... for Worse ...
Building momentum together as we tone our spiritual core to the theme of consecrating our lives to God, for better or for worse.
Ugh! I’m up at my computer in the wet dawn wondering how much I actually slept last night. Have you ever been here? For months now, I’ve been walking through a hardship with extended family members. I’m weary. The dread this situation is kicking up in me comes from a dusty place that I thought was cleared out long ago. How interesting that today I’m writing about the worst of times.
“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse…” Consecration to my God is a two way street. I promised him fidelity, and he promised me the same. Even when I can barely remember my vows, he faithfully goes on as if he just signed my adoption papers yesterday. Waking up, I know he is continuing to have me, to hold me, no matter what, no matter when.
So I go to prayer. Last week we found ourselves speaking to God openly and transparently. Now let’s think about the other side of the coin. When God speaks, am I listening? The old adage compels me: remember you have two ears and only one mouth. Use them accordingly.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 NASB
All we need to do is to ask? That’s it? Yep. Ask for wisdom.
What can I do now?
How can I cope?
I’m exhausted, how am I going to shut down my alarming thoughts and sleep?
What do you want me to know about this situation, Abba?
Wait, you say. Isn’t it presumptuous and dangerous to expect that God is actually going to give me the time of day? Who is this woman who says she expects to hear from God?
The fine texture as well as the grand movements of life show our need to hear God. Isn’t it more presumptuous and dangerous, in fact, to undertake human existence without hearing God?
Dallas Willard, Hearing God
The book of James promises incredible things. It’s directed at “any of you.” To any believers, no matter how confused, betrayed, broken, or doubting we are.
And he instantly goes to work. Giving wisdom
To all. Any of us. All of us. Each of us. Yes, even me and you, my friend.
Generously, more than we expect, overflowing, abundantly.
Without reproach, no “I told you so’s,” because Jesus doesn’t do cancel culture.
And just for good measure, let’s say it again: it WILL be given.
The James passage does go on with a condition of faith when asking for wisdom.
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:6-8
Giving and receiving are two different actions. God gives but we must receive. God’s giving isn’t in doubt, but our faithful receiving is. The only way I know to eliminate doubt in me is to go for it. What do you have to lose? I don’t want to make it sound easy and safe, it’s not. But it’s really, really worth it.
The hardest thing I’ve ever done as a Christian is believe. And the hardest time to believe - for me - is in the worst of times. But the believing in the worst of times yields the greatest reward.
You might be wondering, how does this work? I didn’t always know how to listen to God. This might be like you. Here’s a scene from our book, Love on Life Support to illustrate. Linda is helping Amy understand how to listen to God.
“But … but does he speak? Out loud? Or … I don’t know how I would hear his answer.” Amy leaned forward, eager to hear Linda’s answer. Linda's eyes sparkled. "When you made the decision to serve Jesus with your whole heart, the spirit of God came to live inside of you. He has been speaking to you all along, but perhaps you didn't realize it was him. You probably attributed his words to your own thoughts or your conscience. That was true for me before I began to patiently listen to him." She reached for the teapot and refilled her cup. Amy bit her lip. She had experienced nudges to do things - and most often ignored them. Was that God trying to talk to me? Linda leaned forward in her seat. "When you ask God for wisdom, just speak in your own words, asking that his voice is the only voice you will hear. Always remember to journal what you are seeing, hearing, and feeling. His timing isn't the same as ours, and it may not be the right time for you to know everything. You can look back in your journal and see the meaning of a message clearly after a time." Love on Life Support, page 176
The worst times of my life were when I heard God’s voice most clearly. In the middle of the mess, sensing a direct message from him, stirring my heart and opening my eyes to his perspective. There was this sense that I was experiencing everything from a higher reality. As if I were peering at my situation out the window of an airplane.
Being still and listening has become a sacred way for me to feel close to Jesus. The Holy Spirit longs to be heard. We just have to pay attention.
Questions to Consider when Times are “Worse”
Messages from God can take many forms. They could be a thought, an image in your imagination, a particular Scripture verse that jumps out at you, or something a person said to you. God is endlessly creative, there are many ways he can give us wisdom. Was there a time in your life when you believe God was speaking to you?
Are you in a season of the worst of times now? What wisdom do you need today? What would your questions be for God? Are you brave enough to ask and then listen for his answer?
If listening prayer is new for you, here are two classic resources that helped me get started. Secrets of the Secret Place Legacy Edition by Bob Sorge and A Guide for Listening and Inner-Healing Prayer: Meeting God in the Broken Places by Rusty Rustenbach. And this one I’m reading now: Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God by Dallas Willard. These are affiliate links.
Scripture to Memorize
This month, write these words on your heart by repeating them at least once a day. Use whatever translation you're comfortable with. This one is from the NIV translation.
Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 20:7 NIV
Worship Music
Chosen just for you to enjoy! This is a familiar worship song about creation. But listen to it to hear about God’s voice. I wrote a haiku inspired by this song, below. May you be blessed in hearing the Ancient of Days speak to you.
Your Voice Nature follows it and surrenders everything. But I don't hear you. One hundred billion but only one little me, You see I'm all ears.
Next Week
Next week we will be posting a marriage themed blog, digging into the next phrase in the traditional wedding vows, “for Richer, for Poorer.”