Central Truth

Although we live in a broken and sinful world, God intends for us to thrive.  We do this by focusing on who He is, what He has done for us, and living in His presence.

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Reflections

One thing I love about David is he usually begins a psalm looking around at the circumstances he's in, becoming afraid and asking for help.  Then, by the end of the chapter, he's looking at God and can't help but praise Him and declare His righteousness, refuge and faithfulness.  I don't know about you, but I often find myself doing the same thing.

Despite the circumstances in our lives, and perhaps even because of them, we can become a green olive tree in the house of God.  Visualize for yourself a full, green, strongly rooted, vibrant tree planted within the walls of the temple and in the presence of God.  Imagine it nourished in the truth of His Word, watered with the everlasting flood of His love, and absorbing the radiance of His glory. 

I know what you're thinking.  "Sounds great, but you don't know what I'm going through.  How do I do that in the middle of this?"  I hear you!  The world might think nothing good could come from my own experiences of POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, MISCARRIAGE, SEPARATION, AND FAMILY ADDICTIONS.  I'm not saying they were not painful, but FOCUSING ON WHO GOD IS in the midst of trials taught me He truly uses ALL things for my good. (Romans 8:28) 

God is love, just, merciful, gracious, interested, involved, faithful and trustworthy.  He is good, kind, tender, patient, and gentle.  He is strong, unmovable, victorious, and a refuge.  My favorite...He is unchanging. 

If He was all these things in Scripture, if He was all these things during my own trials, I can trust Him to be who He is for the future.  The power I received from God's words that were hidden in my heart when I needed them was life-changing.  It is truly my testimony that "Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction." (Psalm 119:92)

All of my experiences have drawn me closer to God, deepened my love for Him, and caused me to look a bit more like Jesus.  After all, that is His goal for us, isn't it?

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Discussion Questions

1. When you imagine yourself as the vibrant olive tree in the house of God, do you see your life cleaned up? Or are you blooming, like David was, in spite of imperfections?

2. How would meditating on God's characteristics change your interpretation of your circumstances? 
3. What painful circumstance in your life have you not yet been willing to admit could be God ordained? 
4. Make a list of how you have grown from past experiences and ways God revealed Himself faithful to you.  Place an Ebenezer, a spiritual memorial, there to look upon in times of trial.

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