Many Christians are stunted in their spiritual growth because they don’t understand or express their deep emotions and desires. As pastors, ministry leaders, caregivers, or parents we may get so busy or so focused on other people that we become disconnected from our own emotions and needs. But being self-aware is crucial to our abilities…
“Do not worry… Do not worry… Do not worry…” The Psalmist repeats his counsel three times in Psalm 37. (vv 1, 7, 8) Just like Jesus did in Matthew 6. (vv 25, 31, 34) “Do not worry.” This is not the empty reassurance of “Don’t worry. Be happy!” The Bible never advises denial of emotion. The…
People get angry in different ways. You may raise your voice. Or react with harsh words. Or gossip negatively about someone. Or carry resentment. Or stonewall someone who has offended you. Or get depressed. Or you can follow the example of the Psalmist and offer an angry prayer. The Psalmist shows us how to deal…
We can live in fullness of life in the presence of the risen Christ today — that’s the invitation of the Shepherd Psalm. But it begins with an audacious claim: “The Lord is my shepherd, he gives me life without lack.” Life without lack? You might question that. My life is full of lack —…
We all have times we don’t feel thankful. Maybe we’re depleted, detached, despairing. Maybe God feels far away. What do you do then? A pastor friend of mine is one of the wisest, most compassionate, and successful leaders I know. He has a large church of people who are so thankful for him, how he…
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, wants to find and befriend your lost emotions. You probably know Jesus’ parable about the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that’s lost. (Luke 15:1-7). But have you ever put yourself in that story? Not only before you trusted in Christ for salvation, but also in your life…
Often we are afraid to hope and be disappointed. But without hope we have nothing! All good things come from hope. Hope is the anticipation of God doing something good for you. The Bible says hope is the spring for faith and love (Colossians 1:5). Also, “Hope is an anchor for your soul” (Hebrews 6:19).…
One night as C. S. Lewis slept, a lion bounded into his dream. He wasn’t scared as much as he was blessed. Later, he named the lion “Aslan.” Then a wardrobe door opened into the wonderful world of Narnia — for 100 million people! You never know when a door to Narnia may open. “Jack”…
Recently it was the third anniversary of Dallas Willard’s death so Kristi and I have been remembering him and thanking God for his influence in our lives. It’s easy to be impressed with Dallas’ great intellect and his achievements as a philosophy professor and Christian author. But of all the ways Dallas impacted me the…
In the press of a day you may forget that it only takes a moment to satisfy your soul in your Savior. In the temptations of our life we may turn to what we can accomplish or how ideal we can appear in order to find happiness. But our joy is in Jesus right now! This…