The necessary papers sat on top of the table in the far corner of the meeting room. In order to get them, I needed to navigate several large round banquet tables that were pushed together. I noticed a small table neighboring one of the big tables and determined that this table offered a step up to one of the large tables, allowing me to complete my quest for the papers trapped by the sea of tables. I assumed the smaller table was stable and balanced, after all, a telephone rested on its circular surface. Nevertheless, without any notice, as I confidently stepped on the smaller table, in an instant, my feet flew out from under me, sending me flying up, only to descend down, crashing upon the upturned edge of the table.
At that moment, I lay folded in half, stuck between the small, upended table and the wall. As the table flipped, my body upended, landing me in an uncomfortable position with a throbbing leg. In that momentary act, I was turned upside down. Stunned, I knew I needed help to get up.
Upended – To set or turn something on its end or upside down.
Two weeks later, I continue to feel the impact of being upended. Although the X-rays showed no broken bones, I walk slowly and carefully, rub ointment on my bruises, and favor my right leg when sitting and standing. This experience disoriented me in the moment and remains disrupting to my life today.
As I wonder about life with Jesus, I reflect on the ways Jesus upended His culture then and the world today. Jesus spoke of life in the kingdom that brings radical change: the first would be last, the weak would be strong, the poor would be rich, the smallest would be greatest, etc. He turned the cultural norms upside down both during His time on earth and for eternity. Jesus came to turn an upside down world right side up.
Consider the many people Jesus encountered in Scripture. Jesus upended the lives of those seeking answers: Zaccheaus, Paul, Peter, Mary, Martha, etc. By His touch Jesus upended the lives of those longing for healing: the bleeding woman, the bend woman, the paralytic, the lepers, the blind, etc. With His words, Jesus upended the confused with His comfort and clarity: the adulterous woman, the disciples, the men on the road to Emmaus, etc. Speaking through parables, Jesus upended cultural assumptions, beliefs, practices, etc. By His teaching, Jesus upended earthly patterns and replaced them with eternal perspectives. Jesus, as part of our Triune God, upended the world with His presence.
When has something in your life unexpectedly upended you? Reflect for a moment. How did you handle that experience? In what ways do you give attention to that upending today?
I wonder about welcoming the upending activity of God in our lives. The very nature of being upended involves surprise, unpredictability, and often brokenness of some kind. Many people avoid confusion, uncertainty, and pain by remaining busy and distracted. When little space exists for reflection, we often move through life numbed to upending experiences. Unfortunately, we push through life’s events without considering God’s presence and invitations during an upending.
What if we viewed those upendings in life as reminders of God’s great love? What if we considered that God upends our lives to mature us, purify us, and transform us?
To live upended requires a pivot in our perspective to match our Savior, Jesus Christ. God upends our lives to offer us not an upside-down view of reality, but to more clearly see right side up. He shows us what is real and true. He reveals that which lasts. When circumstances feel unsettled and off balance, let’s look to Jesus. Let’s welcome Jesus presence with us in the confusion, instability, and discomfort.
Has your journey with God experienced a spiritual upending: a time of disorientation or disruption? Were you vulnerable with others to share your struggle, pain, or confusion? To whom or what did you turn to guide you through this upending time? Know that God loves you!
Upended living looks at life differently. When we notice others who are upended, we get to come alongside them. Our very presence offers comfort, companionship, and Christ-like care. Upended living wonders about the areas of our life that God may be reorienting. Upended living believes God, even when doubt and fear arise. Upended living trusts God because He is good and gracious at all times.
God always comes in love – even when we are upended. Imagine God looking on you in love – His extravagant, abundant love. Notice His gaze and posture. Will you receive his tender care to the upended parts of your soul?
Maybe don’t try to step on a table, no matter how stable it seems 🤪 – yet, when you feel upended in life, remember that God loves you, is with you, and will carry you through. He is Faithful.
This week – – –
Jesus and the Bent Woman – Reflect on Luke 13:10-17 – Consider this woman’s life of pain for 18 years. Use your imagination to enter the scene. How do you notice Jesus upending this woman’s life? In what way does Jesus upend the lives of the leaders in the synagogue? Be curious with God about this passage – How does it speak to your life? What does it show you about who Jesus is?
Request. Spend some time in quiet reflection with God. Ask God to pivot your perspective. How is God maturing you to live like Jesus? What is God purifying within your soul? In what ways does the Holy Spirit invite you to live changed by the grace and love of our Triune God?
Receive. Rest in God’s care for you when you feel upended. Let Zephaniah 3:17 settle upon your soul: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Luke 13:30 – Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.
Matthew 5:3-12 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Charles H. Spurgeon. The Beatitudes. New Kensington, PA. 2012.
Richard D. Phillips. Turning Your World Upside Down: Kingdom Priorities in the Parables of Jesus. Phillipsburg, NJ. 2003.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Covenant Worship. Turning the World Upside Down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8MBqOWsqPk
Casting Crowns. The Change in Me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8TCZiy5A2A
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 30 – South Fellowship Church, Sisterhood Women’s Gathering
Littleton, CONovember 8 – Breathe Retreat
Littleton, CO.November 9-13 – Soul Care Encounter (Click here for more details)
Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, PA