Closing Season
This month, I waited on the Lord. At a time of tremendous coming change: in degree completion, geographical placement, changing employment, ministry transition, and more, I waited on the Lord. At this time of bringing seasons to a close, it is so tempting to rush and ask for clarity about what the next season looks like. I’ve never waited in 4-5+ areas of my life at once. Before Jesus encountered me this month in his joy, freedom, light yoke, and peace, I didn’t know it was possible. I know that it’s a time of preparation before new opportunities opening up in the new year. What does it look like to simply enjoy this Advent season, aware that blessings and change are inevitably rising?
In worship this month, I saw an image of a table that I had spread for Jesus with at least 5 different dishes. I invited him to eat at this table. Each of the dishes represented something that I had developed for him over the past 2-3 years. And watching him simply enjoy what had been made ready allowed me to stay present during this closing season. It made me grateful for all that he’s done, like offering a firstfruits. I feel rich in the depth of trust I have in him and the revelation of his heart for me. I’m so grateful that this foundation was strengthened at such a pivotal point in my timeline and time of current events.
Within such open space, I wait for a directional light to dawn. I’m aware that grief and joy will probably come together once clarity comes. Like a sojourner holding a lantern, I’m challenged to believe that Jesus is enough to steer me through such a large expanse.
Worship
Verses
This month, I noticed evidence of growing division in the world and Church as God continues to shake unhealthy foundations. In November, I noticed individuals resisting condemnation and choosing to engage from the Father’s heart in thought, word, and action. I also noticed that when people neglected to abide by the Father, they acted much more impulsively and became incendiary. There was generally a lack of fruit of the spirit or a recognition of the gospel in those interactions.
At this time, Christians are called to keep their eyes on Jesus, imitating his ways and resisting the flesh. I notice God continuing to insulate relationships where individuals mutually choose to resist fragmentation. He will give us the right lenses to see and serve one another rightly if we seek him. Taking time to reflect on times we still need to receive his grace will keep us from being caught in the storm. When we are willing to pause and seek him, he makes a way out of crisis and leads us towards life.
13 For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the [a]sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through [b]love serve and seek the best for one another. 14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].” 15 But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another.
Galatians 5:13-15 AMP
Names of God
Each month, I give God a name that aligns with scripture and how he revealed himself to me that month. This month, I spent the majority of time knowing him as,
The Good Shepherd
I especially felt the invitation to watch how God is shepherding his people. November brought various situations to my attention where individuals needed to encounter him as the Good Shepherd but where Jesus clearly told me not to be directly involved. As God challenged me not to take on false responsibility, my ability to endure discomfort grew. Instead, I spent much time praying for different individuals to encounter this aspect of God’s character.
He chose David His servant
and took him from the sheepfolds;
71from tending the ewes He brought him
to be shepherd of His people Jacob,
72So David shepherded them with integrity of heart
and guided them with skillful hands.
Psalm 78: 70-72
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. 12As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock.
I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. 14I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
15I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. 16I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’
17This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats. 18Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?’
20Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, 22I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. 24I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken.
Ezekiel 34:11-24
10Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might,
and His arm establishes His rule.
His reward is with Him,
and His recompense accompanies Him.
11He tends His flock like a shepherd;
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart.
He gently leads the nursing ewes.
Isaiah 40:9-11
Music
Prayer Requests
- To stay present as things close rather than looking forward to new beginnings. To end things well and rest.
Age of the Unexpected 