by Donya Dunlap | Oct 15, 2015 | The Spiritual Life
Confession: There are times when I allow the Adversary to play in the sandbox of my mind. I let him pat and poke and run his fingers through my thoughts until he has built himself a nice little sand castle…complete with turrets and a moat and those cute little flags that hold your burritos together at your neighborhood Mexican restaurant.
It’s been said that a discouraged Christian is a defeated Christian, and I believe it to be true. It is especially true in my life if I’m not careful to guard my sleep, my sunshine time, or my schedule. If I’m tired, emotional, or over busy then I am more easily tempted to get aggravated when things go wrong, discouraged from over-thinking, and half-hearted in my work. That certainly sounds like defeat, doesn’t it? To a Christian, yes, but to the Enemy it is the sweet sound of victory.
Pastor C.J. Mahaney has a message based on Psalm 42 called, The Troubled Soul: God’s Word and Our Feelings. He talks about how the Psalmist seeks God, thirsting for Him as a deer thirsts for water. The Psalmist remembers happier times of service to the Lord and he longs to see those days again.
Mahaney opens his message with a powerful excerpt from a book by Paul Trippe titled, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change (P&R, 2002). Rather than summarizing it, I have copied the excerpt here:
No one is more influential in your life than you are because no one talks to you more than you do. You’re in an unending conversation with yourself. You’re talking to yourself all the time, interpreting, organizing, and analyzing what’s going on inside you and around you.
You may be talking to yourself about why you feel so tired. Or maybe you woke up this morning with a sense of dread and you’re not sure why….Perhaps you’re reliving a conversation that didn’t go too well. Or maybe [you’re] preparing yourself for a conversation that may be difficult by conjuring up as many renditions as you can imagine, so you can cover all the contingencies. Maybe your mind has traveled back to your distant past and, for reasons you don’t understand, you’re recalling events from your early childhood…
The point is that you are constantly involved in an internal conversation that greatly influences the things you decide, say, and do…
What do you regularly tell yourself about yourself, God, and your circumstances? Do your words to you encourage faith, hope, and courage? Or do they stimulate doubt, discouragement, and fear? Do you remind yourself that God is near, or do you reason within yourself, given your circumstances, that he must be distant? Do you encourage yourself to run to God even when you don’t understand what he’s doing? Or do you give yourself permission to back away from him when you are confused by the seeming distance between what he’s promised and what you’re experiencing?….When others talk to you, is your internal conversation so loud that it’s hard to concentrate on what they’re saying?
Here’s the question. How wholesome, faith-driven, and Christ-centered is the conversation that you have with you every day?
Pastor Mahaney later points out that in verse six the Psalmist chooses to take his thoughts off himself, off his adversaries, off his circumstances and he focuses on God. He begins to talk truth to himself–truth about God and truth about his standing before God. The Psalm ends with verse 11: “Why are thou cast down, O my soul? and why are thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
So while the truth is not original with me, I have used the above teaching to develop a strategy for those times when my mind begins to get gritty with negative thinking.
- Recognize that I can choose what I think about.
- Rebuke negative thoughts with the truth of God’s Word.
- Remind myself of the positive characteristics of the person or situation that is currently bothering me.
- Repeat as necessary.
As a word of warning, this mental warfare is not easy. It’s comforting to pretend that your negativity is justified. But despite the circumstances of the situation, the Enemy will use negative thinking to keep you in a pit of wallowing, anger, and self-righteousness, making you completely ineffective in God’s fight against sin and the spread of the Gospel. Remember… “as [a woman] thinks in [her] heart, so is [she].” (Proverbs 23:7)
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by Donya Dunlap | Oct 2, 2015 | Bible Study, The Spiritual Life
Isaiah 30 gives us a vivid picture of exactly what can go wrong when we leave God out of our plans.
As you read the passage, keep in mind that Isaiah was a prophet. He is warning the people of Israel about an upcoming threat of an invading army. Also, he is foretelling what Israel’s response will be and God’s subsequent judgment.
Israel is reproved by God (Verses 1-7)
Israel historically looked to their neighbors for help instead of looking to God. When Israel and Judah are fighting amongst themselves, Israel looks to Syria for help (2 Chronicles 16:2-3). Facing off with Syria, they ask Assyria for help (2 Kings 16:7). When Assyria is the enemy, they go to Egypt for help (2 Kings 18:19-21). According to Matthew Henry, Isaiah chapters 30 and 31 are referring to the invasion of Sennacherib, King of Assyria mentioned in 2 Kings 18.
The children of Israel are declared “stubborn children” because of their determination to leave God out of their plans. When Sennacherib and his armies visit, Israel seeks protection from their neighbor, Pharaoh. God wasn’t impressed.
God rebukes them for going to Egypt for help, which will end up being only a shadow of protection and not a real solution. His help would have cost them nothing and would have brought them a great victory, but Israel refused to seek God’s face.
Isn’t that so like you and me today? We have a decision to make and instead of seeking direction from the Lord, we panic. The hardest thing to do in a crisis is to be still and seek God’s face. But waiting on God is what faith is all about!
Israel’s rebellion is recorded by God (Verses 8-12)
God wanted Israel’s sin recorded forever so others will heed His warning. Israel’s neglect to seek God’s direction wasn’t considered an oversight by the Lord. He considered it a blatant refusal to listen to His Word. By their actions they told the prophets to get out of the way. What boldness! What stupidity! But wait…
God sends us wise parents, pastors, teachers, friends, the Holy Spirit and His very own Word written on the pages of Scripture and still we choose our own way! What’s worse is that we get upset when God doesn’t put His stamp of approval on our plans. Sisters, take heed…if this applies to you as it does to me so often, we’ve been warned!
Israel’s rebellion is judged by God (Verses 13-17)
God’s judgment is described using a word picture. It is as if Israel has built a dam or a wall made of pottery to protect them, but the dam breaks and judgment floods over Israel. The devastation of Israel’s plan is so great that there won’t be a single piece of pottery left big enough to scoop coals from a fire or water out of a well. God says that Israel’s salvation (and ours) would be in:
- Returning – Repenting for looking to others for help and looking to God instead
- Rest – Trusting God to act in His time
- Quietness – Reliance on God and His power to give us strength
- Confidence – Believing that God knows best and will provide for us.
God allowed them to go their own way, but used their plan to draw them back to Him.
- Israel wanted to flee. God sent their enemies after them so they had no choice but to flee.
- They wanted to ride swift horses to escape. God made their enemies swift in their pursuit.
- Israel looked to the great Egyptian army for help. God sent 1,000 running at the rebuke of 1 enemy soldier.
Thankfully, God doesn’t give up on us when we mess up. He is always there to take a bad situation and turn it around for good – both for us and for His glory.
Israel’s repentance is accepted by God (Verses 18-26)
God is always gracious and merciful. Even when we run from Him, He patiently waits for us to listen to the Holy Spirit and turn back.
When we choose His path, He walks with us, opening our eyes to see how He is working through the difficulty. Additionally, He promises to guide us through the Holy Spirit.
Verse 21 is such an encouraging verse.
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Fear can cause you to stray from the right path, as can friends, your own determination, emotions and analytical thinking. None of those things are wrong in their place, but when used in the place of God, they become idols. We must remove the idols from our lives in order to receive the blessings God intends for us.
A Symbolic Side Note
The moon and sun are used in Scripture as types of Israel and God. In other words, Israel’s obedience to God reflects the light of God to the nations that are in darkness. So too, can our obedience reflect the light of God to our unsaved friends and relatives.
God can always bring about good in the life of His children. But…It is much easier on us if we do things His way from the very first. Choose to follow Him daily. Reflect His light and watch Him work!
Resources used in this study: Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume, ESV Literary Study Bible, KJV Thompson Chain Study Bible, Handbook of Types and Symbols by Carl C. Harwood, and Halley’s Bible Handbook.
by Donya Dunlap | Sep 11, 2015 | Making a Difference, The Single Life, The Spiritual Life
I have chosen to live in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s where I sleep and work and go to church, but some days my heart is elsewhere. Today, as with many of my fellow Americans, my heart has been in New York City, remembering the fallen, and the brave. Much of the last few days it’s in a hospital room with my dad in Michigan. In a few weeks, it will be with my newborn niece in Georgia. Most of the time it’s on the seashore of a deserted island.
A very wise man once said,
Home is where the heart is.
-Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD)
I believe this is even more true for the Christian than for the average citizen. The Christian’s home is with Christ. As a result, we will have a growing discontent and restlessness that points our mind heavenward. The “growing pains” of loneliness and frustration with the current world system should be clues that we are to run to Christ with our concerns instead of trying to find a solution in politics or even the church. That’s not to say that Christians shouldn’t strive to improve this world or even be better members within the church, but our final satisfaction and fulfillment will ultimately be in Christ.
But even with this understanding, how do you practically make the most of your life when your heart feels like it’s walking around outside your chest? Where is “home” on the days when your heart is in pieces scattered all over the globe? What then?
I have found that there are three actions I can take when my heart is restless or “homesick.”
- Choose thankfulness. Find reasons to love the city or season in which you find yourself. Keep a blessings or a gifts journal. Try to find circumstances within the situations that further your life goals and be grateful for them.
- Voice your love. I am especially burdened with this thought today, the 14th anniversary of 9/11/2001, the day the Twin Towers fell. So many voices that day were silenced. So many unspoken words. So many families forever altered. My heart still grieves for them. But you and I, we must choose to use the voices we still have for love. Send a letter. Make a phone call. Tell those you miss that you are thinking of them and that you appreciate the role they have in your life. You never know when God may choose to sever those ties. Say the words while you have time.
- Make the most of every day. Wishing you were here or there never makes it so—especially when your wishes carry you to the past or future. Live in the present. It’s okay to feel lonely or to miss a loved one, but to remain emotionally stuck is not God’s plan for us. He desires for us to engage with those in our spheres of influence as Joseph did in Egypt and Daniel did in Babylon. If you find yourself struggling with moving forward in your life, I encourage you to seek godly counsel.
As planes fly over my apartment on this date full of meaning and memories, I am reminded that no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Time is still fleeting, despite all the safety features we have built in to our lives. So while you still live, and breathe—be thankful, be loving, be engaged…and in so doing you will change your self and your world.
by Donya Dunlap | Sep 3, 2015 | Making a Difference
Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl is one of my all-time favorite movies, for several reasons.
- It’s the best packing/cleaning movie of all time because of…
- The music.
- But then there’s…
- The scenery,
- The sarcasm,
- THE Johnny Depp,
- And last but not least…
- The credits.
Pirates was one of the first movies to reward those who watch to the very end with an enchore performance by Jack…the monkey. But beyond this clever filming jewel, I love the credits because they acknowledge every person that assisted in the making of the movie, including the people who served the snacks on set. And you should see the list of accountants!
I say “rarely” because I’ve been taught to never say never. Even the lone writer, hidden away in a cabin has the benefit of teachers, family members, other authors, and more that make his work possible.
However, there are times when people feel alone in their passion or their position. This can manifest in two different mindsets: the “Go It Alone” and “I’m All Alone” attitudes. Regardless of whether you are blazing a trail of independence or throwing a party of the pity variety, the destructive aftermath looks the same.
Pride
No one likes an arrogant jerk, but those who keep the limelight to themselves are just that. You may have worked hard and sacrificed much to get where you are, but you didn’t do it alone. Your circle of influence will sense your martyr syndrome and be hurt by it. Take time to reflect on those that have poured into you and thank them for helping make your successes possible.
If you find yourself chewing on a helping of “woe is me,” the same advice applies. Have you been pushing people away with your attitude? Do you feel like God gave your calling to you and that makes you 100% responsible for seeing it through? Have you pushed aside offers of help because no one can do it like you can? Put down that whine, eat a bite of humble pie, and consider how you can invite others to your party.
Pressure to Perform
The weight of carrying a project, organization, or passion alone will crush you. It turns even the most joyful tasks into drudgery. The Old Testament prophet Elijah knew this feeling well. He started to believe that the whole of God’s plan for Israel rested solely on his shoulders. This belief crumpled him into a whiney, self-absorbed, whimpering mess. He couldn’t take the pressure. What he didn’t realize was that God never expected him to be a one-man revolution. There were 7,000 others.
It is true that loneliness is real and can be a difficult thing to bear. Thankfully, God has raised up ministries like Propel for women in leadership, Embracing Grace for pastors wives, and Infusion, for women of every life stage to find community, encouragement, and support in their journeys. God never meant for us to serve Him alone. That is why He gave Eve to Adam, Barnabas to Paul, and “the fiercest pirates in the Spanish Main” to Captain Jack Sparrow. It might take a little searching, but He will lead you to your community if you ask Him to guide you.
Isolation
Trying to do it all yourself or choosing to take all the credit for a job well done will eventually lead you to the same destination: isolation. Independence is an American virtue—but only to a point. Refusing to appreciate or include those around you will drive them away. If you don’t want your feelings to result in a self-fulfilling prophecy, then it’s time to make some changes. Write some thank you notes. Make a few apologies. Ask for advice. Encourage others in their strengths. Share your dream and invite people along for the journey.
Seth Godin is a business mastermind and author of several books. He writes,
A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, and connected to an idea…A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate.
— Seth Godin (Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us)
The idea is not original to Godin. There is an African proverb that states,
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Going together takes intentionality.
If you want to be a leader marked by passion and influence, you must find and flourish within a tribe. Begin by looking for others to add to your credit roll.
“A man that hath friends must whew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24 KJV
To those of you that take the time to read and comment on these posts, I send a heart-felt thank you. It’s an honor I do not take lightly. If you are interested in supporting me financially as I write to be a blessing and lead through the ministry of Infusion, please visit my Patreon page to learn more.
by Donya Dunlap | Aug 24, 2015 | How Great is Our God, Random
When I see the moon,
I remember that I am small and God is vast. From ages past, His Word brought forth the unimaginable beauty of the universe, its glories teasing us with sprays of stars and globes of light, breathtaking in the raging fire of one and cold emptiness of the other.
When I see the moon,
playing coyly behind the clouds, shimmering about their edges, I smile as I would at a child peering behind his mothers skirt. Such a simple task, to paint the white with silver strokes. Yet a noble task to break the black with cratered smile and grant the world a bit of hope.
When I see the moon,
and all its faces, I think of how quickly life passes from one star lit scene to the next. Its cycles shift from silent dark to brilliant awe, and everything between, while earth beneath and sky above remain faithful, constant in their mystery.
When I see the moon,
I think of lovers, poets, and kings, all looking heavenward to view the same expanse. United in our differences, we melt into nothingness beneath its glimmering gaze. Oceans blue part lands of green, but people cannot be seen from its rocky ridges floating high.
When I see the moon,
I am reset by the knowledge that its Creator and I have a bond unbroken by tides, and seasons, throughout untold ages yet to come. The night whispers calm my anxious heart. The echoes of light illuminate a longing for a home just beyond my breath…
When I see the moon.
