Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Isaiah 14:5, “The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers”

In our advertisement-laden world, it is often difficult to separate the truth from the rhetoric. And that’s from the outside in—not from our own self-centered illusions. How often do we find ourselves claiming control when really we have inhaled a false reality? Or someone else’s interpretation of how we should conduct ourselves.

History is replete with examples of both earned and designated power run amok.

New ideas—dreams—visions are wonderful gifts of creativity in so many areas of our lives. Unless they begin to become the authority by which we legislate our perceived power of time and talents and responsibilities.

We all like to think we’re in control, but the true reality is that the Lord alone is the source of all power and strength and only under His guidance can genuine direction and truth flourish with life-giving results.

Psalm 27 reminds us that, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.”

The gifts are given in trust. And sometimes when we protect and provide we are tempted to hoard and hide for our own personal status.

Lord, help me to be grateful that You are in control, for Your wisdom that guides and for Your sustaining grace that enables us to live freely with generosity.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 49:15

“But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol; for He will receive me.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Guidance

Following a new hiking

trail encourages adventure

the surprise of a curved

path opening to glorious

vista, or a concealed hideaway.

Our eyes eagerly seek

for signs whether overlarge

billboards, tiny arrows at

foot level, or worn beaten trails

of previous travelers.  Fresh steps

on proven ground.  Yet then I

hesitate when  guidance

is spoken behind  us,

words giving step by step

directions offering

a different scenic walk.

New fresh ground. Unmarked.

Keep seeing my safe route before me

wonder where the change will go.

Suddenly the path becomes a

challenge to walk holy ground.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Have you ever followed a path you thought the Lord directed toward and had it turn out badly? Did you begin to doubt you really had heard His voice?

2.     Does scripture promise that every time we walk a path we will succeed?

3.     What is the difference between obedience and success in Jesus’ walk?

4.     How difficult is it for you to walk only a few steps at a time?

   Share: What gives you the confidence to discern the Lord’s voice from your own?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Isaiah 30:21, “And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

I think I had become so used to scripture that encourages believers to follow that it took me along time to realize—internalize that this verse says “behind”.

Sight unseen.

Or at least, not a clear view up ahead. Or even a glimpse out of the corner of my eye.

Behind—to hear, to act upon tasks given, to obey in faith.

Where the questions begin, “Is this really You, Lord?” “How can I be sure.” “Could I have some assurance?”  “Why?” “Please, may I turn around and look and see and touch and taste?”

Creation obeys.

Instinctively—instantly—intently.

Because all know your voice clearly. Because Your word is imbedded into the fabric of all. Like a heartbeat flowing steadily.

Lord, please so saturate me/us in Your words and Your voice that I/we will resist You from fear or confusion, but instead embrace the gift of hearing Your guidance.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 25:9-10

“He leads the humble to justice, and He teaches the humble His way.

All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth

To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Comfort

Engulfed in darkness

no glimmer of promise

instincts assert command

body, mind, stilled

into submission.

Enveloped by circumstances

heartbeat races, grasps connect to

insight radar, whether by

courage or fear reaches

internal light that

holds foundation firm

comfort His surety.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     The medical professions has sometimes referred to the fight or flee reaction many people have to danger—at least a physical threat. Which is yours?

2.     How can fight or flee help us in emotional attacks? Or hinder us?

3.     Is it possible to fight or flee without physical reaction? How can we help ourselves or others through that internal fear?

4.     Do you think the psalmist is only addressing physical danger? Why or why not?

Share: What is your immediate action when you sense darkness approaching your heart?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”

Have you ever noticed how often in movies or novels that characters (and especially children) instinctively begin to hum or chatter when they find themselves in a dark place? We don’t often go into the dark unarmed. Even when we appreciate the beauty found in a dark night, listening for nocturnal nature, admiring the stars or soaking in the quiet.

Yet behind the scenes a touch of fear stays at that which we cannot see, that which we cannot identify or see coming. Like the darkness of soul or mind or body that suddenly engulfs us changing our present into a closure, our future into chaos.

The prophets remind us that in God there is no darkness at all—neither physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, or any other form we find ourselves walking through. He readily gives us His strength to make choices, decisions and reactions when we falter. And gives us hope to not be crushed by the darkness that lurks around us.

Lord, prepare our hearts to turn instinctively to You when the shadows form. Help us to walk in praise and thanksgiving knowing You are present and walking alongside.

“Prayer was not separate from poetry and song.” Esther de Waal

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 107:14-15

“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,

And broke their bands apart.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness,

And for His wonders to the sons of men!”