Peace & Presence

Twenty-five hundred years ago, Etruscans built Civita di Bagnoregio on a prominent tower of tuff. The tower gave a strategic view of the whole valley and the two rivers at its base. Occupants could easily defend it since enemies could only reach it by one narrow three-hundred-meter footpath.

Tuff is a type of soft volcanic rock that erodes quickly. Unfortunately, the two streams at the base of this plateau have gradually washed away its clay base. Winds, rains, and earthquakes have buffeted this aloft and isolated town. Over the centuries, the edges have collapsed, dropping houses into the valley below. Only a fragment of this medieval stronghold remains, inviting tourists to hike up the footpath and visit.

As I gazed at pictures of Civita, I realized I had a similar predicament. Inflation has eroded my budget, age has begun to limit my career and athletic pursuits, and homelessness has challenged my neighborhood with profound needs I cannot fathom—such life erosion.

Jesus cautioned us not to trust this world’s sources of security. I want my heart and security to rest in Jesus. He holds the wisdom, kindness, and endless resources to meet my needs. As I reach for His mindset, I gain clarity and peace and make choices that have eternal benefit, giving my life rich purpose and joy.

Trusting Jesus is like stepping away from an isolated fortress into a warm family embrace. Jesus invites us into vulnerable kingdom affection and inner strength as He guides us to love and care for others instead of worrying about protecting our future.

Think of ways to step away from your tuff place into His kingdom’s strength.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Palmik.)

“You’re walking like a person who prepared for elective surgery.”

The day after surgery to repair a fractured hip, my physical therapist walked down the hall with me at a snail’s pace. With an IV attached to my right arm and wearing a hospital gown and special socks, I hardly felt like a model walker.

“Prepared?” I asked, puzzled by her statement. “I fell in my kitchen while walking to the sink. This is a surprise?”

“You walk with unusual strength and have gone more feet than I would have expected,” she answered.

“I walk about three miles, four days a week.”

“Though this fall surprised you, your muscles were prepared for it,” she said.

The conversation resonated with me. It’s essential to be prepared and have strength for what comes our way.

Exercise had never been a priority until I realized I needed to stay active to remain healthy. The more often I walked and at longer distances, the better I felt and looked. I saw value in my pursuits. Apparently, I had gained significant strength.

Preparing spiritually yields the same benefits. We move into a new life season, meet the unexpected, or face challenges. How can we prepare with strength?

We know who God is when we anchor ourselves in His Word. The Bible becomes a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. The pages give examples to learn from, give us direction, and offer hope. We learn about and trust His promises, and they securely anchor us.

I had prepared my muscles for an unexpected assault on my body. Their strength contributed to getting me on course for a healthy recovery. Spiritual preparation to deal with life’s interruptions and difficulties parallels this.

Decide to go deeper into God’s Word. He will strengthen you each time you read it. When the unexpected comes, you will be anchored and secure in His promises, encouragement, and presence. The more we know, the stronger we are.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and cocoparisienne.)

Secured in a governmental archive is a collection of objects that Abraham Lincoln had in his pocket when he was assassinated in 1865.

Among the items are two pairs of spectacles, a lens polisher, a pocketknife, a watch fob, a handkerchief, a wallet with a five-dollar Confederate note, and eight newspaper clippings. Interestingly, according to some reports, the clippings were all compliments to Lincoln, written by reporters and editors who expressed their admiration and respect for the President. One article was a speech from a British official who called Lincoln “one of the greatest men of all time.”

So why would Lincoln carry these things? Some speculate that he found them reassuring. And if so, Lincoln must have had a problem with doubt. We often do, too, particularly on our Christian journey. Doubt, however, doesn’t mean we’re spiritual failures.

Doubting was apparently a concern to Jude’s readers since he reminds them to be merciful or more understanding of those who lack confidence.

But I’ve learned one way of dealing with my doubts, especially when they evolve into self-pity. I apply some interesting reasoning. If I have the spiritual energy to wallow in brooding insecurity, I can use that same energy to turn to faith and acquire more divine confidence.

Once I have done that, I realize I’m in God’s plan and know He walks with me. And with that assurance, I should have no doubt.

When doubts arise, remember the power of the one you serve. 

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and WenPhotos.)

Searching for answers and God can be a weary task, especially when we are already carrying sin, oppression, and doubt. But I had to accept and believe this so I could move on. When the time came to give it all to God, I rested on my knees and surrendered to His strength.

Many don’t realize how difficult carrying extra weight is for our bodies. The same holds for our hearts and minds. The weight slowly robs us of our freedom to be a child of God.

COVID-19 brought a sense of relief for many as it curtailed all the outside-of-home activities and to-dos, giving us permission to stay home. It was nice to just “be,” to rest from the running and be still physically. For many, it brought a time of spiritual rest too.

For me, it brought me back to God and to the life and purpose He had chosen for me. I couldn’t be a servant without strength. And the physical and spiritual rest did the trick.

Think of a heavy yoke that you need to give to God.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and JancickaL.)

I often find myself dealing with doubt. And with the doubt, shame floods in. I feel guilty that my faith isn’t stronger. However, reading the story of Jesus walking on water and seeing how He responded to Peter’s moment of doubt encourages me.

Peter saw Jesus’ miracles and listened to His teaching firsthand. He was present when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain and was the first disciple to confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Despite this immediate access to Jesus, Peter still confronted doubt. When Jesus walked toward the disciples on the water and told Peter to come to Him, Peter obediently followed. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves surrounding him, he became afraid and sank.

Yet Jesus’ response to Peter in Peter’s moment of doubt is noteworthy. Instead of shaming or shunning Peter and leaving him in a perilous situation to fend for himself, Jesus reached out, caught Peter, and helped him into the boat.

When I wrestle with doubt, I too cry out to God for help, and He shows up for me just as He did for Peter. Instead of feeling guilty or ashamed, I direct those feelings to my Creator and ask Him to help me through my doubt and strengthen my faith—two requests He delights to fulfill.

Instead of feeling guilty or ashamed when you struggle with doubt, cry out to Jesus to save you and increase your faith. He will not leave you alone but will meet you where you are and build and refine your faith.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and danymena88.)