David is often admired, and rightly so. He was an incredible man of God. When we think about David’s victories, though, we can easily believe that his successes were quickly reached and far outweighed his difficult times. But recently, when I reread David’s story, I was deeply touched by the trials he went through before he became king and how similar his waiting period is to the time of life many of us are going through.
God promised David the kingdom and called him to rule Israel. But when David was hiding in a deep, dark cave with Saul seeking his life, David must have gone through much doubt. The vagabond who held the lowest place in Israel, always on the run, a poor and wanted man who was rejected, betrayed, and had numerous enemies–who would think he could become king? It seemed impossible.
Cave entrance
Perhaps it was easier for David to have faith when he was favored at Saul’s court. But there, in the cave, how and when could God do it? Yet in due time, David’s faith became sight as he was crowned king of Israel, and each and every promise of God proved steadfast.
King David
I hope this verse, written by David himself, will encourage you when you walk through life’s caves.
Psalm 27:13-14
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!“
John 11:25-27 (NKJV) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Resurrection Sunday has always been special to me. My name, Anastasia Irene, comes from Greek and literally means “Resurrection peace”. The verses that my parents gave me when I was a baby are John 11:25-27.
These gorgeous ice plant flowers, some of my favorites, truly capture the joy of Resurrection Sunday!
I have always cherished the truth that because Jesus arose from the dead, we will be resurrected one day to live eternally with Him. However, this year, He has given me two new perspectives on resurrection.
The first symbol of resurrection is that of a kernel of wheat.
John 12:24
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
Kernels of wheat
In John 12:24, Jesus is mainly predicting His death and resurrection, but this passage can also apply to our earthly lives. It speaks of His resurrection power available to us here and now. Each spring, as we plant the seeds into the ground and cover them with dark soil, it feels as though that would be the end. Yet, in His miraculous power, God causes new life to burst forth from that seed, and sprout, and grow into the fullness of its beauty.
Is there anything in your life that feels dead–a dream, a desire, a long-nurtured hope? What if those areas of our lives that we thought were dead are, in some amazing way, only the beginnings and are rooted in the resurrection power? Is God able to take what things we have buried and assumed gone forever and resurrect them in a whole new way? The astounding news is that He IS able, and He DOES and WILL! That which feels like the end in our lives is God’s way of burying a seed deep into our hearts; for one day, the growth from it will astound us!
Perhaps, He allows some things in our lives to die so that He can raise them up “for the glory of God” (John 11). If Lazarus had not died, Jesus would not have had a chance to display His glorious resurrection power and bring many sheep into His flock. Make a list of areas in your life that feel dead and pray Jesus’ resurrection power over each one.
The second symbol of the resurrection we experience on earth is that of a butterfly.
Painted lady butterfly on a rose
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Just as a butterfly is freed from her cocoon, we become a new creation when we put our faith in Jesus! Our sinful inner man dies, and we experience God’s resurrection spiritually, even though our physical bodies still await redemption. Let’s live like we are resurrected by God’s mighty power! Give all your pain to God, and He will resurrect it for His glory! Amen!
One of the lessons God taught me recently is that of “the road”. While on a hike, I was deeply moved by this image. Several things gripped my heart as I compared the road to our journey in life.
The road
“The pathway is mostly rocky, but some stretches are smooth.” In life, the path we walk is certainly full of rocks and bumps. We traverse through numerous difficulties. The earth is marred with sin. However, in God’s great mercy, He shows and will continue to show us His goodness even here in this life. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV
“Beauty surrounds you, if you only look for it.” In every stage of life, hard or blessing-filled, God surrounds us with numerous great gifts of His beauty. When we carefully examine our lives, we will find that every season, no matter how painful, bears marks of His grace and joy. Last year, I made it a practice to intentionally seek out God’s special gifts in each day. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV
“Keep your eyes on Me and on the beauty.” Instead of dwelling on our sorrows, we should fix our eyes on Christ and praise the beauty of His character and His creation. Our Lord is so beautiful! “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!” 1 Chronicles 16:29 NKJV
“When you are sore and weak, I will carry you.” This point was especially practical for me. While hiking, my legs became quite sore since I had trekked a long, hilly distance. What a comfort to know that when I am weak, God is strong, and He will carry me. “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
“The road is charted and planned out by Me.” God has a perfect plan behind everything in our lives! He knows every twist and turn, every obstacle and scenic spot along the way. He is a trustworthy Guide! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
“I will not let you fall.” As believers, we are held in God’s love, and though we may stumble, He will help us get back up. No one can snatch us out of His hand! “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ” John 10: 27-29 NKJV
“I am with you every step of the way.” It is so comforting to realize and remember that God is walking with us, and He will never, never, never leave us nor forsake us. The road of life may be treacherous, but even when we feel forsaken, exhausted, or lost, we are never alone. Praise the Lord! “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
I pray you will know God’s love deeply, wherever you are on the road of life today.
Last weekend, I was blessed to have some extended quiet time with the Lord. He spoke to me beautifully about the power of quiet reflection. In the upcoming posts, I will be sharing some of the lessons He taught me during this special time spent in His presence.
Blooming dogwood tree
Our lives are so full of busyness and noise. However, if we take time to step back and listen for the Lord’s voice in whatever environment we may find ourselves, we can be blessed and refreshed in a special way. This is a new way for me to encounter God–to experience Him with a quieted mind and heart, no matter how distracting my current surroundings may be. There is a certain power I discovered in this kind of communion with God. When you settle your mind before the Lord right where you are and tune in to His blessed presence, He can truly speak to you in a special way.
Blooming cherry tree
My personal favorite reflective exercise has been Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is reading of the Word combined with reflection. It provides a great opportunity to draw closer to God as His Word penetrates deep into our hearts and minds. Such reflective time spent with God in nature is particularly refreshing. Our Lord speaks in a profound way when we encounter Him through His creation.
Redwood trees
May you draw closer to the Lord and hear His voice today!
