What Do You Say to Yourself When the Pressure is On?

S - Lamentations 3:24-26, (NIV): "I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.  … For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men."

O - Wait quietly? Waiting when literally "all hell is breaking loose" is not only a challenge for the one waiting but for those close by who think it's us on them to work something out.  To the world (religious and secular) waiting under the pressure of severe trouble or trial is rarely (maybe never) viewed as a good choice.  They claim adult responsibilities, stewardship, loving and caring for others, the very same claims which are used to rationalize an exemption from the actions of God pleasing faith (e.g. the reasoning used at Kadesh Barnea, Numbers 13,14). In the end, this kind of "logic" leaves us denying the Lord's person and personal involvement.  Such patterns conclude in actually trusting in oneself and not in the Living God. This distinction strikes to the very heart of all issues … pleasing God with faith.  We can risk, sacrifice, work hard and use the words of Scripture all without faith; but we can never please God without it.  Under the "deserved" punishments Jeremiah resolves to wait and to rely on God because so great is his unfailing love ...he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.

A - I want to be one who waits and relies on God so that I will not be attempting to work for him when he's called me (and all) to be those who work with him.  Waiting is work just like believing is work … that we may in fact work the works of God.  He is not only magnanimous and generous he is extreme in his goodness, relentless in his love and delighted to engage us and our world.  Today, my place is with him not for him, in him not about him, looking for his assignment rather than me making one up on his behalf.  Even if my circumstances are the worst and a deserved worst at that (and thankfully today they are actually very good) Jesus calls me to come near and to stay near, to wait, to believe and to receive his affirmation and assignment.  This I gladly choose to do according to grace.

P - God Almighty, Lord of all and Lord of me,

You remember us, have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, never forget to be merciful and never forget that we are frail as breath and just dust. You have set your affection upon us and refuse to change your mind. Lord, today I want to do the waiting and work which is your will on earth like it happens in heaven so that I am relying on you and not on me "in your name".  Today I admit your great and tender brilliance, generosity and commitment toward the race you fashioned in your own image.  Please cause your irrepressible resurrection life to flow into me and out of me that I may be all you intend and be a blessing to all I come in contact with today.  You have loved me/us first and most and have refused to change your mind … and I have given you reasons all along the way and you won't!  These thoughts make be bold according to your love, your person, your beauty.  O King, thank you for letting me/us and wanting me/us to be with you and in you forever.  I do love you back!

Steve