A Contented Home Life

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Building a joyful, contented home life begins not with the size of home we live in, but the state of our hearts. The simplest home not built on the world’s idea of perfection but built on the foundation of Christ can seem a mansion to those residing there. A heart content with what God has provided sees the potential beauty of home. With creativity and a desire to see God’s beauty come to life in our homes, it will be a place we want to spend time in. Memories will be made, learning and laughter will take place, and it will be a place of people’s memories.

So often we wait until we have some idea of ‘perfection’ for our homes or until we get the “dream home.” Yet the Godly, contented home does not wait until the people reside in a larger home, or one decorated to perfection, or some ideal that we have stored in our minds. The contented home is built into the people, the hearts and minds of the family. Where the family is, there is the home.  We can prepare a place for our families, that is filled with God’s love, sparks of simple creativity and a love for God’s creation. When we pass to our families the love and care that God shows us, with a servant’s heart, they are seeing what home really is, and a small reflection of their permanent, heavenly home.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2

Jesus goes to prepare a place for us in heaven. Sacrificing for us as he did and loving us, he provides us with an eternal home, one where we will always be with Him. Abiding in Him, the vine, we can prepare a place for our families to feel safe and content, and surrounded by the love of Christ. Expensive decorations, a spacious home, a home without spots on the carpet or smudges on the windows does not make a home. That is just the exterior, the things that will pass away. The internal things of a home, time built into hearts and minds---love, patience, gentleness, parents modeling God’s character and grace to their children, simple beauty and learning---a home built on these things is lasting and fruitful. Children can begin to develop the concept of God’s love, His grace and mercy, and that it is His beauty in us that is the real reflection of home. Apart from His grace and mercy we cannot build anything of lasting beauty, but a heart abiding in Christ can prepare a simple home of beauty.

We can’t wait until the perfection of “someday” arrives to begin building a contented home life. The perfect someday may never arrive. We have what God has provided and if we have willing contented hands to work for Him, we can build up something of great value to God. He doesn’t desire the perfection of a dirt free home, or a sterile perfect home, but a heart willing to be used by Him and home that we are willing to let him mold and shape. We need hearts focused on the treasure that is our eternal heavenly home; so that we reflect that into our temporary home on earth.

Most importantly, we can build a love for God and his goodness into our children’s hearts, a love for the Bible, and a love for simple creativity and learning that will last them a lifetime. The Bible, library books, jars with leaves, flowers, branches, listening to birds and learning their different calls---these are all free and building a home of beauty into their hearts. Children’s art on the walls, using the imagination, prayer and learning about people in the Bible build character into children and a sense of independent learning they will carry with them into adulthood. Making time and putting effort into building a life of quality and substance for our children (even on a limited budget) pours into the hearts of our children more than any other expensive activity or excessive busyness can.

Laura Ingalls Wilder, having grown up in small cabins, with few possessions, never writes of any lack of joy in her home life. They had God, love of family, music and a love for learning. Her home was her favorite place, and it was probably no larger than most people’s living rooms today. The life and laughter that her parents passed onto her and radiated from their hearts built her home life, not her possessions or the perfection of her home. She said “Home is the nicest word there is.”

When the Lord is our dwelling place, He will guide, equip and lead us to build up our home, large or small, for Him. He will provide us with the creativity, spark ideas and show us more of His love and grace as we submit a heart to Him willing to build our home into a home for Him.

Prayer: “Lord, show me how to build a home for you amongst the culture that wants to tear down a godly home. Give me creativity, and a heart willing to learn from you and submit to you. Show me how to be content with the resources you have given me and use them to the best of my ability. Show me how to build my home for you by pouring into the hearts of those you’ve given me. Amen.”

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalm 90:1-2

“But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” 1 Timothy 5:4

This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.

~ Patrick Henry

“If therefore our houses be houses of the Lord, we shall for that reason love home, reckoning our daily devotion the sweetest of our daily delights; and our family worship the most valuable of our family comforts...A church in the house will be a good legacy, nay, it will be a good inheritance left to your children after you.” ~ Matthew Henry, clergyman

Softening the Stony Heart

“They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” Ephesians 4:18

Darkened to the work of motherhood and the value of children in God’s eyes, our culture is alienated from the life of God because of ignorance and hard hearts. Self sacrifice, the pouring out of one life for another is not what the culture wants to hear or participate in. Many women are taught

from a young age to pursue a path that does not include children or serving others, one that is mostly working towards their own goals. We don’t stop to think about God’s plan from the perspective of living out biblical truths. Children are seen as a roadblock to our goals, to life’s accomplishments and materialism. We’d rather have a life full of vacations, material goods, and a life of relative ease than have to lay ourselves down for the family life, which is the building of God’s kingdom.

“Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” 1 Timothy 2:15

We are saved---sealed for eternal life by accepting Jesus as our Savior. We are also saved by God from this world’s shallowness when we follow His plan and walk in His ways. After we have a child, (if we continue walking closely with God) God wants to grow us in our faith, love, holiness, and self control. In this way we are kept safe and set apart for God. God keeps us from the dangers of materialism, putting a career above our family, and from many temptations that would be thrown at us by refining us in motherhood, and giving us a “kingdom” of our own to build for God, our home and family.

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord,  and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13

As mothers, there can be many corners of our hearts that are ‘stony.’ Whether from past hurts, wrong beliefs and ideas that are deeply entrenched in our ways of thought, or simply selfish desires and a stubborn heart that fights giving so much of ourselves. For all our children to be taught by the Lord and have great peace, we also must be taught by the Lord and carry His peace in our hearts, into our mothering. We must walk the way ourselves, if our children are to witness the peace of walking in God’s ways. If we allow God to soften our hearts towards our children and towards His heart for us, we are no longer alienated from the life of God by our own ignorance. The life of God begins to fill us, to steady us and give us peace. A peace that, had we followed the path of the world, we would have never known. We would have known ‘false’ happiness that is filled with the fleeting things of the world, satan’s “imitation peace.”

Many times moving away from false peace and towards God’s peace means leaving behind things that hinder us from the freedom of walking with Christ. Being overly concerned with possessions, money, entertainment, shopping and generally keeping up with the world’s ways can be a yolk of bondage for a mother trying to learn the abundance of the life God has for her in her new vocation. To God, motherhood is a holy calling. We must be willing to leave behind that which will hold us back from the importance of the work God has called us to.

The softening of the heart, away from the hard, cutting edges of the world, and towards God and His love is the best gift we can give our children. Surrendering to God’s plan for us, allowing Him to heal our hearts and teach us His ways is a blessing of safety and protection. He brings us into the full life He has for us as give up the false ways we once walked in. We must be committed to having a soft heart and learning God’s commandments for us as mothers.

Prayer: “Lord, teach me your ways. Show me how to throw off all that entangles me from doing the work you have called me to do. Don’t let me be influenced by the enemies promises of a false peace and happiness if I follow the world’s way of motherhood. Show me how to focus on your truths for me and the holy way you want me to walk. Amen”

“Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!   Praise your God, O Zion! For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.” Psalm 147:12

"The best academy, a mother's knee."

- James Russell Lowell

"Since Jesus highly values children, mothers are His servants when they bless their children for Him."

- Art Birch

Jezebel: A Rebellious Spirit

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.”

~Psalm 68:6

The Bible gives many examples of virtuous women, but it also gives examples of women who rebel against God. Their hearts say “I want to do it my way.”  We are all sinners and will all fall short. Each of us will see parts of our hearts in the woman who struggles to follow God’s way.  As women seeking wisdom as if it is the greatest treasure, we can study and learn from the woman who rebels against God's ways.

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

   and the one who gets understanding,

for the gain from her is better than gain from silver

   and her profit better than gold.

She is more precious than jewels,

   and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand;

   in her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

   and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;

   those who hold her fast are called blessed.” Proverbs 3:13-18

Jezebel was a pagan woman who was determined that all of Israel would worship her gods. “...he (Ahab) married Jezebel,  the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and he began to worship Baal.” Instead of influencing her husband toward God’s way, she influenced him away from God and towards pagan gods. Jezebel worshipped Baal, and in order to ‘make her happy’ Ahab built a temple and altar for Baal. By her worship of pagan gods, her focus on herself and what she wanted, she denied the true God in her heart and her life bore no fruit. She tried to kill God’s prophets, she ‘framed’ a man to be murdered because he did not do what she wanted, and she influenced her husband and her people away from the one true God.

Even though she worshipped pagan gods and had pagan priests under her control, she also worshipped herself. Her way was better; she was determined that she could have whatever she wanted. Instead of a submissive spirit to God and His way, she had a spirit of rebellion towards self sacrifice and love. She didn’t know it because she was too hard hearted, but she was in rebellion dwelling in a ‘dry land.’ Many times we can be living in our own rebellion, causing us to dwell in a dry land of our own. We are crying out to God asking Him for wisdom, and yet still unwilling to truly turn and follow HIs way. While we are asking God for His mercy and solutions, we are also still turning to ourselves and our own wisdom, because we want our way and we want God’s way all wrapped into one answer.

“Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshipping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

God desires an attitude of love and obedience. Constant rebellion and stubbornness is compared to witchcraft and idolatry. Why? Because we are idolizing ourselves, and worshipping our own way. When we live in rebellion, our heart begins to harden over time, and slowly we are closing the door to God. Jezebel lived this way and her heart was closed to God. She put emphasis on her fame, fortune, beauty, and control over others. In her heart and mind she had herself as a god, and put herself in God’s place. She wanted to “be” God by taking over the control that was His.

When Jezebel was living, there was no peace. Her spirit of rebellion was so prevalent that she wreaked havoc and damage on individual lives and on her whole kingdom. Jezebel died a gruesome death at the city wall, thrown from a window. The Bible says that before Jezebel was thrown to her death she had “painted her face.” Moments away from death she was still convinced of her own beauty and power.

Jezebel was vain, set herself on a pedestal, was determined to get her own way, and had a rebellious and stubborn spirit dead set on serving herself. She would never think of humbling herself before God, and submitting her heart to be renewed to follow only God’s way. She would have had to have let her ways completely go, and been transformed by the renewing of her mind. She would have had to realize her ‘power’ was not in her beauty, but in a broken and contrite heart, offering a sacrifice of praise to God.

Claiming God’s name while still following our own way, debating whether we worship idols, or worship God and not fully submitting leads us off of God’s path. He offers us mercy and redemption when we are fully willing to follow His way and turn from our own. Unlike Jezebel, we are to adorn ourselves with a trusting heart, a gentle and quiet spirit, be self controlled, pure and kind. We will not point others towards the way of the world, but towards God’s way, by demonstrating the change and transformation in our own hearts. With God’s help, we can let go of our rebellion and stubbornness and allow Him to change us. Studying the word of God for ourselves, spending time in prayer allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us, and being open to learning new ways (the ways of God) and throwing out the old ways brings transformation and freedom. Jezebel followed her own way and lived her whole life in an evil prison of her own making.  Following God’s way will ‘bringeth out those who are bound with chains.’

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

   a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” ~

Psalm 51:17

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” ~

2 Corinthians 7:10

“Those who submit like a child do it because they know that the Father wants only the happiness of His children and that only He knows the way. That is the testimony we must have to keep praying like a submissive child, in the good times as well as the times of trouble.” ~ Henry B. Eyring

Life for the Soul and Our Daily Bread

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~John 6:34-35

By God’s great mercy and grace, he doesn't leave us to wander around without any spiritual bread. Just as we cannot go without eating or drinking water every day to sustain us, we need Jesus to sustain our souls and awaken us with his bread of life. When we are truly awakened by Jesus and our life is transformed, we no longer thirst or hunger for anything temporary or unsatisfying this world offers us. Our soul has it’s daily bread and hungers no more.

Reading the Bible and allowing God’s word to change us, to sink into our soul and apply it in our lives is a living faith that is sustained on the spiritual food we are offered. The Word of God was given to us to learn from, grow and be a living book. God gives us instruction for righteousness, living a holy life, and even guides us by his word through the most difficult circumstances we face. God’s whisper is heard in our hearts through his word. Many people have accepted Jesus into their hearts, claimed his name as their savior, but have never read the very word of God. WIthout God’s direction for us and our lives through his word, we are still lost.

“But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~Matthew 4:4

Every word that comes from the mouth of God sustains us. His word helps us to know God in a deeper way, and to live out his commands for us. God’s word is eternal, and as His children He wrote it to guide us throughout all decades and time periods, His word remains unchanging to us. If God came up with a new and updated version of His word to suit the times, we would be left going whichever way the wind blows. God in His infinite wisdom, wrote one unchanging word that we can stand on throughout time. It is our foundation, our rock to build on, and our bread throughout our lifetime.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16

As we read God’s word and listen to Jesus, absorbing the words and teaching in our hearts, they are cemented into our being and begin to change us. We can draw on them for life, for direction in difficult situations, and begin to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.”  Daily, in good times and adversities, God’s word is there to nourish our spirits and strengthen us. It never changes and the Holy Spirit always teaches us something new, to feed our need for God and strengthen us for the day. Like a baker in a bakery, making enough bread for all his customers, or a woman baking bread for her family to make sure they are all fed and nourished---God’s word is there for us to be fed and nourished. We don’t have to remain starving for good, pure food, when we have the banquet of God’s word to fill us each day.

Prayer: "Lord, fill me with your living word and give me a heart to hear and eyes to see. Give me the wisdom to live it out in the daily, small acts of life. Show me how to live the word, to breathe it, know it and show others. Amen."

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:1-5

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

A Woman of the World and a Woman of the Word: A Heart Transformation

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

In Christ, the deceitful phrases “we are who we are” or “people don’t change” hold no power over us. With the Holy Spirit as our teacher and counselor, it is possible to have a heart change, and be transformed from our old self, values and thought patterns into a renewed person with kingdom values. To be committed to a true heart change we have to search the word of God, listen to his still voice and be willing to let go of many false, tightly held ideas. We have to be committed to hard work, and have a willing and teachable heart. For women who are soaked in the word of God, heart change is evident. They have let go of self, and seek to serve and live in submission to Christ. With God’s help, we can have the adornment of a soft and quiet spirit. We can be full of the ‘good fruits’ of the Word.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

For women it can be tempting to walk the popular, accepted way. The popular way looks (falsely so) ‘more fun’, ‘less burdensome’, and requires a lot less giving up of self. There is fun in focusing on ourselves and having the calendar booked up with appointments, hair, nails, social activities, fun things, nights out, spending the money made. But where does this all lead? What is the end of the path? The end of the path is….self. And self leads to nowhere. It is a dead end. (there is nothing wrong with taking care of ourselves reasonably and healthily so that we can be healthy and whole to take care of others, the problem lies in that the main and consuming focus is on self.) Or in buying the world’s lie that we need to ‘have it all’ to really be worthy or that child rearing is menial work best left to others we hire. If we live by the world’s standards, our roots are shallow and will not last, because this world and all it’s false wisdom, ideas and thoughts will pass away. For a woman of the world, the next promotion, bonus, phase of life, bigger house, bigger car, or beauty appointment may be an accomplishment or something to look forward too, but these things are not rooted in truth. It doesn't look bad on the outside, in fact this life looks happy and successful, like something we should all work to attain. What is wrong with it? The world is the master and the god. A heart focused on self becomes prideful and puffed up, hardened by it’s own ways. It becomes a ‘stony heart of flesh.’

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17

Paul (then known as Saul) was one of the worst persecutors of Christians before he met Christ. He was even present at Stephen’s stoning. He truly believed that Christianity was dangerous to Judaism and probably thought he had a sincere heart. When he met Christ, God showed him his ideals were misguided and couldn't be more wrong. Christ revealed to Paul his own stony heart of flesh, even blinded Paul for three days--- without Christ, Paul was living blindly. After he came to know Christ, all the good qualities about Paul, including his intensity, were used for God’s kingdom. He now had a ‘new heart of flesh’ to see clearly and live a holy life for God. Many times as women we are like Paul. The world’s values we have adopted seem like the ones to follow. We have what we think is a sincere heart yet we are truly blind. We need Christ to open our eyes like he did Paul’s, and show us how to live. God will take our good qualities, and renew and refine us to live for Him. First, we must come to God with a willingness to be transformed. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

A woman of the word is one who lives her life by God’s standards, he is the Master and only One she serves. She is soaked in the word, not in the world, and lives it out consistently whether it is popular or not. Her life is not wrapped up in her activities her social gatherings, new clothes or beauty treatments, but in Jesus, where her identity lies. As she lives for Him, follows Him, lays herself down at his feet, she is following the One who will never pass away. She is living for eternity. She is settled in spirit, because she abides in Christ, and does not worry that all the world offers that is passing by is anything she is missing.

Her life is not frantic and chaotic, but resting at the feet of the One who matters. She takes time to read the word, and then live it and allow it’s eternal truths to transform her. She can see others for who they are in Him, and treat them as His children. They are not to be used for her gain or promotion, but to love and serve. Self is not a god in the heart of a woman of the word. Her heart is softened by coming to a true understanding of the love of Christ, not puffed up or prideful. She can only boast of what Christ has done in her, for it is His power residing in her and apart from Him she can bear no fruit of lasting worth. She recognizes the worlds subtle lies for what they are, and they hold no value to her. She doesn't cling to the world, but to the word of God which is her hope and life, which will never pass away. God has given her a new heart and a new spirit. She lives and invests in that which is lasting, the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: “Lord, I want to be a woman of God with a soft and quiet heart to listen and be changed. Renew my heart and mind by revealing the half truths I have believed and replacing them with your pure and holy truth. Then give me the strength of character and a willingness to let go of old habits to be a doer of the word and enable me to put what I have learned into action. Amen”

“...likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,  but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

“A godly woman is beyond average because she keeps her word. She honors her vows. She exhibits great faith. She overcomes great obstacles. And she affects her family, her community, even the world.” -Elizabeth George

Mothering in a Pop Culture Society

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

Keeping up with pop culture is time consuming. TV shows, magazines, celebrity gossip, the latest celebrity “news” every day is big business in America. Pop culture can easily become a sort of “idol” to keep up with that adds to our busyness and unsettled hearts. It can distract us and cause our feet to slip off the path of God’s ways.

For tired, busy mothers of young children, escaping into the mindless pop culture can be a relief or coping mechanism. When we fix our minds and hearts on fleeting things of culture, things that will change tomorrow--- we are chasing after the wind. Dissatisfaction and thinking that the ideals of culture will satisfy us can easily begin to take root. Something that seems ‘harmless’ begins to seep in and steal the peace of God from us. Watching our favorite shows or movies isn’t harmful in itself. It starts to become harmful when a bulk of time is ‘wasted’ on keeping up and it causes a neglect of focusing on God’s ways. Focusing on ‘gossip’ about others and trying to keep up with the latest fads and trends, distracts the woman of God from her true mission.  “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10

As mothers, fixing our eyes on God’s purposes, spending our time learning His ways and listening to Him, and teaching our children about God leads to the rich and satisfying life of living in His presence. God isn’t fleeting or changing and tomorrow will not be a race to keep up with Him. He won’t make us feel dissatisfaction if we fail to comb our hair, dress in the best trends, or own the latest and greatest of everything. Mother’s are God’s children, and he gives us no command to stress about keeping up with the culture around us. He wants us to keep up with our children, with molding and shaping their hearts, imparting His love and wisdom to them so that we are investing in the Kingdom of God every day.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

When our minds and hearts become focused on gossip and untruth, we become restless and influenced away from God. No longer are we satisfied with what God has provided and the mission he’s put in front of us. Our contentment levels drop and we begin to seek happiness and entertainment as our primary goal. The enemy would like to distract mother’s from their greatest work---raising children for God’s Kingdom, and he will do it in the smallest and most subtle of ways, tricking us into thinking they are harmless.  “Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.” 1 Timothy 5:13

We can make wise choices about what media we do consume as mothers and then choose to let the rest go. As women of the word, not women of the world, we are living in the freedom of Christ, clothed in his righteousness. We are not slaves to keep up with pop culture, gossip, or anything we are told is worthy of distracting us from our most important work. We can spend our time on things worthy and admirable, walking with Christ, and doing His work. We don’t live in fear of falling behind or keeping up with a culture that does not follow God’s ways and will lead to unfruitfulness. We can abide in Jesus everyday, knowing He will not leave us behind. We can only bear fruit as we abide in Him and commit wholeheartedly to the way of the Lord.

Prayer: “Lord, guard my heart and mind against distractions from the holy work you’ve given me. Give me sharp and discerning eyes to see what I do not need to partake of. Guard me and keep me so my feet do not slip off of your path. Amen.”

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” John 15:4

“...and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11

“The simple believes everything,

   but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15

“Your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all.” -Thomas Brooks

The Wilderness

“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.” Proverbs 17:3

When things are easy and ‘smooth sailing’ in life, we tend to coast through.  Our supposed comfort fools us into thinking there is no need to focus on the purifying work of God in our lives, or removing that which stands in the way of a deeper relationship with Him. God uses our trials to refine our faith, show us His way of life, and desires that we walk with Him through our wilderness. If we genuinely turn our hearts back from mans way to God’s way, we will find meaning and purpose in even the deepest pain.

Seeking God will eventually lead to a life transformation. If we have clung to our own ways, which keep us in bondage, and we turn from them to study God’s word, and commit to removing from our lives that which God asks us to, His transforming peace changes our minds and hearts. Building a close relationship with God as we walk through our trials is not something unattainable. Making a point to spend time in God’s word daily: studying and yet reading it as a living word, a living instruction guide to His children. God’s word is living and active, and He sees the “humble and contrite heart” that seeks Him.  “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17

The humble and contrite heart, one that is repentant for seeking one’s own way and has turned his heart to Jesus, is willing to be transformed and changed by God, and willing to give up his own way and now turn to God’s way. A heart that is prideful and not aware of it’s own desperate need for God is not a heart ready to truly accept the changes God will bring. Sometimes we accept Jesus as savior of the world in head knowledge, yet the transforming work that we should accept being done in our lives is fought tooth and nail. Most of the time we do not want to give up old habits, ways of thinking and to simply be seen as different than most people. We are afraid to not be popular. Are we the same as we were before we accepted Christ and understood His sacrifice? Then we have not accepted the transforming work of God in our lives and applied ourselves with diligence and a humble, teachable heart.  “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

Joseph, being sold into slavery by his own brothers, then thrown into jail, walked through a wilderness of his own. Certainly as a human being he felt doubt, sorrow, and abandonment. Yet, his heart remained faithful and trusting in God. Even in jail, Joseph trusted God and did his best with even the smallest tasks given to him. “The Lord was with him, making everything run smoothly and successfully.” Genesis 39:23  Joseph’s faithfulness eventually led him to favor with Pharaoh, put in charge of the entire land of Egypt, even preventing famine in his land because of his wisdom and humble heart that listened to God. “For he is a man that is obviously filled with the spirit of God.” Genesis 41:38  Joseph’s heart for God, his willingness to not give in to bitterness, spite and depression, resulted in God’s blessing and peace as he walked through his own personal trials. “For he said, God has made me fruitful in this land of my suffering.” Genesis 41:52

Hannah, in deep anguish, walked in her wilderness of childlessness and pain. Determined not to lose hope for a child, “Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:10  She took her pain to the Lord, instead of becoming angry and resentful or even hopeless. She turned not to her own way, but to God’s way. God heard her humble and contrite heart. “For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” 1 Samuel 1:16 God blessed Hannah with her son Samuel, and she took her gratitude to God. “My heart rejoices in the Lord! Oh how the Lord has blessed me! Now I have an answer for my enemies, as I delight in your deliverance.” 1 Samuel 2:1

When we turn our heart to God in our trials, our desperation's, our sorrows and brokenness, He is there.  We must have faith and trust in God’s character and not let bitterness, envy, or anger take root in our hearts. We can trust His work even in the deepest pain, that He is not abandoning us but refining us to grow closer to Him, and grow more like Jesus. God loves His children and wants what is best for them, not in material wealth but in soul health. God refines and purifies us to accomplish His purpose in us.

Prayer: “Lord, guide me through my heartache, pain and the testing of my faith through the fire. Refine me and guide me, show my heart how to only walk in your ways. Remove from my life bad habits, patterns of thought and obstacles to seeing you and walking with you. Amen.”

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,  so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10

“If I walk with the world, I can't walk with God.” D.L. Moody

“If we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and self-seeking and pleasure

and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God, and I believe many a

man is praying to God to fill him when he is full already with something else.” D.L. Moody