Category: God

Need: A Condition Requiring Supply or Relief


The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. 
(Exodus 14:14)






In my journal, I wrote “need” in a circle and then wrote a cluster of words connected to that circle. Words like: plan, home, wholeness, food and God. Then from each of those word more words surfaced, but the repeating refrain were words like peace, rest, and quiet. 

I often complain that I don’t have enough time, but today that wasn’t on my list. Strangely I have plenty of time and we are headed out soon for our vacation with lots of hours to wile away. 

My more pressing need appears to be a plan. It is easy to think of vacation as a time of empty calendar squares to be filled with nothing or at least not the normal routine. We plan our vacation with details like where will we go, what will we see, what we need to bring, what clothes to wear, etc. Sometimes I resist planning because I think plans hinder fun and spontaneity.

But in reality, structure does allow us more flexibility. This flows over into my spiritual life. I must admit I have been winging it lately. Taking a meandering, nonchalant walk through Scripture. Dabbling in a devotion. Nibbling on Psalms. But no real meaty meditation or systematic study.

I need a plan. 

But I have another problem, namely too many choices. And let me tell you there are no shortage of plans for reading the Bible, praying to God, online Bible studies, community Bible studies, etc. But that is not the real problem. 

My real problem is acedia: spiritual boredom. It’s not a new phenomena, even the desert fathers struggled with it and prayed against it. 

I have read the Psalms before. I have participated in a variety of Bible studies. I have put on the armor of God. 

What am I lacking? Stillness. Just absorbing God. Letting Him fight for me, love me and release me. I need Him to forgive me for taking Him for granted. Eat my psalms, even if I am tired of them, like I tire of peas or broccoli. In the eating, I will begin to enjoy the nourishment again. Oh, to listen and hear Him speak to me, and not merely read the words on the page, that is pure joy!

I need God. 



What do you need today?


Posted on by kelrohlf 3

Beatitude: A Statement of Utmost Bliss

On the eighth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me,
eight statements of utmost bliss.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:3-10 NKJV)


A Beatitude is a formula phrase, well-known from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It starts with “Blessed are,” and this phrase can be found throughout Scripture. Look for it in the Psalms, Proverbs and even Revelation.

In literary terms, a beatitude can be defined as an aphorism. An aphorism is a concise, memorable statement of truth. It is a pronouncement of blessing, more than a wish for blessing; it’s a desired quality of life. (paraphrased from Delight of Words by Leland Ryken)

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word, “barak” is translated “to bless.” In Mounce’s Expository Dictionary, he explains the outcome of God’s blessing:

“When God blesses, it is not an impotent wish but the empowering and transforming word that accomplishes its purpose. To pronounce a blessing carries a sense of inevitability such that, once it has been uttered, it cannot be retracted.”

He compares a human blessing upon others not as “magical, but as a prayer offered to a sovereign God.” (Mounce)

As I enter the new year, I challenged myself to choose one beatitude and ask God to transform me into its truth. I chose with much trepidation and expectation:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

I believe God fulfills the desires and aspirations of our prayers, but I also know that purity comes through refining fire.

God, be with me, as I enter Your intentions for 2013. Amen!


 

Posted on by kelrohlf 10