Character of the Worshiper

The character of the worshiper will always be molded by the character of what he worships. 

Worship the past or life's challenges and our character will reflect anger, depression, loneliness, regret, hopelessness, etc.  We can't function today by living in the past or by life dictated by challenges or consequences.

As with emotions our circumstances are not the foundation upon which to base our lives or opinion of who God is.  

Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what prosperity is. I cry out, "My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!” The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!  The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:17-26NLT)

Here are some lessons we can learn from Jeremiah:

1. In the midst of difficulties Jeremiah drew from truth he learned and experienced about God.  Reliance on truth rather than emotions as a result of circumstance will help see us through the difficult times.  Emotions are fickle and will always disappoint us.

2.  God knows our limits...He will never allow more than we can handle but will always be our help if we allow him to be. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

3.  No matter what happens today, there will always be a tomorrow...a fresh start.  I am so very thankful God does not give us 'left-overs' but new mercies, new grace and new hope every morning. 

4.  The best way to handle emotions that would seem to overwhelm us is to hope on him; seek him; and wait quietly for his deliverance. The attitude we take during waiting is just as important as the waiting. Waiting is a discipline that yields great rewards and a promise:  "Those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength." (Isaiah 40:31)

Don't hide or run from difficult circumstances, that only prolongs the outcome.  Work through them, don't use them as an excuse to stay where you are.  Sometimes seeking Gods help will come through wise Godly counsel from someone you can trust who will care and walk with you through the difficult times in your life. That person should always direct you to God not away from him nor to themselves for your help. 

Today may we be a worshiper of the God of truth not what others say or what our emotions may try to convince us is truth.  Through our worship may we be molded by his hope, strength, and wisdom.

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!  

In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure. (Isaiah 33:6 NLT)

The Aroma of Waiting

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (Isaiah 30:18 NLT)

Waiting is hard...I don't particularly like waiting!  It's not that I shy away from the process of a challenge or new ideas but I also like action and resolution. Waiting is especially hard when it is in silence.  Am I supposed to be doing something or perhaps nothing and if so what direction should I or shouldn't I take?  If I'm not careful my mind will go into overtime seeking direction when the only direction I'm to be taking is...waiting.  

The act of waiting can be the difference between microwave cooking and crock-pot cooking.  There are advantages to both but depending on the end result sometimes one is better than the other.  

Microwave cooking is quick and always has the background sound of the microwave working.  

Crock-pot cooking is silent and would seem as though nothing is happening until the wonderful aroma of whatever is slow cooking starts to permeate the room.

I usually make roast beef in my crock pot with plenty of onions, garlic and other seasonings and veggies.  Raw onions and garlic are too potent and bitter for my taste but when mixed with the roast and slow cooked all day their flavors soften and enhance an amazing taste to the beef.

Life's heartaches and trials are like onions and garlic; left raw they are offensive, burning, bringing  tears at times; and if not dealt with we can give off a horrible smell to those around us.  But when we allow the Holy Spirit to work through them in our hearts amazing lessons and compassion adds flavor and aromas that draw others to his grace and mercy.  This takes time...waiting.

It is in the waiting our hardened hearts receive the tenderizing of 'Holy Spirit slow cooking' in order for the extravagant grace and mercy of God to be seen (smelled) in the world around us.

In waiting comes the promise, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

May we not be in such a hurry for quick fixes that we miss the sweet aroma Christ is trying to produce in us through our waiting times.