It’s not a longing for suicide. But a longing for the true and ultimate life with God. In 1 Corinthians 15:31, Paul used the words “I die daily” to indicate the risky situation that he lived each day for the sake of the Gospel.

He used this in the context of the resurrection of the dead. For him, there was no fear of death because of his hope in the resurrection. He saw death face to face on a daily basis. And he looked forward to an eternal life with God. 

A similar concept was expressed by St. John of the Cross: 

“This life that I live
is no life at all,
and so I die continually
until I live with you;
hear me, my God:
I do not desire this life,
I am dying because I do not die.”

~ St. John of the Cross, from “Stanzas of the soul that suffers with longing to see God.”

This focus on dying is due to the constant troubles of life that caused the writer to daily long for the true and eternally fulfilling life with God. Thus he uses a seemingly contradictory phrase “I am dying because I do not die.”

Dying to live – looking forward to true, satisfying, and eternal life with God. 

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This statement begs the question: What is your mean that you can revert to?
It can be your wealth, friendships, or your status. But could it be your relationship with God?

Life is tough. Maybe even horrendous. Instead of allowing this crazy life to throw you off into unhealthy tangents, you can revert to your mean. Return to the relationship you have with Jesus to keep you on track.

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When a broken relationship is restored, there is a sense of relief and satisfaction. All it takes is an offense or something more severe, and that could be the end of a relationship for years or sometimes for a lifetime. People often hold grudges and won’t give in or forgive. 

But God in his mercy responds differently, even from long ago in Old Testament times. He has always provided a way to restore the relationship with God. With a simple recognition of the offense or sin, one could approach God with an offering with the help of the priest, and God would forgive the offense. The relationship with God would be restored and people can go on with their lives with the freedom and joy that God gives. 

The verses below is just a sample of the entire chapter where God’s forgiveness is offered to people who are clearly guilty of sinning against God. Being merciful and kind, God never wants a broken relationship to remain like that. He provided a way. As you read the verses below, reflect on God’s live and care for people: 

17 “If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity. 18 And he shall bring to the priest a ram without blemish from the flock, with your valuation, as a trespass offering. So the priest shall make atonement for him regarding his ignorance in which he erred and did not know it, and it shall be forgiven him. 19 It is a trespass offering; he has certainly trespassed against the Lord.” (Leviticus 5:17-18)

Then, reflect on Jesus who became the sacrifice once and for all times for all the sins of people. The sacrifices that had to be continuously offered now are no longer needed. Just turn to Jesus and ask him for forgiveness. His own sacrifice over two thousand years ago can be applied to your life. 

Go for it. Experience that forgiveness, restoration, and peace that he offers. 

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Usually we see him as poised and determined in his approach. But seeing Jesus as one who cries out loud and full of tears?

Jesus was actually poised, determined, and confident. But just like you and me, life was tough on him. The things he faced in life far exceed our experiences. But he was able to remain confident in all situations.

His confidence rested in his relationship with his Father, with whom he could share his deepest pain and struggles that could not be expressed to anyone else.

“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” (Hebrews 5:7)

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Darkness and light in the physical realm is most visible to us and we behave and respond accordingly. But there’s an inner reality that transcends the external visible realm.

What have you been worried about lately? The bigger question is whether there is light within you. That changes your perception and your reality.

“Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (John 11:9,10)

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The root is repentance. Without healthy roots, the tree won’t survive.

The fruit is revival. Good roots produce stable trees and great fruit.

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If you’ve got these qualities, you won’t go with the crowd. But you may irritate many and seem like an oddball.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God”

(1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NKJV)

Determination – Purposeful limitation of “knowledge” to give focus where focus is rightfully due.

Discipline – Not to impress even though capable of such actions.

Demonstration – The Spirit and power needs to be demonstrated to ensure that one’s faith should not rest in the wisdom of men.

I’d rather be an oddball.

It’s all about value. Talk is cheap. Words can be sweetened by any wordsmith to the point that it’s meaningless.

One’s life speaks volumes. Learn to “listen” to people’s lives rather than to their words.

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24 NKJV).

That’s an odd question. You’d assume that his plans would surely work since he is God. So maybe this is an invalid question. But when you see the events of your life unfold, you begin to wonder: Will God’s plans work out? It sure doesn’t seem like it. 

When Isaiah spoke about the destruction of Assyria, he said: “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will anul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (Isa 14:27)

In this situation, God was stretching out his hand against the nation of Assyria in judgment. But no one could oppose God or change his plans. Once he plans something and takes a step, it’s final. 

When God decides on something for destruction or blessings, it is final, as good as done. For the Israelites, they stepped out of the covenant with God, and he brought punishment using the Babylonians and Assyrians. Then he decided to punish both of these nations, and it was done!

But what if the Israelites remained in a proper relationship with God and kept the covenant? The blessings he promised would surely flow into every area of their lives. 

Of course, we know from the book of Job that bad things do happen to those who follow God and remain obedient. But could we consider Job’s situation as an exception rather than the rule? His situation was that of utter destruction. But periodic negatives like pain and sickness may occur, like everyone else. 

But what if we stay focused on God? Allow his Spirit to lead you. Make obedience the pattern of your life. Pass on your faith and dedication to the generations that come after you. Let the legacy of faith define your generations. 

Then, as God stretches out his hand of blessings, no one can stop him. His decision is final. Unlike the Israelites, you can decide to walk in the ways of God. Let obedience to God be your pattern of life. 

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When you’ve been abused verbally, mentally, emotionally, or physically, the wounds go deep into your soul. Your response may be quite explosive. Some may wish to retaliate with equal force, but with a vengeance. 

The Israelites experienced abuse to the wildest extent. Not just a few people, but the entire nation faced the utter cruelty of the Babylonians. When you recount all they did to the people and to their land, it was nothing short of evil. 

In the midst of all this, God was merciful to his people. He worked miracles to allow them to return to their land after 70 years in captivity. God fulfilled his promise to them that he would relent from his anger and return them to their promised land. 

But what about their abusers? What happened to the nation that caused all this havoc? The Babylonians were an inherently cruel and proud nation. Abuse and oppression were their tactics as they dealt with the nations surrounding them. They were the most powerful nation of their time, and no nation could stand up to them. But God had another plan. 

Here is the prophecy spoken against Babylon: “Behold I will stir up the Medes against them, who will not regard their silver; and as far as for gold, they will not delight in it” (Isa 13:17 NKJV). History shows that the Medo-Persian empire took over Babylon and became the world power of that time, replacing Babylon’s long-standing position. 

 The powerful often take advantage of the weak and vulnerable ones. With abuse and oppression, they rule and conquer. They begin to think their position of dominance will never be shaken. But God has designed a sort of “historical oscillation” that re-balances the power structures. 

Yes, we should stand up for ourselves when taken advantage of, but there’s no need for fear. Even if you don’t stand up for yourself, God has designed history to re-balance for the sake of justice. God will handle your abuser. 

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