This morning I read about contending for spiritual maturity in others. Paul speaks about this in the last verse of Colossians 1. As I cross referenced this verse in other translations, a picture of someone agonizingly, working tirelessly, enthused by divine passion comes to mind. These word pictures evidently show that Paul entirely spent himself on these disciples. It seems that he was committed to the end. The end of course was their full maturity in Christ as per Colossians 1:28a.
As I pondered on this I began to ask myself do I have this attitude? Am I contending with agony for my brothers and sisters, particularly those who are in leadership over others? In practical terms, do I pray for them with all my heart? And if so, is it continually? After all, Paul says to pray without ceasing. Or am I casual, callous, apathetic or complacent about the way that I seek God for them.
Personally, I believe I am somewhere in between. Recently I spent a few days agonizing over a believer, in that regard I would be like Paul. Many other times though I would have to admit I am casual in my prayers. Whilst still praying for people, I may be emotionally disengaged or lacking the agonizing of heart that the Spirit births. At other times I may be even callous, passing the buck off to God, after all these are his sheep any way.
Thus, this word speaks definitely to me, but I know as a fellow believer, it must to you as well. At least those of you who are mature in Christ, and desire to see growth in those you are mentoring. Can I challenge you to do what I have done? Assess your heart to see where it lies. If it needs adjustment then do just that. Simply repent and reposition your heart. Then commit a consistent time to seek God for those he has entrusted to your hands. Remember Paul worked tirelessly for many years, so it won’t happen overnight for you. But remain consistent, until the job is done. And like Paul you may present them in full maturity unto Christ.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
God's cure for depression
“But I trust in your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in your salvation” Ps 13:5
These were the words of the psalmist as he goes through the dark night of the soul. Reading Psalms 13, you get the idea that this person is going through a situation that is irreparable. They have cried out to God to no avail. In fact it seems God does not hear, and has completely forsaken them.
Having sought God, the psalmist is now left to his own demise. His thoughts bleak and dark become suicidal and represent the depravity of soul that persists. What is he going to do?
To make matters worse, the enemy awaits that imminent moment when his destruction his complete. Though still alive and well, as far as the author was concerned it was only a matter of time before the vultures came and picked up the pieces. Surely he was done for.
Then all of a sudden a bright light shines in the horizon. We see in verse 5, the first word “But” (NIV) that changes everything. A moment earlier he was destined to the tombs, now he is about to experience unprecedented joy. The only difference now is a resounding “but”. This one word can connect your past failures with future successes. It could link devastation with destiny, and disappointments with promises. Somehow, God’s abiding goodness is able to pierce through the veil of shadows that surrounded our psalmist. He is reminded of God’s love. Think about that for a moment : God loves you. He loves me. His heart beats with care and concern for his beloved ones. Somehow in the mix of things, the author had forgotten. But then, all of a sudden he is reminded. Not needing to know more, and not being assured of specifics as to his deliverance. Just the simplicity of the knowledge of God’s love is enough to produce hope.
Hope leads to joy, and thus he rejoices in God’s salvation. Now he is more assured that God will save him. It is only a matter of time now. After all God does not always show how, but when he promises, we can be rest assured it will come to pass. With this in mind the psalmist begins to sing “the Lord has been good to me”
My prayer this morning is that may this be your story. Let your depression be circumvented by a clear remembrance of God’s goodness. Remember he loves you. Begin to recount the things he has said about you (particularly in his word), and I know like the psalmist your heart will be filled with joy and soon, and very soon, songs will burst forth from you, ushering you into God’s blessed deliverance.
These were the words of the psalmist as he goes through the dark night of the soul. Reading Psalms 13, you get the idea that this person is going through a situation that is irreparable. They have cried out to God to no avail. In fact it seems God does not hear, and has completely forsaken them.
Having sought God, the psalmist is now left to his own demise. His thoughts bleak and dark become suicidal and represent the depravity of soul that persists. What is he going to do?
To make matters worse, the enemy awaits that imminent moment when his destruction his complete. Though still alive and well, as far as the author was concerned it was only a matter of time before the vultures came and picked up the pieces. Surely he was done for.
Then all of a sudden a bright light shines in the horizon. We see in verse 5, the first word “But” (NIV) that changes everything. A moment earlier he was destined to the tombs, now he is about to experience unprecedented joy. The only difference now is a resounding “but”. This one word can connect your past failures with future successes. It could link devastation with destiny, and disappointments with promises. Somehow, God’s abiding goodness is able to pierce through the veil of shadows that surrounded our psalmist. He is reminded of God’s love. Think about that for a moment : God loves you. He loves me. His heart beats with care and concern for his beloved ones. Somehow in the mix of things, the author had forgotten. But then, all of a sudden he is reminded. Not needing to know more, and not being assured of specifics as to his deliverance. Just the simplicity of the knowledge of God’s love is enough to produce hope.
Hope leads to joy, and thus he rejoices in God’s salvation. Now he is more assured that God will save him. It is only a matter of time now. After all God does not always show how, but when he promises, we can be rest assured it will come to pass. With this in mind the psalmist begins to sing “the Lord has been good to me”
My prayer this morning is that may this be your story. Let your depression be circumvented by a clear remembrance of God’s goodness. Remember he loves you. Begin to recount the things he has said about you (particularly in his word), and I know like the psalmist your heart will be filled with joy and soon, and very soon, songs will burst forth from you, ushering you into God’s blessed deliverance.
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