The Beauty of Nature

2 Samuel 13:20

New King James Version

And Absalom her brother said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this thing to heart.” So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.

For Encouragement

We are killing ourselves through certain entrenched behaviors which restrain us from being ourselves, when we should rather liberate ourselves and each other with the freedom God has given us in Christ. For instance, society considers a person a coward if they run from specific threats. Society categorizes you as a weakling if you confess your fears to somebody in a critical moment, and as strange if you don’t respond with force to another’s provocation.

Society has wired us to think we are superheroes who should show no emotional weakness under any circumstances. Society considers a man weak when he cries. A husband must never let his wife know the wallet is empty. When you cannot always provide, you are a useless man and less of a man than your neighbor, Mr. Kpobi, who does it so well. Confession makes it worse. Why should your wife lose trust in your ability? It points to the softness of your core being, betraying your reputation as a powerful man, ever on top of things, and never admitting to lacking anything or being wrong. The result is a frustrated, angry, and pretentious man, bubbling on the outside but dying on the inside.

Women have their side, too. Obedient wife that she is, Mrs. Obi never complains. She has not balanced the kitchen account for ages, yet she moves mountains to show her darling husband she has it all together. Meanwhile, her borrowing is mounting to unbearable levels. She is too exhausted to minister to her ever-ready, always expecting husband, but cannot deny him for several reasons, and the list goes on.

Children cannot talk to parents about naughty Uncle Tom, who has been making them uncomfortable with his inappropriate behavior. Their eyes struggle to tell, but neither Mom nor Dad sees it. And when they step out for once, the taboo or family honor takes precedence over the children’s well-being. Where is the haven for children?

The youth suffer, too. They are too afraid to talk about their struggles with their peers at school or in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, bullies and sexual predators have a field day, destroying their orientation and self-esteem. Any wonder the world is so messy?

Today’s scripture places this discussion front and center of the mess we find ourselves in, and one story we will explore in depth in a short series, beginning on Monday, November 3. This series is of utmost importance, as it will show us how to seek God’s guidance for boldness to preserve our human consciousness as He intended for us in creation. You could be part of this journey by sharing your personal or shared stories with me, which I promise to handle with discretion.

In the meantime, let us prepare ourselves to be honest about ourselves, put off the masks, and receive healing and refreshing from the all-powerful God, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20). His name is Jesus. Expect Him to surprise you and make you better, filling you with hope and encouragement.

Shalom.

Pray with me

Father, we look to you to open our hearts in the coming series to confront ourselves and the fears that restrain us from boldly speaking about the forces of darkness that work against us through people. Give us courage and spiritual boldness to break out and heal in the grace you give us through your Spirit in us. Thank you, and receive the glory in Jesus’ matchless name, amen!   

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