CONNECTING POINT: End of Me

For the entirety of the summer, I’ve been exploring two of pastor and author Kyle Idleman’s teaching series with many great friends. As we go through life learning what it entails to be a Christian the Bible emphasizes perseverance and the development of a “never quit” attitude. As a pastor, my goal is to create and cultivate disciples of Jesus, not to produce posh parishioners. Jesus exemplified what it means to be self-sacrificial, and if we are to be Biblically guided, we too will “take up our cross daily” (Matthew 16:24) and practice denying self. Kyle Idleman says, “Jesus is saying that God’s kingdom begins in you when you come to the end of yourself and realize you have nothing to offer.”

This message of self-sacrifice screams loud and is far different from many voices heard today. Kyle also said, “Jesus will show us that blessings and fulfillment is found in the least likely place—the end of ourselves.” Do you find this ideology challenging? I hope so because that’s exactly what Jesus promoted over and over as He taught in the streets and the synagogues.

The Book of Psalms is a powerful collection of primarily David’s words and other songwriters candidly pouring out their hearts to God. As we read through the largest book of the Bible, we see raw emotion at its highest and even it’s lowest. There are portions filled with steadfast confidence and dark moments of doubt. I would encourage you to read through Psalms yourself. I want to point you to a unique Psalm, chapter 88, the depth of disparity is real and honest. Most of the 150 Psalms begin with overwhelming fear and anxiety but closes with the peace or comfort in trusting God. This is not the case for Psalm 88, the author shares gut-wrenching emotion.

“But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me? From my youth I have suffered and been close to death; I have borne your terrors and am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend,” (Psalm 88:13-18).

As fragile humans we tend to assume that God either forgets us or rejects us, sometimes we convey that emotion out loud or in pen. We perceive that painful experiences are somehow to be absent in our lives when that’s not reality. Loss, grief, emptiness, tragedy, sickness, and brokenness are all gateways that can lead us to a deeper relationship with Christ but only by our choice.

The following are four points to tuck away for the dark times in life. One, trust God and keep praying. Even when it seems that your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, don’t quit praying. Two, trust God because He is sovereign. Our faith is in a just and immutable God who makes things right in His time. Psalm 103:19, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.” Three, trust God with brutal honesty. Here’s a news flash, God can handle our emotions - even the negative ones.

Kyle also said, “Jesus isn’t recommending that you take up suffering as a weekend hobby. He just wants you to realize that you can find an incredible blessing hidden in the shadows. And that blessing might be visible only through the lens of your tears.”