Our Inspired Journey

I recently studied Psalm 125 as part of the Bible study I'm in at church right now and found myself raising my hands and saying "Amen!" right in my living room...this kind of joy could not go unshared! With all we are experiencing right now: new state, new community, new friends, new school, Cole's hearing impairment, it's essential for us to be reminded of what cannot be shaken or changed by shifting circumstances.

Psalm 125:1-3
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion.
It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.
Jerusalem - the mountains surround her.
And the Lord surrounds His people, both now and forever.

It has been enlivening to John and I to be reminded of the character of our God who has not, or will ever change. Circumstances in this world change constantly. I have found that in my times of greatest "earthly" stability, I tend to take the unshakable character of the LORD for granted. Over the past 10 years or so, we have lived in the same town with the same amazing friends from college and attended a church where we grew to know and love people. There is great stability and comfort in being in such familiar surroundings for so long. What a gift that time was in our lives. There were definite changes that went on inside those comfortable surrounds (new jobs, new babies, etc...) but our support system remained intact and the blessing of people we loved dearly, were an expression of God's provision for us.

I read something that Beth Moore said in my bible study following our reading of Psalm 125 that struck me. In fact, it was like a light not only came on inside my head and heart but almost burst all over the room! I read it to John immediately, whose heart also resonated with this truth so much that he said, "Well, it looks like that needs to be your next blog entry!" And so it is...read her words as she expounds on the reality of our security in the nature and character of God...

Insecurity is a serious problem, but self-security can be an even bigger problem - even self-security drawn from our position as a child of God. Consider Psalm 125:1 and a contrasting image drawn by David in Psalm 30:6-7, "When I was secure, I said, 'I will never be shaken.' LORD, when you showed Your favor, You made me stand like a strong mountain; when you hid Your face, I was terrified." Consider this carefully: David was the first to ascribe his prosperity to the Lord, but somewhere along the way he mistakenly placed his security in the blessing of God rather than God himself....Even if our security is in something God has given us - our gifts, talents, loved ones, church family, consistent victory, passion for His Word, - our seemingly secure mountain ultimately will fall into the sea. We can grow secure in the favor God has shown us, but God's favor and His person are not synonymous. If our trust is in manifestations of God's favor rather than God Himself, we will crumble like dry clay when He calls us to walk a distance of our journeys entirely by faith and not by sight...God is with us and for us even when his face and His favor seem hidden. Mountain -like security only comes from trusting God, not what He's done for us or given us, however glorious and eternal those things may be.

My heart couldn't resonate with this truth more. To know and be known by our creator brings peace and contentment beyond what family, friends, bigger house, nicer car, etc. can ever bring. We are in a place where we are learning this truth not just in sprinkles here and there but instead, it's as if we're standing under a rushing waterfall of God's character...His steadfastness, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and unshakable character is quenching the drought sometimes felt by the loss of our California community back "home." We love you but the LORD is enough for us! I hope that doesn't come across as rude! It's not meant to be...we miss you and count the days until we see you again since being with you all is part of God's blessing in our lives. Thankfully though, with plane flights at around $300 a piece, the LORD has a greater way of sustaining us...the constant presence of His Holy Spirit. I couldn't wish more for you than the gift of His presence in your life as well. Nothing is more satisfying for us these days, and if we've learned anything lately, this will be true all our days! :) Thank you Jesus for your unshifting gaze on your children. :)