Surviving in the Pit of despair

The prophet Jeremiah, refusing to stop prophesying God’s words to his people, found himself mercilessly thrown into a muddy and dark pit by the ruler of his day. Jeremiah defiantly said he would prefer to remain in that pit of despair rather than disobey his God. But I am certain that he wasn't happy about his situation. Yet he remained faithful despite life’s uncontrollable challenges.

How often do we find ourselves in that same muddy pit of despair of hopelessness? It’s an awful place to exist, despite our faith and hope in God. For some of us who have no faith or perhaps struggle to keep it, life becomes an even darker hell. Deep pits of despair are unfortunately a part of life. Without hope and the faithful assurance in a Power greater than ourselves, we feel perpetually stuck in the rancid mire, and utter darkness of that insurmountable hole.  

Life is full of pits and deep holes that we inevitably find ourselves stumbling and falling into, sometimes on a regular basis. Unlike Jeremiah however, whether circumstances in our personal lives landed us there, or someones actions pushed us there, its important to remember we don’t have remain there. The choice is ours.

I personally know that dark, dank and slimy pit all too well. Over the past several years my life has been a train wreck of one pitfall after another.  I actually got to the point where I even lost my faith in God, the church and humanity in general. The pit I found myself in was all to real, and escape seemed impossible and completely hopeless. I even asked myself, “What’s the point of even living anymore if this hopelessness and despair is all I have to wake up to each day?” It was and still is a dark time in my life, but renewed faith has begun to bring a shimmer of hope and a glimmer of light. I cling to that slight hope with a vice grip like hold. It’s all I have to keep me going each and everyday. 

Yet I know, as  well as so many others, that there is a way out of that pit of despair. It’s called selflessness. Getting outside oneself and helping others. There is a spiritual strength that comes from thinking less of ourself and our own problems, and turning our attention to others who suffer and are in desperate need of help. Selflessness frees us spiritually from the bondage of self, and the pit that we often find ourselves not so much stuck in, rather more like wallowing in our self-consumed sorrow and despair. Thinking of ourselves less makes more space for God to exist within us. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “If God is for us, who can be against us.” In other words, life is life. It shows up and there is little we can do to control whatever turmoil it may bring. Yet if God is with us, there is always sure and certain hope, as well as a spiritual freedom, despite our circumstances. Our spiritual connection to God and willingness to let go of self is the rope that will pull us out of life’s pits of despair and desperation. Thus, remaining in that wretched pit becomes optional.

A Life Void of the Spirit

The Rev. John West

July 30, 2017

Life is so empty without God. Life is so hollow and seemly meaningless when we are totally void of spirituality. Life has no purpose without that spiritual connection to a Power greater than ourselves. We easily and quickly lose sight of who we are as a person, as well as our self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence. When we place all of our being, completely relying on another person, a place or even our job to serve as our identity, life can quickly spiral into an abyss of hopelessness and despair. This is especially true when we no longer have any or all of those external factors to rely upon, or use to define us as a person. Life has a cruel streak. People we love unexpectedly leave us, geographical cures or wealth rarely, if ever are an answer and jobs can dissipate in the blink of an eye.  It is in those type situations that we discover we no longer have the capacity, inner strength or resolve to meet the daily challenges of life, especially when real hardship and unexpected, painful situations arise.

Remorse and regret often become our worse enemy. Without a well maintained spiritual life we are quickly swept out into a sea of desperation and self-destructive despair, as if we are caught or trapped in a dangerous and relentless undertow. We then question, “Where is God in all of this?” or “Why me God?” But since our relationship with God has suffered, we are spiritually depleted of all since of his presence. In our calling out to God, all we hear in return is spiritual silence, and the overwhelming sound of our own internal pain. Caught up in ourselves and focusing on our relentless agony without a firm and strong spiritual foundation is a living hell, and intense nightmare of hopeless desperation and utter darkness.

I’ve walked this dark road and know the sheer feelings of abandonment and loneliness. It is a terrible and cruel path. But it is important to remember, as I discovered, God never left me, I allowed myself to lapse into a spiritual malady, and ultimately it was me who quit communicating and consistently, yet subtly forgot to do the things necessary to build a life based on a deeper relationship with God. My life had become nothing more than a house of cards, ready to collapse at the first sign of adversity. Sheer and utter grief, remorse and regret suddenly overwhelmed me, and I had no skill set or firm spiritual faith to cope with life’s immense tragedies. I then knew loneliness and a darkness like no other.

The question the arises, “Is there still hope?” Absolutely! In the world of recovery there is a saying, “Let go and let God.” This sounds way easier said than done, but it is the first step in either regaining that spiritual life, or perhaps starting one for the first time. A strong spiritual relationship with God is certainly not renewed over night. After all, we have lived a life based on self-will and self-reliance for a long time. Yet God never gives up on us. God never abandons us. God is there waiting for us to reach out to him, just as he is reaching out to us. It is only then that true spiritual healing and reliance can begin to occur and take shape in our lives.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul tells us that, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” He goes on to explain that nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. Those are encouraging words and good news for those of us who feel lost and tossed about on a sea of hopeless despair. The Apostle once again gives us hope by telling us, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him (Christ Jesus) who loved us.”  In other words, when we become willing to turn our life and will over to the care of God and accept ourselves and situations for what they are, it is then that we begin to restore that relationship, and our feet become more settled on solid spiritual ground.

Life is lovely and a gift, yet it is also filled with treacherous potholes and pits that are easy to fall into at times. Yet it is through our trust, faith and gratitude for what God has, and will continue to do for us in this life that allows us to conquer our selfishness and blind self-centered behavior. 

When our identity is based on our relationship with God and not human or tangible things in this world, although we will still know suffering, pain and loss, we will intuitively know that there is a way forward. That is God’s gift and love for us. All we have to do is to remain in conscience contact with God, trusting that no matter what he will never desert us, and will always dispel the darkness.

Cutting away the Past, a Heavy and Burdensome Anchor

How often do we cling to the past with regret, remorse, guilt, grief or even nostalgia? The past is like a heavy and relentless anchor that when embraced and continually lived and wallowed in, becomes a heavy and unhealthy weight that keeps us from living life in today. Living in the past keeps us from moving forward in this precious life God has so richly and benevolently blessed us. Life is a gift that is meant to be lived with joy and anticipation of good things to come, not mired down in burdensome grief, remorse, loss or painful memories of days past. Yet we are human beings, and we struggle with life and difficult situations, hurts, pains, loss and memories that often haunt us. It is easy for us to live with regret, remorse, guilt and self-blame. It’s our human nature to have these feelings, and that is why we need to turn to God. Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians, “In Christ all things are possible.”

In I Peter 5: 8, the writer reminds us of Christ’s unconditional love for each of us. He writes, “ Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” These profound and loving words give us hope in times of darkness and despair. They remind us that God loves us and that we don’t have to allow the past to destroy today. They give us comfort that Jesus is present with us in the here and now. However, we have to cut the rope that relentlessly ties us to the past in order to fully feel and know his presence. We can give and offer up all of our regrets, sorrows, remorse and spiritual sickness that are directly connected to yesterday to Christ, and he will relieve us of our burdens and heal our hearts.

Interestingly that same passage also refers to the “Evil One” who prowls around like a lion waiting to devour us. Living in the past will devour and ultimately destroy us, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and eventually physically. Often we allow ourselves to become consumed by the “what if’s,” and the “should haves, would haves and could haves.” In reality, those shameful thoughts are equivalent to chasing our tails which of course we will never catch. We simply live our lives in a vicious and unhealthy cycle or circle. Letting go and giving ourselves wholly, humbly and completely to the loving care of God is our way out of the dark and dank wilderness of yesterday. 

Let’s face it, we all make mistakes, bad decisions and poor choices in life. Some of us even relish and desire the “glory days” of our past, wishing to relive them. That’s called being human. I’m certainly guilty of all these, but beating myself up constantly or obsessively desiring to relive the “good old days” only serves to make me sick and live in a self-made hell of denial. Yet by living in this cycle, I will never experience the gifts and life found in today. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is but a dream. All I really have is today. I can’t afford to beat myself up and chase the “What if’’s” or “Should haves” of the past. That only serves to make my life miserable today and creates anxiety, self-doubt and depression that flows over into tomorrow.

For some of us breaking the cycle of living in the past is extremely challenging and difficult, but not impossible. Learning to set mental and emotional boundaries, as well as  seeking a stronger and closer relationship to God is key. Self-awareness and holding ourselves accountable for our choices and actions today are an important part of cutting the obsession of longing for yesterday. Sometimes we just have to pray for the, “willingness to be willing.” 

Don’t be devoured by the roaring lion who prowls in the dark crevasses and creases of our brokenness, seeking to destroy our lives. Rather, allow the light and healing grace of God to flow through us and caress those broken, wounded and infected sores of yesterday. Allow the love and tender mercy of Christ to cut that binding rope and loose that heavy anchor that keeps us stuck in remorse, regret and self-blame. 

It is important to remember that we are never alone in this life, although there are times in which it certainly feels that way. Jesus promised the disciples before his ascension into heaven and to the Father, “He would be with them until the end of the ages.” So too will he be with us right here, right now in this very moment, today. Let go of the past for it is but a memory that we cannot change, and embrace the life we are given in the here and now.

From the Resurrection to the coming of the Holy Spirit

From Fearful Disciples to Bold Apostles

Throughout the fifty days of Easter, Jesus constantly appeared to his disciples who were often hiding in some back room in Jerusalem, terrified of the Jewish leaders. During these fifty days we witness through Scripture Jesus’ appearing to his followers (who by the way usually didn’t recognized him).  He appeared to them in the breaking the bread, cooking fish on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, to Thomas who refused to believe unless he placed his hand in Jesus’ wounds. We witness Jesus meeting the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and greeting Mary Magdalene along with several other encounters with his disciples. Perhaps the biggest event witnessed by the disciples and others, was Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. Jesus told them that he would see them again one day but in the mean time he was sending the Advocate to be amongst them and guide them in their lives and ministry. He commanded the disciples to “Go forth into the world and spread the Gospel to all nations.” Then he was gone and the disciples did what they did best, hide in some back room, afraid of the Jewish leadership; that is until the day of Pentecost.

Pentecost is the coming of the Holy Spirit. As the disciples ventured out and walked in the temple portico, a sudden blast of wind came upon them. Without warning tongues of flames danced over their heads. Jewish people of all races and ethic origins suddenly began to hear and miraculously understand one another’s language. The scene was almost one of pandemonium. Yet the Holy Spirit had come upon them all, especially the disciples. It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that the once fearful disciples found courage and strength to fearlessly preach and teach the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who would listen. They boldly and without fear ventured forth into the world sharing the Good News as the power of the Holy Spirit went before them. Through the Holy Spirit the disciples grew in love, charity and confidence. The Spirit dwelled in their hearts and moved them forward without fear or trepidation. Many of the Apostles and other faithful followers of Christ willingly laid down their lives as martyrs for the sake of the Gospel, and their love of Jesus. Yet the more these faithful and determined people of faith (who came to be known as Christian’s) were persecuted, the more they grew in numbers and embraced their belief in Christ.

The Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives today. Scripture tells us that the Advocate will be with us until the return of Christ Jesus in all of his might and glory. In the meantime in our lives today, it is important that we believe and boldly trust in the love and power of the Holy Spirit. It is vital to our faith, peace and comfort that we continue to pray to Christ, who with the Holy Spirit are one with the Father.

Just as all who believe in Christ have suffered throughout history, it is no different in our age. Here in the United States it is relatively easy to be a Christian, with little to no pressure. However in other parts of the world, Christians are heavily persecuted and oppressed, just look at the Darfur region of the Sudan. The missionaries and native Christians suffer greatly in that region, and are intensely disliked by their Muslim oppressors. But it is important that we remember what Jesus told his disciples, “You will be hated and cursed because of my name.”

Are we willing to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit and stand boldly in our faith today? Or when the least bit challenged do we deny Christ by saying nothing, while simply ignoring the challenge? Does Christ live in our hearts? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to move us to do all such good works?

There comes a time in all of our lives in which we stand at a critical crossroad of faith. Do we boldly and without fear choose to take the road less traveled, the way of the cross, or do we take the wide road of the world; a road that leads to sin and death? The choice is ours; will we trust the Spirit? Or instead fearfully turn away from our faith, placing our reliance in the world and what it has to offer?

The Holy Spirit is alive and here among us, even in our worst experiences or days. Through the power of the Spirit, God will see us through whatever we face in God’s own special way. All we have to do is be like the Apostles and boldly take up our cross and follow Christ.

Flames of Courage in a Secularized World

On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit rushed through the temple portico like a might wind, breathing fire upon the disciples. Tongues of flames rested upon the faithful, and dedicated disciples giving them courage to do the will of Christ, which was to spread the Gospel throughout all nations. These same disciples who had been hiding out from the Jews in absolute fear for their lives, suddenly felt the power of the Holy Spirit and were emboldened to over come their trepidation, stepping out in faith. They were no longer Disciples of Christ; rather in that pivotal moment they became his Apostles. Peter even stood up (while at the same time the disciples were speaking and understanding the diverse languages), and addressed the crowd with confidence.

Today we must find the courage to do the same, by stepping out in faith and boldly proclaiming the Gospel truth. The Holy Spirit is still amongst us seeking to empower all who seek Christ and a deeper relationship with him.  The flame of Christ Jesus burns in our hearts, igniting a fire of passion for God’s Holy Word and the desire and courage to serve as evangelists.

In this day and age much of the western world has become secularized in nature. Many people are hungry for something in their lives but either don’t know where to look, or are simply put off by the church completely. This generation is a product of the previous generation in which we witnessed the beginning of the Churches decline, and struggle. A period that is still present today as far as having the courage to reach out into the community and attract others to God.

The word Evangelism strikes fear in the hearts of most people whether they be in the secular world or even in the church. The Greek word evanglion simply means Good News. But over the years television evangelist and some protestant or non-denominational Churches have misused power by preaching at people rather than to people. Or even worse placing guilt on their congregations to give much of their financial resources to the church, which often finds its way into the ministers pockets. No wonder those in the secular world are turned off by the church. In one case I had a friend who asked upon my leaving for seminary if I was gong to come home and preach at them to be saved!

Yet if the Church is to survive, the faithful believers must find a way to attract folks into the Church. There is no doubt that this will require courage on our part. But let’s not forget about the power and love of the Holy Spirit. She has the capacity to provide us with great courage in order attract people to our churches, using us as her evangelical instruments.

People today don’t want to be preached at, and who can blame them. Rather they want a message that will fill those empty places in their lives, providing sustenance that they are able to understand and apply to their daily lives.

So I encourage each of us to take up our staves of courage, trust the Holy Spirit and preach the Gospel in a way that moves the hearts of those who are seekers in this world. And remember the flame of courage always goes before us lighting the way.

The Real First Thanksgiving and What it Means for us Today.

The Rev. John R. West, Jr.

November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving is an important time and event in the life of our nation. Unfortunately it didn’t start off as one might expect. I remember growing up with all the Norman Rockwell type of pictures of the wife of the family serving a delicious looking turkey to her family. I also remember pictures of the pilgrims sitting side by side with the Native American people sharing in a gorgeous looking meal, largely provided by the Native Americans. Unfortunately my childhood perceptions of Thanksgiving were shattered by the reality of the events that actually took place.

The settlers of that day whether at Plymouth Rock or else where in the new world actually slaughtered the Native Americans in the name of God, fertile land and a selfish desire to obtain as much territory as possible. So the Norman Rockwell paintings are smashed to bits and untrue. I find it amazing how human nature has the tendency to rewrite history in a manner that makes us feel less guilty, look better in the eyes of the world and ignore the true facts. 

A whole people were wiped out systematically as the English, Spanish and Portuguese continued to settle the new world. What good could possibly come out of these heinous actions? How can we possibly be grateful for the bountiful resources we have at the expense of the Native Americans? Where is the real Thanksgiving in our ancestor’s actions of brutal and selfish force?

As terrible as this early period of settlement in the New World was for the Native Americans we must look for the grace of God, a God whose name was unfortunately used in the systematic exploitation and genocide of so many innocent indigenous people. While this was certainly a black and dark time in the colonization of North America as well as else where, and one that I am adamantly opposed and embarrassed, today in this post modern era knowledge and truthfulness have changed our Thanksgiving to a time of genuine remembrance and gratitude.

Today we come together in an atmosphere of love, thanksgiving and gratitude for the bountiful love and blessings God has bestowed upon us and those we love. While life may be difficult for each of us though out the year, we truly have so much to be thankful for in life.

First of all we have acknowledged the brutal and wretched actions of our ancestors, and while we can’t go back in time to change those actions, we have apologized in many ways to our brothers and sisters who are Native American. We have even made November Native American month in order to honor these beautiful people. Of course this is only a scratch upon the surface of reconciliation for the terrible actions of our ancestors, but many of us, especially in the Church acknowledge the wrongdoing and seek to reconcile with our Native American sisters and brothers.

While turkey and all the fixings line many of our tables on Thanksgiving Day as we gather with family, there is another group of people that we seek to assist and provide subsistence. Those are the forgotten and people of the streets who are hopeless and options have seemly run out in the life. There are many shelters and places of safety that these people are able to seek shelter and eat a hot meal.

Despite all the negative connotations that are unfortunately associated with the early days of Thanksgiving, today it is about gathering with family and friends in our homes. Thanksgiving is about the remembrance of the bounty, in which God has provided us, and an attitude of sincere gratitude. Thanksgiving is about outreach to the poor and destitute of our cities and rural areas. Finally thanksgiving is about humbly seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with all those we hurt in the settlement of this country, especially the Native Americans. 

This year as we gather with family and friends to enjoy each other’s company and come together in gratitude and thankfulness for all the rich blessings God has bestowed upon us, I ask us to specifically pray for those who are hurt, destitute, resentful, angry, sick, diseased and abused. That is the true meaning behind Thanksgiving - reconciliation, gratitude and observance of God’s blessings along with outreach to those who are destitute and hopeless. I also pray that we will be united as one people under God, honoring one another and respecting each others heritage. 

Spirituality, A Real Workout

I have just recently begun to work out again. I am taking Cross Fit with my wife Sallie. I have not lifted any kind of weights for over three years. Getting back in that kind of shape is extremely difficult after such a long lay off. I have to gradually ease myself back into it. While I am sore all over, I enjoy the workout and the way it makes me feel afterwards. I ask myself why I ever quit!

Often in our spiritual lives we take time off, and it is extremely difficult to get back into rhythm and shape again. Prayer and growing spiritually is an ongoing effort that takes practice and commitment. When we get out of sorts it is hard to regain the proper motivation to get back in shape again. We have to be intentional about seeking God, and following through with our spiritual disciplines each day.

Spiritual discipline is a demanding work out to some degree. We are always striving to become better at communicating with God and living out our spiritual lives in everyday occurrences. Rather than lifting more weight to get into shape, we learn to dispose of some of the weight we all carry to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ and our neighbors. When we stop or become undisciplined in our prayer and church life our spiritual muscles become weaker and grow in atrophy. God calls us to a life of daily prayer and to live into our community of faith. By doing so we are much more prepared to face the world in which we live. Chrissies cease to overwhelm us, and our anxiety about life calms down. We live not just for ourselves, but also for the greater purpose of the Gospel.

I encourage us all to develop and stay with whatever spiritual discipline feeds our soul. By doing so our lives become much richer and we become better servants of Christ. The quality of our spirituality affects our whole being and the manner of life we live. Therefore it is important to take time for those things spiritual, and thus we find ourselves in excellent spiritual health.