Lean Into God
Dear High Street Family,
I walked away from last week’s sermon wishing we could’ve discussed so many nuances regarding God’s heart for suffering and injustice.
Each of us have questions that require attention and care. And many face stories of personal pain, struggle, or injustice that don’t have answers yet. Our hearts live inside these questions.
And though it can hurt, it’s also so sweet to share these burdens together. Many of us opened up on Sunday, sharing our own stories of struggle and questioning to one another for processing, prayer, and connection. Just talking about these areas is a significant part of our healing.
Like the Bible attests, What and Who are the way through.
Many times our “Why” leads to stagnation or escape. And what we need is to spend a little time in the What: noticing the realities we’re coming against and glimpsing at more of our hearts. This can help us to feel, point-to, and name the pain we’re walking in. And in that, we can begin to lean-into the Who. Lean into God. Search His Scriptures. Ask for prayer. Stand near others who can shoulder this season with us and point us to Jesus.
As we explore “Is Christianity too Narrow?” this Sunday, we’ll similarly see some of the barriers that keep us from entering into the fullness of relationship with God that lead to suffering, injustice and other areas of doubt.
We’ve noted again and again how a relational wound is at the center of our 7 Big Questions in Explore God. And I'd suggest that the perceived Narrowness of Christianity is actually a Finger pointing to the relationship with God that we need the most.
What comes up for you when you think about whether “Christianity is too Narrow?”
Though this area is a pain-point for many, I believe we’ll see more of God’s heart as a Father and His tenderness as a Savior in our time together this Sunday.
Let’s pray that His wide reach and deep healing reaches us all this Sunday,
Pastor Dave
Recommended Resources
Poetry
pain is not meant to be a secret - Check out this poem I wrote a few years ago while in our infertility that puts some language to the ache of suffering, the encounter with ourselves, and the potential of surrender.
Poetry & Faith – Dive into a few poems at my Substack page where my faith comes alive as I share and process in prayerful words with God.
Music
Take it to Jesus – When you or someone you love are facing insurmountable odds and impossible situations, this song is such a restful, reparative place to rest for a bit.
Restful Prayer Over You – This is a worship set that is so restful and can be a place for you just to receive from God for a few minutes. Take some time, slow down, and listen to what God might be saying through this.