Those who wait for the Lord

I am one of those people who likes to use the lapel of my jacket to display a badge! Sometimes someone will actually ask me what a particular badge signifies, and I am happy to explain. One of my badges is an eagle. Now the truth is that it was an award, many years ago, given by an organisation of which I was a part. However, I always refer to some words from the book of the prophet Isaiah: "...those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31).

This is one of the best-loved promises of the Bible, for it is easy to grow weary and faint in our mortal bodies, even when doing the work of the Lord. The answer, we are told, is to "wait upon the Lord."

 

But what does this mean? The Hebrew word (qavah) does not mean "serve," but rather to "wait for" or "look for." It is translated "waited for" the second time it is used in the Bible, when the dying patriarch Jacob cried out: "I wait for Thy salvation, O Lord." (Genesis 49:18).

 

The first time it is used, surprisingly, is in connection with the third day of creation, when God said: "Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place" (Genesis 1:9). That is, the all-pervasive waters of the original creation, divided on the second day of creation, now are told to wait patiently, as it were, while God formed the geosphere, the biosphere, and the astrosphere, before dealing again with the waters.

 

Perhaps the clearest insight into its meaning is its use in the picture of the Christ foreshadowed in the 40th Psalm. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined unto me, and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1).

 

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary," (Isaiah 40:28), and His gracious promise, in v.31, is that we can "renew [our] strength" (literally, "exchange our strength," our weakness for His strength!) by "waiting upon [Him]." (v.31). We wait patiently for Him, we gather together unto Him, we look for Him, we cry unto Him, we trust Him, and He renews our strength! 

What a blessing it is to be able to wait upon the Lord!

Prayer, and Meditation.

Some weeks ago, in my French language blog, I published a post entitled "Pray without ceasing" (in French, of course!). In it, I mentioned that one of my own problems with an extended period of prayer is that my mind tends to wander! A new friend, who receives that post link, contacted me and wrote (also in French!): "My mind also wanders when I try to meditate, apparently very normal." I did point out to my friend that, in fact, "prayer" and "meditation" are not synonymous words!

I had already prepared the post for this week but, yesterday, I received a regular e-mail that deals with the very topic of meditation. It is so good, that I am copying it, completely - with only a few changes: mostly the Scripture quotations that I am providing in the RSV translation (my personal favourite since away back in my Bible College days!), instead of the AV that the author (HMM) uses.

« “Make me understand the way of Thy precepts,and I will meditate on Thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 119:27)

The remarkable 119th Psalm, with its 22 eight-verse stanzas, is the unique “song of the word,” containing 176 testimonies or prayers concerning God’s Word—one for each verse. Eight times the word “meditate” or “meditation” is used, indicating the importance of this practice in relation to the Scriptures. In our text, its basic thrust is to exhort us to meditate on the wonderful works of God once we understand the way of His precepts.

The other seven references to meditation in this psalm are as follows: “I will meditate on Thy precepts,and fix my eyes on Thy ways.” (v. 15); “Even though princes sit plotting against me, Thy servant will meditate on Thy statutes.” (v. 23); “I revere Thy commandments, which I love,and I will meditate on Thy statutes.” (v. 48); “Let the godless be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as for me, I will meditate on Thy precepts.” (v. 78); “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (v. 97); “Oh, how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” (v. 99); “My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate upon Thy promise.” (v. 148).

There is, of course, a counterfeit form of meditation (e.g., so-called transcendental meditation and other forms of mysticism), not to mention useless daydreaming. These forms of meditation involve clearing one’s mind of all subjects and allowing the mind to wander. In contrast, true, Biblical meditation involves pondering with awe and thankfulness God’s wonderful Word, His ways, and His works in connection with prayer and the study of the Holy Scriptures. As an exercise of the mind as well as of the spirit, it is a great blessing and most pleasing to God." »

In other words, what is often meant by "meditation" is emptying one's mind, or is maybe what I recall being introduced to almost 60 years ago - "guided thinking" (or something like that!). But "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of YHWH, and on His law he meditates day and night." (Ps.1:1-2).

Biblical meditation is actively focusing one's mind on Almighty God. There really is a big difference! It's also how we pray!

Just a word!

It was just over a week ago, on a service bus from Motherwell to Wishaw. I was seated a few seats from the front and, at the front, in the section reserved for buggies and wheelchairs, was one of the latter with a young man seated in it and, with him, another, older, gent who was obviously his carer. I have no idea as to the medical condition that confined that young man to the wheelchair, but it certainly appeared to be physical rather than, in any way, mental. His carer was speaking with him and, every so often he must have said something that particularly pleased the young man, as his mouth widened, and his face creased into a smile that seemed to light up the whole bus!

As we drew near to my stop, and I prepared to get off the bus, I determined to speak with the young man before I did so. As I moved towards the door, I stopped, and leaned down. "Has anyone ever told you," I asked, "that you have a most beautiful smile?"

I suspect that I would have received a less enthusiastic response if I had told certain of my friends that they had just won the Euro Lottery, and had now €5million to add to their bank account! The young man was delighted. "Thank you, thank you", he said, as his carer gave me a thumbs-up! As I left the bus, he was still calling out "Thank you. Thank you very much!" Then as the bus pulled out to continue its allotted journey, we waved to each other. Just a brief word - but what joy it engendered! I was so glad that I had had the momentary courage to speak.

So, what was the lesson from that situation? Well, there is more than one! I have taken a personal lesson that I don't wish to share. However, I believe that there is a lesson for all of us - those who read this blog and who are disciples of Jesus, and those who do not make that claim (yet!). It is a simple lesson - that we always look for opportunities to bless others; to encourage; to edify; to assist; to inspire; to embolden.

Writing to his brothers and sisters in Jesus, in Galatia (an area that was situated in modern Turkey), the apostle Paul encourages them with these words: "And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (6:9-11).

I hope that you will take those words to heart and, when the opportunity arises, do good to someone by blessing them - even if it is by just a word!

At least I have a choice!

Working in the garden this evening, I checked the thermometer that is in the shade - 41C!   I brought out the one in the house, that was reading a comfortable 25C.  It rapidly moved to 41C.  I left it in the sunshine, just where I was working.  Before I knew it, it had reached 50C - the maximum for which it is calibrated.  However, it just kept climbing!  It stopped at what I reckon must have been 60C!!!  Little wonder that I was having difficulty working for more than fifteen minutes at a time!!

 However, I then thought of the hundreds, indeed, thousands, who must work in those kinds of temperatures without any breaks.  They have to do so because that is the only way in which they can earn even a meagre living; or because they are prisoners - many of them incarcerated for no other reason than their allegiance to Jesus the Christ, and their faithfulness in witnessing to Him.  I, at least, had the choice as to whether, or not, I attended to the work I was doing. They have no such choice.  I was able to stop when I wanted to.  They stop when they are permitted to do so.  I could enjoy a glass of fresh, ice-cold, water.  They can only dream of such a privilege.  I eventually came into a comfortable home.  They return to what may be little more than hovels; or to prison cells.

This all raises a very important question.  It's not a new question - I think of it every morning as I give thanks for, and ask a blessing upon, my breakfast.  It's a question that many have asked, and continue to ask.  It's the simple question: "Why?"

Why is it that I am so blessed, when others suffer in ways that I can barely imagine?  I wish that I had a nice easy answer to that one!  I don't!  David, the psalmist-king of Israel, wrote these words: "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." (Ps. 16:6).  That is really all that I can say.  I do not know the mind of God.  I recalled, this morning, an old couplet that may be known to some: "That Thou shouldst love me as Thou dost, and be the God Thou art; is darkness to my intellect - but sunshine to my heart"!

What I can do is two-fold.  I can constantly thank Father God for His undeserved blessing and favour.  Indeed, I am certain that there are many who do not enjoy the material blessings that I enjoy, who are walking much more closely to Him, and are in deeper and sweeter communion with Him, than I will ever enjoy in my mortal body.  The other thing that I can do is ensure that I share the blessing that I have received, and continue to receive, with those who do not experience the same abundance of provision that is mine.  If you follow the links at the bottom of this page, there are some to a number of Christian organisations who work with the disadvantaged, the persecuted, the imprisoned, and who are able to provide much-needed material relief - provided that we who have so much are willing to support them in their work!

God willing, I shall be working in the garden again, tomorrow.  The indications are that it will be just as hot.  However, I shall not complain.  Rather, I shall give thanks to Him "... Who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy." (I Tim 6:17).  And I shall remember, especially, my brothers and sisters in the Lord who do not enjoy the privileges that are mine.  I am convinced that they will be closer to the Lamb, in Glory, than we who have so much here and now!

The Shepherd Psalm

Probably one of the best-known (or, at least, recognised!) passages from the written Word of God, the 23rd Psalm, was written under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit (II Tim.3:16, cf Mk.12:36) by David, the shepherd-king of Israel.  The following is not my original, but has been "doing the rounds" for many years.  I have no idea as to the identity of the original author, but if anyone can enlighten me, will be happy to add the appropriate acknowledgement.  It brings out many wonderful truths, from the Psalm, that I trust readers will be able to apply to themselves.

On this Valentine's Day, it is a reminder of what the love of God means to all who have committed themselves to Him, in faith, through the Lord Jesus, the Christ.


Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd: that’s RELATIONSHIP!
I shall not want: that’s SUPPLY!
He makes me to lie down in green pastures: that’s REST!
He leads me beside the still waters: that’s REFRESHMENT!
He restores my soul: that’s HEALING!
He leads me in the paths of righteousness: that’s GUIDANCE!
For His Name's sake: that’s PURPOSE!
And even 'though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death: that’s A TRIAL! 
I will fear no evil: that’s PROTECTION!
For You, Lord, are with me: that’s FAITHFULNESS!
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: that’s DISCIPLINE & GENTLENESS!
You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies: that’s HOPE! 
You anoint my head with oil: that’s CONSECRATION!
My cup runs over: that’s ABUNDANCE!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: that’s BLESSING! 
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord: that’s SECURITY! 
Forever: that’s ETERNITY!

Stop praying!

On Sunday, I had the pleasure and privilege of bringing the message to the Fellowship of L'Église Evangelique Libre de Bergerac.  It was the fourth in a mini-series on the very important topic - at least for those who claim to be disciples of the Lord, Jesus the Christ - of prayer.   On Sunday, we looked together at the prayer of a man named Simeon - you may read it in Luke 2:29-32 - a prayer that is often referred to by its opening two words in the Latin language: the Nunc dimittis.  The whole series has been intended to encourage people to pray!

However, as I continue to empty boxes in our new home, I come across photograph albums - almost fatal!  I can spend an hour just browsing through, and reliving memories with family and friends.  One such friend is a man named John.  We haven't had any contact for a long time, but I recall receiving a 'phone-call from him, one Sunday evening.  "The Lord spoke very clearly to me, this evening, at the worship service", he said, excitedly.  "That's great", I responded.  "What did He say?"  "He told me to stop praying", replied John!  

Well, I knew that John was a fairly recent convert, so I probed a little further.  The outcome of the conversation was that John had been told that, regarding a particular issue, the time for prayer was finished; it was now time for action!

In one of the local Fellowship Groups that my wife and I attend, we are currently looking at the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes - not the easiest of books to study!  However, one section that is better-known than most of it is the first nine verses of chapter three - the "There is a time ..." section.  It isn't mentioned by the writer of that book, but there is a time to pray, and a time to stop praying - and to do what we know needs to be done!

We see such a situation in another book of the Old Testament.  It is in Joshua 7 where, in vs. 10-11(a), we read: "YHWH said to Joshua, "Arise, why have you thus fallen upon your face? Israel has sinned;"  Israel had just experienced her greatest victory at Jericho, and her most devastating defeat at Ai - all in the space of a few days.  They were in deep shock!  Joshua was on his face, praying; 'reminding' (!) YHWH how bad this made both Him and His people look in the eyes of the surrounding nations.  God was not impressed!  He told Joshua, bluntly, that Israel had sinned (collective responsibility), and disobeyed His command regarding the spoils of battle from Jericho.  These things were the "firstfruits" of Israel's victory in the Promised Land, and should have been brought into God's treasury.  Instead, Achan had taken some and hidden them in his tent.  YHWH had been disobeyed and robbed, and His hand of protection had been lifted from the nation, resulting in their defeat by a mere village!  So YHWH told Joshua to stop praying, deal with the situation, and then come back to speak with Him.

Do you already know what the answer to a situation is - but you keep praying in the hope that God will give you a different answer, or even make the problem disappear?  Perhaps God will alter the rules for you!  No way!  He says "I the Lord do not change;" (Malachi 3:6).  So, if He doesn't change, guess who is going to have to!  If you want God's protection and blessing then, like my friend John, you may need to stop praying, and do what you know needs to be done.

It's a thought!

A new look at the 23rd Psalm!

As we continue our prolonged move to France, there is a lot of clearing out being done (more, I must confess, by my wife than by me!).  In doing so, earlier today, I came across the following.  I have no idea from whence it came - it is just a printed sheet of A4 paper, with nothing else on it - but I reckoned that it is worth sharing.  I apologise, in advance, for any unintended breach of copyright and, if anyone does know the origin of the piece, and informs me, I will endeavour to obtain permission for publishing it here.  I should add that the original uses the AV/KJV; I am using the RSV!

The Lord is my Shepherd, - that's Relationship!
I shall not want; - that's Supply!
He makes me lie down in green pastures. - that's Rest!
He leads me beside still waters; - that's Refreshment!
He restores my soul. - that's Healing!
He leads me in paths of righteousness - that's Guidance!
for His Name's sake. - that's Purpose!
Even 'though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, - that's Testing!
I fear no evil; - that's Protection! (and Assurance! - added by me!)
for Thou art with me; - that's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. - that's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; - that's Hope!
Thou anointest my head with oil, - that's Consecration!
my cup overflows. - that's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; - that's Blessing!
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord - that's Security!
for ever. - that's Eternity!

Of course, to experience the benefits, we must know the Shepherd!  If you don't already do so, but would like to know more, there are a couple of useful links further down the page and, of course, you are welcome to contact me at author@minister.com

Baggage, or blessing?

Baggage has been on my mind quite a bit, over recent months.   First of all, as we prepared our Motherwell house to go on the market, I had to explain to the Estate Agent that the loft, while having provided two bedrooms for my daughters while they lived with their mum and me, the house could not be advertised as having those two bedrooms.  This was the instruction given by the architect when I wanted to convert the loft, almost twenty years ago.  He explained that the space that I wanted to use as a stairwell would not allow for a stairway that met all of the current regulations.  It would be either too steep, or too narrow.  Accordingly, I was advised, I could only advertise a "floored loft with permanent access", and call it "baggage storage space"!  Needless to say, my daughters were not amused to discover that they were merely baggage!

Earlier this week, we travelled back to France.  With the house on the market, we had to empty everything that we were not prepared to leave.  We had borrowed a friend's baggage trailer, and anyone familiar with the song "Granny Fraser's flitting, fae Aboyne tae Aberdeen" would understand why that song was going through my mind! 

Today, I managed to get almost all of the items that we had brought across, and that hadn't already been stored in the static, into the garden shed that we built two years ago.  It was quite a job - and I already know that, when I start work on completing the balustrade around the terrasse, next week, there will be at least one tool that I will require that will be at the back of the shed!  Such is the well-known 'Murphy's Law'!

However, I started to think of all of the baggage that I carry around in my life.  The regrets; the hurts; the complaints.  They are things that do nothing for me except weigh me down, and hold me back.  The writer of the Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus wrote: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:1-2). 

And, of course, there is no need for me to bear that burden.  That same Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30).

Are you burdened as you read this post?  Are you weary, and bowed down under the weight of your own sinfulness, and sin?  Then why don't you come to the Saviour Who, alone, can provide cleansing and salvation.  John writes: "... if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (I John 1:7 - worth reading the full context!).   That's an amazing statement!   In the context of this post, it means, quite simply, that all of my baggage was dealt with at the cross - as long as I don't keep lifting it up again!

John Bunyan, in Pilgrim's Progress, writes: "So I saw in my dream, that just as Christian came up to the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do till it came to the mouth of the tomb, where it fell in, and I saw it no more. Then said Christian with a happy heart, 'He hath given me rest by His sorrow, and life by His death.' Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him that the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. He looked, therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head sent the water down his cheeks.

Now, as he stood looking and weeping, behold, three Shining Ones came to him, and saluted him, with 'Peace be to thee.' So the first said to him, 'Thy sins be forgiven thee'; the second stripped him of his rags, and clothed him with a change of garments; the third also set a mark on his forehead, and gave him a roll with a seal upon it, which he bade him look on as he ran, and that he should give it in at the heavenly gate; so they went their way." 

Baggage, or blessing - the choice is yours!

Thank You, Lord!

It happened in a previous fellowship in which I was a part of the Leadership Team.  During a time of open ministry a young lady, who was a visitor, came to me for prayer.  As she looked up at me with a smile that seemed almost to split her face, I inquired as to any specific reason for prayer, and received the response, "The Lord has blessed me so really wonderfully, and I want to be able to really thank Him."  As I waited to discover the nature of such an obviously enormous blessing, she continued, "He has supplied me with a new pair of sandals.  Now, I just want more of Him!"

Although I knew that most, if not all, of those in the building at the time had wardrobes full of clothing and footwear, I didn't need to look any further than myself to realise how often we take so much for granted.  "A new pair of sandals" - and in Motherwell, in the middle of winter (it was January, as I recall)!  I felt strangely humbled, and honoured, to be permitted to pray with one whose heart was so full of thanksgiving.

There is much for which you and I, if we are genuine disciples of Jesus, can and should offer thanks to God - regardless of our financial, or material, circumstances.  There is the wonder of our salvation; the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit; the assurance of eternity in the Father's presence.  There is the family of the Church; the fellowship of the saints; the freedom to meet, together, with Him.  There is the written Word; the open door of prayer; the fruit, and gifting, of both the Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

It is the constant exhortation that we be thankful, and praise the Lord.  The Psalmists were full of such praise and thanksgiving.  So David sings out, "I will give You thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise You." (Ps.35:18), while the un-named writer of Psalm 105 encourages his listeners to "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His Name; make known among the nations what He has done." (v.1).  Paul, too, says that we should be "... always giving thanks to God, the Father of everything, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph.5:20).

Let us, then, be filled with thanksgiving that will lead to praise which, as He is "... enthroned on the praises of His people." (Ps.22:3), will bring us ever more closely into His Presence, there to offer to Him the worship of our hearts and lives.

And a suggestion:  Let us cultivate an attitude of gratitude at all times!

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is one of the most famous passages in the Bible for good reason, but the following shows just how meaningful and powerful it is:

The Lord is my Shepherd
- That's Relationship!

I shall not want
- That's Supply!

He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
- That's Rest!

He leads me beside the still waters.
- That's Refreshment!

He restores my soul
- That's Healing!

He leads me in the paths of righteousness.
- That's Guidance!

For His Name's sake
- That's Purpose!

Yes, even although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
- That's Testing!

I will fear no evil.
- That's Protection!

For You are with me
- That's Faithfulness!

Your rod and Your staff comfort me,
- That's Discipline!

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
- That's Hope!

You anoint my head with oil,
- That's Consecration!

My cup overflows.
- That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
- That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
- That's Security!

Forever!
- That's Eternity!