God is constantly at work in my life – and in yours – whether we are aware or not. He is present in the sermons I listen to, the Scripture I read, the songs I hear, the people that encourage me, and in the circumstances of my every day. If I simply coast through my days without paying attention I am likely to miss what He is doing, but if I am intentional about connecting the dots I can begin to see a pattern. Journaling is the key to following the path of His encouragement.
Listed below are 3 journal prompts I use every week to connect the dots:
1. Where have you seen God at work?
Reflect back through the week to see where God has been at work. What prayers were answered? What issues were resolved? What blessings were received? What opportunities to serve came up? Look specifically for God’s protection, provision, and presence.
“My Father is alway at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”
John 5:17
2. What has God taught you through His Word?
Take notes during sermons – we have an incredible opportunity to attend any church we want online during this pandemic, but be certain you are “attending” Bible-preaching churches. Underline specific verses in your devotional and Bible Study. Record verses that jump out to you on social media. Pay close attention to any Scripture that comes up in your week.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
3. What other resources has God used to speak to you?
Think beyond your normal “spiritual activities” of the week. Besides church, Bible Study, and prayer, what else has God used to speak to you this week? God is not limited to any resource, and while we should not put too much stock in any one thing (other than the Bible) God often speaks through other people and our circumstances. We often don’t recognize God in these things until we see them in context of what else He is teaching us.
“To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me?”
Jeremiah 6:10
Each one of these “God touches” is a point on a path that He is leading us along. When we write these things down, we can be more intentional about connecting the dots and following the path of His encouragement.
I have always been fascinated with the way trees grow toward the light. Trees were created to adjust and grow in whatever way they need survive and thrive- and so are we.
This year has been a season of pivoting for me – adjusting to change, preparing for a new adventure. I sensed it coming and began to turn – slowly and gradually like a tree growing to the light. I wasn’t really clear about what the changes meant, but I journaled along the way. Now, looking back through my notes, I am just beginning to see a pattern of points that hint at God’s plan for me – a lightly beaten path worn through the thicket that seems to lead in particular direction. Reading my own journal provides a light of encouragement – and I am inclined to grow towards that light.
The world seems to be changing daily right now and we need to know how to adjust so we can survive and thrive. Here are 3 Ways to Grow Toward the Light:
Look for Patterns of Light in your life. If you are not already journaling, you are limiting the opportunity to see patterns of God at work. For the last year, I have devoted one day a week to looking back at the week before and answering some assessment questions for myself. One of the most valuable questions has been, “Where have you see God at work this week?” This practice has been instrumental in my season of pivoting. At times though, my journaling is simply a list of things that happened each day scribbled in my planner. Social media posts, text messages to friends and family, and even the schedule in your calendar can all serve as journaling as well. Spend some time looking back through your journals, posts, messages, and calendar to see if you notice any patterns of God’s involvement in your life – this is light! Establish a practice of reflecting on those patterns and writing them down.
“He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.”
Daniel 2:22
Become familiar with the Source of Light. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The best way to follow Jesus is to get to know him by reading the Bible. God will never ask you to pivot or adjust in any way opposite from his word – He does not change even when the world is changing drastically every day. The enemy will try to distract us by disguising himself as an “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14); we need to be alert so we are not tricked by the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11).
“God made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
Pay attention When You Cannot See the Light. Opposition does not always mean that you are not in God’s will. In fact, we will often face difficulty when we are moving in the right direction, but we need discernment to understand if we are being discouraged by the enemy or disciplined by God. Perhaps one of the most well-known adjustments in the Bible is Saul to Paul – pivoting from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the apostles and greatest evangelists. God sent a blinding light to take away Saul’s sight in order to cause him to open his eyes to the calling God had on his life. In Acts 26:18, Jesus announced, “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.” Though Paul could not see with his physical eyes during that time, the light of Christ shone brightly to lead Paul as he adjusted. In moments when we feel we cannot see the light, we need to press in even more.
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.”
Isaiah 42:16
These days may seem dark and full of fear. In order to adjust – to survive and thrive – we must always turn to the light and grow!
Last spring and summer became seasons of storms – literal storms. It seemed like every week brought severe thunderstorms with thunder and lightening and damaging winds. A frequent activity during that time included standing at the window watching the clouds rolling in and the leaves whipping with gusts that threatened to topple trees and sever power lines. We feared losing the old trees in our yard – particularly those that could fall on our house – and with good cause as one of our largest trees became uprooted in one such disturbance. The power of each storm ushered in a wave of fear with the realization of my own powerlessness, but there was also a certain level of assurance as I watched from the safety of my home. Though I know that my home could sustain damage from the storm, I also trusted that it would shelter me through it – ultimately I felt safe.
A Different Kind of Storm..
This spring brings a different kind of storm. Though the weather is calm, the pandemic we are living through has not been so unlike a severe storm rolling through. As the edge of the dark cloud approached, we had warning of something menacing, but many of us did not anticipate the widespread threat this virus would bring to everyone and everything we know. As uncertain as life feels at this time, we need to run to the shelter that will sustain us!
A Lesson for Them – and Us…
I am reminded of the lesson Jesus’s disciples learned as they experienced a storm. Mark 4 tells the story of Jesus and the disciples in a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus, exhausted from a long day of ministry, slept through the whipping wind and furious waves while the other men in the boat worried. When they finally woke him, their words echo what I might be tempted to feel even today. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38)
Even while I am entertaining the very same sentiment, I am also tempted to judge these men. If they only understood who their traveling companion really was, surely they would not have been afraid. Didn’t they know that God was in control? Couldn’t they see that Jesus was never in danger and, because they were with him, neither were they?
How Should We Respond?
Jesus response was to first calm the storm and then to question their faith. It is important to note that he was never suprised by the disciples’ fear. Instead, his question was to prompt them to consider what they really believed. Their reaction was to ask themselves the question we too must ask. “Who is this?” (Mark 4:41)
Truthfully, though today’s storm is full of real and tangible dangers – sickness, financial instability, shortage of supplies – another enemy is the lack of knowledge and fear of deceit. It is difficult to know who to trust and there is no shortage of false information and fear. The remedy for fear is trust and the antidote for deceit is truth. Thank God we have access to both! Ephesians 4:11-16 reminds us that we have been given people to equip us so that we can understand who God is.
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:14
We can know God – in fact he wants us know him (see Jeremiah 9:23-24) – and when we know him we can trust that he is able to do what he says he can do. Let us use this time – in the midst of the storm – to run to him and trust his power.
“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
Here are some practical tips for weathering our current storm:
There is a plethora of encouragement on the internet right now. Choose wisely (sound biblical teaching) but use the resources available to receive the encouragement you need – and pass it on. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Read the Bible. Listening to teachers and preachers is valuable, but reading God’s Word yourself is the best way to gird yourself in truth. (Ephesians 6:14)
Spend time in prayer. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, pray for the health and protection of your friends and family, pray for our nation and our world. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Be an encouragement to others. Reach out – we have an opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level while we are without the distractions of our usual lives. (Hebrews 3:13)
Look for God in every day and record where you see him at work. There is no better way to encourage yourself than to remind yourself of how God has shown up in your own life. (1 Samuel 30:6)
It is an interesting time. The pandemic is causing a forced slowdown for everyone in some capacity. Many of us are used to our busy lives, and even though we sometimes complain and talk about slowing down, this is startling and unsettling for many. As a result, my family has returned to things we haven’t done in years. One of my favorite “new” routines is the walk we used to take to creek down the road. As we ventured there together yesterday, I was reminded of something I wrote during another slow down in my life. I hope it brings peace and hope into your life today.
The Still Place an excerpt from “A Cup of Encouragement” by Wendy Custer 2007
I walked the creek today. Normally, I am drawn to the places where I can hear the water tumbling over the stones. The noise of the water gurgling, trickling, rushing is a soothing sound to me. I enjoy watching the water find its way around the rocks, forming interesting patterns, carrying with it leaves and twigs. I like to observe what will make its way around the rocks and what will become trapped.
Today, though, I was drawn to a different place. I stopped at an area where the water was quiet, almost still, and for some reason it filled me with wonder. How can the same body of water be rushing before and rushing after, but in the middle be so quiet and almost not moving? The water seemed to form a pool, an oasis of peace in the midst of the busyness. There was no sound. Leaves gently floated instead of tumbling. There were no ripples. It made no sense. Shouldn’t the momentum of before push this water along at the same pace? Didn’t the motion further downstream have to come from this same water? It seemed to say that it is okay to stop and rest for a while. It is alright for life to virtually halt. Peace is good and natural. The busyness and excitement will return in due time.
I noticed that the place where the water was still and quiet was also deeper and clearer. The areas where the water rushed was often shallow, full of rocks, limbs, and other obstacles. Also, the movement of the water itself made it difficult to see below the surface.
In life I often prefer and gravitate towards the rushing water. I find the busyness of life – the patterns, the sounds, stimulating and exciting. But I wonder if it is the distraction that I enjoy most. As I have taken a sabbatical from my life lately, a quietness and stillness has naturally formed. It has been a bit frightening. To give up all of the rushing and the momentum, to be quiet and still, is to give up control. I have to trust that I will be given the opportunity to have that movement again. Am I moving now? Yes, I must be, just as that water in the still place was moving. However, it is a peaceful, contemplative moving with depth and clarity that is not possible in rushing water.
Now, when I get to a place of excitement and tumbling, the movement is no longer mine, but God’s. What freedom to know that I can be still, that I don’t have to keep moving just to keep that momentum going. I can be free to enjoy the peace now and the rushing, tumbling, excitement when it comes.
“He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.”
We don’t have to live very many days on this earth to discover that relationships are not easy. Between our own expectations and the expectations of others, living in harmony often seems like a pipe dream. The Bible is full of reminders to honor one another above ourselves and to seek peace whenever possible, but what does Scripture recommend to those of us who are wired to please everyone?
Instinctively, even those of us who want to please everyone know that it is just not possible. We can wear ourselves out trying to arrange the world, but I have learned the hard way that this usually results in making things worse – and making myself miserable. Even the thought that I might be able to make everyone happy is a form of pride. I just don’t have that kind of power. While on the surface it might seem that my motive is to keep peace, when I uncover the root I usually discover selfishness. Seeking the approval of people can originate from many places. But whether it comes from a sense of fear or a desire for fame, it always comes back to a lack of trust in God. In a sense I am saying, “If I don’t make everything right, then no one will.”
In Galatians 1:10, Paul asks, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” This letter is addressing the churches in Galatia who were following false teachers and straying from the gospel message Paul had shared with them. He understood that the gospel was not winning popularity votes and it seemed easier to follow a message that people liked, but he wasn’t preaching to win the approval of people. And we shouldn’t make our decisions based on pleasing people either.
“If we study the life of Jesus, we will find that He most certainly did NOT make decisions based on the expectations of people.“
But aren’t we called to live in peace and to put others first? Philippians 2:3-4 says that we should do nothing out of selfish ambition, vain conceit, or because we are looking to our own interests. Isn’t pleasing others meeting this goal? After all, doesn’t it discourage unity when we don’t bend to the expectations of others? We need only to read the next verse in this passage to find the answer – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset of Christ Jesus.” If we study the life of Jesus, we will find that He most certainly did NOT make decisions based on the expectations of people. He did, however, make them with the eternity of people in mind. Jesus used wisdom and discernment from the Father in his responses to people.
“James gives us a filter through which to pass our thoughts and actions.”
The book of James gives great insight into living a life of wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us to look to God for wisdom when we are lacking, and James 3:13-18 is a passage about worldly wisdom versus wisdom that comes from God. James gives us a filter through which to pass our thoughts and actions.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
We should use these attributes to measure our own motives, but we can also use them to help us choose how to meet the expectations of others.
Is this expectation pure? Does it serve everyone involved or is it based on a selfish desire of that person?
Does this expectation promote peace for others involved, or will it cause conflict among a group?
Is the expectation someone else is placing on me considerate of my feelings and needs, and will it help me to be considerate of others?
Is the person placing this expectation on me submissive to the will of God or simply trying to control me and others in my life?
Does the expectation offer mercy to others or will it bring about good fruit in any way?
Is the person placing this expectation on me impartial and sincere in their desire, or are they simply putting their desires above the good for everyone involved?
James wraps this passage up with a statement that might seems contradictory to choosing not to meet the expectations of people who don’t meet this standard of godly wisdom. He say, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” How, then, can we do both?
The book of Proverbs holds a treasure trove of teaching about wisdom. Proverbs 16:1-9 discuss this very issue. “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
“Trusting God and submitting to godly wisdom will achieve a longer lasting peace and joy than the temporary approval of people ever will.”
We all think we have the right motive, but only God is able to see through our intentions. He sees into our hearts – and into the hearts of others. When I ask God to intervene and to change hearts – even mine – I am inviting him to work things out with his wisdom and power.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end.” Proverbs 16: 3-4
Amazingly, when we submit to God’s ways and trust that he has the power to make things right, he also causes peace to reign. Verse 7 reminds us, “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” Even when we don’t do it perfectly – if we commit our way to the Lord – he works it all out and his sovereignty overrides our intentions.
It can be a scary thing – especially for a people-pleaser – to deny the expectations that others place on us. But trusting God and submitting to godly wisdom will achieve a longer lasting peace and joy than the temporary approval of people ever will. Simply asking, waiting, submitting the expectations of others to his will leaves room for God to mold our hearts into one – one with each other and one with him!
Measure the expectations others have of you by the standard of godly wisdom. Consult God before responding or taking action and commit your way to him. Ask God today to bring peace into your life and your relationships. Then trust him to do what he says he will do!
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.” Psalm 3:5-6
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
The beginning stages of a mural at Piedmont Pediatrics.
I have always loved painting on walls! As a muralist, I have had the distinct privilege of getting paid to something I would have been punished for as a child. The best part of painting on walls – especially in public places – is the fascination spectators have with the process. Bystanders often find themselves mesmerized with as the design comes to life through each stage of the process.
Step by Step
I typically begin with a chalk drawing – a trick I learned many years ago. The white chalk wipes off easily with a damp cloth and allows me to make changes as I go along without concerning myself with ugly pencil lines that might show through the paint. I simply paint within the lines I have created and wipe away the chalk once the paint is dry. Sometimes the chalk outlines don’t provide enough information for others to fully understand the concept, but it gives me guidelines to work within and plenty of room for adaptation.
My next step is always to fill in some background color. This stage is usually not pretty and I can often tell that viewers are concerned with my progress. The colors can be dark and flat, but they provide a foundation and depth that will later cause the details to stand out in contrast. I have to continually remind myself how important this step is to the finished design using the confidence I have developed through many years of painting.
As I begin to add layers of color and detailed strokes on top of the background colors, the designs I have seen in my mind pop out off of the wall – and people are amazed! They will sometimes comment, “I thought you were done with that part – I had no idea it even needed that detail.” They love to walk away and come back to the new surprises that have developed.
Finally, once the paint has dried, I wipe away the remaining chalk that marked my initial sketch. Wiping with a fresh damp cloth several times is required, as the chalky residue resists the cleaning at first.
Watching with Joy
The process of painting a mural is fun to watch – oh that we could learn to see the process of our Maker’s design in us with just as much joy. As He develops me slowly, layer upon layer, I wish that I could look on with fascination instead of grumbling. From the faint sketch lines of my heart’s desire – to the hard work of building my background and foundation – to the skilled touch of meticulous detail work – and even to the cleaning and wiping away of unnecessary residue – it is all a part of His beautiful vision for a masterpiece. Me – a work of the Master!
Lord may I learn to appreciate your process in me.
Amen.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
I have always been fascinated with the way trees grow toward the light. Trees were created to adjust and grow in whatever way they need survive and thrive- and so are we.
