Strange Place

Depression can be ugly. Believe me, I've been there. You can mask it for awhile but eventually the ugliness breaks through.

But the Man of Sorrows, Jesus, knows every detail, every nuance, every heartache, every gut-wrenching situation and stands ready to help carry us through the darkest hell.

The other night I couldn't sleep. My mind played games. Ruminating can be disastrous.  But words and phrases that came to mind were placed in sentences and random thoughts became poetry, albeit frightening stuff.

Here's what I wrote about the strange place I found myself in:

This strange place in which I stand

Is neither hell nor promised land;

But shards of both now pierce my soul,

O God, please make me well and whole!

This strange place in which I sit

Can be a throne or deep, dark pit;

But hidden from the Son's warm ray

O God, please take the pain away!

This strange place in which I lie

With dread cry out "O let me die";

Now where I lie or sit or stand,

O God, please take my trembling hand.

This strange place so fraught with pain

Beset by loss and seldom gain;

Can be the place You've brought me to

Where all I have is me...

And YOU!

Copyright © 2011 - David W. Fisher 

God has a way of bringing us out into a better place.  During those dark, depressing hours I reread the 18th Psalm where David joyfully states, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." - Psalm 18:19 (NIV)  

Note:  Your comments are greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

God Understands

Several weeks ago the Lord gave me the melody to a song as I drove home to Peterborough from my position with SIM Canada in Scarborough, ON.  I couldn't wait to get to my mother's home to play it on the piano to "lock" the tune into my mind.

Yesterday it was my turn to lead the chapel service at SIM Canada and I wanted to teach my colleagues the song. But, alas, there were no lyrics.

On Sunday evening these words came to me. I trust they will be a blessing to you. Come and hear me perform in Carnegie Hall in New York City to hear the melody. Dream along, David!

Here are the words and, as you read them, remember that God really does understand the circumstances and nuances of our complicated lives.

GOD UNDERSTANDS

Have you been struggling? No peace can you find

Life is so barren and dry

Darkness surrounds you and friends seem to fail

Clouds always cover your sky.

Chorus:

Hold to His hand,

He’ll understand

He’ll be your refuge and strength

When all around you brings heartache and pain

God will restore and sustain.

He’ll give you joy once again. (after 3rd verse)

When you’ve decided that life is too hard

Worry and fear brought you down

Lift up your eyes to the Savior, my friend

He always cares for His own.

When clouds have lifted and sunshine breaks through

Darkness and gloom pushed aside

You can point others to this Friend divine

And in His arms safely hide.

© David W. Fisher – October 2009

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Be still and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:1,10 (NIV)

How Long?

The 13th Psalm has been especially meaningful to me over the past two months. The Psalmist David cries out to God and asks, "how long?" four (4) times.

Then he petitions God to respond.

Finally his tone takes an abrupt U turn and he praises God for His unfailing love, His salvation and His goodness.

May the final two verses of the Psalm be our testimony today even though our circumstances would cause us to ask "how long?".

"How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death
My enemy will say, "I have overcome him" and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD for he has been good to me."

Psalm 13 (NIV)

Strength For Today

Thomas Chisholm's (pictured) powerful hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness never ceases to move me. What a mighty God we serve! He truly is faithful! He gives strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Isn't that what we need? Praise Him today for His love!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

The Valley of Vision

This prayer is taken from The Valley of Vision, an excellent collection of Puritan prayers:

"Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley."

Tears

Oops! I almost did it again. One of my typos almost got widespread distribution but I caught it just in time.

I was referring to the past 35 years of sports ministry but I accidentally typed "tears" instead of years. 35 tears of ministry? Actually there have been many more than 35 over the years.

Ministry and life, in general, are not without their share of heartaches, sorrows, tears. They are part of the equation.

I'm reminded, though, of one of my favorite Bible verses . . . a promise that I have appropriated and I have seen God confirm the truth of His Word.

The Psalmist writes, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:5,6)

As we share God's "good news" with love, compassion and tears, we can expect a glorious harvest in His time. Don't shy away from tears. As the songwriter penned, "Tears are a language, God understands."

P. S. I guess the classic typo from my pen was when I stated that "many livers have been changed through the Epistle, letter-writing ministry."

The Centrality of the Cross - A to Z

A – His AGONY & ANGUISH provided ATONEMENT

B – His BLOOD, His BRUISING and His BROKENNESS provided BLESSING

and eternal BENEFITS

C – His CRUCIFIXION brought CLEANSING and a CLEAR CONSCIENCE

D – His DEATH gave us DELIVERANCE

E – His EXCRUCIATING death gave us ETERNAL life

F – Through the FOOLISHNESS of the cross we received FORGIVENESS &

FAVOUR with the FATHER.

G – His GRIEF brought us GLORY

Our GUILT was replaced by His GRACE

H – His HANDS gave us HOPE and HEAVEN

I – His INFINITE loss became our INDESCRIBABLE gain

J – Instead of being JUDGED we were JUSTIFIED

K – He was KILLED but I became a child of the KING

L – His LOVE gave us LIFE

M – His MARRING brought us MERCY (Mercy there was great and grace was

free)

N – His NAILS brought us NIGH and made us NEAR to God

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

“Near, so very near to God, Nearer I cannot be;

For in the Person of His Son, I am as near as He!”

O – His ORDEAL gave me OVERCOMING power

P – His PAIN provided PROPITIATION, PARDON & PEACE

Q – His QUEST to do His Father’s will led to my QUICKENING (new life)

R – His REJECTION led to REDEMPTION, RECONCILIATION, REST &

RIGHTEOUSNESS

S – His SUFFERING, SHAME & SUBSTITUTIONARY SACRIFICE provided

SALVATION & SECURITY

T – His THORNS lead to TRIUMPH

U – His UNDYING commitment to His Father brought us into UNION with the

Godhead

V – His seeming VANQUISHING defeat turned into VICTORY

W – His WOUNDS led to our WORSHIP. Instead of God’s WRATH we

became WORTHY in and through Him.

X –

Y –

Z –

Midnight

Last night I was awake for quite some time...my mind racing as it often does. I picked up an old copy of Springs in the Valley, edited by Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman, and found the following thought:

"Go unto Him at midnight!" Let us go when all other doors are barred and even the heavens seem brass, for the gates of prayer are open evermore; and it is only when the sun is gone down and our pillow is but a stone of the wilderness, that we behold the ladder that reaches unto heaven with our Infinite God above it, and the angels of His Providence ascending and descending for our help and deliverance. He is a friend in extremity. He is able for the hardest occasions. He is seated on His throne for the very purpose of giving help in time of need.

No matter if the case is wholly hopeless, and your situation one where you have nothing, and the hour is dark as midnight, "GO UNTO HIM". Go unto Him at midnight. He loves the hour of extremity. It is His chosen time of Almighty interposition.

There's a budding morrow in midnight

So fold your griefs away,

And wait for the bud to open,

A fragrant and fair new day.

Wait for the bud to open,

Cease to worry and to grope;

There's a budding tomorrow in midnight

It's name is The Dawn of Hope.

So today, my friend, remember - He is a friend in extremity! Run to Him and let Him enfold you in His everlasting arms.

"Go unto Him at midnight." - Luke 11:5 (KJV)

No Scar?

Dr. Stephen Olford writes the following words concerning Amy Carmichael:

Amy Carmichael was an Irish missionary who spent 53 years in South India without a furlough. She founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, a refuge for children in mortal danger. For a great part of her life she was bed-ridden with an incapacitating affliction but she never let up in serving others by her prayers, writings and personal counseling. The Spirit of God, to whom she was totally committed, has wafted the fragrance of her life across the Christian world.

Her life and ministry are best reflected in this challenging poem:

Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;
I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.
Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?
Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,
Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent
By ravening beasts that compassed Me,
I swooned.
Hast thou no wound?
No wound?

No scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And piercèd are the feet that follow Me.
But thine are whole; can he have followed far
Who hast no wound or scar?

by Amy Carmichael

Sabbatical

For years I've dreamed of taking a sabbatical from some of my regular routines. It's always been near to impossible. How do you leave a job, forsake a family, drop the important things? Usually you can't.

Over the past several years I've resigned from the boards of several organizations in an effort to simplify my life. It has helped somewhat.

Tonight I decided to take a sabbatical, for at least 40 days, from Facebook.

It's so easy to become addicted to some of these social network systems that are so popular these days. There's a lot of value in these if we discipline ourselves and use them to build and maintain positive relationships and to minister to others but all too often I've found myself leaving silly comments and spending too much time writing things that weren't really that uplifting.

And so...I'm taking some time off.

I'm going to try to concentrate on writing encouraging, thought-provoking posts both here on The Barnabas Blog and over at my other site, Pilgrim Scribblings.

Thanks for your prayers as I seek to refocus...by the enabling of the Spirit of God.

Be encouraged today!

David

Specific Plans

I've always appreciated Joni Eareckson Tada's godly perspective on life and suffering. Today's devotional thought in her excellent book Pearls of Great Price ministered to me in a special way.

Joni writes:

"God's plan is specific. He doesn't say, 'Into each life a little rain must fall,' and then aim a hose in earth's general direction to see who gets the wettest. He doesn't wind up nature and then sit back to watch its sunny days and devastating hurricanes. God doesn't let Satan prowl about totally unrestricted. Do you feel as though God has taken a hands-off policy to certain hardships in your life? Right now, place them under His sovereign care. Commit to trust Him with His plan for your life."

Good stuff! Agree?

The Big "E" - Encouragement

A New Day

This incredible sunrise photo appeared on my friend Stephen Weber's devotional web site Daily Encouragement today. Just seeing the picture caused the following lines to well up in my spirit. I trust they will bless you. Check out Stephen's site here.


SUNRISE

The sun arose this morning
And God is on His throne
No need to fret or worry
The Father loves His own.

So bid farewell to doubting
And welcome trust anew
Rest in the truth of scripture...
The Father cares for YOU!

~ David W. Fisher
January 29th, 2008

That Night

Mary conceived
Joseph protected
Innkeeper accommodated
Straw cradled
Baby slept
Cattle lowed
Shepherds watched
Angel announced
Shepherds trembled
Angels sang
Shepherds visited
Mary pondered
Salvation birthed
Mankind delivered
Prophecy fulfilled
God smiled.

~ David W. Fisher
December 19/07

No Pat Answers

This morning Carol and I were briefly discussing how annoying (and angering) pat answers can be when one is in the midst of a difficult and trying situation.

Years ago I remember reading a book entitled NO PAT ANSWERS penned by the well-known novel writer Eugenia Price. It cut me to the bone because I had been guilty of just that...giving out pat answers to all who would listen. I naively thought I knew it all.

Now, many years later when I actually DO know it all...honestly, I'm just kidding!

The older I get the more I realize just how little I DO know. I have discovered that indiscriminately dispensing pat answers for the problems of others is not wise and often can be very damaging. Usually the hurting friend we want to help just needs a loving pat on the back, a listening ear or a loving note of encouragement saying that we care.


But aren't the scriptures God's truth on every matter? Yes they are! But to load someone down with a bucket full of Bible verses without adding a large dose of compassion and empathy could drive them deeper into the depths of despair.

We need discernment when dealing with those who hurt! Watch what you say! A kind deed done in love will mean more than empty words even though the words are truthful.

NO PAT ANSWERS PLEASE!

Barnabas Takes a Blogging Break

Dear friends, it's been awhile since I posted an encouraging word here on The Barnabas Blog. Things have been very hectic over the last few weeks and my health issues have slowed me down considerably.

For the next few weeks I'll be taking a blogging break from The Barnabas Blog but I will continue to post on a daily basis (usually) over at Pilgrim Scribblings. Please be sure to check that site on a daily basis. There will be lots of encouragement available over there for all my Pilgrim Pals.

Thanks for your visit to The Barnabas Blog. I'll let you know on Pilgrim Scribblings when I'm up and running again.

God bless you abundantly, dear friends!

Visit us at Pilgrim Scribblings: http://www.pilgrimscribblings.blogspot.com

Knowing the Triune God

Here's more from Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers:

"Acquaint now thyself with Him." - Job 22:21 (KJV)

If we would rightly "acquaint ourselves with God, and be at peace," we must know Him as He has revealed Himself, not only in the unity of His essence and subsistence, but also in the plurality of His persons. God said, "Let us make man in our own image". Let not man be content until he knows something of the "us" from whom his being was derived.

Endeavour to know the Father; bury your head in His bosom in deep repentance, and confess that you are not worthy to be called His son; receive the kiss of His love; let the ring which is the token of His eternal faithfulness be on your finger; sit at His table and let your heart make merry in His grace.

Then press forward and seek to know much of the Son of God who is the brightness of His Father's glory, and yet in unspeakable condescension of grace became man for our sakes; know Him in the singular complexity of His nature: eternal God, and yet suffering, finite man; follow Him as He walks the waters with the tread of deity, and as He sits upon the well in the weariness of humanity. Be not satisfied unless you know much of Jesus Christ as your Friend, your Brother, your Husband, your all.

Forget not the Holy Spirit; endeavour to obtain a clear view of His nature and character, His attributes, and His works. Behold that Spirit of the Lord, who first of all moved upon chaos, and brought forth order; who now visits the chaos of your soul, and creates the order of holiness. Behold Him as the Lord and giver of spiritual life, the Illuminator, the Instructor, the Comforter, and the Sanctifier. Behold Him as, like holy unction, He descends upon the head of Jesus, and then afterwards rests upon you who are as the skirts of His garments. Such an intelligent, scriptural, and experimental belief in the Trinity in Unity is yours if you truly know God; and such knowledge brings peace indeed.

- C.H. Spurgeon

Bonhoeffer's Prayer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote this incredible prayer for his fellow inmates while incarcerated in a Nazi prison awaiting his death.

MORNING PRAYER

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Sharing David's Shelter

Chuck Swindoll's thought for today in my desk calendar reads as follows:

"Can't find a refuge? Why not share David's shelter? The One he called My Strength, Mighty Rock, Fortress, Stronghold, and High Tower.

"The God of my rock: in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Savior." - 2 Samuel 22:3 (KJV)

Today I'm choosing to share David's shelter! Why not come along as well, dear friend!

I've Been There

How often have you heard someone say, "I know what you're going through, I've been there", when you know that they have never experienced what you're facing. Empty, shallow words! When someone who has actually plumbed the depths of despair comes alongside you, you "know" that they understand what you're going through. There's a unique bonding of spirits. This has happened to me often and as recently as a couple of weeks ago, I sat down with a friend and realized that he knew exactly what I was battling.

Elizabeth Skoglund (see link at the left) has penned an extremely helpful book, "Bright Days, Dark Nights" in which she tackles subjects like depression, loneliness, anxiety and change. She quotes extensively from the writings of the great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon who was no stranger to extended periods of dark depression. The following quote was illuminating and reassured me that when we go through the dark valleys, we are fitted and equipped to take the hands of others and lead them through when they face similar situations.

Spurgeon writes:

“I often feel very grateful to God that I have undergone fearful depressions of spirits. I know the borders of despair, and the horrible brink of that gulf of darkness into which my feet have almost gone; but hundreds of times I have been able to give a helpful grip to brethren and sisters who have come into that same condition, which grip I could never have given if I had not known their deep despondency. So I believe that the darkest and most dreadful experience of a child of God will help him to be a fisher of men if he will but follow Christ. Keep close to the Lord and He will make every step a blessing to you.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

Whatever the mountain that looms before you or the valley that you're struggling through, understand that a loving Father is walking every step with you and will use this "dark" time to enable you to help others. You are NOT alone. Take His hand and trust His heart.