FAQ's Sermon Series: 'What Is the Best Way to Hear from the Lord?"

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
"What Is the Best Way to Hear from the Lord?"
Psalm 5: 1-3; Romans 12: 1-8
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
July 1, 2018

Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch. - Psalm 5: 1-3

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. - Romans 12: 1-8

When people of faith are trying to make a decision or get a sense for what the next right step is, we long for clarity. Naturally we search for ways to hear from the Lord.

In my own times of waiting, I have just wished for that Fed-Ex envelope to show up. You know, the big one with your name printed on it – so you cannot miss it. And inside God has sent divine instructions of why, what, when, and how. I have prayed for and even pleaded for God to speak directly to me in that way. Guess what? I still have not received it.

And yet, our spiritual ancestors heard from God in mysterious ways. In my study this week, I needed to be reminded how they heard God.

Adam and Eve heard from God by living in harmonious relationship where they heard God’s very presence (Genesis 3:8).
Noah heard the Lord’s voice directly (Genesis 7-9). Abraham heard from the Lord as an old friend (James 2:23).
Jacob heard through a wrestling match (Genesis 32:24). Moses heard through a burning bush (Exodus 3:2).
The Israelites heard through the prevailing cloud, a pillar of fire, and through the prophets’ challenging words (Exodus 19:9). Samuel heard while lying on his bed (1 Samuel 3: 3-9).
Elijah heard through fasting (1 Kings 19:4-9).
The Psalmist trusted he would hear from the Lord through prayers of praise and petition (Psalm 5: 1-3).
Isaiah heard in the context of worship (Isaiah 6:8).
Daniel heard through dreams.
Mary heard by way of an angel (Luke 1:28-37).
The Magi heard by way of a star. (Matthew 2: 1-2, 9, 12).
The disciples heard from the Risen Lord during worship, a fishing trip, and when Jesus broke bread with them (Matthew 28: 16-17; Luke 24: 30-31; John 21: 4-7).

In reading God’s Word, I cannot say that there is one way to hear God which is better than the others. Our spiritual ancestors did not choose the way God spoke to them. God always takes the first step in speaking to us.

However, the Apostle Paul reveals what was common among our ancestors and what is true in preparing our posture of faith. We will become more fully aware of God’s activity when we prepare with anticipation.

Cultivating a relationship with God is primary in order to hear from the Lord. Henri Nouwen says, “Getting answers to my questions is not the goal of the spiritual life. Living in the presence of God is the greater call.”[1]

From the beginning we are created to live in relationship with our Creator. When our desire to be with God increases, then we trust Holy Spirit is already at work to tune our hearts to God’s heart alone.

As we grow in deeper relationship and spiritual maturity with God then we become as Paul says, “transformed by the renewing of our mind” (Romans 12:2). We are changed by the power of God as we make room for God to renovate our hearts and minds.

It is just like renovating a house. The project always begins on the inside to ensure the whole structure is sound. This allows the renovation to take the shape of the builder’s hands and greater vision.

Our hearts and minds are renovated through prayer. If we are to live by God’s Spirit then we must be guided and keep in step with God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Prayer creates a spiritual renovation to ensure we have the necessary gifts of the Spirit: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23). We need God’s Spirit to hone these gifts as tools within us to be spiritually in tune with God.

Our relationship with God and our daily commitment to prayer are essential to reshape us by the Creator’s hands and will. As we are re-shaped we are being equipped to discern the ways God’s is speaking into our lives.

Paul says that God’s will is: good (honorable and upright); God’s will is acceptable (pleasing to God);God’s will is perfect – not in the way that you and I think of perfect as without blemish. But the Greek word for perfect is “telos” like a telescope…it yields a gradual development of integrity and virtue. And this is what we are trying to listen for in our lives.

To discern is to look through our circumstances with God’s will as a telescope to search for God leading.us to what is honorable, pleasing and virtuous.

There are four ways to discern and listen for God speaking to us.

1. Listen. Nouwen says, “The great movement of the spiritual life is from a deaf, non-hearing life to a life of listening…Living a spiritually mature life requires listening to God’s voice within and among us.”

The best way to listen for God is to set a daily time and space to be with God. There will be days that life’s responsibilities and distractions sidetrack our best plans. But the more we ask the Spirit to help discipline our time with self-control, the more receptive we will be to hear, accept, and affirm God’s leading.

2. Meditate on God’s Word. Scripture is a primary means in which God speaks to us. Nouwen says, “By selecting a particular scripture verse from the gospel reading of the day, a favorite psalm, or a phrase from a devotional reading, a safe wall is [placed] around our heart which allows us to pay attention.”[2]

I meditate on God’s Word using a slow reading called Lectio Divina (Divine Reading). This entails reading a short passage of Scripture three times slowly. Between each reading is a space to pause and reflect on what the Spirit is saying. The beauty of Lectio Divina is that even as we are reading and listening for the Lord to speak to us, the Spirit is actually reading our hearts and minds [3]. It is also helpful to keep a journal to reflect what you may be hearing from God.

3. Pray. God will speak to you and me in a variety of ways and settings, but there is no substitute for hearing the Lord through prayer. At its very core, prayer is a two way dialogue with God; listening and talking. The Psalmist always trusted that God would hear his praises and petitions and that God would indeed answer.

As we wait to hear from the Lord, talk with God as a beloved friend and share whatever and whomever the Spirit places upon your heart and mind.

Pray for God to really see your life and then write down the areas of life that you want God to look deeply into. Be prepared for God’s challenge that leads to transformation and just know that it usually is not easy.

Praying Scripture is one of the most powerful ways I have heard from God. Such as Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God,” I pray, “ Lord, help me to be still and know that you are God.”

A colleague in ministry is encouraging me to pray by fasting. I have not fasted in prayer before. But she is teaching me that fasting is not necessarily giving up food for 40 days. Rather we can fast from eating lunch for 30 minutes or by giving up that one-hour t.v. show each day and use that time window to pray and listen to the still small voice of God.

4. Community. The truth is that we cannot hear the fullness of God’s voice all alone. We will hear bits and pieces by ourselves, but we hear the Lord best when in community. Growing in spiritual maturity means that if we are to have the mind of Christ we must humble ourselves and lean into the rich and diverse gifts of the spiritual network that surrounds us. This is the hope of Paul’s words to discerning God’s voice in our lives.

We need one another to hear from the Lord and discern what is good, acceptable, and perfect.

The prophet among us reveals the truth with words of challenge said with care. Those who serve in the ministry of compassion helps us to gage our direction according to Holy Spirit’s compass. The teachers among us instruct us how to apply God’s Word. The exhorter renews our motivation with words of encouragement when God’s direction seems too hard. The giver shares the generosity of Christ to sustain a weary heart. Those who lead help us to diligently discern the better part over and above the good. Those with hearts of compassion hold us in God’s mercy when we need it most (Romans 12: 6-8).

God speaks to each of us in a myriad of ways and through people, places, and venues that we cannot imagine choosing for ourselves. God is free to surprise us and speak through nature, books, the wisdom of strangers, movies, art, music, and those nudges of the Holy Spirit that we cannot explain not easily turn away from.

Barbara Brown Taylor is an Episcopal priest, professor of religion, and author; she says, "The effort to untangle the human words from the divine seems not only futile to me but also unnecessary, since God works with what is. God uses whatever is usable in a life, both to speak and to act, and those who insist on fireworks in the sky may miss the electricity that sparks the human heart"[4].

What is the best way to hear from the Lord? Well, Frederick Buechner says it best:

Listen to your life…There is no event so commonplace, but that God is present within it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize him or not to recognize him, but all the more fascinatingly because of that, all the more compellingly and hauntingly.

Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace. [5]

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer…Amen.

Sources Referenced:

[1] Henri Nouwen, “Discernment” (New York: Harper One, 2013).
[2] Henri Nouwen, “Discernment,” p. 4.
[3] Henri Nouwen, “Discernment,” p. 11.
[4] Barbara Brown Taylor, “Leaving Church” (New York: Harper One, 2006).
[5] Frederick Buechner, “Listening to Your Life: Daily Meditations with Frederick Buechner” (New York: Harper Collins, 1992), p. 2.

FAQ's Sermon Series: "How Do I Stay Focused on My Prayer Life?"

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
"How Do We Stay Focused in Our Prayer Lives?"
Psalm 1: 1-3; Acts 1: 12-14
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
June 18, 2018

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, r sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. - Psalm 1: 1-13

[After Jesus ascended to heaven] then [the disciples] returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. - Acts 1: 12-14

The question we hold today is one that many have on their minds. It is a question that even I ask myself: “How do we stay focused in our prayer lives?”

The Psalmist recognizes the wisdom that comes from being spiritually attentive to this gift of faith.

We are blessed by meditating on God’s Word day and night. We become like trees planted by the streams of water. The living water of Jesus Christ allows the roots of our faith to soak up God’s grace to bear spiritual fruit, to grow and endure, and to advance in God’s will (Psalm 1: 1-3).

Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, remained focused in his prayer life by retreating often to deserted places and going to the mountains alone [1]. He taught his disciples to pray by praising God, trusting in the coming kingdom, asking for God’s daily provision, confessing our need to be forgiven and forgiving others, and asking for our trials to be turned to triumphs for God’s glory [2].

In the days of the early church the disciples were constantly devoting themselves to prayer. It is a hallmark of the Christian life [3].

And yet, how do you and I stay focused, faithful, and persevere in prayer?

Jane Vennard is an ordained minister and a spiritual director – one who is a certified coach of the Christian spiritual life. She says in order for us to receive instruction on how to pray we must first prepare our hearts [4].

So, we look inward into our personal experiences.

Who first taught you to pray? You may have been a cradle Christian, or your first experience of prayer may not have happened until adulthood. It matters whether we had a positive or negative experience because it shapes our approach to prayer.

Thomas grew up learning the Lord’s Prayer as a song in which his family would sing at mealtime. But when a Sunday School teacher invited him to also talk to God like a best friend, prayer suddenly became a casual conversation with God [5].

Sharon was told that God would not love her if she did not pray every night on her knees. As a result, prayer became an obligation. It was a struggle to imagine prayer in a relational way when God seemed to be nothing but judgmental [6].

Our personal beliefs about prayer will differ. Nevertheless, it is important to reflect on how we have understood prayer, accept our past experiences, and then keep what is useful and discard what is not.

While I grew up in a Christian home, prayer was not something we talked about as a family; it was a private matter. I first began learning how to pray as an adult in a women’s Bible study. I learned so much from the wisdom of those women. They showed me prayer was speaking to God from the heart. We didn’t always need to have the right words. Sometimes “Thank you, Lord” or “Help me God” was enough.

It was a gift to see the value of praying together as a community, like we do here in worship or Bible study. The space of community helped me to grow in praying on my own. Since then I have explored lots of ways to pray: silent prayer, turning Bible verses into prayer, writing prayers in a journal, praying during mundane tasks and even praying when I am on the move.

As a fellow disciple of Jesus, prayer is so very important. Our tradition says that “In prayer, through the Holy Spirit, people seek after and are found by the one true God who has been revealed in Jesus Christ. They listen and wait upon God, call God by name, remember God’s gracious acts, and offer themselves to God to join God’s work in the world.” (Book of Order, W- 2. 1001).

The way I focus on prayer changes. I am like anyone else – I get bored, I become frustrated when it seems God is silent, and sometimes all my words are gone and I do not know what to say to God. I have even needed the help of a spiritual director when my faith has become dry and stagnant.

So, I share with you what I have learned over the years to persevere in prayer.

First, consider the rhythm of your daily life. What is the most realistic time window that you will reserve to connect with God?

If past plans have failed, then set apart 10 minutes each day. It is an incredible thing to get up with a good cup of joe or diet coke and watch our Maker paint the sky with a new color palette of grace. Ten minutes without interruptions means a good session of talking and listening to the One who loves us beyond measure.

I have a friend who has a standing lunch date with God. Each day she sets apart that time by turning off the distractions of computer and cell phone.

In this particular season of my life, I pray for between 15-30 minutes before I get out of bed in the morning and then again before I go to sleep at night.

Second, I want you to think about what helps you connect to God? I always encourage people to connect to God through the reading of Scripture. God’s Word is a primary way that God speaks to us.

A good place to start is by reading a daily devotion. Our church provides “These Days;” each edition covers 3 months. It is written by pastors and includes a short Bible passage to focus on, a reflection, a prayer, and an action step to put what you have read into practice.

Last year the Session and I read together “Jesus Calling,” by Sarah Young. This devotion will guide you through the year. Young includes 2-3 Scripture verses and her daily reflections of Scripture are as if God is speaking directly to you.

Keep a prayer list with your devotion for your praises and concerns. Sometimes I choose to designate certain days of the week to pray for specific areas: global, national, state, and community leaders; church members; ministry; family; and so on.

I am currently using the Presbyterian Church Daily Prayer App (purchase for $2 on your cell phone). You can choose a morning, midday, evening, or night time prayer entry. It begins with an opening sentence of Scripture to set apart this time window. It then leads to a psalm, an Old Testament reading, a Gospel reading, and a reading from one of the New Testament letters (epistles).

I read those Scriptures slowly and Holy Spirit usually makes a word, a phrase, or a verse stand out; I try to keep that phrase with me through the day. The prayer app then includes written prayers to thank God for a diversity of areas, and then a guided prayer to pray for different places in the world and various situations and people. This app has really helped me to focus and grow in the width and depth of prayer.

The Psalmist says, “Be still and know I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Those words, “Be still” simply mean to relax or wait. If you wait for God best by being on the move, then pray in motion.

Designate a separate time for Scripture reading and then go for a run or take a walk and connect with God. Thank God for the blessings you have noticed. Ask God to provide for areas of our world, country, community, friends and family that the Spirit brings to your attention. Pray for God to break your heart over what breaks God’s heart. Open your heart and share whatever is on your mind with God in your personal life.

Maybe your mind races and you get easily distracted like me. I have found that prayer doodling is helpful. Grab a paper and pen or colored pencils. Write the names of loved ones or areas of concern down. Allow your doodles to become prayers to God. I have written down names of church members who need prayers for healing and then color circles of yellow around their names as a symbol of God’s healing presence and light embracing them.

I have a friend who writes circle prayers. She places the name of a loved one or friend in a circle. She then writes inside the circle Bible passages of God’s promises to pray over that person. For example, praying Isaiah 41:10 for Emily – “Lord I know you are with Emily. Help her to not fear. Strengthen her and help her as she serves in Germany. Allow Emily to know that you uphold her with your victorious right hand.” It is powerful thing to pray Scripture.

Third, listen for God. Prayer is not just about us talking to God. It is also a communication line to listen for God speaking to us. As you go through your day, re-center yourself with God using a breath prayer. A breath prayer is a holistic way to connect our heart, mind, body and spirit. We need a space to just listen for the whispers of God’s grace.

Begin by slowly breathing in and fill your lungs with air. Hold the breath for a moment and then slowly exhale from your mouth. Repeat this to quiet yourself and focus on your breathing.

Then slowly breathe in while thinking the words, “Be still and know.” Slowly exhale out while thinking the words, “I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Breathe this breath prayer at least 10 times. Reflect on your experience by asking:

What do I notice right now?
How easy is it for God to get my attention?
When am I able to hear God’s still, small voice best?
In what ways has God been inviting me just to be with him?

The practice of prayer is just like the practice that an athlete, musician, student, or any skill requires. The more we devote ourselves to it, the more proficient we become.

My hope is that each of us will explore ways to seek God and be found by the Lord. Pay attention to Holy Spirit’s lead as we persevere in prayer one day at a time.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

References:

[1] Hebrews 12:2; Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32; Luke 4:42; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18
[2] Luke 11: 1-4; Matthew 6: 9-14
[3] Acts 1:14; 2:42; 4:24-26, 31; 6:3-4; 6:6; 7:59-60; 9:40; 11:18; 12:5; 13:3
[4] Jane Vennard, “A Praying Congregation: The Art of Teaching Spiritual Practice” (Herndon, The Alban Institute, 2005), pp. 3, 23, 27-29, 35.
[5] Jane Vennard, p. 27.
[6] Jane Vennard, p. 27.

FAQ's Sermon Series: "What Is a Worry?"

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
"What Is a Worry?"
Philippians 4: 4-9
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
June 10 , 2018

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4: 4-9

One of the great privileges of the pulpit is for God’s Word to speak into the questions that our children, youth, and adults in the pews are asking. One question came in response to last week’s sermon about “Not Yet Knowing” in times of uncertainty: “What is a whrie (worry)?”


The Apostle Paul talks about worry in his letter to the Philippians. When he uses that word “worry” it means “to be pulled into different directions, or to be distracted by a concern.”

You know that feeling when the alarm goes off and you don’t want to go to school because you are worried about that test? Your tummy hurts, and you just want to hide under the covers.

Or when the teacher calls on you to give the answer and your heart races because you are worried that your answer won’t be the right one.

Or when we show up for the first day of a new job and our hands get all sweaty and clammy because we are worried that we might not fit in.

And parenthood worries are a whole other category. A friend recently shared, “Telling a parent not to worry about their child is like telling water not to be wet!”

It is human nature to worry. Our concerns run the gamut. And guess what? Our spiritual ancestors in the Bible had worries too.

The sisters Mary and Martha welcomed their dear friend Jesus into their home. Martha worried about making everything perfect for Jesus (Luke 10: 38-42).

If you dig into the Bible, you find that worrying is not just something that girls or women do.

God called Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. And Moses worried that the people would not listen to him. He worried that he had no qualifications to be a public speaker and leader (Exodus 4:1, 10).

God called Gideon to be a governor of Israel. And Gideon worried that he was not enough (Judges 6:15).

Naaman was the commander of the army for King Aram of Syria. He had quite a reputation for his strength as a mighty warrior. But he also had leprosy, a skin disease that made many feel weak and unaccepted. When presented with an opportunity for the prophet Elisha to heal him, Naaman worried. His emotions came out as anger because Elisha told him to wash and be cleansed in the Jordan River. Naaman was afraid to reveal his need for healing in a public place (2 Kings 5: 1-19).

The Psalmist had somehow missed the mark. He had made a wrong decision and did not know how to make it right. He kept his worries bottled up to the point that the worry bullies held him hostage (Psalm 32: 3-4).

And yet Scripture says that each of these worries did not have the final say.

The Apostle Paul knows we are prone to worry. So he says, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything… let your concerns be known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Paul is not discounting our deepest concerns. It is so very important to really listen to one another’s worries with mutual affection and love.

Paul is talking about the level of worry that blocks the path towards living the abundant life that Christ promises. This kind of worrying is not productive because it disturbs our trust in God’s power. It will not add a single hour to our lives to help us fix our problems. (Matthew 6:27). When worry steals our days then it is time to get a new perspective.

Faith empowers us to reframe our circumstances. There are five keys to reframing worry.

1. Focus on the present. Jesus looked at Martha and said, “You are distracted by many things. There is only need of one thing.” Jesus lifted up Mary’s example of simply being present. God’s grace for the moment at hand is always worthy to take notice of. Breathe it in, and breathe it out. Being present with God guards our hearts from living in the past and getting too far ahead into the future.


2. Pray. One of my good friends often told her children and those she ministered to, “Have you prayed about it as much as you have worried about it?”

Prayer is being aware that the Lord is near. We are to share all of our concerns with God because the Lord cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). God hears. God knows. And God desires to live in relationship with us.

We share our shortcomings and God says, “I will be your mouth and I will teach you” (Exodus 4:12). We name our weaknesses and God says, “But I will be with you” (Judges 6:16). The Spirit moves us to be vulnerable to reveal we need help and God always honors the risk (2 Kings 5: 13-14). We confess our failures and God meets us where we are, forgives, and counsels us (Psalm 32:5, 8).

We pray about all this with thanksgiving. A thankful heart simply means our trust in God’s grace is growing day by day as we strive to live in the present.

3. Question. Is my concern a realistic outcome or is this a worst-case scenario? When the worry bully holds us hostage we go from one “what if” to another. It is a thought pattern that can be hard to break. It causes us to be ineffective.

For this very reason, we must make every effort to support our faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with a heart for God (godliness). For if these things are yours and mine and if these things are increasing among us they keep us from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1: 5-8).

4. Dig. What is the root cause of my worry? For many of us, the root cause is thinking that we are not enough… I am not good enough, likeable enough, smart enough, strong enough, healthy enough, or financially stable enough.

Another common root cause of worry is that we have not accepted the circumstances for what they are. Sometimes it takes the help of a friend, a school counselor, a pastor, a support group, or a therapist. We need a safe space to talk, to be understood and to understand.

God can turn our worry into a wake-up call to trusting God a little more. Whatever our deep concern, God will not leave us stranded in this situation. As we grow to accept the reality of our circumstances, the Spirit will move us to make changes in the rhythm of life to address our situation constructively.

5. Change the script. Nicole Schwartz is a parent coach with a license in family therapy. She says that “children [and adults] who struggle with worry or anxiety often have a negative “worry script” playing in their head. We can overcome our fears by creating a new positive script.”

Instead of allowing our worry to dictate a negative outcome, faith gives us a new positive script. The framework of faith redirects our worry into hope.

The Apostle Paul says we do this by focusing on the things in life that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Focus on what is true. I did not do well on that test, but I am tired of that worry bully telling me that I am going to fail the class. That bad grade does not mean I will fail the class. I am smart, and a tutor will help me learn what I do not understand.

Focus on whatever is honorable. I am humbled by all my friends who know my situation and have been praying so much about this mess. This has been so hard. But I am in awe of the people God is bringing into my life at just the right time to encourage me and give me hope.

Focus on those things worthy of praise. This diagnosis scares me. I don’t want to be sick. But I am grateful that my doctor caught this and is creating a medical plan to help me get better.

The Psalmist reframes his trust in God saying, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands” (Psalm 138: 8).

When that worry begins to take on a life of its own, then call upon God. Allow this gift of faith to bring about a new perspective. Keep on practicing what God’s Word teaches and the God of peace will be with you and me one day at a time.

The hope is that as we frame our worry, it will be well with our soul.

May it be so for us today and every day.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Sermon: Not Yet Knowing

Not Yet Knowing
Psalm 139: 1-6; 1 Samuel 3: 1-10
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
June 3, 2018

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.

You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. - Psalm 139: 1-6

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.

Then the Lord called, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ and he said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call; lie down again.’ So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’ Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call, my son; lie down again.’

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’

Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” ’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ - 1 Samuel 3: 1-10

He was a child of the promise and he was born on the wings of a prayer. His name was Samuel. In Hebrew it means “God has heard.”

And God did indeed hear. God heard Hannah’s cries as she poured out her soul before the Lord (1 Samuel 1:15). She longed to have a son to dedicate to the Lord’s service.

God also heard the cries of Israel as they strived and wrestled to understand their identity as God’s chosen people. Young Samuel received divine and human favor. He was chosen by God to speak truth to Israel’s uncertainty.

Today we see such a tender scene between Eli and Samuel. The two needed each other in a time of transition. Eli had long been a prophet to Israel. And now he was preparing Samuel to carry the prophetic torch next.

Eli was up in his years and as a result his eyesight was growing dim. I know many wise one among us here today who agree with me when I say, “It takes courage to grow older!”

Eli needed to see through young Samuel’s eyes. And Samuel needed Eli’s guidance for he did not yet know the Lord. The text says, “The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him” (1 Samuel 3:7).

We all have life transitions where uncertainty makes our eyes grow dim. It feels like we are walking around in the dark; we are just trying not to stumble.

No matter what age we are or what stage of faith we are in, we are today or will be in a place of not yet knowing. In some way or another, we are all waiting for the word of the Lord to be revealed to us in our daily questions and struggles.

Some days the aches and pains of growing up and even growing older are just plain tough. Other days there seems to be so much conflict and sadness in the world. It makes us wonder if there are no more burning bushes, no more manna falling from heaven, no more rainbows in the skies reminding us of the hidden presence of God. There are days when it is just plain hard to hope. We cannot help but question where is God in the midst of it all.

The stresses of daily life create roller coasters of uncertainty.

The budget that was once steady is now strained by that unexpected change. The door to that job we have been hoping for has not yet opened. Family dynamics have their tug of war in our households and we do not know how to relieve the tension. The balancing act of life is like walking on a tight rope and we question our ability to even out our priorities and commitments. The diagnosis comes and grips the near future in fear.

It is quite a task to navigate through all our questions when life comes at us fast. You see – they’re the big questions with no easy answers.

But we are like Samuel. We all need someone to help guide us. We are trying to listen for God’s still small voice. We are trying to be attentive to where God is leading us to take the next right step. We are eager to listen for hope, but the fear and the doubt of not yet knowing can be louder than God’s whisper of grace.

This is what is called liminal space. It is a space of transition; a space of change; a space of preparing for the unknown.

John O’Donohue is an Irish poet and Celtic priest.

He writes these poetic words of blessing for this in-between space that he calls “Interim Time:”

No place looks like itself, loss of outline
Makes everything look strangely in-between,
Unsure of what has been, or what might come...

You are in the time of the interim
Where everything seems withheld.

The path you took to get here has washed out;
The way forward is still concealed from you.

As far as you can, hold your confidence.
Do not allow your confusion to squander
This call which is loosening
Your roots in false ground,
That you might come free
From all you have outgrown.

What is being transfigured here is your mind,
And it is difficult and slow to become new.
The more faithfully you can endure here,
The more refined your heart will become
For your arrival in the new dawn.[1]

As far as we can, we hold our confidence through this gift of faith. For the liminal space in which Eli and Samuel experienced, their confidence was knowing that the lamp of God had not yet gone out (1 Samuel 3:5).

Despite all that we have yet to know and see – faith gives us hope. God’s light shines in the darkness of uncertainty and that darkness – that uncertainty - shall never overcome it (John 1:5). The light of God’s promised love finds each of us and speaks to us in the midst of all the uncertainty.

It is Jesus Christ who shows up as the light of the world. His light binds us together as a community of faith to mentor and encourage one another. We need each other to see the light.

And so Jesus equips us to follow the light that has come into the world. As we grow in our spiritual maturity, God’s Word is slowly revealed to us through whispers of grace.

Christ speaks into that strained budget: “Do not worry about your life; the Father knows what you need. Do not focus on making ends meet – but strive first for the kingdom of God and everything will fall into place” (Matt 6:25,33).

We wait with confidence for that job opportunity because God know the plans he has for us to give us a future with hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

The fear about the diagnosis is calmed knowing someone is praying on our behalf for the peace of God to surpass our human understanding (Philippians 4:4-7).

As John Donohue says, “The more faithfully you can endure here – in the interim time - the more refined your heart will become.”

The interim places of life challenge us to be faithful to God alone; for our faith does not rest on human wisdom but on the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5). We might see uncertainty ahead, but we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light onto our path (Psalm 119: 1-5). As the Lord goes ahead of us, God is working things out.

God takes our suffering and struggles and produces endurance. We endure by God’s grace; for when we are weak that is when we feel God’s strength. That kind of endurance redefines our heart and builds up our character. And godly character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint because if God is for us then who can be against us? (Romans 5:3-5; 8:31).

The Lord God stood in the gap of the unknown between Eli and Samuel and the Lord God stands in the gap our uncertainties too. God not only stands in the gap with us, but also God will lead us through life’s uncertainties.

Scripture says God leads us out of the wilderness into God’s Promised Land. “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Be still and listen for God tell you when to go forward! (Exodus 14:15).

In all of our various places and stages of “not yet knowing,” God fully knows you and me. The Lord is acquainted with all our ways… The Lord hems us in, behind, and before and lays a hand of steadfast love upon us (Psalm 139: 1-6). And God will bring about God’s purposes in our lives in God’s timing to reveal God’s glory.

God’s Word challenges you and me to trust in the Lord’s presence, to look for the light of hope, and to listen for God’s whispers of grace. Let us hold our confidence by disciplining ourselves to remain in God’s Word.

The Good Book says we need the support of each other to do this. The love of Christ urges us on. And yet when we find ourselves in that interim time, the Spirit will quiet our hearts and help us to let go and let God.

The next time you see uncertainty do not fear. Trust God has got you. And let your prayer be, “Here I am. Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

For God has heard and God is with us.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Sources Referenced:

[1] John O’ Donohue, “Blessing the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings” (New York: Double Day, 2008), pp. 119-120.