Seeking shade
Today, I need to stand in the shadow of something taller than me - something sturdy and living, deep-rooted and lasting, that whispers timeless secrets as the wind passes through.
Today, I need to stand in the shadow of something taller than me - something sturdy and living, deep-rooted and lasting, that whispers timeless secrets as the wind passes through.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that can get to you.
Raised above the heads of those who hated him, those who grieved for him and those who liked the show, how was he able to breathe? Breathing required pushing up on those pierced feet. Breathing required ramming splintered wood into his shredded back. Breathing required an unfathomable commitment to finish.
When you earnestly seek to do what’s right, inside a system you do not recognize as broken, you’re asking to be blindsided. When you implicitly trust leaders who depend on the system for power, image and funds, you’re asking to be betrayed. Not seeing what you need to see, you won’t have a clue what’s going on.
Here's a gentle reminder to myself.
What do you do when you feel angry, impotent and stuck, in a place where evil seems invincible and justice, impossible? Be still? Wait patiently? Psalm 37:7 may seem like a call to “just relax.” Instead it affirms and encourages struggle – struggle to resist taking matters into your own hands, struggle to cooperate with Christ to birth deliverance and life.
In a world of instant messages, it's okay to take time to ponder.
Throughout his life, Daniel continued to follow God, regardless who did or did not go with him. You too be blessed with a Daniel heart.
Even a cursory look at all levels of leadership in US churches, denominations, networks and ministries reveals that what should be foundational is often absent. Many leaders do not know how to follow God.
We’ve thought of blessings as sweet little things. And so we miss the wonder and the weightiness of the blessings of the Lord.