Thoughts which pull me toward Jesus, and to the Cross

They say, “Turn to the LORD for help. Maybe he will save you. If he likes you, maybe he will rescue you.”  Ps. 22:8 NCV

Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up the mountain 10 and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was a surface that looked as if it were paved with blue sapphire stones, and it was as clear as the sky! 11 These leaders of the Israelites saw God, but God did not destroy them. Then they ate and drank together. Exodus 24:9-11  NCV

Instead of worrying about the types of questions to ask or interventions to offer, I ground myself in who I am as God’s beloved being, a person called to provide accompaniment to those hurting, using the gifts and graces I have been given to do so.

For many, this is a dark, lonely and painful season. There are people we miss, pressures no one else may know about, hurts that build up resentment, and fears that often result in hate, and experiences of trauma – both today and in times past, that suck the life out of you.

There are people that give the same advice–“pray about it!” But some give it from a place of their own disillusionment, some from not knowing what else to say, and others, because they know it is the only source of the hope of healing, peace and joy that exists. It is hard to know which is which–for tone of voice and body language can only give away so much!

But the advice is still solid – God does love you – and He will intervene.

Not only for those who are in the midst of the struggle, but as important for those caring for them.

This is what Dr. Nolaso is pointing to in the quote. Overwhelmed too often by the cries of those broken, trying to plan out their therapy and finding plans impossible because of the the pain, he sought a way to maintain his own sanity and health, so that he could assist those entrusted to His care. The answer he comes up with is akin to that of the psalmist. Find your place, your identity in Christ, know His love and that He likes you, and will guide you through the storm.  It is from this position that we can accompany people in and through all forms of brokenness, helping guide them to healing.

For in His presence we are being healed – and can pass that gift on to others. Even if we have only begun to heal, even if we haven’t eralized the power of grace and forgiveness, even if we only have the slightest idea of what it means to be in the presence of God, to know He is with us.

For He is our bright light in the darkness of this world.

I believe this is why the 70 elders plus Moses and his crew went up and feasted with God. It wasn’t just to celebrate the communion feast – it was to assure them of God’s presence, so that when they ministered to others,  they could lean on God.  THey had to realize God was with them, that He liked them, that He would be with Him.

And He was!

As He is with you!

Amen!

Rolf Nolasco Jr., The Contemplative Counselor: A Way of Being (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2011), 24.