God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not be afraid.
Psalm 46:1–2a
Yesterday while having a Zoom conversation with my spiritual director, he asked what I want more of from God. It took me a few moments, but this is what came to mind at the time. When I think of what I want more of from God or how I want to grow spiritually, it would be to be able to look my fears in the face more and more without feeling threatened. I want to move toward experiencing God more and more as my refuge and strength, as the psalmist says, so that my fears do not get the best of me. More and more I want to live out of my security in God rather than the insecurity of unreliable circumstances. Because I can never really trust my circumstances or the world around me, but I can always trust the God who is a refuge and strength to his people. Whatever else is true or whatever else is happening in my life, I pray that the reality of who God is–and his presence in my life–would be where I increasingly place my trust. I want to live as unafraid as I can.
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Published by Derek Melanson
Greetings!
The most important thing about me is not first and foremost about me. It’s about the person of Jesus. I receive my identity, my purpose, and my very breath and life from Jesus. Colossians 1:16 says it well. Speaking of Jesus, there the apostle Paul writes, “All things have been made through him and for him.” Who I am, I am because of who he is. And because through him I have been reconciled to God, I now live to orient my life around him. I don’t always do this very well. So I’m grateful for the good news of God’s forgiveness.
Since August 2002 I have been married to a beautiful, wonderful Christian woman. Because of her, my life has been much more of an adventure than it would otherwise have been. She’s loving, smart, funny, determined, and real. Being her husband is a privilege and a joy.
And our joy has multiplied. We have three children. One girl and twin boys. They’re fun, silly, energetic, smart, and exhausting. All unique individuals, they keep us on our toes. Thanks to them, our home is filled with a lot of laughter.
We also have two dogs: a 10-year old mixed poodle-terrier named Sneaker and a 1-year old yorkie named Izzy.
On top of all this, God has also called me to be a pastor. Our church is a small, rural church filled with loving, faithful people. Working with them to live out the good news of God is a great gift.
What else? Well, I happen to like the following things (in no particular order of favourites): playing guitar, writing (obviously!), reading (theology, classic fiction), a variety of movies and TV shows but especially those in the sci-fi/adventure/fantasy/super-hero genres, Dairy Queen Chocolate Extreme Blizzards, buffalo wings, salsa, Doc Martens, Grip6 belts, and Birkenstock sandals. I love my children’s laughter and my wife’s smile. And I love that God — in his abundant grace — allows me to enjoy any of these things.
There. Now you really know me.
I hope you enjoy and get something out of reading my blog. I’d love it if you made some comments on a post or two. Normally, I usually post several times a week. Though occasionally I can go as long as a week or more without doing so. Fear not! I will post again!
Peace,
Pastor Derek
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