Even as I am l released from house arrest and enjoying some renewed freedom, my mindset can best be described as muddled. How do I trust in the Lord and take steps in wisdom? Who do I believe? What does it look like as I attempt to “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God?” (Micah 6:8, as Jim reminded us last Tuesday)? What does it look like to “to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)? How do I submit to Christ in me in the midst of a world in upheaval, change, transition, renewal, dissention, fear, anger, splintering, and hopefully healing? Such important questions as the global Church as well as an individual follower of Jesus.
My mind goes back to a familiar passage:
For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said,
"In repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength."
But you were not willing,
And you said, "No, for we will flee on horses,"
Therefore you shall flee!
"And we will ride on swift horses,"
Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift.
One thousand will flee at the threat of one man;
You will flee at the threat of five,
Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top
And as a signal on a hill.
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
How blessed are all those who long for Him.
O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
(Isaiah 30:15-21)
I need this more than ever: “Your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”
Any thought of control we might have is merely an illusion. We must look to the Sovereign One in every step. I am continually reminded that my salvation come from repentance and rest, and my strength comes from quietness and trust. I am looking to my own steps, then walking alongside (paraclete-ing) so many others who are desiring to make choices and walk through this current field of landmines in a way which honors God. This is what Psalm One Ministries is all about.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “I will seek You in the morning and I will learn to walk in Your ways, and step by step You'll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.” (Rich Mullins)
Much love,
Linda