Talk to the Hand

Psalm 65:1-5

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2065%3A1-5&version=NIV;NLT

  

Have you ever had a conversation with someone where you felt like they were just not listening to you? Maybe they reminded you of the saying from the 90’s - “Talk to the hand”.

 

Years ago, I had a boss who when he walked into my office, he would look out the window. I think he was listening to me, but I couldn’t tell for sure because he wasn’t looking at me. Instead, he was looking at the sky or a squirrel or the dirty window.

 

Truth be told, we are all guilty of the same thing at one time or another. But on those occasions when we feel like someone is really listening to us and sincerely cares, we feel closer to them; we want to hang out with that person; we want to hear what they have to say. Why? Because we feel valued and loved.

 

In Old Testament times, the Tabernacle courts were where God’s presence resided. The

tribe of Levi was chosen to serve in the Tabernacle, which is to say that they were in the presence of God more than anyone else.

 

⁴ Blessed are those you choose

    and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
    of your holy temple.        NIV

 

As a result of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, anyone who believes in him and follows him, has constant access to him. It’s like living in the Temple courts 24/7/365. Indeed, “we are filled with the good things of his house”.

 

And even though being in the presence of God makes us more aware of our sin, we can also be assured that He forgives us. There is nothing we have done or will do that He will not forgive; that will prevent us from being in His presence.

 

⁵ You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
    O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
    even those who sail on distant seas.   NLT

 

When you pray, you’re not talking to the hand. You’re talking to the Living God. Nothing can keep you from him. He is always there, always listening; always hearing; always answering. He’s never too busy or preoccupied or lost in thought. All you have to do is talk to him. And then listen for his response.

 

  

(If God has spoken to you through this blog, please feel free to share the link with others.)

http://lifelinebasketball.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Safe Place

Psalm 46

 

"God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. ² So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, ³ and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.”   NLV

 

Many years ago, I was sailing with some friends on the Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan when the winds suddenly picked up. We were in a 26 foot sailboat, not big enough to withstand the tumult of the wind and the waves. The sails quickly filled, and pulled the boat to about a 45 degree angel with the water. My life flashed before me.

 

It’s not very often that our world gets turned upside down, or using the metaphor of Psalm 46; “the earth is shaking, the mountains are falling and the waters go wild from the storm”. But it happens, and not just literally like in the sailboat.

 

Maybe you’re version of this metaphor is that you’re having trouble starting your career; or you’re struggling after having a still born baby; or your workplace is not just stressful, but oppressive; or your best friends seem to have drifted away; or you make a move out of state away from family and friends. Take your pick.

 

How do you respond when your world seems to be turning upside down? What do you do? Who do you turn to?

 

In our culture of rugged individualism, the first response is often to “dig in and deal with it yourself”. Sometimes people will bury themselves in their work or a relationship or even self-destructive behavior. The human spirit is capable of discovering all kinds of ways to attempt to control their world.

 

So many things in life can cause us to feel lost, alone, insecure, afraid, out of control. The psalmist suggests turning to God; that He is our safe place. When I was a little boy I used to crawl behind the couch and lay snuggled between the couch and the heat vent. On a cold winter morning, it felt like a very safe place.

 

How do you get to your safe place; to the throne of grace; to hear His still small voice; to know that He is God?

 

Take time to reflect and mediate on the word of God. This will bring you into His presence; into your safe place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 *****HERE ARE SOME VERSES TO GO ALONG WITH THE BLOG*****

 

^10 “Be quiet and know that I am God.”    Psalm 46:10 NLV

 

“…but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: ¹² And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”       1 Kings 19:11b-12 KJV

 

^16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”                 Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

 

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble.”            Psalm 46:1 NLV

 

 

 

The Face of God

Revelation 21:22-22:7, 20-21

 

 

In 1991, I met Greg Lashutka when he was running for mayor of Columbus for the first time. We were passing each other in a church hallway. Being a good politician, he stuck his hand out to shake. Afterwards, I was so nervous that I couldn’t think of anything else to say other than, “Boy you’ve got big hands”.

 

Being in the presence of someone who is famous, successful and powerful can sometimes be intimidating. And in Lashutka’s case, he had something else going for him. He played tight end for Woody Hayes at Ohio State, and later in the NFL. Needless to say, he was a big man… with big hands!

 

In Exodus 33:20 God spoke to Moses saying, "You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." After being in God’s presence Isaiah wrote, "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." When Simon Peter fell at Jesus’ feet, Luke wrote, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

 

What is it about the face and presence of God that is so difficult, if not impossible, for us as humans to encounter?

 

In today’s passage John is describing Heaven. In it, he makes this amazing statement: “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads”. Despite how people have always reacted in the presence of God, in Heaven we will see His face. We will be in His very presence.

 

I am reminded of the song “I can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me.

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence,
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.

 

In Heaven we will see the face of God and rejoice; not hide in shame. In Heaven we will

be in His presence; not in a temple. In Heaven, the River of Life will wash over us; not sin and guilt. In Heaven, no longer will there be a curse; but only joy in the presence of God.

 

John wrote these words in Revelation 21:  ^“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people,

and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

 

Thanks be to God! Amen.