What is Good for the Soul

I've owned horses since the day I was born. My family owned them, and even after high school, when my Dad sold almost all of them, I kept one, and I still have him to this day. He's getting older, and I really can't imagine a day when he's not around, but God willing, I will get to enjoy him for a few more years.

Since having children, I really don't have time to ride him anymore, and since he's getting up in years, when I do he tends to get a little stiff and sore. Our other horse isn't broke to ride, and over the last few years, I haven't had time to work with him either, so between the two of them, the only 'purpose' they serve is to keep the grass eaten down on our farm.

I've been asked numerous times over the years, "So, do you ever ride those horses?" to which I give the schpiel which I just gave you above. However, I also tell people, "You know, I really just enjoy looking at them." The response to this statement is usually kind of a strange look and a little chuckle, and we leave it at that.

But it's true. I do 'just' enjoy looking at them. It does something -- something very good -- for my soul.

And in that moment -- the moment where I receive a strange look and a chuckle -- I kind of want to ask that person, "Do you have that in your life? Do you have something that does good for your soul?"

I don't know if I can adequately explain what it is about the horses that does me so much good, but when I look at them, I think about strength, I think about things more powerful than I am. I think about beauty. I think about endurance. I think about the truth and simplicity in their nature. I marvel at their grace. I take pleasure in seeing them at rest, and am exhilerated when they seemingly take flight across the landscape. I appreciate their place in Creation.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

In my opinion, God created horses to be 'lovely' and 'excellent' creatures, and I dare to say He would agree, as horses are frequently noted in Scripture, in various ways, sometimes as beasts of war and burden, sometimes as examples of strength, and in Revelation, as very graphic images of the coming of our Lord and the end times.

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True." Revelation 19:11

On the other hand, whereas the horses cause me to meditate on God's good things, I also keep in mind that they are His creation, not something to be worshipped themselves. They are worthy of appreciation, yet my hope does not rest in them.

"A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength, it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love..." Psalm 33:17-18

My point in all of this is not to say that we should all spend time gazing upon horses, but to illustrate how God gives us many things, in His creation, that should cause us to stop and meditate upon Him, upon His creation, and upon His nature. He did not create the many wonders of our earth so that we might go on about our lives and ignore their majesty; rather He made such things so that we might see a glimpse of what is pleasing and lovely to Him. As if this wasn't amazing enough, the even greater thing about all of this is that God wishes for us to see the beauty of His creation, not only as a display of His power, but because He loves us.

Because He loves us, He allows us to draw closer into His presence through the beauty around us. Because He loves us, the Lord and Creator of the universe (think about that... the universe!) wants to share His majesty with us. As our Maker, He knows that we need this. He knows that we need Him.

Knowing that the God of the universe loves me -- me! -- enough to grace me with even a tiny bit of His splendor... Well, knowing this is very good for my soul.

A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
    despite all its great strength it cannot save.
¹⁸ But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
    on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
¹⁹ to deliver them from death
    and keep them alive in famine.

²⁰ We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
²² May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you.

Storms

I peeked my head out the door today and peered out at the freezing rain coming down, forming sleek sheets of ice on everything it touched. Then I looked off to the southwest across the expanse of wide open field and for a moment I was struck by the stretch of gray-blue sky, and the fact that this particular view wasn't even possible less than a year ago.

It is the end of February, and last July, a powerful storm swept through our farm and ripped down our machine shed; the machine shed that would have previously obstructed the view I had today. I thought how, with that machine shed gone, we now have a clear view to any future storms that approach our farm from the southwest.

I felt uneasy about that.

Is it better to be able to see the storms coming?

Or is it better to have the view obstructed?

The fact of the matter is, whether that machine shed had remained standing or not, storms will continue to come.

If there is one thing I have learned last summer and this winter, it is that we cannot always predict when storms will hit. Despite modern meteorological advances, we had very little warning that the July storm was bearing down on us. Personally, I was busy in our home, folding laundry and enjoying a fairly peaceful day. Our kids were napping. Minutes later I was dragging them from their beds and down into our basement.

This fall, on the other hand, I found myself preparing, both mentally and physically, for the soon-to-come storms of winter. I rounded up my sweater collection and hats, mittens and coats for the whole family. I helped my husband put the snow blower on the tractor. We made plans for how to set up the water tank heater for the goats and horses outside, and shared ideas on which way would be the best for my husband to drive the tractor into their pen to deposit round hay bales when they needed them. All summer long we had heard how this winter was predicted to deal us more snow than we'd had in years.

So, we prepared.

And then, unexpectedly, winter never really came.

It was unseasonably warm, dry and temperate. We had no real winter 'storms' at all.

The 'storms of life' can be like this as well. When we expect them to come, circumstances change and we are spared. On the other hand, we can be caught unaware, and find ourselves quickly at the mercy of unexpected upheaval, damage and uncertainty.

What does this mean for us as Christians?

Does it mean we shouldn't worry or bother with preparations?

Yes, and no.

First of all, in regard to worry, the Bible is very clear and specific. In Matthew we read...

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet our heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:26-27

And in Philippians...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Do not worry! Do not be anxious! God. is. in. control.

We all know this is easier said than done, but it is very reassuring that the command to not worry or be anxious is given in such a straight-forward manner. Although there are many things that are beyond our understanding, God gives it to us straight on this one. The Almighty Himself is telling us, "Don't sweat it. I've got this." Though we often can't be confident in controlling the outcome of our situations, we can be confident in the One who is in control.

However, though we are not to worry, it is important that we prepare for the 'storms of life'. Just as we gather flashlights, radios and blankets to use as tools in the event that a storm hits, so should we gather our Christian tools.

Instead of a flashlight, we look to He who is the light...

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

The light... of life! The promise, the hope, of eternal light and eternal life.

.......

Just as our radio can get us the information we need to get us through a storm, so the Bible is our ultimate source of truth, guidance and security...

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Our Bible, our word of God, is what gives us a foundation for discernment in making tough decisions when we are called to do so. It is the promise from our Lord that He will be there to walk us -- or even carry us -- through the storm.

.......

Like a blanket which we might tuck away in our car to keep us warm should we get stuck in cold weather, so will God's love cover us...

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Psalm 61:3-5

The list could go on and on. Just as we gather our worldly tools to get us through a storm, we are blessed to have many tools from our loving Father to arm and comfort ourselves through tumultuous times. He does not ever wish for us to go through storms without Him, whether we see them coming or not.

Whirlwind

Whirlwind.

Life feels like that sometimes, doesn't it?

We all know a little something of whirlwinds. Whether it's the whirlwind of busy-ness we can find ourselves in, the whirlwind of time flying by, or the gale force winds of life's real storms... Oh yes. We all know about whirlwinds.

Recently I've come to see whirlwinds in a different way, in the beautiful way they exist in creation. About a month ago, after going through a particularly trying time, just as I felt God was finally getting back on my feet, He sent me a whirlwind. I was working outside on a perfectly calm and sunny fall day, when out of nowhere I heard the cornstalks rustling out in the field. It had been so very calm, and the rustling was so very great, it immediately caught my attention.

There it was, a whirlwind.

In the field, just across the road from me, it swirled by, shaking the stalks and stirring up the chaff as it moved along. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I halfway wanted to run out there and stand right in the middle of it.

And today, once again on the better side of one of life's many trials, I just happened to decide to step out the door quickly to let one of our dogs out. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw it... Again in the field... A whirlwind! The field has been recently harvested, so this time I could see the whirlwind from right where it met the ground, all the way up, swirling the chaff high into the sky, stirring the harvest.

As I watched, I thought about these whirlwinds, whether real or figurative, that stir us up. Not only does God give us beauty in a whirlwind, but purpose as well, for they draw us up closer to Him, just as the chaff of the field. God knows about your whirlwinds, good or bad, and He will never grow tired of getting you through them.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens... Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:21-31

Strength in Him

Today I ache.

I ache physically... Too little sleep? Not taking care of myself?

But more than that, I ache emotionally. Spiritually.

I ache with thoughts of past wrongs, past sins.

I visibly wince (though no one sees me) at the thoughts of my mistakes. I churn with my own iniquity.

This is not one of those instances where 'the body is weak, but the spirit is willing'. This is one of those instances where the body is weak and the spirit is flailing. I want to lie down. Lie down in the dirt outside our door. Lie down in the soft sunshine and gentle breeze, hear the rustling of the leaves. Lie down at His feet, cling to His robes, and feel His healing hand upon me. Let the tears of repentance flow.

As I laid down to sleep last night, dismayed, I was comforted by only one thought: The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Up until recently I had been reading in Nehemiah, how the people diligently began rebuilding walls. How they built their walls with one hand, while holding their weapons in the other, prepared to protect themselves from evil attacks. But I wandered away from this passage. Was lured away, perhaps. Now this thought, this revelation in the dark, brings me back to Nehemiah...

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:9-10

Do not mourn or weep! Do not grieve! The joy of the Lord is your strength!

The only thing -- the absolute ONLY thing -- that overpowers the thought of, "I can't do this," is the truth of knowing that I can't, but He can. I am not capable of repairing my broken spirit, but He is. I don't know how to use this brokenness for His glory, but He does.

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him... Hebrews 5:7-9

Lord, thank You for your love. Thank You for your presence. Give me a heart like Jesus today. Help me to submit to You, to throw off everything that hinders, and live in Your grace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” Nehemiah 4:19-20

Loving One Another

Recently I was reminded of the difference love can make in our lives. Most often, a person, in the midst of condemnation and judgement, struggles in a myriad of ways. However, that same person, in an environment of love, flourishes. I experienced this myself, in my relationship with my husband. I know that his strong and committed love was a major cornerstone of my development as a Godly woman. In this environment of love, I was able to move beyond old hurts and fears that were tripping me up. My husband was, and is, and earthly example of God's love for us.

But we struggle with this, don't we? Sometimes we feel that someone doesn't need to feel our love. Or maybe we don't think we have the time to express it. Sometimes we feel ourselves to be unloveable. And sometimes we find it utterly impossible to love another. At times our society can feel completely unloving. Gossip, judgement and criticizm run rampant on our televisions, in our work places and at social events, and even in our own homes. It is simply easier to harden our hearts. However, in Hebrews we read...

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13

And in Luke...

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:32-36

Be merciful.

Those are powerful words. When I am having a hard time showing mercy to someone -- when it seems like their offenses are just too great -- I remind myself of my own sin. While I was a sinner, Christ died for me. I remain a sinner still, yet when I repent, the Lord forgives. Acknowledging that I am the recipient of such great mercy and forgiveness helps me to extend mercy and understanding to others. It softens my heart.

Let's look at the things love does/is, according to the Bible...

1. Patient (1 Corinthians 13:4)

2. Kind (1 Corinthians 13:4)

3. Rejoices in truth (1 Corinthians 13:6)

4. Protects (1 Corinthians 13:7)

5. Hopes (1 Corinthians 13:7)

6. Perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7)

7. Never fails (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Things love does not do...

1. Boast (1 Corinthians 13:4)

2. Envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)

3. Exhibit pride (1 Corinthians 13:4)

4. Dishonor others (1 Corinthians 13:5)

5. Seek ones' self (1 Corinthians 13:5)

6. Become easily angered (1 Corinthians 13:5)

7. Keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5)

8. Delight in evil (1 Corinthians 13:6)

I would encourage you to examine your heart, confess your own sin before God, especially any sin that involves harboring an unloving spirit, and ask God to help you show love to someone today. If you ask Him for this, He will do it.