Holy is Hard
Over the last few days I have been attempting to discuss what it looks like to be holy or live a holy life. On the surface, it appears easy; remember Peter telling us to “be holy, because He is holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Honestly, I am not sure how well I am doing on my own “pursuit of Holiness”. As I read back over the words I have shared with you there is one glaring problem. That problem is me! I don’t think I can do it. How can I live out holiness?
There are over fifty years of selfish, me-focused, pride that seems to rise to the surface out of nowhere and scream - “You’re trying to be holy? You have got to be kidding! Did you forget about all the failures and screw ups? There is no way God is still with you!!” The internal battle that wages with in me can sometimes seem insurmountable! Doubt and questions abound!
Have you ever noticed how it is easy to be “full of praise” or “be holy” when life is just clicking along? Everything is working just like it should be. The sun shines brighter. The flowers smell better. All is well in the world; or at least in your little world. But then something changes, almost like a switch has been flipped. You get a call and find out your son is going to need surgery. A dear friend is struggling with a huge life battle. Your wonderful wife gets disappointing news that brings her to tears. (This list could go on and maybe it does for some of us.) Like a needle scratching across an album, life comes to a screeching halt! Where is the holiness now? God, this is not how the story is supposed to go!
If we read Peter’s words a little farther we begin to see and hopefully understand the key to pursuing a holy life. Verse 17 says, “You call out to God for help and he helps - He’s a good father that way.” This morning I am right in the middle of this! Over the last few days, I have called out to God asking for help so much my throat hurts. Asking for answers. Asking for clarity. Just asking for anything to help. There is no other way to say this, but times like this make no sense. There is no reason for it and no magic formula to fix it. It is life in a broken world!
In times like this it is hard to be still and listen. Life is spinning out of control. The volume goes up like a toddler throwing a tantrum. But when we slow down, maybe just for a moment, that is when we hear Him. A still, small voice whispering, “I AM HERE!”. “I haven’t left you and I WILL NOT leave you!” The storm may rage on and I sure can hear the wind howling all around, but I am not alone in the boat!
In the quietness I am reminded…
That we are set apart and dedicated solely to God. (Hebrews 10:10)
God is faithful in His promises. (Hebrews 10:23) God is faithful to guard us against evil. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
God is faithful through all generations. (Psalms 119:9) God is faithful in His love. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you. (Philippians 1:6)
Today I choose to praise my way to holiness. The questions are still there and the winds continue to blow, but I believe He is faithful!
“I will praise You on the mountain And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way. From the gravest of all valleys Come the pastures we call grace A mighty river flowing upwards From a deep but empty grave.” Benjamin Hastings