You have likely seen the radio billboard around town: “Worship through it.” There is a picture of hands upraised in a smoky room with a band in the background. The good and true thought here is that you can get through hard times by lifting your hands in praise to God. No billboard can say everything, but this one says not nearly enough, and something different from what the apostles would have recognized as worship. First, a word about language; definitions

There will be moments when we feel lost, uncertain, and confused. Even our beloved Apostle Paul spoke of being “troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down” (2 Cor. 4:8). It is false and unhelpful to think that being a Christian means that we have it all together and never waiver. In those times, we have a shining beacon, a lighthouse pointing to the safe harbor. I think of our Lord’s call to discipleship. First, he said, “If any man will come after me.” Th

It is a frustrating lie to believe – that pain and sorrow will go away quickly, leave little trace. Some pain the Lord does not intend to remove, at least not yet. Some bruises from sin, even repented of and forgiven sin, remain – guilt, uneasiness, regret, a tender conscience – grace’s call to forsake. We need to be more honest about pain and sorrow. Pills will not help, or alcohol, or supplements, or #MeToo rants. God is our healer – by grace – in his time –