Author: William Douthwaite

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Moving from doing to being

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from Psalm 50.

When something goes wrong, the first thing we ask ourselves is, “What do I need to do?”

The AC’s not cooling the house. The car engine is making an unusual noise. A patch of grass in the yard is dead. An electrical outlet in the house isn’t working. There’s always something to fix.

In Psalm 50, God’s not looking for more ritual. He’s concerned about the relationship. He doesn’t need more sacrifices. The people offer up plenty of those. Instead,

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
    and perform your vows to the Most High,
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.

Rituals have a way of making us feel like we’ve done enough. Receiving God’s gifts with gratitude, faithfulness, and trust reminds us that’s he’s done enough. Here the psalmist helps us move from “what do you want me to do?” to “who do you want me to be?”

Posted in Life

Mixing it up at the gas pump

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Redd Francisco on Unsplash

I didn’t hear the bell, but suddenly, both fighters came out of their corners and began swinging. Sort of.

I wasn’t ringside at an octagon. I was just pumping gas at BJ’s Wholesale. I was feeling pretty good about filling the tank with fuel that cost about twenty cents less than the Racetrack just a few blocks away. My reverie was shattered when the woman on the other side of my pump released a barrage of obscenities at the guy in a white pickup truck directly in front of her.

She had finished her purchase, but couldn’t pull forward because the driver of the pickup had pulled right in front of her, blocking her exit. I have no idea why he was there. He just wasn’t moving. First she asked. Then she yelled. Then she started cursing. He didn’t budge. He just shouted right back at her.

Everyone else at the pumps paused to watch them spar. Finally she unloaded several f-bombs, backed up, and left, tires squealing. The man still didn’t move. For some reason, he decided to camp out there for a while. He wasn’t blocking me, so I just pulled away, glad that I wasn’t in the middle of that.

From my experience, most people aren’t happy at the gas pump. I’m not exactly sure why. It could be cost of fuel. It could be that they’ve been in the car together for way too long. Someone usually needs to go to the bathroom right now, but they know it’s going to be disgusting in there. There are people pulling in and backing out, making maneuvering a challenge. Any number of things.

I don’t think I’ve ever gotten into a heated argument with a stranger. I avoid such confrontations, preferring to find a different solution. Some, however, take on all challengers. I’m more than happy to just be a spectator.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Spiritual hydration

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from Psalms 42 and 43.

Three times the psalmist asks,

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (Psalm 42:5,11; 43:5)

It’s a great question. Someone else usually asks, “What’s your problem?” “Why are you down in the dumps?” “Are you still moping around?”

In these psalms, though, the writer is in tears. Days of festive worship and celebration are a dim memory. His enemies are relentless. God seems far away.

Three times, the psalmist answers his own question. “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” It’s like saying, “Duh. Did you forget?” Remember all those times you celebrated God’s presence, power, and provision? What about all those answered prayers and unexpected blessings?

Has God changed? Of course not. He’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Is he faithful? Well, he’s got a great track record. He’s kept all his promises so far. Is he distant? Not likely. He’s omnipresent. Everywhere. Most importantly, he’s right here, right now.

What’s your problem? Why are you moping around? You’ve listened an unbelieving world. You’ve lost sight of your future.

And you probably didn’t hydrate. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, irritabilty, feeling cold, dry skin, and no doubt many other conditions.

When your soul is thirsty, you’re anxious, sad, fearful, lonely, lack direction, and are discontent. In the Old Testament, God said, “Come, everyone who thirsts” (Isaiah 55:1). Jesus said, ” If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37).

If you’re experiencing any of those symptoms, you need some Jesus. You need a shot of grace with a chaser of his steadfast love. You need his word, promises, and assurances. You need his church, worship, and communication (prayer). You need to remember his power, presence, and provision.

A recommended habit I’ve adopted is to drink a glass of water when I wake up each morning. The advocators described it as an “internal shower.”

In a similar way, drink a glass of divine water each day by reading his word, reflecting on his promises, and thanking him for whatever comes to mind. Spiritually hydrate and give your soul a lift.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

People and poverty: make sure you see them

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from Psalm 41.

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor!” (Psalm 41:1)

The bible reminds us that not only will there always be poor among us. The psalmist reminds us we aren’t supposed to ignore them, dismiss them, condemn them, or complain about them, but consider them. Don’t just look at the need. Look at the person.

There are many ways to be poor.

  • You may be poor in material things.
  • You might be short on hope. You’re life isn’t going anywhere, and you’re out of fuel.
  • You’re feeling empty when it comes to love. You feel like no one really cares, or you missed out on finding love in your life.
  • Some have little or no knowledge of God. They are spiritually impoverished.

Once again, don’t focus on what’s lacking. Focus on the person. Get to know them. Sure, you may be able to provide what they need. But make sure you find out what they really need. A meal? An education? A Bible? A friend? Some groceries for the week? Or a ride to church? Conversation or encouragement?

A number of years ago I suggested to my church that they start a food pantry. That way, instead of just throwing a few dollars or bags of food at a program, we could get to know the people in our community who need assistance. We could get to know those around us who have needs, who are the “poor” that we are called to care about.

God has a soft spot in his heart for the poor. I think that’s because he knows we’re all poor. And he loves us all so much. We have nothing to offer compared to his great love for us. But that doesn’t bother him. He’s willing to give us everything, even his own son, to give us life.

Posted in Life

Gratitude and awareness: a wonderful pairing

Posted on by William Douthwaite

In a recent newsletter I read, “Noticing sparks gratitude; gratitude sharpens our noticing.” (It might have been Rob Walker’s “The Art of Noticing,” but I haven’t yet found it in my emails.)

I spend a lot of time noticing things on my daily dog walks. Sometimes I count how many houses have a Ring doorbell. Or interesting items at the curb on trash day. I like to whistle back and forth with the birds at dawn. I’m annoyed when I notice newspapers sitting in driveways for weeks.

I have many reasons to be thankful. I’m healthy and can take long walks with the dogs. I live in a safe neighborhood, know a lot of my neighbors, and live where it’s easy to be outside just about every day.

So the cycle of noticing and gratitude resonates with me. When I am tuned in to what’s going on around me, I find new reasons to be thankful. Once I start giving thanks, I begin noticing more things around me I’m thankful for. It’s a good upward spiral that develops both my gratitude and my awareness.

One morning, I notice beautiful colors in the eastern dawn sky. I whisper, “Thank you,” for an amazing sight, for the coolness, and the quiet of the morning. As I see the morning approach, tall pines escape the darkness, and I am thankful that there are still a few lots without houses.

Then I notice how many new houses there are in our neighborhood. I remember building our house decades ago, when these roads were lined with wooded lots. I’m so thankful we were able to build a house where we raised our children.

That’s how it works. Observation directs your mind towards the positive things in your life, spawning gratitude. As you ponder your blessings, you notice more good things around you. Again and again and again.

It’s such a cool concept. I try to initiate the cycle every time I’m out walking, starting with thanks or observation. Give it a try.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

You’re forgiven. Now what?

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by CDC on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from Psalm 32.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity (Psalm 32:1,2)

I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. (32:5)

Forgiveness is an amazing thing. Life is good without shame, regret, and guilt hanging over your head. By the grace of God, all that is off the table when we’re forgiven.

Now what?

Your transgression is forgiven, your sin is covered, and the Lord doesn’t count any iniquity against you. What’s next?

In Psalm 32, David takes us to the next step.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (32:8)

We learn a lot from our mistakes. We resolve, “I’m not going to do that again,” “I’m going to think before I speak,” “I’m not going there anymore.” But we will. We’ll drift back into old habits, let our words fly, and make the same stupid mistakes.

I’m grateful for God’s instruction and teaching. I’m thankful he’s keeping an eye on me, to counsel me, and lead me in the way of life. A lot of things look good that really aren’t good for me. His scriptural guidance is always for my benefit and blessing.

Forgiven? Yes! Now go back to class.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

“After prayerful consideration…” redux

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

My most popular post just hit 1,000 views. I wrote “After prayerful consideration…” five years ago, and someone reads this post almost every day. I was upset at the time, and my thoughts and feelings must have touched lot of nerves.

I barely remember the situation that prompted my words seven years ago. A trusted leader wanted to step away from responsibility, and used the guise of prayer to justify her actions. At the time, it hit hard. In hindsight, it was just one of those things. I hate it when people frame their words with insincerity. Just be honest and straightforward. I’m a big boy. I can take it.

I have no idea why this post became so popular. I was just venting. I’m not holding a grudge of any kind. The person who inspired this post disappeared off the face of the earth. Life went on. And today few even remember her name.

But I remember the emails, the texts, and the letters. She sent emails, and I responded with texts, emails, and hand-written letters. Tell me more. Help me understand. I want to learn.

I never heard from her again. She never responded to email, texts, or letters. I tried so hard. I saw her once at Walmart, but she glanced at me with disdain. And that was five years later.

I don’t know why these words get a lot of attention. I don’t know what makes a post popular. I don’t know if I care. I just hope my words gave some food for thought and hope for the future.

Posted in Life

What if no one shows up?

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash

I host and facilitate a weekly online men’s bible study and discussion group. As host, I open up the Zoom room a few minutes before the scheduled start time and wait for everyone to join.

For some reason, it really feels strange being on Zoom all by myself. I sit there for a few moments and look at myself. I make sure I look okay. I brush my hair to the side. I make sure the lighting is okay. I make sure I’m not too close or far away from the camera. I shuffle my lesson papers around.

My mind starts to wonder.

  • What if no one else shows up? What if they all forget that we’re meeting today. I sent out reminders, so that doesn’t seem possible.
  • Maybe I set up the room wrong. No, that’s not possible. I don’t set up that part of the meeting.
  • Maybe everyone is traveling or sick, and can’t make it today. Would all fifteen guys would be indisposed on the same day? Doubtful.
  • Maybe the internet isn’t working right. I check my email. Everything is in order.

<Ding>

The first person shows up, and seconds later, more appear on my screen. All those thoughts drain from my mind, and our group is underway.

Years ago I had some similar analog thoughts. Analog means we actually met in person. I would open up for an appointment, meeting class, and then sit there wondering if anyone would show up. There were times when I got stood up for an appointment. No call, nothing, just a no show. A few of those and you start to get paranoid.

It really only happened a few times. But one time is enough to get your mind racing with all the “What ifs…”

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

It’s okay to ask for help

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by youssef naddam on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from Psalm 31.

How many times have you not asked for help or accepted an offer of help?

I’ll go first. Too many times. More than I want to admit. Far more often than I should.

“Can I help?” “No, I’ve got it.”

“Need any help?” “Not right now.”

“Here, let me help you.” “I’m okay.”

The world is filled with people who are entirely self-sufficient and more than willing to help in any situation. Which means we’re paralyzed. We all want to help, but there is no one who needs our help. Everyone is doing just fine.

David never hesitates to cry out for help in the psalms.

Incline your ear to me;
    rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
    a strong fortress to save me! (Psalm 31:2)

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
    my eye is wasted from grief;
    my soul and my body also. (v9)

Make your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your steadfast love! (v16)

David is a trained soldier. He’s got victories over lions, bears, Goliath and ten of thousands of Philistines under his belt. He’s definitely a number one draft pick.

And yet he cries out to God for help. He’s under attack, experiencing grief, and in distress. I believe one lesson we ought to learn from the psalms is to never, ever, be ashamed to ask for or accept help.

I know, in a culture that admires strength, independence, and fortitude, we don’t want to look weak. We don’t want to appear helpless. We want to be an asset, not a liability. We want to contribute, not be a drain on resources. We want to be strong, not weak.

Guess what? You are dependent, weak, and a liability. We all are, whether we admit it or not. We need the Lord. We need each other. We need help.

Those truths are the first step towards truly depending on, trusting in, and worshiping God. It’s good news. I don’t have to have it all together. He does.