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Identity Mattters

Welcome to Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri–a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined Share the Story of His Glow. This week we will examine Identity Matters.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

 PROMISE: Psalm 104:1-3 Amplified Bible

Proverbs 3:5-6 amplified

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way waters.

Our trust in God is based on His identity. He is Adonai, Yahweh, Jehovah.  Period.

PSALM: O Worship the King 1561
William Kethe (?-1594); Robert Grant (1779-1838)

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend

Grant proclaims that God’s mercy is tender, firm, and enduring. We can trust that God is our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. We can trust in His name, His character, and His being.

PARABLE: Identity matters. It brands us. It establishes how others see us. It determines how we see ourselves. In this world of identity theft, fake news, Photoshop, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, we can’t always trust that someone is who they say they are or who their image portrays them to be. 

Instead of assuming what we see is true, we must let people GAIN trust and find themselves trustworthy. They must go through a trust hierarchy. The first level of trust is deterrence-based trust.  It is based on rules and consequences that govern behavior. This rules-based trust is the basic level of trust. The next level of trust is knowledge-based trust. It is based on experiences that add up to prove that you have enough knowledge of the person’s behavior to have a good idea of how they will react and behave. The final level of trust is identity-based trust. This is the most intimate level of trust and is based on relationship, the understanding of loyalty, acceptance, and understanding. It is reserved for the most important people in our lives. It is where we can be transparent and vulnerable. 

Identity-based trust is the kind of trust we can have in God. We can confidently rely on God our Creator to make a way for us, our Defender–to defend us in the battle of life, our Redeemer–to give us His redeeming grace and turn around our mistakes, and our Friend–to be our constant friend. Like a frail soldier being brought in from the battlefield leaning on his mates with each arm counting on them to bring him to safety, we can be certain and rest on the arms of the Holy Spirit and lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus to carry us to God our Refuge where we are safe!

Soul care training exercise:  Some areas of life are easier to trust God than in others. God’s name is trust. Take a moment and turn your attention to seeking the loving Presence of God. Ponder the question What part of God’s character am I most confident in – Maker, Defender, Redeemer, or Friend? Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you what God wants to say to you about how you most trust God’s identity within your life.

Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness of what comes to your mind. Invite God into your sanctified imagination. Ask Him to bring to your attention what He wants you to know.

  • Next scan your mind and notice what the Holy Spirit is sharing that you need to know, hear, or do to fully depend on God’s whole being with your whole being. Expand your thoughts, it may be something you never heard told this way before.
  • Finally, Focus on what you see and hear. Allow praise to form within you. Take a deep breath in and release a song unto the Lord.

PRAYER: Father, you are my Creator, my Defender, my Redeemer, and my Friend. Help me to trust your whole character with my whole being. Empower me to confidently rely on, confide in, trust in, secure my hope in, and lean into YOU.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to praise God for being a trustworthy Creator, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. Then take the mindfulness of God’s glorious glow in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Identity Matters appeared first on Resonant 7.

 

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added

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Trusting in a Strength Not Mine

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn prepare to get in on the worship. If you are going to issue this call to worship with any authenticity you need to make certain you are engaged in worship. Let’s tune our hearts.

Feeble and Frail

What comes to mind when you read those two words? Your grandparents? Some other elderly person? Yourself?

Most of us would not use these words to describe ourselves, but that is precisely how the hymn writer sees us. Though you may feel pretty strong and tough, the reality is that strength is fleeting. We came from the dust and will return to it, so our perceived strength is at best temporary, and at least illusory.

Before you think the intent here is to discourage you let’s make it perfectly clear. The intent is to illumine your heart to the reality of your condition. Understanding and acknowledging how weak we are is the beginning of a marvelous journey in humility. Will you come along with us?

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail

“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 ESV

We are weak and frail. It does not take much living to reveal this truth and yet many remain in denial even as they breathe their last. Humble yourself before God. Confess how feeble you are and how much you need Him. He already knows it since He made us.

If you have lived very long you can appreciate just how frail life is. We are not promised tomorrow but we are promised we will return back to the dust eventually. Where are you most aware of your weakness today. Thank God for that reminder, and that He meets you in it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how fleeting your perceived strength really is. We may feel strong, but how lasting is that strength really? Can you acknowledge your weakness before God and invite Him to meet you in it. Make this your simple prayer today “God, thank You for meeting me in my weakness.” 

Trusting God

In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail

Embracing our weakness is the first step in finding lasting strength. When we acknowledge the end of our strength we are prepared to look for another source. When we realize we are all but in the grave we can begin to look for a way to live. When we become aware of the surrounding darkness the search for lasting light begins in earnest.

If you are trusting in your strength, you will not likely be interested in another source. When you realize your strength is limited looking elsewhere takes on a whole new level of importance.Where are you in that continuum?

In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV

One of the ways we demonstrate our trust in God is looking to Him to lead us. He never fails us because there is no limit to His strength or His love. Will you listen for His love every morning, as opposed to just starting your day without Him? Wake up tomorrow and affirm your trust in Him.

Acknowledging how weak we are positions us to look beyond ourselves for strength. As we begin to trust in God we learn that His never fails. Our strength will fail us, but God never does. Have you placed your trust in Him and Him alone?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider God’s unfailing strength and love. Will you put your trust in Him alone? Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, help me place and keep my trust in You.” Then trust the Spirit to help you practice that every day.

God, thank You for giving me the opportunity to acknowledge my weakness. Your strength creates an environment where such an acknowledgment is possible. Thank You for that and the trust it inspires. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Trusting Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 32.4 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend

If you have lived very long you can appreciate just how frail life is. We are not promised tomorrow but we are promised we will return back to the dust eventually. Where are you most aware of your weakness today. Thank God for that reminder, and that He meets you in it.

God, thank You for meeting me in my weakness.

Acknowledging how weak we are positions us to look beyond ourselves for strength. As we begin to trust in God we learn that His never fails. Our strength will fail us, but God never does. Have you placed your trust in Him and Him alone?

Lord, help me place and keep my trust in You.

We also learn that God is not only trustworthy and unfailing, but also His mercy presents an unparalleled mixture of tenderness and firmness. Praise God His mercy is tender for there are many times we need it to be. And also praise Him that it is firm, never wavering.

God, I praise You for mercy tender and firm.

He made us. He defends us. He is redeeming us. And so much more! Why? Because He is our Friend. He is unwilling to leave us in our feeble and frail state, but makes a way for each of us to find rest and peace in Him if we will but acknowledge Him for who He is.

Lord, thank You for being my Friend.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time,Be Resonant.

The post Trusting in a Strength Not Mine appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/grave-stone-graveyard-tombstone-3995099/
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/light-tunnel-silhouette-woman-3920898/

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Minding the Flow of God’s Care

It streams from the hills it descends to the plain

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite
It breathes in the air it shines in the light
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this worshipful version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, think about how God’s care flows through the majestic and the minute. From grand vistas to the closest droplet of water it is everywhere. Do you have eyes to see it? Let’s think about this.

Streams Descending

From the light and air of the previous line, we turn our attention to the care of God expressed in the flowing stream. What beautiful imagery making the profound and extravagant accessible and within reach. God’s bountiful care flows to us like the waters from on high, trickling down through raindrop and rivulet to quench our thirst and refresh our souls.

There is a sense in which this flow is unstoppable. It works its way down to us from on high, and finds some course to flow with the pull of gravity to the lowest places we may visit. Using the downward descent of water to portray the care of our God to us is inspiring.

It streams from the hills it descends to the plain

But the land that you are going over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water by the rain from heaven, Deuteronomy 11:11 ESV

Though the Scripture here is addressing the Promised Land the Israelites were about to inherit and actual water flowing there, they are but one illustration of God’s care. Even so, they are a beautiful representation of it. His care flows from heaven and our lives drink it up.

This is good news because we all find ourselves in thirsty places at one time or another. It can seem like God’s care is so far off in those moments when our weary souls become parched. The imagery of this stanza reminds us that God’s care will flow to us if we will simply walk in His promises.

Whether you find yourself on a mountaintop or a valley you are not outside of the reach of God’s plentiful kindness. It will meet you wherever you are if you will simply open yourself up to its flow, and wait for it. Whatever you need today, wait for His streams of care to flow to you.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about God’s care flowing down to you. Are you willing to wait for it? Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, help me wait for Your streams of care.” Then find your soul refreshed in His streams.

Sweetly Distilled

And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

God’s care flows to us from above. We must learn to wait and allow it to collect into droplets of blessing. Often times we miss it because we are in too much of a hurry to let it distill.

Just like the process of distilling extracts the essence of something, whether physically of linguistically, it happens a little at a time. It is a process that truly can not be rushed. God’s care sometimes appears slowly or in small quantities at a time. Dew and rain are perfect picture of how His care sometimes flows to us.

Is there an area of your life that needs His care? Will you wait for it to distill to appear slowly, or will you impatiently complain that it is not coming quickly enough? Sometimes it stream from the hills, and other times it sweetly distills. God knows what is best for you. Wait for the refreshing to come in the fashion that serves His purposes best.

And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. Deuteronomy 32:2 ESV

There is a refreshing that comes with the dew and the rain. Even the anticipation of it can be felt in the air. Our souls can receive God’s instruction in a similar way. His instruction is one of the simplest and most profound ways He cares for us. How will you receive it today?

The quiet and gentle gathering together of the smallest expressions of God’s care is sweet indeed. As you open your heart to that accumulation prepare to find your soul refreshed, not only in the flow but even in the process. Hoping in God’s care changes your entire perspective.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God’s care may be distilling for you today, this week, this season. It probably is coming more slowly than you might like, but the flow is perfectly controlled by our gracious King. Wait for it. Put your hope in it and Him. Pray simply, “Lord, my hope is in Your care.”

Lord, thank You for how You care for me. Never overwhelming, but just right. Teach me to wait for your care to come at the pace You have ordained. In Jesus name. Amen.

Receptive Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Podcast 32.3 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7 ESV

This entire stanza is about the care God gives us and how inexpressible it is. Never do we know that better than when we see His goodness displayed in the midst of trouble. Take refuge in Him again today and know His care as only those who do so can.

It breathes in the air it shines in the light

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV

We spend the balance of this stanza reciting the many and varied ways God’s care comes to us. I love the poetry here describing it as breathing and shining in the light and air. Everything we need flows from Him and His changeless nature, including breath and light. Thank Him.

It streams from the hills it descends to the plain

But the land that you are going over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water by the rain from heaven, Deuteronomy 11:11 ESV

Though the Scripture here is addressing the Promised Land the Israelites were about to inherit and actual water flowing there, they are but one illustration of God’s care. Even so, they are a beautiful representation of it. His care flows from heaven and our lives drink it up.

And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. Deuteronomy 32:2 ESV

There is a refreshing that comes with the dew and the rain. Even the anticipation of it can be felt in the air. Our souls can receive God’s instruction in a similar way. His instruction is one of the simplest and most profound ways He cares for us. How will you receive it today?

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite
It breathes in the air it shines in the light
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Minding the Flow of God’s Care appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain – https://pixabay.com/photos/wilderness-river-mountains-nature-5381117/
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain – https://pixabay.com/photos/pine-pinus-needle-leaves-drop-dew-3127210/

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No Tongue Can Tell, But Still We Try

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite
It breathes in the air it shines in the light
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn prepare to get in on the worship. If you are going to issue this call to worship with any authenticity you need to make certain you are engaged in worship. Let’s tune our hearts.

Tongue

I love rhetorical questions. They state something in a way that could get a discourse started, but more often are used to state the questioners view in a very emphatic way. Either way, they are generally not intended to be answered directly.

The beauty of this question is that it is asking about the use of the tongue. The implication is that no tongue can recite the bountiful care of God, so the question can be answered, “None”. What is humorous about that is the same tongue that doesn’t really need to bother answering the question is also not capable of doing what the question asks.

All that to say, there is a lot of nothing the tongue can really do here.

God’s care for us is so abundant and given so generously it is impossible for it to be repeated with words, and yet we make our efforts to do so anyway. Why? Because He is worthy of attention being drawn to Him, and it does our souls good to recount it. Will you do it?

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7 ESV

This entire stanza is about the care God gives us and how inexpressible it is. Never do we know that better than when we see His goodness displayed in the midst of trouble. Take refuge in Him again today and know His care as only those who do so can.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how inexpressible the care of God is. Even still we do our best to express it. Make this your simple prayer today “God, I commit to reciting Your care.” Then trust Him to help you do it.

Air and Light

It breathes in the air it shines in the light

We see here the first evidence of just how inexpressible is the care of our God. And what a powerful, poetic beginning it is! Since the tongue is incapable of reciting His care, the writer shows us that God instead uses other ways to declare it. In this line, air and light.

What is interesting about this line is that there are two possible meanings. The obvious stated one on both counts, and a more subtle, profound one. The first is that God’s care gives us breath and illumination through the air and light we enjoy. The other is that God’s care is actually active in the air and light, breathing and shining. This way the respective media become not only the vehicle for His care, but the care itself.

It breathes in the air it shines in the light

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV

We spend the balance of this stanza reciting the many and varied ways God’s care comes to us. I love the poetry here describing it as breathing and shining in the light and air. Everything we need flows from Him and His changeless nature, including breath and light. Thank Him.

Take a deep breath. Turn on some light. These two media are essential aspects of life, breath and life. God’s care flows through every breath of air and ray of light, but can easily go overlooked or ignored. Cultivate a grateful heart that gives God praise for the simplest of things.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God’s care is evident in air and light. How kind of Him to give us air to breathe and light to illumine. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, cultivate a grateful heart in me.” Then trust the Spirit to help you practice that every day.

God, thank You for caring for in ways that go beyond what our tongues and recite or retell. Even so, we will try because You are so worthy of our worship. To that end, thank You for giving us light to see it and breath to tell it. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Speechless Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 32.3 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite
It breathes in the air it shines in the light
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

God’s care for us is so abundant and given so generously it is impossible for it to be repeated with words, and yet we make our efforts to do so anyway. Why? Because He is worthy of attention being drawn to Him, and it does our souls good to recount it. Will you do it?

God, I commit to reciting Your care.

Take a deep breath. Turn on some light. These two mediums are essential aspects of life, breath and life. God’s care flows through every breath of air and ray of light, but can easily go overlooked or ignored. Cultivate a grateful heart that gives God praise for the simplest of things.

Jesus, cultivate a grateful heart in me.

Whether you find yourself on a mountaintop or a valley you are not outside of the reach of God’s plentiful kindness. It will meet you wherever you are if you will simply open yourself up to its flow, and wait for it. Whatever you need today, wait for His streams of care to flow to you.

Spirit, help me wait for Your streams of care.

The quiet and gentle gathering together of the smallest expressions of God’s care is sweet indeed. As you open your heart to that accumulation prepare to find your soul refreshed, not only in the flow but even in the process. Hoping in God’s care changes your entire perspective. 

Lord, my hope is in Your care.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post No Tongue Can Tell, But Still We Try appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite – https://pixabay.com/vectors/tongue-sticking-mouth-body-human-35319/
It breathes in the air it shines in the light – https://pixabay.com/photos/nature-panorama-heaven-sun-light-3086518/

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Seeing God is Deep Darkness

His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form

O tell of His might O sing of His grace
Whose robe is the light whose canopy space
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this worshipful version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this classic text and hymn, think about what it will mean to sincerely offer each part of your life and your entire life to God. It requires diligence and intentionality. Thanks for joining us in this grand pursuit. Let’s think about this.

Thunderclouds Formed by Wrath

His activity, riding around in His chariot of wrath, creates the thunderclouds? Does God ride around in a chariot? Does that chariot form the thunderclouds? And where does His wrath figure into all that?

We might be tempted to think these are simply beautiful word pictures used by the hymn writer to stir our imagination. But they are not simply that. The Scripture bears out the truth behind the imagery.

God is real and His activity and movements have effects on the world in which we live. These truths help us to cultivate an awareness of God and an appreciation of His power revealed to us. Then there is His wrath.

He has clearly spoken that there are consequences to our actions. In a global sense, our actions are rebellious and illicit a response from God. We deserve His wrath, but instead He often gives us His mercy. Even still, there is the reality of wrath for all the wrongs of mankind, and just maybe His thunderclouds warn that a day of reckoning is coming.

His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form

He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
    he rides on the wings of the wind; Psalm 104:3 ESV

Thunderclouds are His chariot. He rides on them. Wow! But chariots of wrath? What makes this great King extremely angry? Could it be because His creatures do not choose to worship Him when He is so worthy? Might He be inviting us to respond to His power in awe and wonder?

Thunderclouds are formed in the wake of His wrathful chariots, as He moves about the heavens accomplishing His divine purposes. What do you imagine stirs up that wrath? Ask Him to reveal that to you and then respond in wonder and worship.

 

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about what may stir Gods wrath. Do you play a part in that? Pray this simple prayer, “God, reveal what stirs up Your wrath.” Then respond in repentance and worship to what He shows you.

Storm Wings

And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

The Scripture above not only spoke of the clouds as chariots for God, but also that He rides on the wings of the wind, in the last line here the wings of the storm. What does that mean? The phrase about the wind seems to mean with utmost velocity or the highest speed.

So, God is in a hurry? Or maybe it is equating His speed is as great as His power. That seems to make a little more sense. But there remains at least a bit of mystery in the imagery.

Then there is the description of His path being “dark”. Again we are challenged to think of God in ways that are not simply light. To me that implies a heaviness or seriousness which certainly must be a part of the way we imagine God.

And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
    which lifted up the waves of the sea…
He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:25, 29 ESV

Like horses that move at the will of their rider, so the storm clouds respond to the will of our God. The One who robes Himself in light travels a dark path through the storm. Seems like an interesting juxtaposition, even mysterious. So is our King, Commander of the winds and waves.

The wings of the storm? Like the edges, or that which causes the storm to move. The imagery here is very powerful. Darkness, wrath, storms and thunder, God on the move revealing His might. What impact on you and your worship will that revelation have today?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God reveals Himself in the dark movement of the storms in the heavens, and the ones in our lives. When things get dark are you willing to consider God might still be very much in the middle of them? Ask God for eyes to see Him in the darkness. Pray simply, “Spirit, help me respond in worship.” 

Lord, thank You for the mysterious and powerful ways You reveal Yourself to us. Help me to always have my eyes wide open to see them. When I do, please help me respond in worship. In Jesus name. Amen.

Awe-filled Thinking!

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Podcast 32.2 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

O tell of His might O sing of His grace

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96:2-3 ESV

Sing and tell. That is what we are supposed to do once we have come to understand the matchless might and glorious grace of our King. Will you commit today to do it? Use both your speaking and your singing voice to make His might and grace known as often as you can.

Whose robe is the light whose canopy space

…You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
   covering yourself with light as with a garment,
    stretching out the heavens like a tent. Psalm 104:1b-2 ESV

Now we are talking. This King we worship is able to make a garment out of light! As if that description were not incredible enough it continues by declaring that His dwelling place is the entirety of the heavens, even space itself. This is the One we worship. He is worthy!

His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form

He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
    he rides on the wings of the wind; Psalm 104:3 ESV

Thunderclouds are His chariot. He rides on them. Wow! But chariots of wrath? What makes this great King extremely angry? Could it be because His creatures do not choose to worship Him when He is so worthy? Might He be inviting us to respond to His power in awe and wonder?

And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
    which lifted up the waves of the sea…
He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:25, 29 ESV

Like horses that move at the will of their rider, so the storm clouds respond to the will of our God. The One who robes Himself in light travels a dark path through the storm. Seems like an interesting juxtaposition, even mysterious. So is our King, Commander of the winds and waves.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain

O tell of His might O sing of His grace
Whose robe is the light whose canopy space
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Seeing God is Deep Darkness appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form – https://pixabay.com/photos/panorama-nature-landscape-heaven-3123470/
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm – https://pixabay.com/photos/thunderstorm-lightning-clouds-sky-6346810/

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