‘right words’ to pray – just talk to God. He will hear you.

If you want/need someone to pray for you, I would love to do that. Either leave a comment below or if you’d prefer to stay anonymous, just click the ‘Contact’ link at the top of my blog and email me.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this today. Have a great day and remember, God loves you!

Relationship Roles

http://goo.gl/2ztGsy

If you have 45 minutes…actually no, take 45 minutes whether you have it or not and listen to this. It will be time well spent.

Anyone can benefit from what is said in this message. The portion from 33:40 through 37:00 is especially moving.

It’s unconditional love, explained in a way that you might not have thought about recently or perhaps ever before. I hope the message blesses you. It was a blessing to me.

Have a good day.

How Do You See Yourself?

Tough question, I know.

Here are some really insightful thoughts on this topic:
http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=worthless_worthy_how_do_you_see_yourself

From the article:

Did it ever occur to you that you have a relationship with yourself? While I’ve never given it much thought, I spend more time with myself than with anyone, and it’s vital to get along well with me. Remember, you are the one person you never get away from.

Take a few moments and read the rest of the article. It brings up some really good points.

And remember…you are unique, beautiful, and well-loved. So be sure to love yourself. Chances are, your days will be a lot brighter if you do – and you’ll be able to love others in your life a lot better in the process.

Have a good day!

So Much to Say

I have been blessed with the ability to speak and communicate effectively. I make my living as a communicator.

But that same mouth that delivers carefully crafted messages also has a tendency to say some really dumb things in other settings. I can communicate with the best of them professionally but on a personal level, I’m not always at the top of my game.

I have a way of saying just the wrong thing sometimes. I get defensive with certain things. I don’t always know when to let things go or simply listen for a while. Basically, I become a babbling mess at times…just ask my girlfriend. Right, dear? 🙂

As a guy, I get into Mr. Fix-It mode a lot as well. It’s been pretty well documented through the years that as men, we have a tendency to try to come up with solutions to stuff when just listening or offering some supportive words is often what is really desired from us.

From Chapter 2 (Disclaimer: I don’t necessarily agree with all that’s written in this book but this chapter contains some pretty insightful observations) of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus:

‘A man tries to change a woman’s feelings when she is upset by becoming Mr. Fix-It and offering solutions to her problems that invalidate her feelings.’

D’oh! That hurts…you know, because it’s true. Sorry, dear 🙂

I’m reminding myself today to 1) put a cork in it every now and then, and also to 2) ask for God’s help daily so that when it’s time to open my mouth at any point of my day, the things I say are glorifying to Him and edifying to others.

Have a great day everyone.

Psalm 141
³ Take control of what I say, O Lord,
    and guard my lips.