Wrestling and Remembering: Faith Practices for the New Year

 

Summary

As we step into a new year, it's a time to recalibrate and reflect on the habits that define us as people of faith. This year, we focus on two enduring practices: wrestling with God and remembering His faithfulness. Wrestling with God might seem irreverent, but it is deeply rooted in biblical tradition. Jacob, Moses, David, and even Jesus engaged in this spiritual struggle, demonstrating that wrestling is an integral part of our faith journey. Wrestling with God is not about winning or losing; it's about holding on and allowing God to transform us. It is in the struggle that growth occurs, as we bring our questions, pain, and trust to God, believing that He is present, He cares, and He can act.

The second habit, remembering, is about holding onto God when circumstances are challenging. Faith is not just about clinging to God when He feels near, but also when He seems distant. Remembering God's past faithfulness fuels our gratitude in the present and our hope for the future. Physical reminders, like monuments or personal symbols, help us recall God's work in our lives. These reminders inspire worship and trust, anchoring us in His unchanging goodness.

As we begin this new year, we are encouraged to engage in both wrestling and remembering. Wrestling with God leads to moments worth remembering, and remembering sustains us through future struggles. By reflecting on where we have seen God at work in the past, we can face the future with confidence, knowing that He is faithful and will continue to work in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Wrestling with God as a Faith Practice: Wrestling with God is a longstanding tradition among people of faith, exemplified by figures like Jacob, Moses, and Jesus. It is not about irreverence but about engaging deeply with God, bringing our questions and struggles to Him, and allowing Him to transform us through the process. [39:24]

- The Purpose of Wrestling: We wrestle with God because we have a will, we feel the pain of a broken world, and we are in a relationship with a God who is present, cares, and can act. This wrestling is an expression of faith, acknowledging God's active presence in our lives. [45:43]

- Remembering God's Faithfulness: Remembering is about holding onto God when life is difficult. It involves recalling His past works to fuel our gratitude and hope. Physical reminders, like monuments, help us remember and inspire worship and trust. [55:40]

- The Interconnection of Wrestling and Remembering: Wrestling with God often leads to moments worth remembering, and remembering sustains us through future wrestling. These practices are deeply interconnected, each reinforcing the other in our spiritual journey. [01:07:42]

- Practical Steps for Wrestling and Remembering: Engage in honest prayer, ask hard questions, and remain open to God's answers. Create personal monuments or practices of remembrance, like journaling or family traditions, to help recall God's faithfulness and inspire ongoing trust. [01:06:23]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[36:26] - Introduction to Recalibration
[39:24] - Wrestling with God: Jacob's Story
[40:59] - Moses' Encounters with God
[42:36] - David's Lament Psalms
[43:37] - Jesus' Garden Prayer
[45:43] - Reasons for Wrestling
[47:38] - Growth Through Struggle
[48:55] - Transformation in Wrestling
[49:44] - New Year's Resolutions and Spiritual Growth
[51:03] - Holding On for Change
[52:17] - Honest Prayer and Lament
[53:21] - Asking Hard Questions
[54:15] - Wrestling as Faith Expression
[55:40] - The Habit of Remembering
[57:14] - Overcoming Theological Amnesia
[58:30] - Physical Reminders of Faith
[01:00:16] - Significance of Monuments
[01:02:05] - Personal and Biblical Monuments
[01:05:15] - Thanksgiving and Trust
[01:06:23] - Developing Personal Monuments
[01:07:42] - Interconnection of Wrestling and Remembering
[01:09:07] - Encouragement for the New Year
[01:10:00] - Reflecting on God's Work
[01:10:44] - Arts and Crafts Activity
[01:12:08] - Trusting God in All Seasons
[01:13:55] - Writing and Sharing God Moments
[01:14:57] - Closing Reflections and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 32:24-30 - Jacob Wrestles with God
2. Exodus 32:9-14 - Moses Intercedes for Israel
3. Psalm 13 - A Psalm of Lament by David

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 32:24-30, what was the outcome of Jacob's wrestling with God, and how did it change him? [39:24]

2. How did Moses' intercession in Exodus 32:9-14 demonstrate his relationship with God and his role as a leader? [40:59]

3. What emotions and questions does David express in Psalm 13, and how does he conclude his prayer? [42:36]

4. According to the sermon, what are some reasons why people of faith engage in wrestling with God? [45:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Jacob wrestling with God illustrate the concept of transformation through struggle? What does this suggest about the nature of spiritual growth? [48:55]

2. In what ways does Moses' dialogue with God in Exodus 32 reflect the importance of remembering God's promises? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on remembering God's faithfulness? [55:40]

3. How does David's lament in Psalm 13 balance honesty with hope, and what does this teach about the nature of prayer and faith? [52:17]

4. The sermon suggests that wrestling with God is an expression of faith. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your understanding of faith? [54:15]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were wrestling with God. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey? [49:44]

2. The sermon encourages creating personal monuments or practices of remembrance. What is one way you can establish a physical reminder of God's faithfulness in your life? [01:06:23]

3. How can you incorporate the practice of lament, as seen in Psalm 13, into your prayer life? What might be the benefits of being brutally honest with God in prayer? [52:17]

4. Consider the idea that wrestling with God is not about winning or losing but about holding on and allowing God to transform you. How can this perspective change the way you approach challenges in your life? [51:03]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness to fuel gratitude and hope. What are some specific instances of God's faithfulness in your life that you can recall and share with others? [55:40]

6. How can you actively engage in both wrestling and remembering in your spiritual journey this year? What practical steps can you take to ensure these practices are part of your daily life? [01:07:42]

7. The sermon suggests that wrestling with God often leads to moments worth remembering. How can you document or share these moments to encourage others in their faith journey? [01:09:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Wrestling with God as a Transformative Journey
Wrestling with God is a profound spiritual practice that has been embraced by many biblical figures, including Jacob, Moses, and Jesus. This practice is not about irreverence but about engaging deeply with God, bringing our questions, struggles, and pain to Him. It is through this wrestling that transformation occurs. When we wrestle with God, we are not seeking to win or lose but to hold on and allow God to work within us. This struggle is an expression of faith, acknowledging God's active presence in our lives and His ability to transform us through the process. By engaging in this practice, we open ourselves to growth and change, trusting that God is present, He cares, and He can act. [39:24]

Genesis 32:24-28 (ESV): "And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, 'Let me go, for the day has broken.' But Jacob said, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' And he said to him, 'What is your name?' And he said, 'Jacob.' Then he said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are wrestling with God? How can you invite Him into this struggle to allow for transformation and growth?


Day 2: The Purpose of Wrestling with God
Wrestling with God is a practice that acknowledges the reality of our will, the pain of a broken world, and our relationship with a God who is present and active. This wrestling is not a sign of doubt but an expression of faith, as it involves bringing our deepest questions and struggles to God. It is through this process that we come to understand more about ourselves and our relationship with God. Wrestling with God allows us to confront the challenges we face, trusting that He is with us and can bring about change. By engaging in this practice, we demonstrate our belief in God's presence and His ability to act in our lives. [45:43]

Habakkuk 1:2-4 (ESV): "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you 'Violence!' and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted."

Reflection: What is a specific question or struggle you have been hesitant to bring to God? How can you begin to wrestle with Him over this issue today?


Day 3: Remembering God's Faithfulness in Difficult Times
Remembering God's faithfulness is a vital practice for holding onto Him when life is challenging. It involves recalling His past works to fuel our gratitude in the present and our hope for the future. Physical reminders, such as monuments or personal symbols, can help us remember God's work in our lives and inspire worship and trust. By remembering God's faithfulness, we anchor ourselves in His unchanging goodness, even when He seems distant. This practice sustains us through difficult times, reminding us of His presence and His promises. [55:40]

Deuteronomy 4:9 (ESV): "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can create a physical reminder of God's faithfulness in your life? How can this reminder help you trust Him in challenging times?


Day 4: The Interconnection of Wrestling and Remembering
Wrestling with God and remembering His faithfulness are deeply interconnected practices that reinforce each other in our spiritual journey. Wrestling with God often leads to moments worth remembering, as we experience His presence and transformation in our struggles. These moments of wrestling become testimonies of His faithfulness, which we can hold onto in future challenges. By engaging in both practices, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, trusting in His goodness and His ability to work in our lives. Remembering sustains us through future wrestling, providing hope and encouragement as we face new struggles. [01:07:42]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Reflection: Reflect on a past struggle where you experienced God's presence and transformation. How can you use this memory to encourage yourself in a current or future challenge?


Day 5: Practical Steps for Wrestling and Remembering
Engaging in honest prayer, asking hard questions, and remaining open to God's answers are practical steps for wrestling with God. These practices allow us to bring our struggles to Him and invite His transformation in our lives. Additionally, creating personal monuments or practices of remembrance, such as journaling or family traditions, can help us recall God's faithfulness and inspire ongoing trust. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, trusting in His presence and His ability to work in our lives. These steps help us navigate the challenges we face, holding onto God's promises and His faithfulness. [01:06:23]

Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV): "When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?' then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to engage in wrestling with God or remembering His faithfulness? How can this step help you grow in your relationship with Him?

Quotes


The first habit that people like us do is we wrestle, and by wrestling, I mean we wrestle specifically with God. Now, that seems, depending on the type of church you grew up in, that could seem irreverent, maybe even heretical, somewhere in between. But I believe that this is actually a very biblical concept and lots of history. [00:37:56] (23 seconds)


When the man saw that he could not win... Oh, and sorry, side note, we find out in other ways that this is not a normal mortal man. This is someone who is some kind of heavenly being, an angel. He represents God. So when Jacob is wrestling with this man, he is actually, in essence, like literally in a wrestling match, physically scrapping with God. [00:38:49] (21 seconds)


Moses went back to the Lord and protested. Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesperson, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them. [00:40:59] (16 seconds)


Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. So we see here that the people like us, people of faith, people who claim to believe God have been doing this thing called wrestling for a long time. So that brings up the question, why? Why do we wrestle? [00:43:52] (20 seconds)


We also wrestle because we feel the pain of the fall. We feel the reality of a good but broken creation and world. We feel the pinch point of that theological truth that just drives us nuts of God is good and this is not. I don't know what this is in your life, but you can probably name it in under half a second. [00:44:20] (19 seconds)


You wrestle because you believe that God is there. If he wasn't there, you wouldn't wrestle. There's no point. Also, not only do you believe he's there, you believe he cares. This is part of our theology. God is there and he cares. And therefore, when you add one more thing here, we believe he can do anything about it. [00:45:32] (19 seconds)


Wrestling is actually an expression of faith saying, I believe that you are real and alive and active. And so I'm going to engage with you as such. So if the first habit of people of faith is wrestling with God, wrestling with God as part of our culture, people like us do things like this. We wrestle with God. [00:54:26] (20 seconds)


Remembering is simply holding onto God when you have reason not to. Remembering is holding onto God when you're stuck in the, and this is not good part. When the pain is so great, when the answers aren't coming, that's when remembering is important. That's what faith is. Faith is not just holding onto God when he's so near and he's talking and you can hear him and everything. [00:55:30] (23 seconds)


Because when we see God work at one point, we believe that if he has worked in the past, then our God, who is outside of time, if he was capable of working in the past, if he is capable of working in our past, he is capable of working in our present, and we assume he will work in our future. [00:56:31] (17 seconds)


In moments of darkness and doubt, physical reminders of God's faithfulness can ground us in his unchanging goodness. We need help remembering, because when the pain and the discomfort hit, the cortisol hits our system, and we go into fight, flight, or freeze, and theologically we forget. [00:59:58] (18 seconds)


Well, these two concepts of wrestling and remembering seem like two very different things. It's interesting that they are actually deeply interconnected and reliant on each other. Wrestling with God often leads to moments worth remembering, and remembering is often the very thing to sustain us through, future wrestling. [01:06:46] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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