Tag Archives: sorrow

The Confusion of Love and Lust

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Tears from heaven

“But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all (1 Corinthians 12:31).” Apostle Paul’s introduction to the love chapter.

Unfortunately, the church has lost its way and often allows politics to lead instead of love. Lust disguised as appropriate behavior has replaced what should be foremost—our love for God. Thus causing a dimming of the church’s light in the world.

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Revelation 2:4

Lust seeks to control others – Love seeks to free others.

Lust wants to be served – Love wants to serve.

Lust is self-seeking – Love seeks good for all.

Lust is self-promoting – Love does not boast.

Lust flees from hardship – Love always perseveres.

Lust lies to get what it wants – Love rejoices in truth.

Lust becomes angry when it doesn’t get its way – Love is patient and kind.

Lust seeks to gratify self – Love is willing to sacrifice self.

Lust sucks life from life – Love gives life to life.

The one who lusts becomes like the purveyor of lust. The one who loves becomes like the author of love.

Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. Psalm 63:3

From the Depths

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His Deep calling to my deep

Grief is a deep dark pit, where no sunlight can reach. When you are there no good thing seems possible, and death is all you hear.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me. Psalm 42:5-7

It is in my grief that God’s Deepness calls to my deep pit. God’s waves and breakers crash upon me—letting me know He is with me, His goodness will prevail, and His love will hold onto me through eternity.

When God’s waves break over me I begin to hear His voice over the din of my sorrow.

I will never leave you.
Roars from the crashing water.
My love endures forever.
Smashes upon my darkness
I will carry you and dry your tears.
Splits the rocks that tower over me.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11

Eruptions in Life

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Kīlauea erupting

Words have power

They can bring harrowing fear:
“The biopsy shows cancer.”

They can produce shame:
“The jury finds the defendant guilty.”

They can bring terrible sorrow:
“I am sorry we tried everything to save your child.”

Fortunately, the Word has more power than any words:

“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:41

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:11-12

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

“ I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” John 8:51

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:17-18

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…” Matthew 28:18

Therefore humble yourself before The Word, and let Him quiet the words in your life, and bring forth peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7