“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” –Helen Keller

For a lot of people, God is some distant, disconnected entity that doesn’t really care much about humanity. But, I disagree. I believe God is completely engaged, active and constantly wooing us to a deeper relationship with him. But, what does that look like?

In 1991, I started a journal. It was nothing more than me getting alone and capturing my thoughts on paper. Interestingly, I used a word processor to journal my thoughts and prayers. Here it is 17 years later, and I have pages and pages of journal entries. What I found fascinating is that after about 3 or 4 years of journaling, I started actually listening. Lord, do you have something to say me?

He did.

So, I started spending my mornings by praying and then listening. I would often change my font color to red and just start writing what I thought God was saying to me. It wasn’t an audible voice and some “Thus says the Lord…” prophetic declaration. It was a gentle, tender, quiet whisper deep into my thoughts. And, it was always in love. Always.

Over the years, my journey with God has grown so deep, so wonderful, so engaging and yet always growing, always changing, never stagnant.

It’s truly the most amazing journey I have ever experienced. And why keep this to myself, I thought. So, I started this blog, simply to share my journey with God, and share with you tips and ideas on how you can tap into that “still small voice” of the Divine that gently whispers and woos you.

Join me. Let’s listen together.

http://myjourneywithGod.com

I heard a really good joke a while back. I want to share it with you:

The rains continued to pour down, and the water was rising fast. Bill refused to leave his house despite all the warnings. There was a knock at his door. The firemen in their orange rescue boat demanded, “Sir, you’ve got to leave.” But Bill refused, “The Lord will save me.”

A few hours later, the water had crept inside the house and was ankle deep. There was another knock on the door. This time the firemen were starting to get worried. “Sir, you need to leave now! The water is rising too fast.” Again, Bill refused, “No, the Lord will save me.”

As the hours passed, the unforgiving water continued to rise. It had pushed Bill up and outside on the roof where he sat precariously on the ledge. The loud noise of the helicopter hovered overhead. The loud speaker crackled, “Sir, grab the rope and we’ll pull you to safety.” Bill shouted as loud as he could, “No, the Lord will save me!”

Within a few minutes the water had risen so rapidly that Bill was swept away and drowned. Standing before God’s throne in heaven, Bill raised his hands and questioned God, “Where were you God? I was waiting for you to save me.” God answered, “Bill, I sent you two boats and a helicopter. What more do you need?”

I enjoy that story so much because it drives home such an important point: God can work in many different ways, through many different means. When we limit God’s help to our expectations of what we think that help should be, we are going to be let down.

Throughout the Bible, God uses natural means through different people to bring about his will. I think of Noah. God could have just zapped him to heaven temporarily until the flood was over, but he didn’t. Rather, he had Noah spend 100 years building a boat to save him, his family and the animal kingdom.

I also think of Jonah in the belly of a whale. God could have just teleported him to Ninevah after he was thrown from the ship. But no. God used a whale to transport Jonah to safety.

Then, I think of Jesus. He came to earth with the good news of Gospel. Yet, he entrusted it to 12 guys, giving them the task of spreading this good news. He could have just sent down an angel with a loud voice to proclaim this message of hope. But he didn’t. He used people to bring about God’s will.

God can use a variety of instruments to touch our lives. Whether it’s a person, a book, a wise doctor or counselor, God can reveal his truth to us in many different ways. We should not restrict him to some magic zap from heaven that will give us peace. We should look for God moving and working all around us. We should look for some boats and helicopters.

Prayer: Father, open my spiritual eyes to see where you are working in my life here on earth. Tune my spiritual ears to hear your voice through others, through your word and in my heart.

It was a cheap toy. I’m still not quite sure where we got it, but this little, lime-green spinning top was Caleb’s favorite toy.

At three years old, he couldn’t spin it. Every now and then, he’d ask us to spin it for him. He enjoyed watching it balance and spin almost miraculously on its tip. You could tell from the expression of his face that he really wanted to know how that thing worked. Even more, he wanted to learn to spin it himself one day.

It was early in the morning when Caleb came running into my office. “Daddy?” he asked. “Will you spin it for me?”

I stopped what I was doing and spun the cheap toy a few times. As before, his eyes were glued to this spinning object. Occasionally, he would turn to me and smile and giggle.

“I wanna spin it,” asked the curious three-year-old. I took his hand in mine and showed him how to snap his fingers. With my hand over his, I went through the motions of grasping the top’s handle between the fingers.

Then, I sat back and watched him try.

He fumbled around with the top a few times. Then, with one smooth motion, he spun the top. I was surprised! He was surprised! We both started shouting, “Yeah!” It was an exciting time.

For most, it may have been no big deal. For my son and me, it was a special time. A time of teaching, a time of learning. Most of all, it was a time of rejoicing.

Life is very similar. We have so many things we fumble around with, unable to do because of inexperience or even fear. Yet, our Father takes our hands and our heart and gently goes through the motions with us. He shows us how to do those things we kept telling ourselves we can’t do. He shows us how to spin those tops.

But, God doesn’t stop there. Just as me and my son shouted with excitement, your Father rejoices with you in your victories. His heart leaps with yours as you put into motion what your Father has taught you.

“Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD…” (Ps 94:12a).

Prayer:  Father, I’ve been fumbling too long with the things of my life.  Please take my hands into your hands, my heart into your heart, and let’s spin the things of life together.  I will trust you.

Two men stood at the foot of a bridge. “It looks sturdy,” declared the younger man. “I am sure it will hold us when we cross. There should be no problem. Look at that reliable construction. Look at the width of those wood beams. I am sure it will be fine.”

The other man just stood there quietly for a few seconds. Then he headed out across the bridge.

Let me ask you a question: which one had faith that the bridge was strong enough to hold him? Was it the one who professed it was sturdy or the one who walked across?

Faith is more than just believing. It is more than just confessing. Faith is putting into action what we believe. It’s not just waiting around for God to come down and zap us. If we never act upon what we believe, then we are not expressing our faith. We can talk all day about God’s strength and protection, but if we never act on it–if we never step out–our faith is dead.

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:15-17).

Many people “talk the talk,” but fewer “walk the walk.” When trials come, faith will be tested. My faith was tested a few years ago. I boldly declared my confidence in God. But, when trouble hit, my life crumbled. My faith proved to be nothing more than a vain declaration. I really didn’t believe what I was saying.

Today, I am able to act upon my faith in God. When the fear comes crashing in, I don’t obey it. Instead I obey God. I believe he will protect me and keep me safe. I put my faith into action by consciously choosing to rest in that belief. I walk across that bridge instead of just talking about it.

You may ask, “Where do I start? How can I believe God’s promises? How can I express my faith?”

Begin by praying for faith–faith to respond to God’s promises. Read the Bible to learn more about those promises and God’s faithfulness. Unlike that bridge, God will not sway or break. Our Father is strong and steadfast. He is faithful. He will never fail you.

Prayer: Father, there may have been times that I have professed my faith in you only to fail you. I ask that you would give me the courage and strength to stand in faith–to trust you no matter what comes my way.

I have been told by those who have experienced panic disorder and found freedom that relinquishment is the key to that freedom.

So, what does that mean? What does it mean to relinquish yourself to God? In the dictionary, relinquishment means “to let out of one’s possession or control completely; to abandon one’s self.”

The world teaches that when fear and panic strike, you need to take control of your life. “Get a hold of yourself Russell!” or “Get a grip!” Yet, Jesus says, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

A few years ago, a lady wrote to me and shared her story. It illustrates this principal of relinquishment:

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I have been house bound with panic attacks for the last 15 years, only having ventured out of my home 3 or 4 times. I live in a very small town where going to a doctor is really very simple but, for me, it was a nightmare just going to the car.

In late March I became very ill with kidney failure and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. I was more afraid of the fear than of my kidney problem. After accessing my problem, I was immediately air lifted to another hospital about 400 miles from home. As I was being placed in the plane for transport, I told my son ‘good-bye’, as I didn’t think I was going to make it. I was near death or, so I thought. In the plane, I began to speak with God and make peace with him. I suddenly became very calm and peaceful. I had no fear at all and became very aware of my surroundings. I looked out the small window of the plane and admired the beauty of the clouds.

When I got to the hospital, I was placed on dialysis and my month long stay in hospital was a “touch and go” situation but, still no fear.

When time came for my release from hospital, my husband drove me the 400 miles home, and I was amazed that I could not even remember what a panic attack felt like. I am convinced that God allowed me to feel the fear of dying so that I might be able to cope with the fear of living.

Today, I am able to go out to restaurants, shopping, go to movies….do all the things I have not been able to do for 15 years. God saved my life in more ways than one. Yes, there will always be some anxiety but, that is normal in life and I am now able to cope with it, with God’s help.
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mebeli
Although Linda’s experience with relinquishment came as a result of sickness, God revealed to her that freedom comes when you simply trust him with your life–when you give him complete control.

Prayer: Lord, I give you control. Help me to relinquish my vain efforts, to rid myself of any worldly coping techniques. Help me to trust you more.

A man and his son were playing in the snow one day. Pointing to a tree off in the distance, the father said, “Son, let’s have a contest. We will both walk straight toward that tree. The contest is not to see who gets there first. Rather, the winner is the one who can have the straightest path in the snow.”

The son agreed, and the father said, “Go.” As each one moved closer and closer to the tree, the son carefully placed one foot in front of the other. He watched his feet closely to make sure each step was exactly in line. He didn’t rush. He stepped. Analyzed. Stepped. Verified. Stepped. On and on.

When the boy finally reached the tree, his father was already there waiting for him. As the son glanced back at the two paths, he noticed that his path snaked through the snow. His father’s path, on the other hand, looked straight as an arrow. Dumbfounded, the son questioned, “I don’t understand. I took my time. I watched each and every step. Yet, my path was crooked. Why?”

The father responded, “Son, to keep your path straight, don’t watch where you step. Keep your eye on the goal.”

What a paradox: when we walk step by step, focusing on our feet, we often stumble. But when we take our eyes off our steps and fix them on the goal, we can walk a straight and narrow path. We must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Paul said, “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13b-14).

Prayer: Father, as I focus my eyes upon Jesus and follow him in all my ways, make my footsteps straight–a perfect path to peace.

P.S. My son, Caleb, and I made a video about this message. If you would like to see it, you can click here to view the video message.

Surrounding the deep blue water was a range of beautiful mountains. The elderly gentleman paddled throughout most of the morning as he traveled out into the lake. Then, a strange thing happened. A dense fog began rolling in over the mountains on to the lake. Before long this man was completely surrounded by this fog. He panicked and began paddling back to shore, but he didn’t have any sense of direction. He paddled one way for a while and then stopped. Then, he paddled another way and stopped. He had no sense of direction. He was lost.

By now, this man was scared and confused. All energy was zapped. All strength was gone. Then, he heard someone calling from the shore. He couldn’t see them, but he could hear their faint voice. He paddled and paddled towards the voice. Eventually, he made it to shore safely.

How many times do you feel dazed and confused, like you are paddling in circles? You can’t see your boundaries. You can’t figure out which way to paddle. Your strength is gone. Your hope is dwindling.

Elijah knew hopelessness. Jezebel’s death sentence had him fleeing for his life. Alone and afraid, Elijah sought God and God answered:

“A great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11b-12).

Let me encourage you to listen. Listen carefully. There’s a still, small whisper calling your name. Each time you cry out in desperation, each time you cry out for a boundary, some place to grab hold of, God hears you. Not only does God hear, he speaks.

Listen carefully for your Father’s faint voice as he gives you direction in the fog of fear and anxiety. When you start paddling towards his voice, the darkness will begin to fade.

Prayer: Father, help me out of this dense fog of fear. Speak clearly so that I may know which way to paddle in life. Give me clear direction. Guide me by the power of your Holy Spirit.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isaiah 49:15-16).

Can a mother really forget her baby? Today, you read of such shocking stories in the newspaper:

“Crying infant found in trash can…”
“Teenage mother abandons newborn…”
“Mother murders her child in a fit of rage…”

These kinds of stories break the heart of any reader. Abandonment. Desertion. Rejection. An innocent child destroyed or forsaken by a selfish mother.

God is not like that. He is a God of compassion. He declares, “Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” God will not abandon you or cast you aside. He will be with you no matter what you have done.

Not only that, your name is engraved in the palm of his hand. Can you imagine? There, engraved in the palm of God’s hand is “Russell Lee Pond.” And, so is your name.

Did you ever write things in the palm of your hand? Love notes, phone numbers, formulas for your math test? Sometimes they were notes of affection. Other times, they were reminders.

In the palm of God’s hand is a reminder of his love towards you. It’s not written in ink, which can rub off or smear. It is engraved in the palm of his hand. Everyday, he sees that reminder.

I can just picture God reading your name in his hand and pulling his arms up against his chest saying, “Oh, how I love this child of mine.” I can imagine the emotion, the joy that fills your Father’s heart when he thinks of you, his precious child.

When you feel abandoned or rejected, when you feel all alone, look at the palm of your hand. Remember that God has your name etched in his.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you will never leave me nor forsake me. As you have carved my name on your palm, write your name on my heart, that all who see me may know that I am your child.

It was dinosaur day at the local mall. The giant robots were so realistic. The mammoth models would move and growl like real dinosaurs. It was an exciting time for the kids.

When Caleb was 3 years old, he was fascinated with dinosaurs We figured he would love to see the exhibit. As we walked into the mall, his eyes lit up when he saw the figures from afar.

As we came closer to the largest one, the T Rex, the growl grew louder and the eyes more fierce. Caleb was filled with excitement…and fear. His voice quivered when he pointed to the giant that hovered over us.

I tried reassuring him that it was only a model and that dinosaurs don’t live anymore, but he was still consumed with the lifelike figures.

“Caleb? Hold my hand and I will help you. There’s no need to be afraid.” As we walked through the mall, his hand gripping mine, he began to enjoy the displays.

“Daddy! Daddy! Look at that one!” he shouted with excitement. “Over there! Look over there!” From fear to excitement, Caleb enjoyed the exhibit. Most of the time, he held firmly to my hand. Other times he gripped tightly around my neck.

He felt secure. He felt safe. His fear turned to joy when he walked with his father.

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

From a dinosaur model to the realities of life, fear takes on many forms. Although the reasons for the fear, in many cases, may only be perceived, our response is very real.

Let me encourage you to take hold of your Father’s hand. Heed his words, “Do not fear.” When you take your Father’s hand and start walking, what once seemed fearful will become exciting. You can walk past the “dinosaurs” of life with a new confidence, a new peace, a new perspective, holding your Father’s hand.

Prayer: Father, take my hand in yours and lead me through the crises of life, turning my doubt into excitement, my fear into anticipation. Help me to trust you, hold on to you, in every situation.

Caleb’s inquisitive curiosity keeps him active. Exploring, learning, touching, experiencing. A child’s mind is a sponge that absorbs everything it encounters. Yet, with this innate desire to explore, there exists the danger and pain of consequences.

When he was just 18 months old, we repeatedly told him, “Do not touch the oven. It’s hot. It could hurt you.” Our commands were not to hinder his curiosity, but to protect him–to keep him from harm.

My wife had prepared some wonderful, homemade pizza for dinner one night. As I stood at the counter, I opened the door of the preheated oven. When I turned around to get the pizza, Caleb walked around behind me out of my sight and methodically placed both hands on the inside of the hot oven door. I turned back around just in time to see him scream. My heart broke.

After a quick visit to the emergency room, the doctor diagnosed Caleb with second-degree burns on the palms of both hands. Over the next few weeks, we kept ointment, bandages and socks on his hands. Thanks to God, there was no permanent damage.

When our Father sets boundaries in our life, it’s because he loves us and does not want to see us hurt. He is not stifling our curiosity or creativity with his commands. He is protecting us from physical, mental and spiritual harm.

If we disobey our Father, there will be consequences. The aftermath of disobedience may be felt in different ways. For some, the results are immediately obvious and painful. For others, the pain is hidden and not so obvious. Regardless of how it is felt, there is no avoiding the consequences of disobedience.

“A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).

Just as my heart broke to see my son experience the consequence of disobedience, your Father hurts when you hurt. He does not like seeing you in pain. He comes to you ready to work with you on the pain. He’s there to comfort and love you.

If you are hurting, talk to your Father. He knows all about it. You may not even know why you hurt. Ask God to speak to you through prayer and through his Word. Let the Holy Spirit speak through your conscience. Listen for his voice of compassion. Let the healing process begin.

Prayer: Father, I know that your commands are for my good, to keep me from harm and pain. However, my humanity leads me to stray from your path into the dangerous land of the unknown. Forgive me for my stubborn independence, and heal the hurts I have brought upon myself.