The God-with-us world

We live in a world where 12 year old sons attack step-fathers. They do it to protect their mums who have been beaten and broken again.

We live in a world where alcoholic, self-loathing fathers reject sons who have disappointed them. Or is it disappointment with their own inability to be the dad that they longed for themselves.

We live in a world where a shiny young man smokes pot to forget the loss of a mate or the fear of being someone he's afraid of. Someone he'd rather die than be.

A world where we are defined by our diagnoses, our inability to be responsible for our own lost behaviour.

So much fear, driving us to run, to fight for our lives or to just freeze in the headlights of the oncoming truck. Paralysed again.

We are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matt 9:36)

It's our confession Lord, that we are weak, so very weak.

But You are strong.

And though we've nothing Lord to lay at your feet, we come to your feet and say

"Help us along." (David Ruis)

What answer do we have for the world we live in?

I was reminded today, that our answer is, God is with us. We live in a world where no matter what story we live, Jesus accompanies us in it.

As we live through the tragedy of failure in our parents. As we realise we are alone in the midst of the people closest to us. As we force ourselves to get up and carry on with a heartsinking day. As we see our greatest fear rising before our eyes. As we struggle to breathe with the weight in our chests. As we mourn the us we wish we could be.

Suddenly the pain, the loss, the fear, the mundane-ness of this world is redeemed by the presence of the God of love. The present, perfect love that drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

The God-with-us world.*

*Skye Jethani preached about the God-with-us world in his sermon 'Eye for an Eye' at Mars Hill Bible Church in November, 2009.

I praise and thank you, Lord, for

673.  children's laughter

674.  spaghetti bolognaise

675.  listening to Jack Johnson and feeling summer (thanks Jenny)

676.  Eurovision song contest (seriously - that German song made me dance)

677.  sour dough bread

678.  the farmers' market

679.  Lizzie loving fresh flowers

680.  homemade chicken stock

681.  finally taking the hems up

682.  pulling up weeds

683.  an early night

684.  spontaneous caresses

685.  living in a God-with-us world