Songs in the Night

People cry out when they are oppressed.
They groan beneath the power of the mighty.
Yet they don’t ask, ‘Where is God my Creator,
the one who gives songs in the night?'

Job 35:9-10 (NLT)

Over dinner the other night, a discussion with friends turned to sleep patterns. I had climbed out of bed that morning, noting three o'clock beaming from the clock in the darkened bedroom. I was wide-awake, knowing it was really too early to get up, but refusing to lie there and toss and turn for the next couple of hours. For several months, sleep has been a challenge. It began during the depths of Mark's depression. I would lie in bed, tense and watchful, listening to him wander around in the middle of the night. This went on for several months until we figured out he needed some help and medicine. Finally, he could sleep but I still struggle.

Our Bible study is finishing up a study of the Psalms, taught by Beth Moore. The first verse of Psalm 134 caught my attention this morning as I worked on my lesson. Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Night—the time of day I dread the most. Yet, God has work for us to do at night and expects us to do it with praise. That stopped me since I don't like the night. However, there was more…I discovered that He gives songs in the night.

As I thought about the songs we sing, I realized that the most meaningful words often come from the depths of our hearts in the silence of darkened sky, alone, and afraid. The enemy loves to get us in this spot and distract us, but he sure can't help. Only God is there to listen and comfort us. He turns our cry into praise and gives us songs in the night when we lift our hearts to Him. I've decided to do some songwriting the next time sleep eludes me. Want to start a choir?

Disgrace or Grace?

LORD, if You considered sins,

Lord, who could stand?

But with You there is forgiveness,

so that You may be revered.

Psalm 130:3-4 (HCSB)

A very disheartened and discouraged Peter slips away from his accusers after seeing Jesus. He knows that he disappointed his Master, which was especially humiliating after boasting in front of everyone that he would never do such a thing. How would anyone ever be able to trust him again, particularly Jesus? Had he ruined all possibility of working with the others to spread the Good News? Should he just go back to fishing? I know the feeling.

God says He hates divorce; I have been there and understand the feelings of regret, sorrow, and resignation that accompany failure. I know I felt that maybe God had nothing more for me to do because of my situation, particularly any ministry for Him. I carried my disgrace like a big D on my forehead. I wanted and accepted His forgiveness but I didn't understand His grace.

But, Jesus is all about grace. After His resurrection, the angel tells the women who had gone early to the open tomb, "Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died." (Mark 16:7.) Including Peter. He was not forgotten. He was not put on the shelf. He was not an outcast. In fact, he was given special notice to join the other disciples in Galilee. Jesus had work for him to do but Peter realized that he HAD to depend Him if he was going to be of any use. He couldn't do it on his own.

God not only forgives, He forgets. I struggle with both on occasion, but I'm learning that His grace is enough. I also discovered that He can use all of our experiences if we are willing to trust Him with the good and bad in our lives. Nothing is wasted. Disgrace is reversed through grace. May His glory shine.

Sarah and Peter

Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62 (NIV)

This has been the week of Sarah Palin. Her book, Going Rogue, hit the bookstores and the media has gone crazy. Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admire the grit and determination she shows under this intense scrutiny. She has been fearless in her opinions, humble when wrong, a mother cub in defense of her children, and charming to the end. Sarah and Peter have a lot in common.

While reading through the New Testament this fall, I noticed that Peter is present at all the important moments with Jesus, either the go-to-guy or the one taking the fall. He, too, was fearless, rash, passionate, and charming; he never did things half way. Who went over the side of the boat and walked on water? Who wanted to take all his clothes off and be washed rather than just his feet? Who predicted that he would never deny the Lord? Never!

Yet, as we take a peek into the courtyard of the high priest where the soldiers took the captured Jesus, we find Peter standing around the fire with the other guys. Somehow, he had managed to slip in unnoticed to see what was going on. But this time, he blew it. Afraid and unwilling to stand up for his Master, he denied being a follower and even knowing Jesus. Then the cock crowed and he looked across the courtyard into the eyes of Jesus.

During my childhood and youth, my family attended a huge church in Los Angeles in the days before anyone ever heard of a mega-church. Even though my dad may have been sitting across the auditorium and down a floor, I could see "the look" if he caught me whispering to my friend during the service. He didn't have to say a word. Instantly, I knew that I was in for it and better be quiet. I imagine Peter felt the same way. Caught! And, by the One he loved with all of his heart. No wonder he left broken hearted.

Been there? This story doesn't end in disgrace but in forgiveness. Check back for part two.

We are Free

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. Galatians 5:13 (The Message)

During our vacation last week, we spent a lot of time glued to the TV, either watching the horrors of a terrorist's actions on an Army base or hours of debate on an ambiguous health care bill. It appears that our sense of safety and security in this land of the free and home of the brave is shaky. Yet, as I proudly raised my flag on Veteran's Day, I reflected on the willingness of men and women to sacrifice their lives for my freedom. What a privilege, but also what a responsibility.


I remember telling my children, as they were growing up, that if they proved themselves to be responsible, then certain privileges would follow. However, if they chose to break the rules, it would be a long time before I could trust them again with those same freedoms. Curfew is a good example. The same holds true in our Christian walk. God made us to be free and gave us power over all that we could see. However, Adam and Eve chose to break the rules and ruin the perfect environment that God made for them. The consequences follow us to this day.


Paul, in Galatians, can't figure out why these new Christians are going back to their old sinful ways. He reminds the new Church again and again that the rules of the law have been met in Jesus. It is faith that has made us whole. We are free.


The same Heavenly Father who created us will continue to hold us when our world looks unstable. I encourage you to take Paul's admonition and don't fall back on old habits that bind. It is only in freedom that we are able to serve.

Quick Reply

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 (NIV)

Some days it seems like my prayers barely get past the ceiling fan of my den. I realize that God can choose several ways to answer me but being the typical, impatient first-born, I prefer to have it right here and right now. My Heavenly Father must shake His head at my arrogance just like I laugh at my youngest grandgirlie's impertinence on occasion. However, this week I learned a great lesson and it all had to do with attitude. Was I going to be in charge or was I going to turn the situation over to the Master Fixer? More often, than I care to admit, my thoughts, opinions, and desires overshadow those close to me. And when I'm hurt, the feelings spill out in unhelpful ways. I may be right but at great cost to my relationships.

As I was praying about a particular situation, confessing my part but also pleading for some help, the Holy Spirit calmed my heart and gave me some ideas. I knew they were from Him because it was not my inclination to do it this way, but decided to try it. Would you believe that in less than 60 minutes I had an answer to my prayer? Sometimes He requires patience. And, sometimes the answer is "no". Yet, this time He was gracious and gave me a quick answer. Thank you, Lord!

Pay attention to His still, small voice and don't lose heart when you pray to your Heavenly Father. Believe Him and watch for your answer. It may be just around the corner.

Te Deum

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Psalm 71:1 (KJV)

The lyrics and melody of Te Deum by Mark Hayes echo through my heart and mind today. It is a special choral work that we will sing tomorrow for Reformation Sunday. Not an easy piece, it has taken extra rehearsals and time spent working at home to learn my part. As I listen to the soaring orchestral accompaniment, chills run up my spine at the beauty and majesty of those ancient words and glorious harmonies.


It has not been an easy week and without my faith and trust in the One who holds the universe in His hands, I would be a mess…and, sometimes I am. It is so easy to fall back into old patterns of worry and fear particularly over things we have absolutely no control over. Some unforeseen health problems have popped up. Two doctors visits later and I still have few answers. As I lay in bed last night praying, giving over my fears and worries to my Heavenly Father, the soothing words of this majestic piece washed over me:

O Lord in Thee have I trusted

Let me never be confounded

O Lord in Thee I trust

I trust in Thee.


This is the prayer of my heart whether the world looks rosy and all is well or it is eclipsed by sorrow and trouble. God is not hiding; He IS there. Don't be confused by all the "noise" of daily life but focus on the Light of the world, Jesus. He will lead us through. Trust Him.

Just One Moment, Please

Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:22 (NLT)

It seems like every time I sit down at the computer to write a blog, something comes up. Company visited us from California for a few days followed by numerous appointments, technology failures, and a headache that just won't go away. There is also the small voice in my head that says, "who reads this anyway?" In a word, I'm discouraged about this writing thing.

I received an email from a friend, a published author of many books and articles, bemoaning her lack or any recent publication. Everyone is tightening their belts in this economy – even magazines. She, too, was discouraged.

Anyone watching the news has every reason to be disconcerted. The market is up—the market is down. Fire destroys homes and floods threaten to follow. Do you get one flu shot or two? Peace is elusive and war looms all over the world. Health care? It's enough to make you want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over your head.

The story of the woman in the Matthew verses reveal that she had suffered from terrible health issues for years, basically losing hope. Yet, she heard stories about this man, Jesus, who healed people. If she could just get close enough to touch even the hem of his robe, she knew He could help her. Yes, He felt her presence in the crowd as some of His power had been drawn out and He knew that her inner struggles were as great as her physical ones. As He turned and sought her out, His first words to her were ones of encouragement and then He graciously healed her.

What if He had decided not to heal her? How many times do we look at our circumstances and feel cheated or discouraged? We try and try and nothing changes so then we lose hope. Rather than trying, we should be trusting in Great Healer. He knows just what we need. Jesus gave her the greater gift of encouragement because of her faith. And, it is that same faith that gives us the courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other. We have hope.

First Impressions

For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. Deuteronomy 4:31 (ESV)

Do you have your act together? My friend thinks I do, but I know better. If you look like you have things under control, people often assume that you do.

Clothes, hair, and makeup create that first impression. The next step occurs when you invite people over for dinner. You are either chef extraordinaire or you reheat well. Your house is tidy or messy. Your children are well behaved or not.

We may be able to hide or disguise all that's visible but it's the personality quirks that get in the way of our "perfection." Are we bossy, nosey, late, irritable, unfriendly, or gossipy?

I forgot an appointment with my friend (the one who thinks I never mess up.) And, to top it off, this was the third time I had forgotten a date with her. What's up with that? Nothing irritates me more than irresponsibility and now I have to eat humble pie. With a grateful heart, my dear friend forgave me one more time.

Because I have accepted Christ as my Savior, I am a child of the new covenant and His mercy wipes away my imperfections. He forgives me, picks me up when I fall, and puts me back on the His path. How can we do less with each other?

Birthdays

And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Mark 1:11 (NLT)

We had a wonderful, crazy, busy weekend in California celebrating birthdays of some of my favorite people. With never an idle moment the entire weekend, Saturday dawned bright and warm to celebrate Allie's fifth birthday. A pool party with all of her buddies meant that we decorated, ran food and drinks back and forth from the house, snapped pictures of all the key moments, and cleaned up after all the festivities. Home for a quick shower and change, a stop at the stables to watch Kate and Tori show off their riding prowess, and then off to Lodi for a surprise party for my friend who turned 70. We've been friends for forty years and the stories we can tell on each other. Don't ask. However, this was just one day's adventure. Multiply that by three.

As we flew home yesterday, I finally had a few moments to catch up on my Bible reading. The familiar stories in the New Testament (finally made it) washed over me like a breath of fresh air. As I read the story of Jesus' baptism three times in its chronological order, it dawned on me that God, the Father, is saying the same thing about me, his daughter, as He said to Jesus. I am dearly loved, and I bring Him great joy. That's pretty amazing!

Even though it was a mad dash, nothing makes me happier than time spent with family and friends. Imagine how our heavenly Father feels when we seek out time with Him? We bring Him great joy. Even when the schedule is frantic, make time to sit at the feet of Jesus. You'll be refreshed.

One More Time

But as soon as they were at peace, your people again committed evil in your sight, and once more you let their enemies conquer them. Yet whenever your people turned and cried to you again for help, you listened once more from heaven. In your wonderful mercy, you rescued them many times! Nehemiah 9:28 (NLT)

I have been reading through the Bible chronologically, spending all these months in the Old Testament. (I'm almost done and will start the New Testament later this week.) As Nehemiah finished rebuilding of Jerusalem, he gathered everyone together for a great celebration and solemn assembly. In his prayer before the people, he recounts their history and it's not pretty. God was very specific about His rules and the consequences of disobedience but they repeatedly went their own way, often being downright blatant and in your face to God. Many times, God just let the natural consequences run their course watching the people muddle through. Other times, He initiated actions to bring them back, whether it was war, illness, slavery, or death. At times, He got so angry that He was ready to wipe them off the face of the earth but He always relented because He loved them so much.

I noticed a cycle in their story – peace, laziness, temptation, arrogance, disobedience, repercussions, repentance, forgiveness, and back to peace. Sound familiar? Don't we get ourselves in that same cycle on occasion? Because God loves us, He lets us make our own choices – some good and some bad. He wants us to choose to follow Him and not just be robots. Whatever we decide, He never gives up on us. We may be foolish or disobedient but His mercy is there to rescue us, often from ourselves, and return us to the place of peace with Him. Where you are in the cycle? Pray for guidance and wisdom so that you, too, will live in peace.