Do all things without complaining or arguments; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.

~Philippians 2:14-15

My husband and I are huge fans of the “Great British Baking Show”—we’ve watched every season (and some more than once). We love the premise and the competition…and, of course, the end-product baked goods. The only problem with our bingeing this particular show is that it leads to another sort of bingeing in that we tend to start baking delicious treats. One of our favorite weeks of the show is “Bread Week”, when the participants craft mouth-watering bread creations. Since Paul Hollywood is the master of all-things-bread, it’s a tough week for the competitors. The surface crust must be just-so, and the inside the perfect aerated texture. With each fail, it’s usually the result of not being “proved” enough—or, in other words, the dough needed to grow more.

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul uses this concept of “proving”—the process of growth—to make a point to the believers in Philippi (and to us) that our salvation is also a process. We’re to “work it out with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Now, please note that we are saved into new life the moment we surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Savior by grace through faith. That said, the rest of our life until we in glory with the Lord is a process of becoming more and more like Christ (also called “sanctification”). And we are only able to do this through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. 

Paul exhorts us in all his epistles as to the “how’s” of sanctification, and it’s true within Philippians as well. In chapter 1, Paul reminds us that God, who began a good work in us through salvation will complete it (1:6). He then goes on to encourage us to love others more and more through continuing to know the Word and seek discernment, which will help us live fruity lives (1:9-11). We’re reminded to be bold for the gospel and stand firm against false teachers and persecutors, even unto death (1:16-30). Then, Paul goes onto urge us to maintain unity in the church body, humbling ourselves to put others first as Christ did for us (2:1-11). What’s more (and what’s super-difficult), we’re to “do all things without complaining or arguing” (2:14). We don’t live this way to earn anything! We live this way in response to our salvation and to continually grow in our faith.

As Paul says in verse 15 of chapter 2, this is how the “proving”—or growth—happens. Not only are we becoming more and more like Jesus as we walk out our lives as children of God, but we become beacons of light in this dark world. We’re not needing to “prove ourselves blameless and pure”—we’re clearly not in this life! We live in a fallen body in a fallen world operated by our enemy. This “proving” is simply continuing the process God started in us to become more and more blameless and pure, standing out from the perverse culture around us. We’re to be a beacon of light drawing others into its warmth, security, and hope.

So, friend, let’s prove ourselves. Not in the way our world uses this phrase—we don’t have to prove anything because we didn’t earn our salvation—it was a gift. Like that “scrummy” loaf of delectable bread, we must allow for the process of growth, rising up toward our ultimate glory when we’re Home with the Lord.

Father God, thank You for the gift of salvation! Through the power of the Holy Spirit living in me, help me grow to be more and more like Jesus, and shine like a light in darkness around me.

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.

~Philippians 1:15-18

If you’re a hardcore sports fan (of any sport), you likely have a team or teams that you support through thick and thin—the winning seasons and the losing ones. In fact, one of your biggest pet peeves are people in your town who are fair-weathered fans. When times are good, these bandwagon devotees are all onboard, sporting team colors and bragging about “their” favorite players.

Not sure if you’ve noticed recently, but there seems to be lot of cultural icons today (musicians, actors, influencers) who are “speaking” Christianese and claiming to be Christ-followers. For example, I think about Easter Sunday’s “Night of Praise” special per American Idol. A little over half of the performances touted Christian praise songs…and although I only watched a few of the performances via YouTube, it was enough for me to see some cultural headliners (and much of the audience) raising their hands in worship. I also think of the rapper Eminem and his newest album lifting up the name of Jesus (after lifting up the darkness for so long). Of course we can’t ignore Russell Brand, who can’t go too long talking about any subject (no matter which podcast he’s a guest on) without speaking of the transformative power of the Lord in his life—and on anyone who’d accept Jesus.

Friend, we could have long discussions about the “validity” of what’s happening in the culture—is it revival? Or is it a marketing ploy because there is money to be made. Are those raised hands a joyful surrender to the Lord or a powerful pose for the camera? Although I can be quite skeptical, I cannot judge the heart, mind, and soul of anyone else (or can you)—that’s God’s job (Isaiah 33:22; Psalm 50:6; John 5:22-23; Romans 2:1-16). 

But I’ll tell you what I will do: Rejoice! You may be thinking, “Say what?” Well, I’m simply responding in alignment with the Apostle Paul, as he wrote to the church in Philippi. See, there was some heated talk around the local church about some people preaching Christ with nefarious motives. They were promoting the gospel out of “envy and strife” (Philippians 1:17), be it for money, fame, ambition—possibly even to emotionally/psychologically kick Paul while he was down and in prison. But his perspective was, “Bring it on!” “In every way,” Paul says, “whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice” (1:18).

So as this or that famous (or slightly famous or used-to-be famous) person “comes out” as a Christian, performing in a seemingly Christian film or dropping a “God” song, I’ll try not to roll my eyes or shake my head.* Nope, I’ll follow Paul’s lead…and simply rejoice.

Jesus, You are Lord and Savior! In Your Sovereignty, may the truth of the Good News be heard, received, and transformational. However You see fit to do so.

*It must be noted that these proclamations in song, script, or interview must be vetted for Gospel truth and not heretical twists (2 Peter 2:1; Acts 17:11). 

Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” 

1 Samuel 15:10-11a

I’d always scratched my head at the verses in 1 Samuel where the Lord said that He “regretted” His action to make Saul king over Israel (1 Samel 15: 10-11; 35). Did God make a mistake in judgment?! Did He not know that Saul would turn out to disobey Him and grow prideful? No! God is Sovereign. And He never changes His mind—He always does what He says (Numbers 23:19). Moreover, God doesn’t “try” (whether said trying leads to success or failure) because His will always comes to pass. So, why does Scripture clearly says, “the Lord regretted”? 

Then I got to thinking…sometimes you and I have to make a hard decision. We know it’s the best thing to do—but we also know it will be hurtful, either to ourselves or another. And even though it’s the right course of action, given the definitive or potential negative outcome, we are sad about it. For example, when our child is sick or injured, we know full well that the medical treatment may be incredibly painful for him or her…and, in some sense, we regret that the child has to endure it. But the necessary action is taken. It must be, because it will ultimately lead to the best result: healing. Yet we lament. Or maybe it’s a drug-addicted loved one. Although they beg for money to feed their demon, we refuse to enable them. Best choice? Absolutely! Regretful? Yup. After all, because of our “no”, they may go down a dangerous, even deadly, path to get their fix. And we lament. We also pray for rock bottom, so they will—ultimately—look up for rescue. 

So, even we, mere mortals, can see situations where “good” decisions are still regrettable and lamentable. Even when we clearly know the ultimate purpose. Now let’s extrapolate this limited reality to our limitless King…which we can’t actually do. See, we are not God. God’s thoughts and ways are much, much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). And His emotions are immensely more complex than we can possibly wrap our little brains around. In His Sovereignty, God always acts according to His glory and good pleasure (Isaiah 46:9-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 13:21)—and for our ultimately good (Romans 8:28-29). 

What a precious realization from this Scripture! God knew exactly who Saul was and what he’d do (and not do). The course of history, though, was perfectly planned and executed by our Lord. Yet in His kindness and love for His people, He lamented (regretted). Friend, when our circumstances seem out of control, and we question the “why” in it all, let’s remember there is a good purpose for us, although it doesn’t make sense at the moment. Our situation may currently be lamentable, but we serve a Good God who made us and loves us…and who’s perfect will always glorifies Him.   

Lord, thank You for being my Good, Good Father, loving me relentlessly and purposing my life for Your glory. Even when my limited perspective cannot see beyond the current pain, may I trust Your plan.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

~Romans 2:12

The term “brainwashed” typically has a very negative connotation. In fact, there’s been a lot of talk over the past eight or so years about media “brainwashing” people with false information—trying to persuade us of one “truth” or another, depending on who you listen to. And with the rise of social media “influencers” and platform algorithms, it’s easy to be convinced that certain information is true… “See! Everyone agrees with me, just look at the ‘evidence’ of my incessant feed!” Hence, we fully embrace what we’re thinking. Our minds are sure. 

Until an opposing viewpoint slips through. Then, we glimpse the other side’s “facts” and start seeing more of the same when the algorithm pivots. And confusion sets in.

This example holds true for cultural trends, political leanings, health and fitness information—you name it, there’s an opinion that can thoroughly wash over your brain. And when it comes to some topics, the “sides” are so contrasting that it seems like there are literally two distinct realities! (See carnivore vs. vegan.) With all the over-information, discerning what’s truly true is really hard. 

Thankfully, there is One who never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17)…and there is His Word that is living and true (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 17:17; Psalm 119). With God, sweet friend, there is no confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

It’s so easy for our thoughts to be muddled by all the noise of this world. Our enemy, the father of lies hisses daily in our ears, “Did God really say…?” So, we must fill our mind with the Truths and Promises of God, standing firm in who we are in Christ. To fully embrace this Word-driven brainwashing, our mind will be renewed and our very soul transformed. This is a command and a promise. 

Colossians 3:1-3: “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth” (v2).

Ephesians 4:17-32: “You are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (vs 23-24).

2 Corinthians 10:3-6: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ (v5).

Philippians 4:8-9: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

So, what are you filling your head with? Endless social media clips and doomscrolling? Mind-numbing video games? YouTube rabbit holes? Stop the lies and confusion…be brainwashed with God’s truth and know His peace.

Lord, amid all the noise—and lies—of this world, help me keep my eyes and focus on You and Your Word. Brainwash me with Your Truth!

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

~Mark 9:49-50

As I was reading through Mark’s gospel, which I have done many, many times, I saw a little phrase that seemed to have been recently added to my Bible. (I know you know what I’m talking about!) In chapter 9, we read about the Transfiguration and then listen in as Jesus tells His disciples straight up about his impending death and resurrection (which they did not get in that moment). Then, after some of His closest friends were arguing about who was the greatest disciple, Jesus explains clearly that to be the greatest, one must be last and a servant of all. Skipping ahead a few verses, Jesus gets really real about removing sin from our lives, going to extremes when needed. But then, in Mark 9:49, Jesus follows that up by saying, “For everyone will be salted with fire.” Wait, what? After pausing to ponder this odd phrase through the Holy Spirit lens, a cool application struck me.

Believers are called to be salt in this world—Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount the words of Jesus as He exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), to “have salt in yourselves” (Mark 9:50), and not lose our saltiness, because then it’s of no use at all (Luke 14:34-45). The analogy is pretty clear: Just as salt preserves food, we’re to preserve God’s Word amid the “rotting” elements of culture. And just as we use salt elevate the flavor of food, Christians sprinkle the grace, mercy, and love on others to reflect Jesus and glorify His name. And just as popcorn or chips make us pine for water, our salty lives should also make those around us thirsty for the Lord. Thankfully, we don’t do this in our own effort. Upon salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit to live within us to empower us to shine the light of Christ into our dark world, to serve as ambassadors of our new homeland (the Kingdom of God), to live fruity lives (Galatians 5:22-23), and—of course—to be salty. And although we are new creations in Christ and have the Holy Spirit within us, we’re still in a constant battle with the flesh and the broken world…not to mention against our enemy who hates us and wants only to kill, steal, and destroy. So, there is that. As we live in the world, being pulled on and pummeled by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life…well, our saltiness can lose its flavor.

And this is what the point of this before-unseen-by-me sentence in Luke points to: staying salted by fire. See, sometimes our most valiant efforts are not enough. We squelch the Holy Spirit with the idea of “I know better” or “I got this”. In these cases, it’s as if the Lord shakes His head knowingly and says to Himself, “Nothin’ a little fire can’t fix.”

So, by trial, persecution, illness, financial crisis, family calamity, and even those sneaky malicious intentions of the enemy, the Lord purifies us. He burns up those attitudes, habits, and actions that have dulled our saltiness—and He refines our Christian walk for His glory, praise, and honor (1 Peter 1:6-7). 

When life is hard (because, frankly, it is), do we turn to the things of the world or old patterns that pull us off the Narrow Path and into the wide road? Does our awe of God’s greatness dim, and our enthusiasm for His people and lost souls wane? Oh, friend, I’ve been there, becoming tasteless to a world that so desperately needs to know the soul-level satisfaction of Jesus. But when we take our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances, and place them back on the Lord, and to His mercy and grace—and see just how He is salting us by fire—we can re-embrace the joy of our salvation…and amplify our saltiness once again.  

Lord, forgive me for losing my saltiness in the trials of this life. Thank You for “salting me with fire”, refining my flavor to be more like You.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

~James 1:22-25

My pastor often says that you can’t follow someone without taking steps to go after them—moving in the direction they’re moving. This is especially true regarding Jesus. As followers of Christ, we must be walking after Him. Reading His Word—and acting on it. Doing whatever He says to do (John 2:5). Walking and working out our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13) through action…action that is in response to our salvation, not to earn it (Ephesians 2:8-10). 

When it comes to doing for the Lord (serving), whether within the church itself or for a local church ministry, I’ve heard from so many Christians something to the effect of, “Oh, I’m praying about where to serve.” Then (in a French accent, per SpongeBob SquarePants), “three years later”. OK, so maybe not three years, but three months or even a year later, the response from this same person is, “Well, I’m just not sure where the Lord wants me.” 

Sound vaguely familiar? Don’t get me wrong, it’s very good thing to wait on the Lord for things and pray fervently for guidance, wisdom, discernment…but nine times out of 10, the bush outside our window won’t be on fire (no matter how long you stare at it). And your dry fleece won’t be wet or your wet one dry.

Oh beloved, when it comes to taking godly action, especially in serving the Lord, just move! If it is aligned with God’s Word—and serving His family or a Christ-following ministry usually is—then start doing something! You can base it on your specific God-given gifts (see one of the many spiritual gift surveys), what seems like it would be a “good fit” for you, or just on what needs to be done. The Holy Spirit will steer you once you start moving. In fact, when we’re serving according to our gift(s) and where the Lord truly wants us, we’ll experience incredible joy and energy in the action. (Can I get a witness?) This reminds me of another thing my pastor is fond of repeating: When it comes to following the Lord, we “pray, guess, and go”. Does it align with God’s Word—i.e., is not sinful? Then go for it! When you stand before the Lord someday, He’s not going to look at you disdainfully, shaking His head, and say, “You know, you really shouldn’t have served in Kids Ministry that year at your church—it’s not what I had for you.”

When I brought up this “just do something” idea at Bible study recently, my sweet mat-carrying sister tied up this concept with a mic-drop comment: “A ship can’t be steered unless it’s moving.” (This got me burrowing down a rabbit hole of marine engineering, into “sway velocity” and “surge velocity” and “rudder force”—but I’ll spare you all this.) But, yes, like a large boat, we’ve got to start going in a godly direction. Then our sweet Navigator will guide us where He wants us—for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28-30).

Lord, You give us wisdom when we ask (James 1:5-6). But also, please give me the courage to move—to do, to say, to go—in faith and in alignment with Your Word. 

And they were watching (Jesus) closely to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. 

~ Mark 3:2

As I was reading through the first few chapters of Mark’s gospel, an interesting rhythm arose in chapters 2 and 3 as Jesus walked out the start of His earthly ministry. As He taught, healed, and hung out with His disciples, something struck me as weird: the Pharisees and/or Scribes were always there, lurking about with proverbial clipboards in hand. Not sure why, but I envision them sneakily following and then comically popping out from around a corner or amid a crowd like a jack-in-the-box or whack-a-mole. But their allegations were anything but funny.

Throughout all the gospels, we can find these pesky Pharisees around Jesus and His disciples, watching and waiting to pounce. But even just in these five short scenarios in Mark, their intentions are made super clear. (Please go back and read Mark 2:1-3:6 for full context here.) In the first scene, Jesus is teaching in Peter’s house, and it’s packed—too packed for some guys to bring their paralyzed friend to the Lord. So, they tore off the roof and lowered him down. Jesus told him his sins were forgiven. But the Pharisees started at Jesus, clipboard up, glasses at the end of their nose: “Why’s He doing that? That’s wrong!” (Actually, here they were only thinking it, but Jesus could hear their hearts. Mark 2:6-7) Next, Jesus calls Matthew, a Jewish tax collector, to follow Him. He does and then throws a party for Jesus to bring his tax-collector friends (and other “unsavories”) to the table to meet the Lord. And then, “Pop! Goes the weasel!” The Pharisees tap their clipboard: “Why is He doing that—it’s wrong!” (See Mark 2: 14-17.) In the third and fourth situations, the Pharisees saw that Jesus and His disciples were not following the religious rules to the burdensome level set by man (beyond God’s original intent). “Why aren’t you doing this?! And why are you doing that?! Tsk, tsk!” (See Mark 2:18-28.)

In the fifth (but hardly final) scene of Pharisaical sanctimony, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and Mark states the obvious: “And they (the Pharisees) were watching Him closely (or “maliciously”) to see if He would heal (the man with the withered hand) on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him” (Mark 3:2). But this time, Jesus beat them to the punch by asking them if what He was doing was lawful. I see them quickly hiding their clipboards behind their backs, looking at Jesus with wide “I-don’t-know-what-You’re-talking-about” eyes. As they say nothing in response, Jesus healed the man (while likely staring down the Pharisees). Ah, and then they scurried away like cockroaches and began conspiring as to how they could kill Him.

As we all shake our heads in disgust at these Pharisees, let me get that mirror for us. (I know I need one.) How many of us, as followers of Jesus Christ, are Clipboard Christians? Are there certain people at church that we watch, clipboard and pen in hand, waiting for them to say or do something we deem to be pounce-worthy? Maybe it’s that the Lord delivered you from some sin or sinful lifestyle upon your salvation, so you think every other believer should be so sanctified accordingly…and when you see it, you think (or say), “Why are you doing THAT? It’s not right!” You click your tongue and move through the sanctuary, watching and waiting. “Aha! Look at her—that outfit! In church?” Or “Did you see what he did?” And “I can’t believe that language she uses—and she calls herself a Christian.” 

Um, ouch. Friend, every believer is a new creation in Christ—having been moved from death to life! Praise the Lord! But there are two important things for us to remember: 

1. As Jesus says in Mark 2:17, it’s not the healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick—He came to call sinners. And we’re all sinners, on our way Home to glory.
2. Each of us is on a unique sanctification journey, according to the will of God, becoming more and more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) at our own pace. Your race is not mine, and mine’s not yours.

So, beloved, let’s put down the clipboard. And let’s live, love, and serve like Jesus.

Lord, forgive my “Pharisee tendencies” to judge my brothers and sisters. Help me love more like You.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

Because life is, well, life, many of us are likely in a hard place right now—a time of grief, doubt, pain, uncertainty. Jesus promised it, after all (John 16:33). Sometimes these seasons are thrust upon us with the unexpected suddenness of lightening strike. Other times, we are unmistakenly following after the will of God when it rolls over us. We’re taken aback, because we’re 100% certain in our steadfast obedience. And it could be somewhere in between. Regardless, the result is the same: a soul-level, fog-like weariness that the deepest sleep couldn’t lift. (As if sleep is even a thing during these times.) You may even hear yourself cry out to the Lord or a friend, “I don’t have the strength to endure this thing.”

Again, some of us are in this place right now. Others may be looking at it in the rearview mirror…for others—and I’m sorry to break the news—it’s just over the horizon. No matter how long you’ve been walking with the Lord, you know this to be true. And if you’re in Christian community (which I pray you are), you see and hear it from your brothers and sisters in Christ as you experience Holy Spirit-inspired koinonia. 

As for me, I’m in it deep. Interestingly, it’s a result of total obedience to the Lord. In fact, there have been incredible miracles along the way, with the Lord showing up (and off) that His hand is leading my husband and I in the direction we started walking a few weeks ago. He changed our hearts 180 degrees to start this process in the first place, which is the foundational miracle. And whether witnessing “only-God-coulda-done-that” moments, sweet church fam pouring into us, or the very Spirit in us, we leapt in this thing with confidence. But now it’s gotten really real. And exponentially “really” hard. 

But friend, there is amazing news: God is who He says He is, and His promises are true. So, wherever you and I are along this narrow, rocky road, here’s the really real deal: We can trust the Lord to carry us. Here are just a few reminders for us all (some to read here—others to look up). Some of my favorites are from God through Isaiah:

Isaiah 40:31: Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 46:4: Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; And I will carry you and I will save you.

2 Cor 12:9; Isaiah 40:11; Deuteronomy 1:31; Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 23; Zephaniah 3:17; John 14:27; Psalm 34:18

Stay in His Word. Remain connected with encouraging brothers and sisters. And, most importantly, like an exhausted toddler at Disney, reaching up to her parent with weary desperation, cry out, “Abba (Daddy), carry me!” And He will. He’ll take us through…and it may not look like what we thought it would or should. I don’t know about you, but wherever He wants to take me, that’s where I want to go.

Lord, I trust You. I trust Your Word. I’m so weary and can’t do this on my own. Carry me.

I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with Your praise And with Your glory all day long. Do not cast me away at the time of my old age; Do not abandon me when my strength fails.

~Psalm 71:7-9

In 2009, Apple launched an iPhone campaign touting all the various applications available on their smartphone (hard to believe that smartphones have already been around that long). You probably recall the famous slogan: “There’s an app for that.” This is the exact reason I so love the Psalms. No matter what you’re experiencing in life, there’s a Psalm that meets you right where you are. Feeling alone and abandoned? Overwhelmed by your sin? Persecuted? In awe of God’s glorious creation? Wanting God to “get” your enemies? Overcome with thankfulness for your salvation and God’s incredible goodness? 

There’s a Psalm for that.

As I found myself in Psalm 71 recently, it dawned on me that I’d never noticed its title before. In the NASB, it reads, “Prayer of an Old Man for Rescue”… in the ESV, “Forsake Me Not When My Strength is Spent”. As a 58-year-old woman, I had to chuckle at these titles. But it also made me read this beautiful Psalm with new eyes (well, new “old” eyes, so to speak). As we get older in our faith—and older in body and mind—it’s easy to think that our walk with the Lord will get smoother, and less tumultuous. Yeah, that doesn’t happen. In fact, with every step forward on our sanctification journey, from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:17-18), our sinning becomes more and more apparent to ourselves. And, hopefully, with this spiritual maturity, our rate-of-repentance quickens and the grace we find to extend toward others grows exponentially.

Although we don’t know who wrote this Psalm, it definitely has the same ups and downs as many of David’s songs. Here’s the basic, beautiful flow, along with its old-guy wrap-up: 

1. A cry to God for rescue and deliverance—to be a rock of refuge, with an immediate follow-up of “You ARE my rock!” (vs 1-3). Ah, a reminder that this plea is one we’ll utter all the days of this life.
2. An appeal for protection against the wicked, unjust, and cruel (v 4). Jesus Himself promised us troubles (John 16:33).
3. A proclamation of long-time and continual hope and trust in the Lord, and a recounting of a long life of reliance on and praise of God (vs 5-6).
4. A recognition that the world—and those in it—marvel that he makes the Lord his refuge, praising Him all day long and through all the “even if” times (vs 7-8).
5. A plea for God to not forsake him in his old age, when the body starts failing and enemies start plotting against him because they think God has abandoned him (9-12). He urgently shouts, “God, hurry to help me!” (We’ve all been here!)
6. About his enemies, he says, “Go get ‘em God! May my enemies be disgraced!” (v 13) Gotta love the honesty of the Psalms, am I right?)
7. “But as for me…” (vs 14-16) Here is where most Psalms turn, regardless of the specific theme/struggle: “But as for me, Lord, I will praise You and tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation.” Yes, friend! No matter what—when He gives and takes away—we bless His holy name. And we will declare His salvation even to our enemies (v 16).

For the rest of the Psalm, the writer leans into the old-and-gray points (vs 17-24): He begs God to not forsake him even when he’s getting up there in age. In fact, he begs God for more time to tell the younger generations about Him. (Ouch, is THIS our plea to the Lord as we wake up achy and don’t recognize that old person in the mirror?) He then again acknowledges the greatness of God and His righteousness. He accepts the “many troubles and calamities” the Lord has given him and seen him through…and that with the next one and the next one, God will carry him through and comfort him. His lips and soul will shout for joy with praise. Finally, he recognizes that his enemies will be dealt with by the Lord—so all he has to do is sing praises (and not worry about them).

Friend, as we age, because we will, let’s take to heart this Psalmist’s perspective. Let’s continually praise the Lord and acknowledge His righteousness and the salvation we have in Him—despite our enemies’ efforts and regardless of life’s inevitable calamities. And let’s never tire of sharing the joy of salvation with those younger than us.

Father God, thank You for the wisdom that comes with getting older. May I embrace all that comes with it and continually praise You in it all.