8.25.10

"Life Portrait"

Job 16:1 - 19:29
I Corinthians 16:1-24
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 22:1

What does it take to make a great painting? Well rarely would it be one of just one or 2 colors. Although in the world of abstract, there's some pretty bizarre stuff that gets a "great" label. To most of us though, the greatest portraits are full of a variety of colors and great contrasts.

Our lives are a portrait. God is the artist. The purpose of this portrait is to bring glory to His name. We'd like our life portrait to be the equivalent to a Yellow Smiley Face - nothing but brightness and joy. The truth of the matter is, that is not great art. Great art can only be shown through the contrast of shadow and joy.

Psalm 40 outlines the portrait of David's life.

"I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord and put their trust in him." (Ps 40:1-3)

Why are people standing in awe in these verses? Because of the way God delivered from the miry pit. How can God deliver unless there IS a miry pit? There will be difficult times in life. There may be times when it's the result of disobedience, or rebellion, or the fruit of bad decisions, but that's not always the reason. The book of Job is a journey through a difficult season (how's that for an understatement) and how Job and his friends seek to find meaning in the difficult times.

It may not matter WHY the difficult times are there, but the truth is that God will take the colors from the pallet of discouragement, and cause the brilliance of his hope and his will to shine through.... if we allow him to complete his work.

Often our response to the trial is to make promises and sacrifices, and show up to church more often, etc... That's not really what God wants from us. "It isn't sacrifices and offerings which you really want from your people. Burnt animals bring no special joy to your heart. But you have accepted the offer of my life-long service. Then I said, 'See, I have come, just as the prophets foretold. And I delight to do your will, my God, for your law is written upon my heart!'" (Ps. 40:6-8)

Don't get me wrong. When you've offered God your all, you WILL be in his house as much as possible. You will sing songs, etc. But the motivation is no longer "get me out of this trial". The motivation is now "Take my life and paint a portrait that will bring you glory! Use whatever colors you want. If they can only be found in a valley, I will go with you. I will never cease to trust you!"

Let God complete his artistry in you today. Don't 'bemoan' the trial, but relish with pleasure the work he is completing in you. A friend and I were talking about the famous "pure joy" scripture from James 1:2. He said, "yeah, that always sounded so good when I was giving the scripture to someone else, but when I'm going through it... that's another story."

Your portrait is for a purpose and a mission. "I have told everyone the Good News that you forgive people's sins. I have not been timid about it, as you well know, O Lord. I have not kept this Good News hidden in my heart, but have proclaimed your lovingkindness and truth to all the congregation." (Ps. 40:9-10)



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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