Solitude: Green Pastures in Chaos

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
   He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
   he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

This past Sunday John Opalewski was speaking at The Well. I couldn't help but relate everything he said to being a mom because that is where I naturally go in my head when I picture daily chaos. (Anybody there with me? Let's get real...) I've heard Psalm 23 read at many funerals, but the author David wasn't prepping for his eulogy when he wrote it! He was running for his life, hiding in caves to escape a madman, his king! How could he have painted such a serene and peace-filled picture during such a time of great turmoil in his life?

Solitude. David as a young man used to spend much of his time alone as a shepherd; just himself, some sheep and his God. We too can have the Psalmist's outlook as we steal away to meet with our Savior, the Good Shepherd.

I took some notes during John's sermon about the importance and benefits of solitude with God. As I already mentioned, I related it to being a mom. See if you too can relate! Here they are:

David uses two metaphors about God in Psalm 23: God as a Shepherd and as a Provider.

As a Shepherd God will never fail you; you will never lack anything that is necessary and good for your life. He will lead you to solitary places of refreshing. Disconnect from daily duties to meet with God. In your quiet times with God you will find restoration of the soul; rejuvenation, strength, and direction from God that brings him glory. (And all the moms said, "Amen"...)

As a Gracious Provider God prepares a table for me in the presence of your enemies. Eating a meal surrounded by foes--doesn't this sound like the lioness and her family described in chapter 9 of Lisa Bevere's Lioness Arising?

God anoints us with oil--usually this was done in David's time for a welcomed guest or a priest. Have you ever considered the hospitality of God? He enjoyed spending time with David. God didn't merely 'put-up' with him; He actually liked David. Some of us think that God just tolerates us. But He LOVES spending time with you!

Provision that came from solitude provided David with everything that he needed.

As human beings we are prone to anxiety and we need constant refreshing. You will find this in quiet time spent with God.

God doesn't want us to be in a hurry. His Word, His presence, prayer and worship is green pasture for our soul. He wants you to linger there, to park yourself there. It is in those alone times that He refreshes us.

God dispels fear in places of solitude. Getting alone with Him helps you feel closer to Him and when you are closer to God, fear is put in it's place--under your feet. He grants us supernatural peace in solitude. When you live out of the overflow of time spent with God it is possible to have peace amidst chaos. The more stressful the season, the more alone time you need with Him--not the opposite.

God gives us clear direction in places of solitude. He clarifies what it is He wants us to do and when we do what He wants us to do it brings Him glory. God doesn't make us guess and go it alone. Let God speak to you. You will hear His voice when you quiet yourself before God. You can talk to other people till the ends of the earth but you need to hear from God. If you seek first His Kingdom then everything else you need will be added.

God builds our confidence in places of solitude. We discover that God's goodness and love is with us, that we can walk hand-in-hand with Him. We we know that God is with us it gives us courage.

All these things come to us in abundance when we follow God to green pastures. He saved you to have a relationship with you. When you respond to that, there is rejuvenation for your soul. But you have to draw near.

Doesn't solitude sound wonderful? It's not easy. John warned us ahead of time that it is counter-cultural. We are constantly surrounded by busy and noise and solitude is ever fleeting for a mom. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day at times. But it's so crucial! Make every effort to meet with Jesus. The time and place will vary differently for every person and you may need to ask God for guidance in finding that quiet place. Think of the people in the Bible who did this and the impact they had on their world because of it: Moses, Mary (Martha's sister), Jesus. We can make all the excuses in the world but in the end, you know we always make time for what matters. Make this a priority and I guarantee you will find treasure in the secret place that will greatly enrich your life and those around you.

A Lineage of Grace

At last week's Moms Connect we had talked about Ruth's noble character. I had mentioned a novel by Christian author Francine Rivers that covers Ruth's story called Unshaken. It is one book in a series by Rivers called A Lineage of Grace, which covers five important women in Jesus' lineage: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathesheba, and Mary. These books used to be sold separately but now it is sold as one complete book. Here is an excerpt from Unshaken:

Ruth rose and hugged her arms close to her body, shivering slightly. Mount Nebo stood in the distance. Naomi had told her this morning that Moses had gone up onto that mountain and died there after putting Joshua in charge of God's people. They had crossed the Jordan River soon afterward and claimed Canaan. She loved it when Naomi talked about what God had done for the Hebrews. She felt a strange stirring within her as she learned of His mighty feats and His unfailing love.

If you like Bible history and want to learn more about Ruth (and the rest of these women), I have a copy of this great book and will bring it to the next Moms Connect meeting if you would like to borrow it.

A Wife of Noble Character Who Can Find?

A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her 

and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

(Proverbs 31:10-12)

This can be such an intimidating verse to read but don't give up and walk away just yet! We are going to break this verse down into some original Hebrew for you while taking a look at an example of such a woman in the Bible. And if you make it to the end, you will learn that noble character is attainable in Christ.

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The word “wife” in this passage DOESN’T just apply to women who are married:

“wife” (Hebrew issa) = “woman,” “mother”

 Alight, then who is the husband to the woman who isn’t married?

“husband”(Hebrew ba’al) = “lord,” “master” 
AND God often describes himself as a husband to his people:

•  “'…they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 31:32)
•  “'Return, faithless people,’ declares the Lord, ‘for I am your husband…’” (Jer. 3:14)
• “For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer…the God of all the earth.” (Is. 54:5) 

“noble character” – (one word in Hebrew hayil) strength, capability, skill, valor; also used to describe a troop, warrior; experienced, brave, power, valiant, able-bodied, champion, armed force, fighting, courageous, victory, strongest defenders, very capable (WOW!!! If you have been following along with us in Lioness Arising, you will see it echoed here.)

• hayil is used to describe Ruth:“…my daughter, don’t be afraid…All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.” (Ruth 3:11)

What do you picture of when you think of Ruth?

Ruth's history (via The Women Of Faith Study Bible): 

• She was a Moabite 
• Moab was one of Lot’s offspring out of incest (see Genesis 19:30-38)
• Moabites were not welcome in Israelite communities because the Moabites tried to unsuccessfully curse them through Balaam (see Numbers 22) then oppressed & attacked the Israelites who settled in Canan; Israelite hatred for the Moabites ran deep
• Her husband died leaving her a widow with no children

widows (unless they had sons) had no means of earning a living; had to work (unless elderly and unable, like Naomi) so Ruth went to glean in the fields for the both of them, hoping to find favor with God’s help (Ruth 2:2)

Ruth’s character sketch

• refused to leave her mother-in-law and return to her family’s home and her people after her husband died; she chose to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, and her God (not the god of the Moabites)
• she and her mother-in-law were poor so Ruth went behind the reapers in the field and gathered the grain that was left behind (this was backed by the law of Moses regarding the poor: see Leviticus 19:9; 23:22, Deuteronomy 24:19-21)
• Ruth could’ve lived as a victim (dead husband + no sons = poverty with a bitter mother-in-law who lost her own husband and 2 sons: Ruth 1:13, 15) but instead focused on providing for herself and her mother-in-law thus winning her enemies good opinions
• (Ruth 3:10) She gave up her preferences for Naomi’s sake, counted her 1^st son as Naoimi’s to carry on her son’s legacy; her generosity impacts generations to come (King David, Solomon, King Josiah, AND King Jesus—all a part of her lineage, even mentioned by name in Matthew 1:5 “…Obed, whose mother was Ruth”!)

 What can we learn from Ruth? We can refuse to accept the rejection that the world uses to keep us from following God.

DID YOU KNOW that Proverbs 31 regarding the "wife of noble character" is a Hebrew acrostic poem coinciding with the Hebrew alphabet? Each verse is an attribute to a wife of noble character. Let's take a look at some words in verse 11 and 12: 

“has full confidence” – (two words put together as one in Hebrew batah) to trust, rely on, put confidence in, feel secure, unsuspecting, bold, safe, dependable. (and leb) heart by extension: the inner person, seat of thought & emotion: conscience, courage, mind, understanding, judgement, himself, attention

“good” – (Hebrew tob) to be good, well, pleasing; do good, prosper; quality or moral goodness---pleases, in high spirits, beautiful, gracious, alluring, attractive

This is the same word used when God said, “It was good” about his creation in Genesis!

(and not) “harm” – (Hebrew ra’a) bad, disaster, trouble, ethical evil (what is “bad” to God), wickedness

SO...how do we get this kind of noble character (reflected in our example of Ruth) that inspires full confidence, bringing good and not harm? If you are anything like me being human and all, THIS DOESN’T COME NATURALLY and can quite literally be an intimidating image to aspire to.

Read Romans 5:1-5 and reflect on Ruth:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

• Ruth was justified by her faith in God; she trusted Him with her life
• She had glory in her suffering
• She persevered
• She won the favor of those around her--her enemies; her character had developed
• She had hope in a brighter future beyond what she could ever have imagined
• She was noble, not shamed, all because of the God she trusted.

The Message is another version of the Bible that says it so beautifully! Reflect on Romans 5:1-5 in this version as well: 

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Jesus poured Himself out for us by dying on the cross (Romans 5:8) so that we can persevere and in doing so, strengthen our character and bring glory to God. He is making you into a treasure worth far more than rubies! Hold on!

Maggie Q & A

Many of you have had the privilege of getting to know our pastor's wife, Maggie Dunn! She is a mom of six, ranging in age from 23 years - 5 years with two teenagers in between. Here are some questions I asked her regarding motherhood that you might find insightful and encouraging!

Q.) What do you do to stay connected to your family?
A.) We always make sure we have dinner together around the table as a family. Then during the meal at some point we go around the table and ask everyone a couple questions: "What was the best thing that happened to you today?", "What was the worst thing that happened to you today?" "What would you have done differently today?" We make every effort to make this time a priority and don't schedule meetings or other events during this time. We also make family time a priority and block out time in our calendar where it is just us and the kids. Sometimes it's a movie night or a game night. We try to be very mindful of this.

Q.) Do you have a favorite scripture that has helped you throughout motherhood?
A.) I have different scriptures that have helped me based on different seasons of parenting. But scriptures where it speaks of being Spirit-led (filled with the Spirit and displaying the fruits of the Spirit) have always helped me not to be self-led in my parenting, which is important.

Q.) Is there a mom you look up to as a role model/example?
A.) My mom! I look up to her so much! I can bounce so many things off her and go to her for anything.

Q.) How do you fit in "me-time"?
A.) I am very particular about self-care. I get out my calendar and always plan it month-by-month. I think it is important to have so motherhood doesn't turn into 'martyr syndrome'. I plan lunch with girlfriends, time to go to the gym, get my nails done--things like that. Time-management is a strength of mine. I believe it is important to schedule margins in your life for things like this.

Q.) What is one of your favorite gifts from your kids?
A.) Every birthday I am always brought to tears by their handmade cards. They write letters in them  to me specifically for that year. They have also made coupon books for things around the house like "One free wash the dishes". Also, after a final exam one year the kids made "Congrats mom!" "Way to go, mom!" posters and I didn't feel like I even needed a diploma after that! I love anything handmade by them.

Q.) When you look back at when you were a 1st time mom, what is something you would tell yourself then what you know now?
A.) Don't be so uptight! Just relax, everything will be OK. Don't worry about every little detail--they get in the way. And trust your instincts. 

Q.) Do you have an easy recipe for when you are on-the-go?
A.) I have one for every season it seems. For the fall I always keep some of those soup starter packets they have in the fruits and vegetable isle at Meijer (they have cream of potato and cheesy broccoli which I always stock in the cupboard and have on-hand). I add the vegetables and then get out the George Foreman Grill and make paninis (grilled sandwiches). The kids love it and I get to make them a meal at home that is healthy and we don't miss dinner together.

Q.) What do you think every mom needs to grasp about parenthood?
A.) That you are more than a 'mom'--that can be all-consuming. Don't lose your identity in that. it is very 1-dimensional. It is a part of who you are but not all that you are.

Q.) Do you have a funniest mom-moment?
A.) So many! For us as moms we are utility knife for our kids; we fill so many roles. One night we came home from a date and one of my kids wrote us both notes that were stuck under our pillows. My husband's was "Dear Dad..." filled with wonderful, loving, encouraging words. Then I opened my note, which read: "Mom-- I have a rash."

I hope you enjoyed this Q & A! There is so much we can learn from each other as moms. Maggie is an awesome example to look up to and here you got just a glimpse of that. Maybe you can glean from her strengths of time-management by implementing family time. Perhaps you can schedule a coffee date with her and get some "me-time"of your own!

Moms Connect Kick-off

This Friday, September 21st, is our first Moms Connect meeting! It will be playgroup, meet-and-greet style brunch. We are so exciting for all the great things God is going to do in and through us as we follow Him on this new adventure!

Come hungry! Hope to see you there!