I hope each of you had time to rest over the weekend. At some point we should discuss what sabbath rest means to us. In Deuteronomy, the sabbath rest is something we can invite others to be part of. So I guess it might not be napping in my room. Anyway, just something dancing around in my brain.
Psalm 88 is one of the few psalms that only discuss being in a dark place. There is little hope seen in this Psalm. What an honest expression of what we feel at times. The Word is so willing to be honest and up front. I hope you are that honest with God and with a few other members of the body of Christ.
There is a verse in Revelation, I wanted to bring to your attention.
Revelations 3:19. Those whom I (Jesus) love, I (Jesus) reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
First, the part where Jesus shows His love for us by reproving and disciplining us. Part of God loving us is by His discipline. Growing up I never liked that phrase or idea. But those who love us, will take the time to express concern (tag sticking up, bad breath, drinking to much, etc.) and if in a position of authority discipline. All those expressions are for my good and when it comes from one I love or I know loves me, it doesn't hurt as much. For me that discipline comes in the form of a painful back and sore knees linked to walking around with so much extra weight. So often I pray that God would stop the physical pain without asking for Him to address the sin that drives me to that idol.
When our sin is revealed, a work of the Holy Spirit in combination with the law, and our eyes are opened to what harm it has caused. How are we to respond? The rest of the verse... become zealous, having great enthusiasm in the pursuit of repentance. I am not one who gets excited about going to God or others concerning the ways I have sinned against them. So I do not have a tool or plan to help address this struggle. But is seems when we are aggressive in this area, we will see the Holy Spirit work all the more clearly?
Praying you will see God's discipline as the expression of love He intends it to be. Rejoice in how that disciple is used by the Holy Spirit to grow the family of Christ.
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