“O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief . . . . Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name’s sake, O Lord, bring me out of trouble.”- Psalm 143: 1, 10-11
As Mary DeMuth concludes Chapter 4 of The Wall Around Your Heart, she describes the only kingdom that will lead us forward- God’s Kingdom. Mary states that God’s Kingdom helps us live in the result of others’ pain, such as our ministry downsizing or vocation loss. We’re better able to cope with that pain and no longer live chained to the past. Finally, we’ll understand that cautionary tales, by virtue of their negative focus, are poor motivators for moving us forward.
The Lord’s Prayer reminds us to seek God’s Kingdom, to long to see Jesus’ rule on earth. We approach God by feeling our pain fully, yet not indulging it. We look forward, asking God to lead, seeking deliverance not for our own sakes but for the glory of God’s name. We can be set free, no longer yoked to the pain that others have caused us.
Today’s question: Of the five earthly kingdoms described by Mary DeMuth, which one(s) did you build following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “All boxed in?”
