Walking with God: Embracing Mystery and Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound journey of walking with God through the lens of the Psalms. Over the past 40 years, my spiritual life has been a continuous learning process of walking with God in mystery, through discovery, for the purpose of transformation. The Psalms serve as a powerful guide in this journey, offering models for our responses to God, especially in times of mystery and uncertainty. They teach us how to connect with God’s word and let it define our truth, rather than our circumstances.
We delved into personal stories of mystery and hardship, such as the loss of a child, financial uncertainties, and health crises, to illustrate how the Psalms can help us navigate these challenges. Psalm 1 and Psalm 4 were highlighted as key scriptures that provide comfort and instruction in times of distress. These Psalms remind us that our delight should be in the law of the Lord and that we should meditate on His word day and night, which will make us like trees firmly planted by streams of water.
We also discussed the importance of peace, as described in John 14:27 and John 16:32-33. Jesus offers us peace, not as the world gives, but a peace that destroys the authority attached to chaos. This peace is a weapon that helps us manage our inner turmoil and troubled hearts. We must learn to wait on the Lord, to entwine ourselves with Him, and to let His peace transform our responses to our circumstances.
In Romans 5:3-6, we are encouraged to exalt in our tribulations because they bring about perseverance, character, and hope. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking comfort to embracing transformation. The journey of walking with God is about becoming more like Jesus, reflecting His image, and bringing His kingdom to those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Walking with God in Mystery: Life is filled with mysteries and uncertainties, but the Psalms teach us to respond to these with faith and trust in God. By meditating on His word, we can find stability and strength, much like a tree planted by streams of water. This practice helps us to see beyond our circumstances and trust in God's greater plan. [59:04]
2. The Power of Peace: Jesus offers us a unique peace that destroys the authority attached to chaos. This peace is not passive but an active weapon we must engage with. By waiting on the Lord and entwining ourselves with Him, we can transform our responses to life's challenges and find true peace amidst turmoil. [01:13:59]
3. Embracing Tribulations: Romans 5:3-6 encourages us to exalt in our tribulations because they lead to perseverance, character, and hope. This perspective helps us to see challenges as opportunities for transformation and growth, rather than obstacles to our comfort. [01:08:02]
4. Self-Awareness and Responsibility: Life acts as a mirror, reflecting our responses to circumstances. By being self-aware and taking responsibility for our emotions and actions, we can allow God's peace to transform us. This process involves recognizing our inner turmoil and choosing to respond with faith and trust in God. [01:20:00]
5. The Importance of Community and Confession: Engaging with a community and practicing confession are vital in our spiritual journey. Sharing our struggles with trusted individuals helps us to stay accountable and receive support. This communal aspect of faith strengthens our ability to walk with God in mystery and discovery. [01:28:08]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [55:31] - Introduction and Personal Journey
3. [56:08] - Learning to Walk with God
4. [56:45] - Living with Mystery
5. [57:25] - Prophetic Words and Uncertainty
6. [58:34] - The Role of Psalms in Mystery
7. [59:04] - Psalm 1: Stability in God's Word
8. [01:00:04] - Psalm 4: Crying Out in Distress
9. [01:01:33] - The Greatness of God in Psalms
10. [01:02:45] - Managing Troubling Times
11. [01:03:17] - John 14:27: Peace in Troubled Hearts
12. [01:05:08] - John 16:32-33: Inner Turmoil
13. [01:07:37] - Romans 5:3-6: Exalting in Tribulations
14. [01:12:00] - The Hebrew Concept of Peace
15. [01:20:00] - Life as a Mirror
16. [01:28:08] - Community and Confession
17. [01:37:33] - Trusting in the Lord
18. [01:38:12] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 1:1-3: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
2. John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
3. Romans 5:3-5: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 1, what are the characteristics of a person who is "blessed"? How is this person described in relation to a tree? [59:04]
2. In John 14:27, what kind of peace does Jesus offer, and how is it different from the peace the world gives? [01:03:17]
3. Romans 5:3-5 speaks about exalting in tribulations. What are the steps that lead from tribulation to hope according to this passage? [01:08:02]
4. The sermon mentions personal stories of mystery and hardship. What are some examples given, and how do they relate to the theme of walking with God in mystery? [56:45]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does meditating on God's word, as described in Psalm 1, help us to find stability and strength in times of mystery and uncertainty? [59:04]
2. What does it mean to have a peace that "destroys the authority attached to chaos," as explained in the sermon? How can this peace transform our responses to life's challenges? [01:13:59]
3. Romans 5:3-5 suggests that tribulations lead to perseverance, character, and hope. How can this perspective shift our focus from seeking comfort to embracing transformation? [01:08:02]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and confession. How can sharing our struggles with trusted individuals help us in our spiritual journey? [01:28:08]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time of mystery or uncertainty in your life. How did you respond, and how might meditating on God's word have provided stability and strength? [59:04]
2. Jesus offers a peace that is different from the world's peace. Think of a current situation causing you inner turmoil. How can you actively engage with Jesus' peace to transform your response? [01:03:17]
3. Romans 5:3-5 encourages us to exalt in our tribulations. Can you identify a current challenge in your life that could be seen as an opportunity for growth and transformation? How can you shift your perspective to embrace this challenge? [01:08:02]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of self-awareness and taking responsibility for our emotions and actions. Identify an area in your life where you need to take more responsibility. How can you allow God's peace to transform your response in this area? [01:20:00]
5. Community and confession are vital in our spiritual journey. Is there a struggle you are currently facing that you need to share with a trusted friend or small group? How can this act of confession and community support help you walk with God in mystery and discovery? [01:28:08]
6. The sermon mentions the Hebrew concept of peace (shalom) as destroying the authority attached to chaos. How can you apply this understanding of peace in a specific area of your life where you feel overwhelmed by chaos? [01:13:59]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's peace in a difficult situation. What steps did you take to experience that peace, and how can you apply those steps to a current or future challenge? [01:03:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in Uncertainty
Life is filled with mysteries and uncertainties, but the Psalms teach us to respond to these with faith and trust in God. By meditating on His word, we can find stability and strength, much like a tree planted by streams of water. This practice helps us to see beyond our circumstances and trust in God's greater plan. The Psalms serve as a powerful guide in this journey, offering models for our responses to God, especially in times of mystery and uncertainty. They teach us how to connect with God’s word and let it define our truth, rather than our circumstances. [59:04]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: Think of a current uncertainty in your life. How can you actively choose to trust God and meditate on His word in this situation today?
Day 2: Engaging with the Peace of Christ
Jesus offers us a unique peace that destroys the authority attached to chaos. This peace is not passive but an active weapon we must engage with. By waiting on the Lord and entwining ourselves with Him, we can transform our responses to life's challenges and find true peace amidst turmoil. This peace, as described in John 14:27 and John 16:32-33, is a gift from Jesus that helps us manage our inner turmoil and troubled hearts. We must learn to wait on the Lord, to entwine ourselves with Him, and to let His peace transform our responses to our circumstances. [01:13:59]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Identify a moment today when you feel overwhelmed. How can you pause and invite the peace of Christ into that specific situation?
Day 3: Embracing Growth Through Tribulations
Romans 5:3-6 encourages us to exalt in our tribulations because they lead to perseverance, character, and hope. This perspective helps us to see challenges as opportunities for transformation and growth, rather than obstacles to our comfort. The journey of walking with God is about becoming more like Jesus, reflecting His image, and bringing His kingdom to those around us. By embracing tribulations, we shift our focus from seeking comfort to embracing transformation. [01:08:02]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did it help you grow in perseverance, character, or hope? How can you embrace future challenges with this perspective?
Day 4: Cultivating Self-Awareness and Responsibility
Life acts as a mirror, reflecting our responses to circumstances. By being self-aware and taking responsibility for our emotions and actions, we can allow God's peace to transform us. This process involves recognizing our inner turmoil and choosing to respond with faith and trust in God. By doing so, we can better manage our reactions and align them with God's will. This self-awareness and responsibility are crucial in our spiritual growth and in maintaining a peaceful heart amidst life's challenges. [01:20:00]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you reacted out of inner turmoil. How can you take responsibility for your response and invite God’s peace into similar future situations?
Day 5: The Strength of Community and Confession
Engaging with a community and practicing confession are vital in our spiritual journey. Sharing our struggles with trusted individuals helps us to stay accountable and receive support. This communal aspect of faith strengthens our ability to walk with God in mystery and discovery. By being part of a supportive community, we can find encouragement and strength to face our challenges and grow in our faith. Confession and accountability help us to stay grounded and connected to God's truth. [01:28:08]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Is there a struggle or burden you need to share with a trusted friend or community member? How can you take a step towards confession and accountability today?
Quotes
1. "In all those years of following Jesus I've come to the conclusion that my spiritual life can be encapsulated in a very simple statement and that is that for the last 40 plus years I've been learning to walk with God. I've been learning to walk with God in mystery through discovery for the purpose of transformation that I might bear his image more effectively." [55:31] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Mystery is just that space that we all live in and whilst I celebrate this song that we sang this morning the reality is that when we're in mystery it doesn't feel as nice as the song that we're singing this morning and so today I just want to get down, get dirty get a little bit real." [58:00] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Psalms they're poems and prayers for meditation and instruction they provide us these places where we're empowered to discover who God is for us and who we are in God and what the Lord is actually up to and so the Psalms can lead us into these places of discovery because they're prayers and poems of people who have gone before us and if we can meditate in them and if we can look to them for instruction they actually help us to discover things about ourselves and about the Lord and about how to walk with God." [01:00:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Psalms also illuminate the greatness of God they remind us of the greatness of God they remind us of the absolute centrality of God's word they teach us to neither ignore our pain or let it determine our lives they affirm his faithfulness to us in times of trouble they capture the lament, the hope, the praise and the faith of God's people they particularly do this when we're in times of trouble resulting in comfort and testimony we're able to see the lament and hope and praise of people that have gone before us and those that are around us and they create inside of us this sense of comfort and testimony that brings life to us." [01:01:33] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The truth is is that we do have troubled and fearful hearts at times all of us at different times have troubled and fearful hearts and our troubled and fearful hearts come from our response to our circumstances something's going down in our circumstances that's causing us to respond with a troubled and fearful heart." [01:03:17] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The reason we exalt in our tribulations is because it's given us an opportunity to be transformed an opportunity to actually be like Jesus an opportunity to change our belief systems and exchange them for what the word of God has to say and so if tribulation is present what Paul is saying is it's an opportunity for a miracle it's an opportunity to be transformed it's an opportunity to actually carry the image Jesus in ways that we wouldn't otherwise have." [01:08:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I just want to normalise today that life is crappy sometimes life sucks sometimes life is very difficult sometimes but Jesus is always with us but it doesn't always feel like he's with us because it's like where the flip have you gone and he seems to want to go on a holiday for months on end and not deliver but the issue is that often he's not so much interested in our happiness as he's interested in our wholeness." [01:09:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Life is a mirror it reflects back to us the authority that we're giving to our circumstances it reflects back to us our responses that we're giving to the circumstances of our lives and if we can just allow our self-awareness and personal responsibility to step in I'm self-aware I actually want to hurt you I don't want to forgive you and I'm responsible for that feeling you're not making me feel that I'm choosing to feel that I'm choosing to feel that because I've got all this brokenness on the inside of me that the Lord's wanting to transform and heal that I might bear his image more effectively." [01:20:00] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Emotions are terrible masters but they're wonderful servants so that inner turmoil that you're feeling that fearful and troubled heart that you're feeling they're terrible masters the fact that I wanted to just hurt this guy that was leading all the people out of our church it was an emotion that was a terrible master but it can become a wonderful servant if I allow my self-awareness to identify it for what it really is that I'm angry and I'm resentful and I'm bitter." [01:22:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The word in Hebrew for peace is shalom but in the Hebrew they create their words out of symbols and see these are the four symbols that make up the word shalom and so the first symbol means to destroy the second symbol means the authority third symbol means attached to and the fourth symbol means chaos so the Hebrew word for shalom for peace means to destroy the authority attached to chaos so think about your inner turmoil think about your fearful and troubled heart it's a response to your circumstances and so the way you respond to your circumstances gives authority to the chaos." [01:13:22] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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