Many years back, I developed a friendship with a woman. It blossomed into a wonderful friendship.  We stayed in contact regularly, talked in depth about spiritual matters, prayed for and with each other, had lunch when we could.  It was a relationship that I cherished. 

There came a point in time that my friend quit communicating with me.  Truthfully, she totally cut me off.  No more conversations about life.  No more discussions about God.  Occasionally, she would respond with a one-word reply like “yes” or “no” when I would ask about something. Then, there came a time when there was no response.  

I did the Biblical thing of asking her if there was a problem, or if I offended her in some way.  One-word answer, “no.”   Something had changed. Now, we have no relationship, and in all truthfulness, I do not know why.  “What did I do wrong?”  That question plagued me for a long time.

Have you ever felt left out? Excluded? Abandoned? Whether it’s a childhood best friend who cut you off, a romance that went awry, a parent who walked out, or a spouse who broke vows and walked away, most of us have experienced some form of abandonment. In that moment, it can feel like the world shifted on its axis.  It can be a very painful time.

Psalm twenty-two, written by David, certainly gushes with the pain of feeling forsaken. Jesus Christ was certainly not immune to similar feelings.  On the hardest night of his life, Jesus asked his three closest companions to stay close and pray with him, but they fell asleep. After those “prayer warriors” failed Jesus, Judas betrayed him, and all eleven followers abandoned him. One of them, Peter, even denied knowing him at all.

Abandoned. Rejected Denied.

In talking with many women, and I do mean many, over the years, I often hear them say they feel rejected, abandoned. Some have not been able to shake that feeling years after a divorce or after daddy left or after someone else left. There are few of us who have not felt that pain, nonetheless, rejection is a part of life.

I want to tread tenderly here, yet I also want to help people to move forward when feeling abandoned or rejected.  You do not have to downplay how bad pain in life can be. One surely does not have to pretend it was no big deal.  Be tender with yourself and accept the tenderness God has for you.

That is the tread tenderly part.  Now, for the moving forward part. 

There are no guarantees in life where the issues of abandonment or rejection are concerned. That statement is not meant to fill us with fear, but to bring into focus that people are humans.  They fail. God does not want us stuck forever in the pain of abandonment caused by the failure of others. Only God can give us that perfect security that we crave. Even the best of people sin and things happen in this life that are outside of our human control. Only God is perfect, only God is eternal, and only God controls everything by his power. Our hearts were made for God, and until they find their rest in him, they will find little rest at all.  SELAH.

Today is the day.  It is time to dethrone the harassing thoughts that tell us we are not enough, or we are not lovable.  Today is the day to change what thoughts sit on the throne of your life.   Today is the day to speak God’s Word over your body, soul, and spirit. 

Here are few to speak over yourself every day and even multiple times a day:

• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  – Deuteronomy 31:6
• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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
• “I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”- Psalm 27:13

Here are some wise words from Christian counselor Amanda Rowett, “Healing is a journey. You will suffer bumps and bruises along the way. Recovery is messy, but God is not offended by your mess. He wants to meet you in your darkest place. Take the pressure off yourself “to just get over it” because God delights in healing hearts.”

God cares.  If I was sitting with you and hearing your story of the pain of abandonment, I would give you such a tight hug.  God wants to empower you to walk forward from the pain of rejection. Are you stuck in the pain of abandonment?  Use your pain as an opportunity to encounter the King. Allow Him to radically fill the void in your heart with the Father’s love.  

I know some of you will never believe this, but there was a time when I was quite athletic.  At this point in my life, I still go to the gym, but only because I must. I’m still waiting for someone to open a restaurant called The Gym, so I can say today I went to the gym!  I’ve been trying to watch what I eat, and I even hired a trainer who works me hard three times per week.  

Early in our pastoral years, we lived in Beaufort, South Carolina, which is where marines are trained. We were young, and we had a vast number of young families in our church.  Additionally, Beaufort was that laid-back, live by the beach, women’s tennis clubs, kind of place.

Though I had participated in other sports, I had never played tennis, so I decided to give it a try.  I took a few lessons.  I was very strong, and I had a long stride.  I had played softball and was a long ball hitter, and an outfielder.  I thought I knew a lot. 

I would play practice tennis matches and get smoked!  How could that be?

Finally, the coach watched me, and he said your problem is where you are standing.  You keep charging the net.  The problem with that is that balls are constantly sailing over your head.  You need to stand at the back of the court, because you can run up on the ball, and you can also play the long ball.  In the back of the court, you will be standing in your strong position.

He said, “I want you to stand here when you play.  Whether you win or not, depends on where you choose to stand.” I put that into practice, and my doubles partner and I became one of the top teams in our league. Success came because I chose where to stand.

Two agendas are advancing in our nation and growing stronger by the day. Some might call it a war between liberals and conservatives. Others might label the situation a battle of social class or generational ideals. But, in actuality, what we are seeing unfold in front of us is an extension of the same battle that has continued since God created mankind.

God has an agenda to save, and Satan has always chosen to oppose God by seeking whom he may devour. Whatever God is doing, Satan will surely be attempting to impose the opposite.

The world today has made it increasingly difficult for many Christians to stand with God. Let’s be truthful, many are following the path of the world’s ever-changing ideals. Too often God’s people continue to change their views and align them with the world on issues such as abortion, sexuality, marriage, gender, holiness, and even if the Bible if true or relevant.

It’s time to stand in God and be strong.  Notice I did not say be mean, be mouthy, be arrogant, be uncaring … not at all!  Be strong and stand in the place that God’s word stands. 

God has given us everything we need to stand against a world system that agrees with the enemy’s schemes. We must find the position of God and stand. Stand with God. Stand by His Word. Stand on His promise that declares He will “fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4, NIV).   Stand on First Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” There are hundreds of verses to be found concerning standing strong in the Lord and upon His promises.

Today, I once again admonish us to stand in this challenging hour.  I love the way Charles Swindoll said it, “Stand firm when the wicked appear to be winning. Stand firm in times of crisis. Stand firm even when no one will know you compromised. Stand firm when big people act contemptibly small. Stand firm when people demand authority they don’t deserve. Stand firm . . . keep your head . . . stay true . . . endure!”

Stand, child of God. Stand!

“Stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” – Philippians 1:27-28; ““Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm …” Ephesians 6:13-14 (NIV)

When people tell me that they enjoy working out at the gym, my brain thinks, “Enjoy? What is wrong with you?”  I have never enjoyed exercising, NEVER!  I do exercise regularly because I know it is a necessary part of maintaining good health, but I am not ready to put it on my list of things I enjoy.   

Recently, I hired a physical trainer named Mark to break me out of my exercise rut and push me to newer, harder levels.  It is hard work, but the results are worth it.   Mark turned his garage into a “gym” with lots of equipment and weights.  Mark painted every wall black, put snap together black flooring down, and put a piece of green artificial turf in the middle of the floor.  It looks nice, but make no mistake, it is still a torture chamber!  Ok, I exaggerate!

When I arrive at Mark’s house, he opens the garage door to let me inside.  Since I know that my first twenty to thirty minutes will be spent riding a bicycle, I immediately hop on the bike.  Most of the time Mark is in the gym with me, but `occasionally he will come a few minutes after I have begun my bike ride. 

Recently, when I arrived at Mark’s house, the door to the gym was up, so I went in and began to ride the bike.  Mark will often close the gym (garage) door from inside his house, using the remote.  That is usually when he comes and joins me.  On this day, I hopped on the bike and was riding at a strong pace and sweating!   The door stayed up a few minutes and then went down.  I expected Mark any moment. 

In my garage, the light from the opener stays on long enough for one to exit their vehicle, retrieve any packages, and go inside.   My trainer’s garage door light works the same way. In about three minutes, the automatic light went out, and it was pitch black in the garage gym.  All the walls were painted black, and the garage has no windows.  It was not just dark, it was B-L-A-C-K! Since there is equipment everywhere, I could not get off the bike and walk across the area to turn on the garage light. I found myself riding with darkness all around.

There was no doubt in my mind that all would be well, and eventually Mark would show up in my darkness.  According to my watch, I had been cycling twenty minutes and no sight of Mark!  I called out to Mark.  No answer.  I called out to Mark again.  No answer.  After a while, I cried out loudly to Mark, and the door to the garage opened.  Mark made his presence known, and light filled the darkness!   

While waiting in the pitch-black darkness, what did I do? I continued doing in the dark what I had practiced in the light.

The darkness of circumstances surrounding many families is oppressive today, and it frequently seems there is no light in sight.  As a nation, we are certainly experiencing increasing darkness.  BUT GOD has prepared us for such as time as this.  After walking with God for fifty-five years, my testimony is that God is faithful in times of light, and He is faithful in times of darkness. 

While recently studying, I came upon a scripture that continues to ring in my ears and witness in my spirit.  “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant?  If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God.” – Isaiah 50:10

Faithful people of God are not exempt from experiencing times that are dark, times when we can’t seem to see any light concerning a situation.  Isaiah 50:10 seems to imply that this is not a one-day thing, but that the servant of God is in a season of darkness and cannot see even a ray of light. 

Isaiah 50:10 is encouraging because it is a clear reminder that God sees us when we are experiencing the dark place.  No matter how dark it is, He is never unaware of our plight. Though we might not see Him, He always sees us.  God clearly and concisely instructs the servant who finds themselves without a ray of light.  “Trust the Lord and rely on God.”

On that pitch black day in the garage, I knew that Mark would show up at some point.  I trusted him.  His faithfulness all the other times gave me faith for the dark time.   I knew he would hear me calling out to him.  If that is true of Mark, how much truer is it of God? 

Do you find yourself seeing darkness all around?  Keep pedaling!

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and the Gentile” – Romans 1:16. I stand in total agreement with the Apostle Paul!  While there are many who are walking away from the faith, and many who wish to stamp out the influence of Jesus Christ, I am not in that group and never will be. 

As I walk around my home, many times during the day, I will say Holy Ghost!  Sometimes I say Holy Ghost and fire!  Sometimes I say, Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost.  My husband has heard me say this thousands of times.  One day we had a conversation about why I say it different ways on different days.  There is a story behind why I do this. 

Life is difficult.  Some days are filled with all blessings, and some days we wonder where God is.  To walk victoriously, I have learned that I must have the power of the Holy Ghost.  John in his gospel said it this way, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” – John 14:16-17.

I believe in the power that the Holy Ghost gives me to walk this life.  During the day, I remind myself that He is present with me by speaking His Name.  Holy Ghost hears it, and just as important, I hear it. When I say Holy Ghost, I get His attention. 

Gaylon asked why I say fire sometimes and sometimes I speak the Name twice.  Here is the answer. Some days life is wonderful, and I still want to remember I need Him, so I say Holy Ghost!  Some days, I don’t feel very energetic spiritually and I say Holy Ghost and fire! Holy Ghost, keep me fully lit for God.  Some days I say Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost!  On those days, something is pressing in on me, and I need a double portion of His power. 

I am not just saying words.  I am calling on a person who is a member of the Godhead. 

As one of God’s children, stay aware that the Holy Ghost is walking with you through the day.  Speak His Name.  On those days when life is going well, never forget that you still need Him. Holy Ghost! On those days when you feel cold spiritually, tell Him you need your fire back.  Holy Ghost and fire! When life is coming at you hard and fast, call upon Him for a double portion. Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost!

What else do I have to say as I write this.  I say Holy Ghost.  Holy Ghost and fire.  Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost.  ‘Nuff said!

As I sat in Panera Bread recently, I had books, a computer, and a Bible spread over two tables. Panera is the place where I like to write the final draft of messages. As I sat there, I felt pressured to get the job done! Before leaving the restaurant, I needed to finish a blog, finish preparing for a group I teach, and finish three messages for a conference in the New England area. Time was of the essence.

In the back corner of Panera is where I hide out, because in the back corner, there is much less distraction. Before studying, I usually put in my ear pods and listen to a couple of Christian songs so I can settle before the Lord. This really does help with the transition from natural thinking to supernatural thinking.

As I was listening to a worship song that day, I began to heavily sense God’s presence, so I played the song again. I kept sensing this was a moment with the Divine. My brain was reminding me of all the work I needed to finish. My spirit kept saying, “Do not rush out of God’s presence.”   I lowered my head and quietly revered the presence of Almighty God. All that work would be there later, but this moment of sensing the overwhelming presence of God would not be. That encounter with God lasted over an hour, and I was so refreshed, and got all the work done. It was like my pen was anointed as the words poured out.

“How are you doing?”  When I ask people that question, the number one answer by far is, “I am busy. So much on my plate right now.”  Does that describe you? 

There is so much temptation around us, temptation to sin against God. As believers we certainly want to be on guard to not surrender to sinful temptations. Yet, we fall for a different kind of temptation, the temptation of being too busy to sit with God.

Most of us have heard or read the verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!”  Have you ever read the whole chapter and really looked at the context? Context, context, context! Context teaches us so much.

The Psalmist begins by reminding himself and us that God is a refuge (a place to escape for safety) and a very present help. Finishing my messages is a good thing, but it is not my refuge. Having enough money in the bank can be a good thing, but it is not my refuge. Alcohol might numb reality for a brief time, but it is not a refuge. None of these things or other things around us are a place of refuge. All of them will fold at some point, BUT GOD is a refuge and a very present (right now) help always.

The Psalmist continues by envisioning earth, mountains, and waters in an uproar all at the same time. If you were to find yourself in a situation in which all this was happening at once, you would be terrified. And yet – even if this terrible combination of events were to be taking shape around us – you and I can feel the strength and the help of our God who is our refuge in times of distress.

The writer tells us that the remedy is to tell your busy, worried, chaotic emotions to be still! Be still fear. Be still worry. Be still anxiety. Be still perfection. Be still overachiever. All of you emotions, be still because I am sitting with my Refuge. Do not casually read over this. Ponder it. Practice it.

Honoring God’s presence will cause us to realize peace in the midst of stress. Do not rush to the next thing. Be still.