Stress and Worry...Sin or Unbelief?

Here's how Chan's describes worry and stress:

"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.

"Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, or our tight grip of control." p. 42

Chan goes on to say, "Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance. They declare our tendency to forget that we've been forgiven, that our lives here are brief, that we are headed to a place where we won't be lonely, afraid, or hurt ever again, and that in the context of God's strength, our problems are small, indeed. Why are we so quick to forget God? Who do we think we are?" p. 42

To be honest, I've stepped away from my computer a few times, just to sort this out in my head...not necessarily to digest what Chan's saying, but, instead, what he might be implying. I think what he's saying is pretty straight forward. When we worry and stress out about the circumstances of our lives we are doing two things: #1- Not trusting that God is in control; #2- saying that our problems and worry are superior, or as Chan says, "exceptional."

Chan refers to worry and stress as sin; however, I think he's letting us off WAY TOO EASY!!! I don't think it's sin. I think it's far worse than sin...I think it's unbelief. If we allow worry and stress to infiltrate our minds, then here's what we're saying: We DON'T believe God IS who He says He IS! Don't get me wrong. I fully acknowledge that we are imperfect beings. We will be attacked by the temptation to worry about and stress over certain situations for the rest of our lives here on Earth. However, our problem is firmly rooted in the fact that when those doubts begin to creep into our thoughts...we don't acknowledge what they really are. It's in those times that we start to doubt God. We doubt who He is. We doubt what He's promised us. We doubt His sovereignty and plan for our lives.

We so easily forget that what WE have planned for our lives, the lives of our children, the lives of our friends...might not be a part of God's plans. When life steers off the course we've laid out, I think it's only natural to get a little anxious, a little stressed. But, it's at that precise moment when we MUST remind ourselves of who God is. (Remember His characteristics?) For me, I think this is the first step in becoming more authentic in my faith. There are some who call themselves Christians only because they want the "fire insurance" of eternity. They're covering their bases, so to speak. I personally know a few "Christians" that don't care to know who God is. They've professed their faith. They go to church. They're good people...and I can testify to that. But they don't believe that God IS who He says He IS. And, I truly feel that this is one of the major problems we face here in the States. God wants more from us than to just be good people. Our purpose here is to do God's work; to be used by him. But, it's a lot harder to be effective when we suffer from unbelief. Not impossible mind you...just harder!

THE PUSH

I'd like you to share this blog entry with someone and then talk about it. (I know that a lot of you do this anyway...but today it's your homework!) Do you believe that worry and stress are sin or do you think it shows a level of unbelief? You might be surprised by the conversation.

Rejoice!...Really???

Today, we're diving head first into the issue of stress: what God says about it and how we rationalize the stronghold it has on our lives. Here's Chan's take on the subject:

"...[T]here's that perplexing command: 'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!' (Phil. 4:4). You'll notice that it doesn't end with '...unless you're doing something extremely important.' No, it's a command for all of us, and it follows with the charge, 'Do not be anxious about anything' (v.6).

"That came as a pretty staggering realization. But what I realized next was even more staggering.

"When I am consumed by my problems-stressed out about my life, my family, and my job- I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a "right" to disobey God because of the magnitude of my responsibilities." p. 41

How's the rejoicing going in your life? Are you regularly exhaulting praise or lifting a joyful noise unto the Lord. Well...I don't know about you, but I'm not. As I was reading over this a little while ago, I realized that I do thank God everyday for the blessings of my life. However, the scripture here talks of "Rejoicing!" and that's something completely different. Such exhaultation comes a little easier when times are good, but what about when times are bad, or when things are uncertain...what about when things are completely and utterly mundane? How do we rejoice then? It's hard enough to keep ourselves from throwing a "Pity Party," (or maybe that's just me!)...let alone finding a reason to rejoice when we are struggling.

Even worse, most of us...in an effort to find a reason to rejoice during the most difficult of times... revert to an unexceptable option. We try to think of someone, whose situation is a little worse than ours, and rejoice in the fact that our situation is better. Ohhh...that's great. Very "Christian" of us, right? Don't get me wrong, we aren't reveling in their misery...we're just using it as "perspective." But, the problem with this is that our perspective should ALWAYS be centered and focused on God. Our rejoicing should be from Him, for Him and because of Him...I just wish I could figure out how to genuinely get to that point.

THE PUSH

If you haven't put the pieces together yet, today's homework will be a practice in rejoicing. You can start out easy...rejoice about all that is good in your life. (FYI: definition of rejoice- to feel joy; be delighted) Then I want you to push yourself a little. Find something you're struggling with right now and REJOICE! Find some reason to be thankful: for what you will learn, for what you will be protected from, for whom you will meet. Find someway to rejoice in the Lord.

His Faithful Servant~

Deirdre

You Might Not Finish This Chapter

"You could die before you finish reading this chapter. I could die while you're reading it. Today. At any moment." p. 39

That thought's a little disconcerting, isn't it? Chan goes on to talk about how some of us (most of us) take for granted the most essential elements of our existence...our kidneys, lungs, heart...and how those organs must work properly for us to continue living. But, for the purpose of today's lesson, I want to reflect on that opening sentence and what it really means for you and me.

Chan quotes Frederick Buechner, author of The Hungering Dark, who writes, "Intellectually, we all know that we are going to die, but we do not really know it in the sense that the knowledge becomes part of us. We do not really know it in the sense of living as though it were true." p. 40

For the most part, I think this is a fairly accurate statement. We all know our eventual fate. But, most of us assume that our inevitable demise will occur decades in the future. In fact, the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 78...so it's a rational assumption. Unless, you happen to be the the exception. Scripture says "...you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then it vanishes" James 4:13-14.

So, for me, two things jump out and grab my attention: #1. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. There is nothing to say that we will not draw our last breath today. When I think about this, I can't help but think about my father. My dad was one of those men that had absolutely no idea what it meant to 'sit around and do nothing.' I never saw him relax. If he wasn't working at the office, he was working at home. If he wasn't working at home, he was helping a neighbor. We never took vacations. (Okay, we took one vacation to Disney World when I was 4-years-old, but that was it.) You see, my father was waiting to relax. He was planning to stop and enjoy life when he retired. But, what he didn't plan on was dying three months before retirement, at the age of 54.

Which brings me to my #2. What things am I pushing off to my retirement, or until my kids grow up, or until next year...until tomorrow...that I should be doing today? Two years ago, I made a 'Bucket List.' For those of you that are unfamiliar with the list, it's a compilation of all the things you want to do before you die. I've already marked off some of the items on my list: running a marathon and writing a children's book. And some items I'm currently working on: taking our kids to Africa. But these aren't the type of things I'm referring to right now. What I'm talking about goes back to my one wish when the time comes for me to meet Jesus face to face. If I die today, can I honestly say that I expect Jesus to welcome me with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Am I living each day of my existence...IN MY FAITH...like it could be my last? Are you?

THE PUSH

So, today you have two assignments. First, come up with your own "Bucket List for Faith." Think of 3-5 things you want to accomplish (or maybe just attempt) in faith, for Christ. You're limited only by your imagination. I've had time to think about mine, so I'll post them in the Comments section. But, remember, these are tailor made for me...and I have a VERY bold personality. We aren't called, by faith, to follow one another. We are called to follow Christ. Spend some time in prayer about this, ask God where He wants to stretch you...then make your list! Feel free to share your list in the Comments section...or email me (I know some of you would rather do that...and that's COMPLETELY fine!) But, please, take the video I posted Friday to heart! Don't just follow Jesus in your heart...or in your head. As childish as it might seem, write down the list and put it somewhere, as a reminder to seek Him.

Second, check out the video for Chapter 2. It's really short.

http://www.crazylovebook.com/videos_chapter.html

God is Fair and Just.

Well...today we're looking at Chan's fifth and final characteristic of God.

God is fair and just.

I think these two elements, fairness and justice, are really hard for some of us to wrap our heads around. The reason for this can be summed up in one word: Perspective.

Here's what Chan has to say on the subject:

"One definition of justice is 'reward and/or penalty as deserved.' If what we truly deserved were up to us, we would end up with as many answers as people who responded. But, it isn't up to us, mostly because none of us are good." p. 34

We all have different perspectives. That's part of what makes each of us so unique. But, sometimes, it's these "earthly" perspectives, that really inhibit us from understanding who God is. There are times when we feel that our bad behavior is justified. Or better yet, we convince ourselves that the questionable behavior isn't so bad...especially when we compare it to something worse. Does that sound familiar? Have you ever done something you know is wrong in the eyes of God, only to rationalize your bad behavior, in an attempt to justify your actions: so-and-so deserved it; it wasn't as bad as what she did; he's the one that started this mess; everyone else does it, so it can't be that bad.

Our legal system here in the States is a prime example of this. You can have two people that commit the exact same crime, one person admits their offense and accepts responsibilty, while the other refuses ownership of what they have done. Instead, they blame others for their actions. These "extenuating circumstances," whatever they are, have, on more than one occasion, lead to a great disparity in judicial findings and punishments...and more than one guilty person has walked free as a result. Please, know that I'm not passing judgment on our legal system or arguing against the rightful place of extenuating circumstances. Quite the opposite...I understand it and in some cases I believe in the need for them...only further strengthening my argument. With God, there is a definite line where right is right and wrong is wrong. It applies to everyone, without exception. We are equal in the eyes of God. We are required to take responsibility for our actions, no matter what the circumstances.


THE PUSH

This is the end of Chapter 1. One chapter down, nine more to go! We're one month into the study and I'm praying that you find this time somewhat useful. The one question I've gotten most over the past few weeks is this: What do I want people to get out of this study?

I know that I've written about this before, but my sincerest hope is that by stretching this book out into a year long study, we have time to practice some of the theories laid out before us. Reading, hearing, even studying the words of God, are completely different than LIVING the words of God. This study is about learning to live the words of God. Check out this clip. It's short, but really funny...and very appropriate. If you feel convicted...especially when he talks about his daughter cleaning her room... don't worry! You're not alone ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7MdYV8gRws

God is All-Powerful.

When explaining this characteristic, Chan goes straight to scripture, referencing Colossians 1:16:

"...all things were created by [God] and for [God]." However, Chan's view on how some of us...dare I say, many of us...acknowledge this divine characteristic, is a much needed reality check.

"Don't we live instead as though God is created for us, to do our bidding, to bless us, and to take care of our loved ones? Psalm 115:3 reveals, 'Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.' Yet we keep questioning Him: 'Why did you make me with this body, instead of that one?' 'Why are so many people dying of starvation?'... The answer to each of these questions is simply this: because He's God. He has more of a right to ask us why so many people are starving." p. 33

I think that calling this a reality check might be a severe understatement. For me, it's more like a slap in the face! I recently found myself asking one of these very questions when I was in Nicaragua. When first entering La Chureca, I was brought to tears. The picture at the top of this posting was taken during our tour of the dump. These four homes represent the typical living conditions. I had never seen such poverty in my life. As hard as I tried to contain my tears, I couldn't.

Now that I've had more time to process my thoughts and emotions on that day, I've come to realize two things. First, my heart broke to see children living in such horrific squalor. Children should feel safe. They should be fed, clothed, protected. Since leaving La Chureca, I have asked myself 100 times, at least, "Why?" Why would God allow these children to live like this? Why not me? One of the women on the trip summed it up pretty well. She said that the answer lies in the fact that "We will go." We are willing to help them. We are willing to leave the safety of our homes, the comfort of our familes to do whatever we can to help these children.

However, this dovetails into the second thing I learned during my time at La Chureca. I'm not living my life the way God wants me to. Some people equate God's "all-powerful" characteristic to that of a chess game, where our life here on Earth is God's game and we are merely pawns for his enjoyment. Others see this "all-powerful" characteristic as proof that God doesn't exist. Their rationale is based on the fact that bad things happen in this world and if God truly existed, He wouldn't allow such atrocities. But here lies the truth, my friends. God is all-powerful. And, yes, he does allow the most unspeakable things to happen in this world. But, He has bestowed on us the awesome gift of Free Will. We all have a choice. We can sit back and watch these horrible things happen, thankful that we are so undeservingly fortunate to live where we live and how we live. Or, we can stand up and prove ourselves worthy of serving an all-powerful God. Think of it as a parent watching a child suffer through a difficult decision. We want so desperately for our children to make the right decision. But, ultimately, it's their choice to make. Sometimes, they make the wrong decision, and we still love them. Sometimes, they make the right decision and we are more than eager to say "Well done!"

During the last night of our missions trip, I shared with the group that my greatest desire is to hear those words when my time here on Earth is complete: "Well done, my good and faithful servant." The problem, however, is that I don't feel deserving of such accolades. And, if I keep living my life this way, I won't.

THE PUSH

Those that know me, understand that I hold myself to a very high standard...which I blame on my parents! Many times, friends have pointed out that I'm too hard on myself, citing that I do more than most people...but here's the thing: I don't compare myself to other people. I'm only driven by the conviction God places on my heart.

I found this youtube clip yesterday and I think it really speaks to what I've posted here...and it just so happens to be from Francis Chan!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA_uwWPE6lQ

God is All-Knowing.

Enough said...right? It only makes sense that our God of the Universe, the Creator of All Things, would be omniscient. It's ludicrous to think that He's unaware of the starving children around the world. I'm also quite certain that He sees what's going on in the Middle East...in Haiti...in Darfur. He is acutely aware of the depravity that wrecks this world. However, this isn't the

"all-knowing" that Chan's referring to as he describes the third characteristic of God. He writes:

"Each of us, to some degree, fools our friends and family about who we really are. But, it's impossible to do that with God. He knows each of us, deeply and specifically. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our actions before we commit them, whether we are lying down or sitting or walking around. He knows who we are and what we are about. We cannot escape Him, not even if we want to." p. 32

There's a lot we could chew on here, but I want to focus on the principle message. Despite the facade we sometimes construct for the people around us, God knows who we really are. THERE IS NO FOOLING HIM! Each of us falls somewhere on the spectrum, at any given time. We pretend to be someone we're not in order to make a good impression. Some project a pristine image in order to veil an imperfection, an insecurity, or in some cases, something more sinister. Have you ever changed your clothes more than once (or twice) because you were afraid of what someone else might think? Have you ever said something, or not said something, because you feared the response it would garner? Have you ever wanted the approval of someone so badly that you did something you never thought you would do? Have you ever compromised who you are, what you believe, for the acceptance of someone else...whether that someone's a parent, a spouse, a boss, a neighbor, a co-worker, a child. The list can be exhaustive...and so can the process of pretending. But what we forget is that no matter how "successful" we are at fooling other people, we can NEVER fool God.

Right now, I don't think it's important to try and conquer the "Why?" (Why do we pretend?) We'll save that battle for another day. For our purposes here, we just need to be conscious of our behavior and acknowledge the fact that God is all-knowing.

THE PUSH

In an effort to dig a little deeper...because that's what I like to do...I want us to think about something else. God's characteristic of being omniscient extends well beyond his ability to see through our false pretenses. He sees what we do behind closed doors. He hears the harsh words I say to my children out of anger and frustration. He hears the disrespectful tone I sometimes use with my husband. And worst yet, He knows the things that I won't dare say, but have no problem thinking.

For the next 48 hours, pretend that God is physically with you at all times. He's sitting with you in the car as you drive. He's standing next to you as you unload the dishwasher or prepare dinner. He's right next to you as you surf the web. If you pick up the phone for idle chat, think of it as a 3-way call with Him on the other line. When you've had all you can take because it's vacation week and your kids are getting the best of you, He's right there to witness how you handle the situation. (I'm totally projecting that one, can you tell?) Do you get where I'm going with this? I'm willing to bet that this change in perspective will lead to a change in behavior.

His Faithful Servant~

Deirdre

God is Eternal.

Today, we'll be focusing on Chan's second characteristic of God:

God is Eternal.

Usually, I take a small segment of Chan's writing and elaborate with my own perspective. However, in this instance, I feel that Chan's words are profound and worthy of repeating in their entirety.

"Each of us had a beginning; everything began on a particular day, a specific time. Everything, that is, but God. He always has been, since before there was an earth, a universe, or even angels. God exists outside of time, and since we are within time, there is no way we will ever totally grasp that concept. Not being able to fully understand God is frustrating, but it is ridiculous for us to think we have the right to limit God to something we are capable of understanding. What a stunted, insignificant god that would be! If my mind is the size of a soda can and God is the size of all the oceans, it would be stupid for me to say He is only the small amount of water I can scoop into my little can. God is so much bigger, so far beyond our time-encased, air/food/sleep-dependent lives." pp. 31-32

I first read this and began to realize that I have foolishly, arrogantly tried to impose limits on a limitless God. I picture His presence in complete darkness...before creation. It's an awesome, humbling thought. I will come and go, but God will remain. My children will come and go, as will their children. The only constant in these generations will be God. He was there to welcome me into this world. And as He was there to welcome every generation before us, He will remain present to welcome every generation that will follow.

He is the Alpha and Omega...The Beginning and The End.

THE PUSH

In your quiet time today, focus on the eternal characteristic of God. I know quite a few agnostics and atheists, and for them, this is one of those "sticking points," if you will. Chan's "soda can/ocean comparative" helps us better understand why some people have a hard time acknowledging God's eternal existence. Take a moment to think about what Chan said. It's imperative that we recognize this as a stumbling block for some that choose not to believe. If you personally know someone that struggles with the eternal characteristic of God, spend some time today praying for wisdom beyond their understanding.