Dread
By Lisa Boyer

“So it is My word that goes out from My mouth:
it will not return to Me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose
for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

Dread. It’s such an ugly word and an even uglier emotion. It crept up on me slowly, but then I was overwhelmed by it.

A while back, I had an appointment I didn’t want to keep, but couldn’t bring myself to cancel. The dread had begun as a simple thought, “I don’t want to do this,” but it quickly grew into “I can’t do this.” It kept me up the night before until finally I fell asleep praying…no, crying out to God to do something…anything.

Yet there it was, the morning of the appointment, and the dread was still with me. Again, I began to pray and cry out to God. Through my turmoil came the fleeting thought that I should stop praying and read my Bible. But, I was up an hour early and I just wanted to use that time to pray…pray until something happened. Before long, the fleeting thought became persistent: I should read my Bible now. But I knew my answer wasn’t going to be in today’s Bible reading. What kind of answer to my dread was I going to find in Matthew chapter 11?

So, to calm that persistent thought (but more to prove that Matthew didn’t contain the answer to my prayer), I postponed my prayer time, opened my Bible and began to read Matthew 11. Jesus and John the Baptist, no comfort there…unrepentant cities, certainly no comfort there…rest for the weary, wait, rest for the weary in Matthew 11? What is this? Verse 28 & 29: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest…I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NIV)

That was me…weary and burdened! I closed my Bible and returned to prayer. This time, I knew what to pray and how to pray. I talked to my gentle Savior about my burden, my concern, my worry and how it had turned to dread. Then I left it all in His capable hands and accepted His rest. My dread was gone, replaced by rest and peace.

Looking back, I have to laugh because I was convinced that I wouldn’t find comfort in my daily Bible reading, I suppose because it wasn’t a Psalm or Proverb, but God is so amazing and His timing is always perfect.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Take a moment to reflect on those times when dread begins to fill your heart. Is there a pattern you can identify and begin to change?
2. Think back to a time God used His Word to perfectly address your circumstances. Thank Him for His intimate awareness of and kindness toward you through that experience.

FURTHER READING: 

Jeremiah 31:25

Lisa is married to Ted and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves as an event photographer at Oakwood and wherever else she is needed. 

Fullness of Joy
By Sarah Walker

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

At times, it feels like joy is ever-elusive. Sometimes, it seems if only we could control the circumstances, joy would stop slipping through our fingers. We can even put on a happy face and fool others into thinking we are joy-filled, but we won’t be able to deceive God or ourselves.

Today’s verse tells us that it is only in God’s presence that we can experience fullness of joy. In other words, we can’t have true satisfaction or joy apart from God. The world’s version of success is not the same as what God calls success. Achieving the greatest accolades from those around us will never truly satisfy us.

For me, attempting to attain success looked like achievements and striving for perfection in academia. And by most objective standards, I was indeed successful in my endeavors. But I learned that in the world’s version of success, there is never a “good enough” or a resting place where you have arrived at the top. At each new vantage point reached, I learned there were always more hills beyond that to climb and conquer. The burden when we try to be perfect and reach the standards of the world can be crushing, and none of it leads to true joy.

Mercifully, striving for perfection and earning our way into God’s favor is not how God works. He doesn’t ask us to make ourselves better to be worthy of Him and then, therefore, experience His pleasures. We aren’t capable of that. He doesn’t ask us to fix every broken place or situation before we are allowed to enter His presence and attain joy. That task is too much for any person to bear.

But we are  asked to give Him everything in us: every striving, every success and every broken place…He wants us to enter His presence even then. In that place, He will clothe us in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and in His joy. When we truly understand how God loves us, despite our imperfections and His absolute perfection, we will experience life, fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    What kind of joy are you chasing: the joy that is found in earthly success and pleasing others, or the joy that is found in Jesus?

2.    Spend some time in the presence of God today, seeking Him and His true joy.

FURTHER READING:
John 6:35; Ephesians 4:17-19

Sarah is married to Scott and is a full-time mom to their two young sons. She and Scott are involved in a small group focused on prayer and are expecting to welcome their third son in January.

Despair

By Susan Klein

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”

Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)

I believe that every human being on the face of this earth experiences despair or depression at some point in his/her life. Even Jesus did. God created us with multi-faceted emotions that we are going to experience when triggered. He also permits us to walk through trials and difficulties that can/do often reap despair. Sometimes, our own body chemistry can go sort of haywire, bringing about feelings of depression without any external triggers.

So, what should our response be when we see a friend walking through a dark time of despair? While there is no “one perfect response” that fits all circumstances, Charles Spurgeon (prolific author and preacher in the late 1800’s), who went through his own dark times of despair, offers some helpful words on the subject.

“I know that wise brethren say, ‘You should not give way to feelings of depression.’ … If those who blame quite so furiously could once know what depression is, they would think it cruel to scatter blame where comfort is needed. There are experiences of the children of God which are full of spiritual darkness; and I am almost persuaded that those of God’s servants who have been most highly favoured have, nevertheless, suffered more times of darkness than others. No sin is necessarily connected with sorrow of heart, for Jesus Christ our Lord once said, ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.’ There was no sin in Him, and consequently none in His deep depression. I would, therefore, try to cheer any brother who is sad, for his sadness is not necessarily blameworthy.” [1]

Depression hurts. It is an emotional pain that is real. When someone we know is in pain, we offer comfort. Even if it might be a time where sin is a component, there are things we definitely don’t do when someone is hurting. We don’t place blame or play the Holy Spirit, we don’t try to cover over the emotion, we don’t avoid…we just offer comfort. We speak encouraging words, we give a hug or hold a hand, we listen, we pray, we make ourselves available. It can be messy, and hard, and awkward, but it is oh-so-necessary. And, as in the verse above, it is also commanded by our Heavenly Father.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What teachings or ideas might have (wrongly?) shaped your typical response to depression?

2. How might you tangibly offer comfort the next time you see someone struggling with despair or depression?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 26:38; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, 7:5-7a

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

[1] http://www.wayoflife.org/reports/spurgeon-on-depression.html

My Status Symbol

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
 Romans 5:8 (ESV)

In the popular bestseller, The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown writes about ideas to cultivate and things to let go.

“If we want to live a Wholehearted life, we have to become intentional about cultivating sleep and play, and about letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth.” [1]

But you don’t understand, I wanted to respond. I’m a first-time parent of a newborn. My continual exhaustion is something I’m secretly proud of. It’s almost a badge of honor that I wear. And productivity is one of the few things I feel I’m good at. I’m the person who writes things on her to-do list after doing them…just so I can check more off the list.

The importance of living counter-culturally and “cultivating play and sleep by letting go of exhaustion and productivity as status symbol” is quite biblical. God modeled rest with Sabbath, and even the Gospel writers mention Jesus sleeping despite a great storm that comes. Sleep and play I can get on board with. Realigning my schedule to make space for things that truly matter is easier to write about. It’s easy to write a devotional about the importance of making prayer a priority. It would be simpler to proclaim the important of rest and Sabbath.

But when I look deep into my heart, what I’m most convicted of is how, deep-down, I feel pride when I’m exhausted because of all that I’ve done. And God is about the heart. So when I brag about how exhausted I am and how productive I was in spite of it, I’m relying on my own strength. And it feeds into a false truth that what I do correlates to my being enough. Ironically, when I’m busy feeling proud of how busy I am…too often my priorities are out of whack. Sleep and play and spending time with God don’t seem to make to the to-do list.

For me, adding play and sleep as a priority is the easy part...even with a newborn. But letting go of how proud I am that I’m busy? Yup, that’s where I need some work. Because God isn’t impressed with what I can do. The crossed-out to-do lists don’t grant me salvation. What God does  long for is a relationship with me that recognizes (not what I can do but) all that He has done for me.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What’s one small step you can take this week to let go of exhaustion and productivity as a status symbol?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 86:15; John 14:27

Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] Brown, Brené, The Gifts of Imperfection, Hazelden Publishing ©2010

How Long?

By Jeannine Sawall

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

Psalm 13:1 (NIV)

How often in our lives can we relate with King David and ask the Lord “How long?” I know in my own struggles, “How long?” rang out time and again while I watched friends and family around me birth baby after healthy baby while I lost baby after baby in miscarriage. “How long, Lord, before I will hold my own baby?” “How long, Lord, before you take me out of this dark place?” “How long, Lord, before I feel your presence again?” 

As Christians, we often find ourselves in a time of waiting. Perhaps today you find yourself in the agonizing days of “How long?”  How long will I be unemployed? How long will my child wrestle with God? How long until I find a husband?...struggle with ill health?...be united with my loved one whom I miss in earnest? How long Lord until you return?! How long does life have to continue to be so difficult? Waiting in “How long” can cause us to become discouraged and lose hope that God will deliver us!

However, if we read on in Psalm 13, David, while acknowledging his grief and frustration, remembers the promises given to him. He reminds himself of what God has done in the past. He goes on to say, “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me” (Psalm 13:5, NIV). Knowing that David asked questions in hard times can help strengthen our faith. We no longer have to rely on saying the “right words,” giving Christian platitudes or the lie of “I’m fine.” We can share our heartsickness with our loving God, realizing He doesn’t need or want “pretty words.”  Instead, He wants us to share our hurts and frustrations honestly, but also remember to trust in the promise that He is who He says He is.

We also have to remember that God works unencumbered by time. He does not wear a watch and He does not need a calendar app to remind Him how much time has passed. When we are in a season of “How long,” we are called to follow David’s commitment…to believe God still is in control, still is unfailing and still keeps His promises. Sometimes in the midst of difficulties and waiting, our hearts may not sing the same song our minds tell us to, but we can embrace the words of belief and trust…no matter how long it takes.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you in a season of waiting? How will you show the Lord that you believe He is faithful?

2.  Have you lost hope because God is taking too long? What could you do today to re-orient yourself to hope?

FURTHER READING:

2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 30:18; James 5:7-8

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.

Offensive
By Sarah Walker

…and you will be hated by all for my [Jesus’] name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:22 (ESV)

I find that it can become so easy to get caught up in what others say about me. When I give the opinions of other people the utmost credibility, I find myself needing more positive feedback and internalizing negative remarks. But when I look to the teachings of the Bible, I repeatedly see that I’m supposed to care the most about God’s opinion of me. Even if that means other people will misunderstand or hate me, as today’s verse says.

Our responsibility as believers, first and foremost, is to seek the glory of God, which essentially means that we are more concerned with God’s reputation than our own. When we do this, however, our lives become offensive. Not to Jesus, but to the world. When we are despised by others for following Jesus, the only way forward is to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that Jesus is our Friend, our Savior and our King.

Despite this, sometimes it seems the path of least resistance is to back off from our commitment to Jesus. We become concerned with our own reputation and don’t want to appear too “fanatical” or “passionate.” We’d rather just blend in, not make too many waves, and be well-liked by everyone. But that’s not what God is asking us to do. He isn’t asking us to give Him only the parts of ourselves that are inoffensive to everyone else. Instead, He wants every part of who we are to be devoted to Him…even when He asks us to follow Him and do something that requires risking our own reputation.

But amazingly, Jesus doesn’t ask us to blindly  follow Him. He will be victorious in the end, but He also has promised that He will be with us in every trial we face today. Even when people hate us. When we hang our identity on the opinions of other people instead of on the opinions of God, we find the ground we are standing on is shaky at best. Our intrinsic value seems constantly under attack, and we never seem to be able to do enough to earn unconditional approval. But in these times of attack, Jesus pulls us close, promises us eternal life, and promises that He will be with us through every hard time that comes our way, even when our lives offend the people around us.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Are you more concerned about offending other people or about following Jesus?

2.    How have you seen God provide for you when your life was offensive to others?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 6:19-21; Galatians 1:10; 1 Peter 1:6-7

Sarah is married to Scott and is a full-time mom to their two young sons. She and Scott are involved in a small group focused on prayer and are expecting to welcome their third child in January.

Is the Tank Full?
By Elizabeth Cole

“…be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:2b (NIV)

Have you ever noticed that Batman’s batphone rings at some of the most inopportune times? Once, it was right before his birthday gala. Other times, it’s when he’s exhausted after a long hard day as Bruce Wayne. Despite its unexpectedness, the call never seems to catch him unprepared. He finishes the call, slides down his secret pole into the Batcave, hops into the Batmobile and off he goes. Here’s the thing that gets me: He never has to stop and get gas in that car before he heads off to save the world. Now granted, he’s got Alfred (oh, that we all could have an Alfred…), but if I were Batman, my first stop would invariably have to be the Mobil station!

Seldom in our lives do we get to see what’s coming next. I think about our sister in Christ who is sharing her life with friends in a medical crisis; I think about my daughter’s friend who thought she was just going to spend a day out on her ATV, not in the emergency room with a broken back; I think about the friend who, out of the blue, says at dinner, “Something’s missing in my life…”

Will we be ready? Are we actively seeking to further understand and gain knowledge of who God is through study and application? Are we daily being filled up with the Source of our Power through reading His Word and sharing our hearts with Him through prayer? God is so very kind – He regularly blesses our private time with Him by giving us opportunity to share that very day what we’ve learned from Him in the quiet moments. What a sweet way to anticipate, be ready, filled up and available to His call… whenever it comes, no batphone needed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What would it take for you to be more prepared for the unexpected moments God gives in which you have opportunity to affect another’s life?
2. Would you ask God for His divine help in making sure your “tank stays full”?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 8:26-40; Acts 16:16-34

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.

Accountability Partners

By Susan Klein

“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body…”

2 Peter 1:12-13 (NIV)

Recently, I asked someone to hold me accountable for some things I knew I needed to put into practice, but was struggling to do on my own. This was challenging for a couple of reasons.

First, it’s not always easy to find someone with whom you feel close enough to entrust private things about yourself. Typically, we don’t share our deepest secrets and struggles with just anyone. We need to choose someone with whom we feel comfortable and close to, someone we trust deeply.

Secondly, it is sometimes even more difficult to find someone willing to actually hold you accountable! Even the most well-intentioned of friends would rather bestow words of encouragement upon us rather than to call us to task on something, or to check in and see if we are doing what we need to do. Being an accountability partner requires initiating (sometimes hard) questions that will hold the other responsible for their actions. This can be daunting for some, feeling too much like a confrontation.

I believe the Apostle Peter was a compassionate accountability partner to those who were struggling in their faith walk. And he wasn’t afraid to initiate, according to the above verses. He boldly but lovingly reminded the believers of the things they knew to be true, and held them accountable - - likely so they would not fall into wrong ways and thinking as they seemed to have already done. He even stated that he planned to continue to remind them of these things as long as he was alive. Wow! What a blessing he was choosing to be! It really speaks of his love for them.

Life is challenging, and we all have our own personal struggles. Sometimes we can really benefit from a little accountability. Perhaps you know someone who regularly attends Bible studies to keep them accountable for being in God’s Word consistently. Maybe you’ve asked someone to hold you accountable to memorize a passage of Scripture, or to lose a few pounds, or to break a bad habit. Have they done what you asked?

Like Peter, let’s not be afraid to offer accountability to others, as well. They will surely feel blessed and loved.  I know I do right now, having my dear friend holding me accountable!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are there areas you might benefit from some personal accountability? Are you willing to ask for it?

2. Are you willing to help someone else if asked?

FURTHER READING:

 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9; Hebrews 3:13

Susan is married to Mark and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

The Power of Words

By Karen D’Amore

“The tongue has the power of life and death…”

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV, emphasis added)

Stunned, I sat motionless. My heart welled within my throat and battled the impulse to vomit. Tears choked in a struggle with suppression…but eventually gave way to sobbing. Rendered speechless, I recoiled, silently retreating to a protective place of isolation. As that childhood jingle harmonized in my head, I became incensed by its falsehood: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” SO WRONG!!!

Expended like fiery darts, those harsh, cutting words pierced my heart. It’s been years since those powerful words crushed my spirit. Yet when brought to remembrance, those old wounds become fresh. Though the power of forgiveness has loosed me from the paralyzing effects of those hurtful words, in moments of vulnerability, those crushing words rise to the surface and re-play themselves in my mind.

Sadly, even after experiencing the heart-altering effects of wounding words, I’m no more faultless at spewing thoughtless, hurtful words myself. Though the pain I’ve experienced heightens my awareness and consciousness in controlling my tongue, emotions have been known to over-power me. When guided by anger, frustration or emotions, words are likely to be spewed…and spewed words are rarely kind or sweet.

A popular contemporary Christian song by Hawk Nelson, serves as a powerful reminder:

“Words can build you up…words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out.  Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don’t wanna say a word…Unless it points the world back to You.” [Jesus] [1]

Words…are loaded with power! They have the ability to bring laughter and joy, teaching and instruction, encouragement and comfort. When used appropriately, words have life-giving power. Yet when used to mock, belittle, embarrass, deceive and tear down, words hold the power to destroy. Because words have the power to change lives (some for the better and others for worse), it’s imperative we THINK before we speak. Better yet, when in delicate situations, we - - as believers - -  should pray before we speak!

As Christ-followers, we must choose our words carefully, remembering our number one priority should be to build up the Kingdom of God...not tear it down. Being mindful of the power of the tongue, may we pause before we speak and ask ourselves truths that I recently saw on a mug:

                        T – is it True?

                        H – is it Helpful?

                        I –  is it Inspiring?

                        N – is it Necessary?

                        K – is it Kind?

And most importantly…may we choose life-giving words that point others to Jesus!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have your careless words wounded another? Seek forgiveness and be reconciled.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 59:7, 19:14; James 1:19; Matthew 12:36-37

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. 

[1] http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/hawknelson/words.html

More Than You Can Handle

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Surely God is my help;

The Lord is the one who sustains me.”

Psalm 54:4 (NIV)

There is a saying that goes, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

It’s a lie.

How do I know this?  Because, at times, I have been given plenty more than I can handle…on my own.  You see, the saying needs to be changed to, “God won’t give you more than HE can handle.”

As Christ-followers, we are not shielded from the consequences of living in a fallen, imperfect world.  Accidents still happen, disasters still strike, disease still occurs. 

And we can’t handle it…without Him.  In fact, I believe there have been times when I was given more than I can handle for the express purpose of turning my wholehearted attention to the Savior who loves me.

Because I couldn’t do it on my own anymore.

So while God doesn’t promise that He won’t give us more than we can handle, He does promise many other provisions when life falls apart, and we surrender to His working in our lives.  Here are just a few:

His Courage:  “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13

His Guidance:  “I will counsel you and watch over you,” says the Lord.  Psalm 32:8

His Peace:  “Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’”  John 14:27

His Presence:  “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

His Caring:  “Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

His Forgiveness:  “In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”  Ephesians 1:7-8

His Help:  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

His Love:  “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you been trying to handle circumstances on your own, only to find yourself buckling under the weight? 
2. Which of God’s provisions do you especially need today?

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader.

Part Two: Inactive Outrage

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

Yesterday, I shared about my sister’s recent trip and how an overbooked flight benefited her versus the negative incidents of overbooking a few years ago. It reminded me that despite all the outrage, nothing really changed the policy of airlines selling more tickets than seats on the plane.

In addition to being a culture of short-lived outrage, we are also a society that often prefers inactive outrage: ranting instead of solutions. We already saw yesterday that outrage over the right things is biblical. Jesus was righteously angry in Matthew 21 when He saw God’s House being used for profit instead of worship. But Jesus goes beyond just being outraged. He then clears the temple; He actively does something with His outrage. So how do we move away from short-lived, nonactive outrage and pursue righteous action?

Outrage without action is just ranting and passivity...even if that outrage is over something valid and biblical. Our outrage for the right things needs to be “long-term active.” We desperately need to move beyond posting and ranting our outrage on social media and instead move into actively doing something. While we might not “clear the temple” like Jesus did in Matthew 21, we can get involved by either giving financially or serving with our time for organizations that promote godly justice. We can realign our calendar to make disciplemaking and spiritual relationships a priority in how we rear and build our families. We can recommit to a life of prayer, actively praying that His Spirit would convict us for where we can do our part…that God would then open doors.

Jesus’ ministry looked at both the spiritual and physical needs of others. How different would our society’s opinion of Christians be if believers started collectively and actively living that way? What kind of advancements for the Kingdom would we see if believers started using their outrage and their passions for social justice and promoting the gospel by taking prayerful, small steps of action?

The outrage over airlines’ overbooking flights has since died down. May our outrage over injustice and our active pursuit in disciplemaking not.

Going Deeper:

1. Take time to listen to Matthew West’s song, “Do Something.” Click HERE to listen to it. What could you do?

Further Reading:

Matthew 21:12-17; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10

Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

Part One: Short-Lived Outrage

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

On a recent trip home, my sister and her husband had their airplane seats unexpectedly switched to first class due to the flight being oversold. I was excited for her, but it reminded me of several negative incidents involving the overbooking of flights a few years ago. It was a public relations nightmare; people were outraged. And while overbooking definitely benefited my sister and brother-in-law, I realized that all that outrage back then didn’t actually change anything.

It’s because we are a culture of short-lived outrage. Our attention spans only last until the new controversy comes to consume the news and social media. And yet outrage, in general, isn't unbiblical. Jesus showed extreme anger when He saw those taking advantage of God's House, using it for profit instead of worship. [1] But Jesus’ outrage was over the right things and long-lasting.

Jesus' outrage came when He saw God's people dishonoring God and making it about their own achievement and status…instead of lifting up God's name. His righteous anger was consistent with what has outraged God since Adam and Eve first sinned. Scripture shows countless examples of God's wrath with the Israelites when they dishonored God’s name.

Like Jesus, our outrage needs to be long-lived over the right things. Micah 6:8 gives some guidance over what those right things are. What does the Lord require of us? "To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." Jesus carried that command over to the New Testament when He gave the Great Commission to "…go and make disciples." [2]

We should be outraged about barriers that get in the way of justice and mercy. We should be angry when “idols” are put above our relationship with God. We should be mad about the things that prevent us from “going and making disciples.” Our hearts should break over the things that break God’s heart.

What would happen if I took some of my “poorly placed, short-lived outrage” and applied it towards injustice and the promoting of the gospel long-term? What would happen if I focused less on the media frenzy of the moment, and instead learned more about how I can advocate for the oppressed and share God’s redeeming truth?

The outrage over airlines’ overbooking flights has since died down. May our outrage over injustice not.

Going Deeper:

1. What currently outrages you? How does it align with righteous, biblical outrage?
2. Take time to listen to Casting Crown’s song “Jesus, Friend of Sinners” at some point today. Click HERE to listen to it.

Further Reading:

Matthew 21: 12-17; Isaiah 1:17

Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] Matthew 21:12-17

[2] Matthew 28:18-20