The Hill is an impoverished, crime-ridden neighborhood which sits in the shadow of wealthy, powerful Yale University. Chaos reigns in The Hill but, betting on the truth that the gospel truly is transformative, our speaker walks the streets, picks up trash, plans soccer camps, and invests his life in the residents of that neighborhood seizing every opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Acknowledging the chaos and brokenness in the lives of those he serves, our speaker reminded us that their experience is not unique. As much as any of us may appear to have our lives under control, chaos is always knocking at the door. In those moments, he said, we find out what we put our hope in.
Some of us hide when life gets hard, pulling away from activities and relationships. Others become overly dependent on other people, trying to latch onto someone who will tell them that everything is going to be okay. Control becomes the source of hope amidst the chaos for some of us as we try to manipulate life in a way that makes sense. Self-indulgence is another strategy for dulling the pain, reaching out for something—food, drugs, drink, shopping, technology sex--anything to keep from having to feel. And, our speaker reminded us; our choices can become a source of chaos for ourselves and for those around us.
The only time in history when the world was orderly and made sense was at creation. God ordered the world and gave it purpose and meaning, but chaos broke in when man questioned God’s goodness, reaching out for false hope. In judgment and discipline for their rebellion, our first parents were cast out of the garden and out of God’s presence.
Separation from God drives us deeper into the chaos.
As sin and its consequences began to sink deep roots into every square inch of creation, introducing things like violence and crime and murder into its landscape, life in the ancient world became increasingly scary. Men on the plains of Shinar decided to unite and build a city and a tower, to construct a kingdom in which they thought they could control their lives and manage the chaos. And God destroyed the tower and disbursed the people, illustrating the danger of trying to live in a world that doesn’t recognize its need for Him.
We try, our speaker said, to build our own towers, to construct our own kingdoms where the world makes sense, where we think we can manage its craziness and lies. But, as my own pastor often reminds me, “God loves you too much to allow you to be in control of your own life.” Because He loves me, God will destroy my towers, and introduce chaos into my orderly world. He will do whatever it takes to remind me that life makes no sense; it has no order, and no meaning apart from Him. He then calls me back into His presence, inviting me to flee to a better tower:
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
I’m not always sure I know what it means to run to the LORD, to flee to Him as my strong tower, but I think I’m learning. I’m pretty sure it involves abandoning the refuges of safety I build for myself. As every toddler knows, the only purpose in building a tower is to knock it down. And when I see my orderly world crumbling down around me, I am reminded to put down my feeble building blocks, to stop reaching for false hope, and to return to God’s presence.
(I invite you to click on the link to learn more about Christ Presbyterian Church in the Hill and to join me in prayerfully supporting their work.)
Heard it on Saturday, am posting on Tuesday, but hoping Michelle will extend me grace:
Also joining Jen and the sisterhood:
17 comments:
I just wish everyone could have the sense to recognize the towers in our lives. I wish everyone could realize that He is in charge; and that all of our human desires for control are doomed. "The rain will fall and the wind will blow. Build on Rock".
For me, for right now at least, running to God means seeking out Him for protection instead of trying to protect myself. To step out on the faith that He is in the process of perfecting instead of my own self-laid plans.
So glad to see you today at SDG.
I went to a Presbyterian church on Sunday. The minister said every time a group of people got together (in the Bible) they made a bad decision. Examples, Babel, Mt. Sinai, when Pontius Pilate freed Barabbas, I'm sure there are more, but can't think right now. Anyway, what I got from this is, don't go to other people to figure out what to do when I'm scared, confused, angry, hurt. Go to God and His Word. The answer is there.
Thanks for the reminder... I like your analogy of the building blocks. And Prov. 18:10 : )
Your post reads like a sermon, Nancy. My husband always says that the consequences of sin is more sin. The deeper you get into it the more sin will swallow you.
Thank you for stopping by my place. I'd love to read more about you and your family.
I like a pastor who practices what he preaches. Good for him . . . picking up trash, building relationship and speaking to a group of women.
Fondly,
Glenda
Oh, how I like my towers. And I am always surprised when He is just not impressed with them.
This gentleman's ministry is a wonderful thing.
oh yes, yes yes!!! so learning to run to that strong tower with you. maybe we can linger there, like, forever.
First of all, grace indeed, sister -- so grateful you linked up such a convicting post!
Secondly...did I know you were in New England???? Do you live in CT? You know I am a Massachusetts girl at heart, right? Oh I can't wait to catch up with you in person at Relevant this fall!
And thirdly, thank you for this post that speaks straight into my heart. This tower-builder needs to be brought down. I need to learn, time and time again, that control, my control, is not the object in God's kingdom. It's hard, isn't it? Thank God for grace and love.
Oh Nancy! Our lives are closer than we think...that pastor you mention is our good friend and neighbor from seminary days...we also have other good friends at CPC...just saw them this weekend in BOS. Our Pres. world is TINY.
Thankful for these words about chaos, running from God; they speak to me as I strive to bring peace to my home. Thanks so much.
With Easter approaching I have been trying to explain to my girls that not only did Jesus suffer physically, but what was the most devastating thing for him was to be separated from his Father. I want them to understand that's what sin does. We don't want to stop sinning to be good, we want to stop sinning so that we might be in His presence.
Thank you for sharing, Nancy.
This sounds like a fascinating talk, Nancy. So much good stuff here. Right now my sister-friends and I are doing a Bible study by Priscilla Shirer called Discerning the Voice of God. This week, she commented that instead of seeking God's will, we should be seeking God, and then His will will (I know, double time) become clear. That made so much sense to me and also lifted a heavy burden I didn't even know I had been carrying. So...I'm running to Him too, trying not to trip and fall on my face! Which I have done many times, come to think of it...
A Happy Easter to you if we don't connect before then. Sending love to you!
A good teaching here.
This got me:
"... I’m pretty sure it involves abandoning the refuges of safety I build for myself. As every toddler knows, the only purpose in building a tower is to knock it down."
Thank you, Nancy.
Lol, on the salad and estrogen. I won't soon forget that combination. :)
I've run to that high tower many, many times. How safe I feel when I'm sheltered by Jesus.
With thanksgiving,
Pamela
I'm finding parallels here and with the Beth Moore Bible study in Daniel. Seems the Lord is trying to show me something...
Really profound, to hear the message that says we're SUPPOSED to be in chaos and out of control. We can try, try, try, but it's always going to be off-kilter. What a liberating and terrifying message. I am sure accepting this is the start of true spirituality and dependence on God.
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