E429 The Burden & Gift of Living

[Music] [Music] This is a Saddleback Church podcast. This is a Saddleback Church podcast. This is a Saddleback Church podcast. Hi friends. I'm out right now on leave Hi friends. I'm out right now on leave Hi friends. I'm out right now on leave as we celebrate the birth of my as we celebrate the birth of my as we celebrate the birth of my daughter. So for this week, I chose to daughter. So for this week, I chose to daughter. So for this week, I chose to rewind one of my favorite episodes that rewind one of my favorite episodes that rewind one of my favorite episodes that I've ever I've ever I've ever recorded. When I read Alan Noble's book recorded. When I read Alan Noble's book recorded. When I read Alan Noble's book on getting out of on getting out of on getting out of bed, it changed me. I'd venture to say bed, it changed me. I'd venture to say bed, it changed me. I'd venture to say that beyond the Bible, no other book has that beyond the Bible, no other book has that beyond the Bible, no other book has had such a strong impact on me. I have had such a strong impact on me. I have had such a strong impact on me. I have people in my life who struggle sometimes people in my life who struggle sometimes people in my life who struggle sometimes deeply with anxiety and deeply with anxiety and deeply with anxiety and depression. Maybe that's your story as depression. Maybe that's your story as depression. Maybe that's your story as well. Maybe you're in the middle of that well. Maybe you're in the middle of that well. Maybe you're in the middle of that struggle right now. struggle right now. struggle right now. Now, this book is a very personal Now, this book is a very personal Now, this book is a very personal firsthand account of Dr. Noble's own firsthand account of Dr. Noble's own firsthand account of Dr. Noble's own experiences, the deep struggles, but experiences, the deep struggles, but experiences, the deep struggles, but also the anchored hope that is also the anchored hope that is also the anchored hope that is constantly constantly constantly needed. In this episode, then today is needed. In this episode, then today is needed. In this episode, then today is me talking through my thoughts about the me talking through my thoughts about the me talking through my thoughts about the book, talking through why it impacted me book, talking through why it impacted me book, talking through why it impacted me so so so much. I was able to interview Dr. Noble much. I was able to interview Dr. Noble much. I was able to interview Dr. Noble for a later episode that I will link in for a later episode that I will link in for a later episode that I will link in the show notes uh here as the show notes uh here as the show notes uh here as well. But I want to say if you are

well. But I want to say if you are well. But I want to say if you are currently currently currently struggling, I'm praying for struggling, I'm praying for struggling, I'm praying for you. If you have a loved one who is you. If you have a loved one who is you. If you have a loved one who is currently currently currently struggling, I'm praying for struggling, I'm praying for struggling, I'm praying for you. If you know that the struggle could you. If you know that the struggle could you. If you know that the struggle could come any day come any day come any day now, I'm praying for you. now, I'm praying for you. now, I'm praying for you. My name is Jason Wheeland and this is My name is Jason Wheeland and this is My name is Jason Wheeland and this is doable disciplehip. Now the burden and doable disciplehip. Now the burden and doable disciplehip. Now the burden and gift of gift of gift of [Music] [Music] [Music] living. Today I want to do something a living. Today I want to do something a living. Today I want to do something a little different. I want to talk about little different. I want to talk about little different. I want to talk about my favorite book that I've read this my favorite book that I've read this my favorite book that I've read this year. And I haven't done an episode year. And I haven't done an episode year. And I haven't done an episode about this book yet, though I've about this book yet, though I've about this book yet, though I've mentioned it a number of times in mentioned it a number of times in mentioned it a number of times in previous episodes. I haven't gotten to previous episodes. I haven't gotten to previous episodes. I haven't gotten to talk with the author, though I do hope talk with the author, though I do hope talk with the author, though I do hope to one day. Still, this book has had a to one day. Still, this book has had a to one day. Still, this book has had a profound impact on me. The book is on profound impact on me. The book is on profound impact on me. The book is on getting out of bed, the burden and gift getting out of bed, the burden and gift getting out of bed, the burden and gift of living by Alan Noble. It's a little of living by Alan Noble. It's a little of living by Alan Noble. It's a little book. It's just over a 100 pages, but I book. It's just over a 100 pages, but I book. It's just over a 100 pages, but I quite literally have not stopped quite literally have not stopped quite literally have not stopped thinking about it since I read it thinking about it since I read it thinking about it since I read it earlier this year. So, as I said, today earlier this year. So, as I said, today earlier this year. So, as I said, today will be a little different. There's no will be a little different. There's no will be a little different. There's no guest. So, I hope you will indulge me guest. So, I hope you will indulge me guest. So, I hope you will indulge me that for one episode. Instead, what I'm

that for one episode. Instead, what I'm that for one episode. Instead, what I'm going to do is read some excerpts from going to do is read some excerpts from going to do is read some excerpts from the from the book on getting out of bed. the from the book on getting out of bed. the from the book on getting out of bed. and for each one talk a little bit about and for each one talk a little bit about and for each one talk a little bit about why I find it so why I find it so why I find it so powerful. My name is Jason Wland and powerful. My name is Jason Wland and powerful. My name is Jason Wland and this is undoable disciplehip, the this is undoable disciplehip, the this is undoable disciplehip, the Saddleback Church podcast, part of the Saddleback Church podcast, part of the Saddleback Church podcast, part of the Saddleback family of Saddleback family of Saddleback family of podcasts. Now, before I dive into the podcasts. Now, before I dive into the podcasts. Now, before I dive into the book, I want to share a little about why book, I want to share a little about why book, I want to share a little about why this book has impacted me so this book has impacted me so this book has impacted me so greatly. I have loved ones in my life greatly. I have loved ones in my life greatly. I have loved ones in my life who struggle with anxiety and who struggle with anxiety and who struggle with anxiety and depression. depression. depression. When I started reading this book, I very When I started reading this book, I very When I started reading this book, I very quickly found myself in familiar quickly found myself in familiar quickly found myself in familiar territory. Many of the stories and territory. Many of the stories and territory. Many of the stories and examples could have been taken from examples could have been taken from examples could have been taken from conversations I've had or events I've conversations I've had or events I've conversations I've had or events I've walked through. Now, to be clear, these walked through. Now, to be clear, these walked through. Now, to be clear, these anxiety and depression struggles are not anxiety and depression struggles are not anxiety and depression struggles are not something that I generally experience something that I generally experience something that I generally experience myself. I have always been a passenger myself. I have always been a passenger myself. I have always been a passenger to somebody else's experience.

to somebody else's experience. to somebody else's experience. And it is difficult to fully know and And it is difficult to fully know and And it is difficult to fully know and understand the feelings and thoughts of understand the feelings and thoughts of understand the feelings and thoughts of somebody who is trudging through the somebody who is trudging through the somebody who is trudging through the desert of anxiety and depression. And desert of anxiety and depression. And desert of anxiety and depression. And while this book can't put me square in while this book can't put me square in while this book can't put me square in those shoes, it certainly gave me an those shoes, it certainly gave me an those shoes, it certainly gave me an even deeper understanding and even deeper understanding and even deeper understanding and appreciation of what my loved ones go appreciation of what my loved ones go appreciation of what my loved ones go through and how to love them through and how to love them through and how to love them better. So with that said, let's dive better. So with that said, let's dive better. So with that said, let's dive into the first part of the book that I into the first part of the book that I into the first part of the book that I want to share. Now, this is a want to share. Now, this is a want to share. Now, this is a combination of sentences over two combination of sentences over two combination of sentences over two pages. Quote, "There's a kind of pages. Quote, "There's a kind of pages. Quote, "There's a kind of unspoken conspiracy to ignore how unspoken conspiracy to ignore how unspoken conspiracy to ignore how difficult life is. Almost every cultural difficult life is. Almost every cultural difficult life is. Almost every cultural institution, institution, institution, church, government, or church, government, or church, government, or corporation promises you a good life if corporation promises you a good life if corporation promises you a good life if you just do what they ask. Whatever you just do what they ask. Whatever you just do what they ask. Whatever problem you have, someone has developed problem you have, someone has developed problem you have, someone has developed a method for overcoming it." end quote. a method for overcoming it." end quote. a method for overcoming it." end quote. So here we see two different approaches So here we see two different approaches So here we see two different approaches that most people take with talking about that most people take with talking about that most people take with talking about suffering or difficulty. There's one suffering or difficulty. There's one suffering or difficulty. There's one tendency which is to ignore it or at tendency which is to ignore it or at tendency which is to ignore it or at least we pretend that we aren't least we pretend that we aren't least we pretend that we aren't experiencing it. Maybe we believe that experiencing it. Maybe we believe that experiencing it. Maybe we believe that we are weak if we admit that we are we are weak if we admit that we are we are weak if we admit that we are suffering or maybe we just don't want suffering or maybe we just don't want suffering or maybe we just don't want other people prying into our business.

other people prying into our business. other people prying into our business. And we'll we'll come back to this idea a And we'll we'll come back to this idea a And we'll we'll come back to this idea a little bit later in the book, but that's little bit later in the book, but that's little bit later in the book, but that's what he's getting at when he's talking what he's getting at when he's talking what he's getting at when he's talking about this unspoken conspiracy to ignore about this unspoken conspiracy to ignore about this unspoken conspiracy to ignore how difficult life is. For some reason, how difficult life is. For some reason, how difficult life is. For some reason, we have this tendency to just not want we have this tendency to just not want we have this tendency to just not want to talk about it, to not, you know, to to talk about it, to not, you know, to to talk about it, to not, you know, to always try to try to say, "Oh, I'm good. always try to try to say, "Oh, I'm good. always try to try to say, "Oh, I'm good. I'm fine. Things are good. Things are I'm fine. Things are good. Things are I'm fine. Things are good. Things are great." And but instead, we all know great." And but instead, we all know great." And but instead, we all know that there's this reality that suffering that there's this reality that suffering that there's this reality that suffering is real. It can be real daily. is real. It can be real daily. is real. It can be real daily. And then the second approach that we see And then the second approach that we see And then the second approach that we see um in this first passage is is the um in this first passage is is the um in this first passage is is the opposite. It's talking about diving into opposite. It's talking about diving into opposite. It's talking about diving into it, diving into the idea of suffering it, diving into the idea of suffering it, diving into the idea of suffering but for one's own benefit, right? It's but for one's own benefit, right? It's but for one's own benefit, right? It's because as he mentioned in that passage, because as he mentioned in that passage, because as he mentioned in that passage, he says every cultural institution, he says every cultural institution, he says every cultural institution, church, government or corporation church, government or corporation church, government or corporation promises you a good life if you do what promises you a good life if you do what promises you a good life if you do what they ask. Right? So that is saying you they ask. Right? So that is saying you they ask. Right? So that is saying you don't have to suffer. You don't have to don't have to suffer. You don't have to don't have to suffer. You don't have to experience difficulty in the pains of experience difficulty in the pains of experience difficulty in the pains of life if you just do what we say. If you life if you just do what we say. If you life if you just do what we say. If you just if you just uh take our just if you just uh take our just if you just uh take our prescription, if you just do our thing, prescription, if you just do our thing, prescription, if you just do our thing, if you buy our product, right? So if you buy our product, right? So if you buy our product, right? So there's this idea that many people take there's this idea that many people take there's this idea that many people take of how can I make money or gain of how can I make money or gain of how can I make money or gain influence from other people's influence from other people's influence from other people's misfortune. So to me having this as a misfortune. So to me having this as a misfortune. So to me having this as a passage I wanted to share it sets this passage I wanted to share it sets this passage I wanted to share it sets this perspective that we don't need to perspective that we don't need to perspective that we don't need to pretend that life is all roses and pretend that life is all roses and pretend that life is all roses and rainbows and rainbows and rainbows and unicorns. We don't have to uh agree to

unicorns. We don't have to uh agree to unicorns. We don't have to uh agree to this unspoken conspiracy as he mentioned this unspoken conspiracy as he mentioned this unspoken conspiracy as he mentioned to ignore how difficult life is. to ignore how difficult life is. to ignore how difficult life is. So the next passage then that I wanted So the next passage then that I wanted So the next passage then that I wanted to bring up today is another combination to bring up today is another combination to bring up today is another combination of two passages, but it speaks well to of two passages, but it speaks well to of two passages, but it speaks well to this other key this other key this other key idea. Quote, "Think about someone you idea. Quote, "Think about someone you idea. Quote, "Think about someone you know who was living the good life. know who was living the good life. know who was living the good life. Someone well-dressed, confident, Someone well-dressed, confident, Someone well-dressed, confident, smiling, high achieving, maybe even smiling, high achieving, maybe even smiling, high achieving, maybe even attractive and intelligent and funny. attractive and intelligent and funny. attractive and intelligent and funny. Nine times out of 10 they are carrying Nine times out of 10 they are carrying Nine times out of 10 they are carrying around something unspeakably painful. around something unspeakably painful. around something unspeakably painful. And often when you learn what that pain And often when you learn what that pain And often when you learn what that pain is, it'll be something completely is, it'll be something completely is, it'll be something completely unexpected. And then later he says, unexpected. And then later he says, unexpected. And then later he says, "This is one reason why we don't want to "This is one reason why we don't want to "This is one reason why we don't want to be honest. When someone asks us how be honest. When someone asks us how be honest. When someone asks us how we're doing, why we're doing, why we're doing, why admit to failure or weakness? If we tell admit to failure or weakness? If we tell admit to failure or weakness? If we tell the truth, they'll start offering the truth, they'll start offering the truth, they'll start offering advice, recommending some new method for advice, recommending some new method for advice, recommending some new method for fixing our problem, for overcoming fixing our problem, for overcoming fixing our problem, for overcoming anxiety or achieving our fullest anxiety or achieving our fullest anxiety or achieving our fullest potential or whatever. By the time they potential or whatever. By the time they potential or whatever. By the time they are done, we'll just feel the weight of are done, we'll just feel the weight of are done, we'll just feel the weight of a new obligation, another method to try, a new obligation, another method to try, a new obligation, another method to try, another chance to fail." End quote.

another chance to fail." End quote. another chance to fail." End quote. So sometimes we get into this habit of So sometimes we get into this habit of So sometimes we get into this habit of assuming assuming assuming or comparing right. We might see another or comparing right. We might see another or comparing right. We might see another person and think that man they seem to person and think that man they seem to person and think that man they seem to have life altogether or they just seem have life altogether or they just seem have life altogether or they just seem like solid people and we assume that like solid people and we assume that like solid people and we assume that they seem to have mastered the hardship they seem to have mastered the hardship they seem to have mastered the hardship of of of life that doesn't seem like they suffer life that doesn't seem like they suffer life that doesn't seem like they suffer in the same way that I do or that we do. in the same way that I do or that we do. in the same way that I do or that we do. And sometimes we get into this or I And sometimes we get into this or I And sometimes we get into this or I should say that can lead into this trap should say that can lead into this trap should say that can lead into this trap of of of comparison, right? Where you think, man, comparison, right? Where you think, man, comparison, right? Where you think, man, what are they doing better than me or what are they doing better than me or what are they doing better than me or what are they doing so right that I'm what are they doing so right that I'm what are they doing so right that I'm doing so doing so doing so wrong? But the truth is, it's not just wrong? But the truth is, it's not just wrong? But the truth is, it's not just you who is hiding your pain. you who is hiding your pain. you who is hiding your pain. Everybody hides their pain. Everybody Everybody hides their pain. Everybody Everybody hides their pain. Everybody has something that they're walking has something that they're walking has something that they're walking around with. As the author says, nine around with. As the author says, nine around with. As the author says, nine times out of 10, they are carrying times out of 10, they are carrying times out of 10, they are carrying around something unspeakably around something unspeakably around something unspeakably painful. And it might not be personal painful. And it might not be personal painful. And it might not be personal pain. It might not be something that pain. It might not be something that pain. It might not be something that they personally are experiencing they personally are experiencing they personally are experiencing themsel, but it might be the pain of a themsel, but it might be the pain of a themsel, but it might be the pain of a loved one who that they're going through loved one who that they're going through loved one who that they're going through something that has ripple effects on the something that has ripple effects on the something that has ripple effects on the lives of those close to them.

I think if you pause and you sit for a I think if you pause and you sit for a moment, you can think of people in your moment, you can think of people in your moment, you can think of people in your life. Maybe it's you or maybe it's life. Maybe it's you or maybe it's life. Maybe it's you or maybe it's somebody else. You can think of people somebody else. You can think of people somebody else. You can think of people in your life who you know are in your life who you know are in your life who you know are experiencing just devastating experiencing just devastating experiencing just devastating hardship. Maybe it's infertility in hardship. Maybe it's infertility in hardship. Maybe it's infertility in failed IVF failed IVF failed IVF experiences. Maybe it was um an adoption experiences. Maybe it was um an adoption experiences. Maybe it was um an adoption that that didn't go through. Maybe it that that didn't go through. Maybe it that that didn't go through. Maybe it was the job that you thought you that was the job that you thought you that was the job that you thought you that were going to get and then you just were going to get and then you just were going to get and then you just found out no, it's that this one is not found out no, it's that this one is not found out no, it's that this one is not for you. Maybe it's a diagnosis. It for you. Maybe it's a diagnosis. It for you. Maybe it's a diagnosis. It could be whatever. Another idea that I wanted to whatever. Another idea that I wanted to touch on from that passage is we may touch on from that passage is we may touch on from that passage is we may think that we're helping even when we think that we're helping even when we think that we're helping even when we have the best intentions, but it doesn't have the best intentions, but it doesn't have the best intentions, but it doesn't mean it plays that way to somebody mean it plays that way to somebody mean it plays that way to somebody struggling. Right? Back in that passage, struggling. Right? Back in that passage, struggling. Right? Back in that passage, he says, "If we tell the truth, they'll he says, "If we tell the truth, they'll he says, "If we tell the truth, they'll start start offering advice or start start offering advice or start start offering advice or recommending some new method for fixing recommending some new method for fixing recommending some new method for fixing our problem." our problem." our problem." Right? For people, for many people who Right? For people, for many people who Right? For people, for many people who have tried many things to feel have tried many things to feel have tried many things to feel better, to think differently, right? To better, to think differently, right? To better, to think differently, right? To keep and to keep coming back to these keep and to keep coming back to these keep and to keep coming back to these thoughts and feelings can feel thoughts and feelings can feel thoughts and feelings can feel demoralizing. And maybe that's not demoralizing. And maybe that's not demoralizing. And maybe that's not something you've experienced, but I've something you've experienced, but I've something you've experienced, but I've seen that in loved ones. I have try many seen that in loved ones. I have try many seen that in loved ones. I have try many different things. I say, "Okay, I guess different things. I say, "Okay, I guess different things. I say, "Okay, I guess maybe I'll try this then. Maybe this maybe I'll try this then. Maybe this maybe I'll try this then. Maybe this time will work to help me feel time will work to help me feel time will work to help me feel better." And yet what tends to happen is

better." And yet what tends to happen is better." And yet what tends to happen is the same feelings keep coming up. And as the same feelings keep coming up. And as the same feelings keep coming up. And as I said, that can feel I said, that can feel I said, that can feel demoralizing. But it's a good reminder demoralizing. But it's a good reminder demoralizing. But it's a good reminder for the loved ones of people who for the loved ones of people who for the loved ones of people who struggle with this to be mindful and struggle with this to be mindful and struggle with this to be mindful and considerate of where your loved one is considerate of where your loved one is considerate of where your loved one is at and not necessarily try to offer at and not necessarily try to offer at and not necessarily try to offer solutions in the moment. Just love them solutions in the moment. Just love them solutions in the moment. Just love them in the moment. Save the conversation in the moment. Save the conversation in the moment. Save the conversation about options for for later when maybe about options for for later when maybe about options for for later when maybe they're out of the of the deepest throws they're out of the of the deepest throws they're out of the of the deepest throws of whatever they're walking through. of whatever they're walking through. of whatever they're walking through. Instead, just being there and loved one. Instead, just being there and loved one. Instead, just being there and loved one. This is something that I've I've had to This is something that I've I've had to This is something that I've I've had to learn and I will say I'm not perfect at learn and I will say I'm not perfect at learn and I will say I'm not perfect at it. I am it. I am it. I am not. But this book has really helped to not. But this book has really helped to not. But this book has really helped to remind me of how important that remind me of how important that remind me of how important that is because for somebody who's in the in is because for somebody who's in the in is because for somebody who's in the in the thick of the thick of the thick of it, just being told about another thing, it, just being told about another thing, it, just being told about another thing, another thing to try that maybe it another thing to try that maybe it another thing to try that maybe it becomes another thing to fail at just becomes another thing to fail at just becomes another thing to fail at just feels unwanted. I want to move on to the next unwanted. I want to move on to the next passage that I want to highlight here.

passage that I want to highlight here. passage that I want to highlight here. I quote, "But here's the thing. Each I quote, "But here's the thing. Each I quote, "But here's the thing. Each morning, it's you. Each morning, you morning, it's you. Each morning, you morning, it's you. Each morning, you must choose to get out of bed or not. must choose to get out of bed or not. must choose to get out of bed or not. All the self-care in the world can't All the self-care in the world can't All the self-care in the world can't replace your replace your replace your choice." End choice." End choice." End quote. This is perhaps one of the most quote. This is perhaps one of the most quote. This is perhaps one of the most important sentences in the entire book important sentences in the entire book important sentences in the entire book for both the person who is struggling for both the person who is struggling for both the person who is struggling and for the loved one. and for the loved one. and for the loved one. Because all of the help, all of the Because all of the help, all of the Because all of the help, all of the motivation, the encouragement, all of motivation, the encouragement, all of motivation, the encouragement, all of the truth that you feel like if I just the truth that you feel like if I just the truth that you feel like if I just share this, if I just encourage this, if share this, if I just encourage this, if share this, if I just encourage this, if I just motivate enough, all of the all I just motivate enough, all of the all I just motivate enough, all of the all of the care in the whole world cannot of the care in the whole world cannot of the care in the whole world cannot make the decision for make the decision for make the decision for you. The decision to get out of bed all you. The decision to get out of bed all you. The decision to get out of bed all comes down to one comes down to one comes down to one person's person's person's decision. And that perspective is so decision. And that perspective is so decision. And that perspective is so important. Yes, that decision doesn't important. Yes, that decision doesn't important. Yes, that decision doesn't have to be made alone. It can be made have to be made alone. It can be made have to be made alone. It can be made with support of others and with God. But with support of others and with God. But with support of others and with God. But we are still autonomous beings with free we are still autonomous beings with free we are still autonomous beings with free will. So the decision still has to be will. So the decision still has to be will. So the decision still has to be made. We get to this idea a little bit made. We get to this idea a little bit made. We get to this idea a little bit later in the book, but I want to I want later in the book, but I want to I want later in the book, but I want to I want to touch on it now because it's so to touch on it now because it's so to touch on it now because it's so important here.

important here. important here. One thing that I've learned and I've One thing that I've learned and I've One thing that I've learned and I've come to deeply deeply appreciate is the come to deeply deeply appreciate is the come to deeply deeply appreciate is the amount of courage that is required that amount of courage that is required that amount of courage that is required that is is is needed for many people in this world to needed for many people in this world to needed for many people in this world to get out of bed to take the next step to get out of bed to take the next step to get out of bed to take the next step to engage with the dailiness of life. engage with the dailiness of life. engage with the dailiness of life. Because for many people when you're in Because for many people when you're in Because for many people when you're in the throws of depression or anxiety or the throws of depression or anxiety or the throws of depression or anxiety or this malaise, it can feel really this malaise, it can feel really this malaise, it can feel really difficult and you can just everything in difficult and you can just everything in difficult and you can just everything in your body can be screaming just stay in your body can be screaming just stay in your body can be screaming just stay in bed. Just put the covers over your head, bed. Just put the covers over your head, bed. Just put the covers over your head, pretend the world isn't there. And yet pretend the world isn't there. And yet pretend the world isn't there. And yet life does go on. There are life does go on. There are life does go on. There are responsibilities that pe that you have. responsibilities that pe that you have. responsibilities that pe that you have. There can be obligations. There can be There can be obligations. There can be There can be obligations. There can be needs that need to be met. And so it can needs that need to be met. And so it can needs that need to be met. And so it can take a lot of courage to say, "This day take a lot of courage to say, "This day take a lot of courage to say, "This day might be really hard and I might feel might be really hard and I might feel might be really hard and I might feel just awful just awful just awful today, but I'm still going to make the today, but I'm still going to make the today, but I'm still going to make the choice to pull off the covers, stand up, choice to pull off the covers, stand up, choice to pull off the covers, stand up, take a take a take a shower, get dressed, brush teeth, and shower, get dressed, brush teeth, and shower, get dressed, brush teeth, and enter into the world of the day."

enter into the world of the day." enter into the world of the day." That's what he's getting at when he's That's what he's getting at when he's That's what he's getting at when he's saying this that all the self-care in saying this that all the self-care in saying this that all the self-care in the world can't replace your choice. And the world can't replace your choice. And the world can't replace your choice. And that choice is one of courage. And that choice is one of courage. And that choice is one of courage. And again, we're going to get to that idea a again, we're going to get to that idea a again, we're going to get to that idea a little bit later in the book, but I little bit later in the book, but I little bit later in the book, but I wanted to touch on that here as wanted to touch on that here as wanted to touch on that here as well. Moving on in the well. Moving on in the well. Moving on in the book, a book, a book, a quote. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not I'm not quote. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not I'm not quote. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not I'm not I'm not getting into the quote yet. I uh I'm not getting into the quote yet. I uh I'm not getting into the quote yet. I uh I I wanted to I wanted to say this is I I wanted to I wanted to say this is I I wanted to I wanted to say this is that the book then starts to get more a that the book then starts to get more a that the book then starts to get more a little bit into its central theme. Now little bit into its central theme. Now little bit into its central theme. Now quote, why get out of bed? It's the most quote, why get out of bed? It's the most quote, why get out of bed? It's the most essential question in life. And the essential question in life. And the essential question in life. And the thing is, you must have an answer ready thing is, you must have an answer ready thing is, you must have an answer ready because you don't know when you'll need because you don't know when you'll need because you don't know when you'll need it. And when you need it, you won't have it. And when you need it, you won't have it. And when you need it, you won't have the time, energy, or willpower to go the time, energy, or willpower to go the time, energy, or willpower to go looking for answers. looking for answers. looking for answers. For some people, this looks like a busy For some people, this looks like a busy For some people, this looks like a busy life. And then the author continues to life. And then the author continues to life. And then the author continues to name two other things. For for some name two other things. For for some name two other things. For for some people, it's the hope of pleasure and people, it's the hope of pleasure and people, it's the hope of pleasure and for some people it's a platitudes. And for some people it's a platitudes. And for some people it's a platitudes. And I'll end that quote there.

I'll end that quote there. I'll end that quote there. So he enters into this idea that there So he enters into this idea that there So he enters into this idea that there that for some people for everybody maybe that for some people for everybody maybe that for some people for everybody maybe maybe you've never experienced this but maybe you've never experienced this but maybe you've never experienced this but maybe it will come this idea of just maybe it will come this idea of just maybe it will come this idea of just feeling I why get out of bed this feeling I why get out of bed this feeling I why get out of bed this morning and his charge for us is that we morning and his charge for us is that we morning and his charge for us is that we have to have an answer have to have an answer have to have an answer prepared we have to have an answer at prepared we have to have an answer at prepared we have to have an answer at the ready because otherwise we start to the ready because otherwise we start to the ready because otherwise we start to just grasp for things right if we're just grasp for things right if we're just grasp for things right if we're grasping for the busyiness It's like, grasping for the busyiness It's like, grasping for the busyiness It's like, well, I got I got so much to do today, well, I got I got so much to do today, well, I got I got so much to do today, so I have to get up because I have to I so I have to get up because I have to I so I have to get up because I have to I have I I have too much to do. And you have I I have too much to do. And you have I I have too much to do. And you just don't even get into the thought just don't even get into the thought just don't even get into the thought about your deepest reason why. You fill about your deepest reason why. You fill about your deepest reason why. You fill it with it with it with busyiness. Or for some people, he talks busyiness. Or for some people, he talks busyiness. Or for some people, he talks about it's the hope of future pleasure. about it's the hope of future pleasure. about it's the hope of future pleasure. Well, I have this to look forward to. Well, I have this to look forward to. Well, I have this to look forward to. Or, well, I know this part is going to Or, well, I know this part is going to Or, well, I know this part is going to be fun. um or oh well this coming up be fun. um or oh well this coming up be fun. um or oh well this coming up might be nice so I guess I'll get up might be nice so I guess I'll get up might be nice so I guess I'll get up because that is going to that thing because that is going to that thing because that is going to that thing that's coming later in the day might that's coming later in the day might that's coming later in the day might make me feel good I might feel happy make me feel good I might feel happy make me feel good I might feel happy because of it and again but what do you because of it and again but what do you because of it and again but what do you do then on days when you don't have do then on days when you don't have do then on days when you don't have something that you're looking forward to something that you're looking forward to something that you're looking forward to on the calendar or opposite you have on the calendar or opposite you have on the calendar or opposite you have something you are actively not looking something you are actively not looking something you are actively not looking forward to so you still need to have forward to so you still need to have forward to so you still need to have some deeper reason to get yourself up he some deeper reason to get yourself up he some deeper reason to get yourself up he also says for some people it's it's also says for some people it's it's also says for some people it's it's platitudes We look to platitudes, you platitudes We look to platitudes, you platitudes We look to platitudes, you know, it's, you know, it's the idea of know, it's, you know, it's the idea of know, it's, you know, it's the idea of win the day or it's the idea of of you win the day or it's the idea of of you win the day or it's the idea of of you got this or the idea of, you know, the

got this or the idea of, you know, the got this or the idea of, you know, the sun will come out tomorrow and you try sun will come out tomorrow and you try sun will come out tomorrow and you try to like tell yourself these to like tell yourself these to like tell yourself these platitudes, but they're just sayings. platitudes, but they're just sayings. platitudes, but they're just sayings. They aren't deep resonant They aren't deep resonant They aren't deep resonant meanings. So, let me then continue on in meanings. So, let me then continue on in meanings. So, let me then continue on in in the book. in the book. in the book. He He He says, quote, "You you you need to know says, quote, "You you you need to know says, quote, "You you you need to know that your being in the world is a that your being in the world is a that your being in the world is a witness and it counts for something. witness and it counts for something. witness and it counts for something. Your Your Your existence existence existence testifies. There is no mitigating this testifies. There is no mitigating this testifies. There is no mitigating this fact. There is nowhere you can hide fact. There is nowhere you can hide fact. There is nowhere you can hide where your life will not speak something where your life will not speak something where your life will not speak something to the world. All we can do sometimes is to the world. All we can do sometimes is to the world. All we can do sometimes is to decide what our existence is a to decide what our existence is a to decide what our existence is a witness to what it speaks of and how we witness to what it speaks of and how we witness to what it speaks of and how we can share the burden of witnessing with can share the burden of witnessing with can share the burden of witnessing with one another. End quote. Now, this idea one another. End quote. Now, this idea one another. End quote. Now, this idea of testifying becomes a if not the of testifying becomes a if not the of testifying becomes a if not the central theme of the central theme of the central theme of the book. And I should say it's one that I book. And I should say it's one that I book. And I should say it's one that I imagine we don't normally give a lot of imagine we don't normally give a lot of imagine we don't normally give a lot of thought thought thought to. The question, what is your life to. The question, what is your life to. The question, what is your life testifying testifying testifying to? It's an essential question even out to? It's an essential question even out to? It's an essential question even out of the context of suffering and of the context of suffering and of the context of suffering and hardship. But it becomes even more hardship. But it becomes even more hardship. But it becomes even more profound when put in that profound when put in that profound when put in that context, which then takes us straight context, which then takes us straight context, which then takes us straight into the next passage of the book.

into the next passage of the book. into the next passage of the book. quote, "But all of our actions, but I quote, "But all of our actions, but I quote, "But all of our actions, but I should sorry, but of all of our actions, should sorry, but of all of our actions, should sorry, but of all of our actions, very few speak louder about the nature very few speak louder about the nature very few speak louder about the nature of God, his goodness, his love for us, of God, his goodness, his love for us, of God, his goodness, his love for us, and the goodness of his creation than and the goodness of his creation than and the goodness of his creation than our choice to get out of bed each our choice to get out of bed each our choice to get out of bed each morning. Life will inevitably crush you morning. Life will inevitably crush you morning. Life will inevitably crush you at one point or another, and your at one point or another, and your at one point or another, and your response to that suffering will testify response to that suffering will testify response to that suffering will testify to something. There will be times when to something. There will be times when to something. There will be times when subjectively you will be convinced that subjectively you will be convinced that subjectively you will be convinced that life is not worth living and that life is not worth living and that life is not worth living and that existence is not beautiful or good but existence is not beautiful or good but existence is not beautiful or good but ownorous and meaningless. When those ownorous and meaningless. When those ownorous and meaningless. When those times come, your obligation is to look times come, your obligation is to look times come, your obligation is to look toward others as witnesses of God's toward others as witnesses of God's toward others as witnesses of God's goodness. To remember your goodness. To remember your goodness. To remember your responsibilities to care for others and responsibilities to care for others and responsibilities to care for others and to remember that you are always a to remember that you are always a to remember that you are always a witness whether you want to be or not. witness whether you want to be or not. witness whether you want to be or not. But most of all, remember that you are But most of all, remember that you are But most of all, remember that you are God's God's God's beloved. This means acknowledging the beloved. This means acknowledging the beloved. This means acknowledging the objective reality that life is good and objective reality that life is good and objective reality that life is good and that despite our distress, we must get that despite our distress, we must get that despite our distress, we must get up and carry on.

up and carry on. up and carry on. He continues, quote, "Your He continues, quote, "Your He continues, quote, "Your existence is a testament, a living existence is a testament, a living existence is a testament, a living argument, an affirmation of creation argument, an affirmation of creation argument, an affirmation of creation itself. When you rise each day, that act itself. When you rise each day, that act itself. When you rise each day, that act is a faint but real echo of God's it is is a faint but real echo of God's it is is a faint but real echo of God's it is good." By living this life, you good." By living this life, you good." By living this life, you participate in God's act of creation, participate in God's act of creation, participate in God's act of creation, asserting with your very asserting with your very asserting with your very existence that it is a existence that it is a existence that it is a good creation." End good creation." End good creation." End quote. Holy quote. Holy quote. Holy moly. I need to pause moly. I need to pause moly. I need to pause here. This here. This here. This truth is truth is truth is profound. It is profound. It is profound. It is gamechanging. It is mindbending yet just gamechanging. It is mindbending yet just gamechanging. It is mindbending yet just screams of truth. It is the truest screams of truth. It is the truest screams of truth. It is the truest truth because it is completely and truth because it is completely and truth because it is completely and utterly ingrained in utterly ingrained in utterly ingrained in us. The good of which God spoke in us. The good of which God spoke in us. The good of which God spoke in creation is not only alive and well in creation is not only alive and well in creation is not only alive and well in the world around the world around the world around you but in your very being.

you but in your very being. you but in your very being. This is the foundational root of your This is the foundational root of your This is the foundational root of your identity of who you are as a human being identity of who you are as a human being identity of who you are as a human being from the very beginning of from the very beginning of from the very beginning of creation. creation. creation. Good. You are a testimony of God's Good. You are a testimony of God's Good. You are a testimony of God's goodness just by being goodness just by being goodness just by being you, just by living. you, just by living. you, just by living. No matter what sort of day you are No matter what sort of day you are No matter what sort of day you are having, no matter your attitude or having, no matter your attitude or having, no matter your attitude or responses or feelings or insecurities, responses or feelings or insecurities, responses or feelings or insecurities, no matter what you've no matter what you've no matter what you've done, you are God's beloved and the done, you are God's beloved and the done, you are God's beloved and the pinnacle of his good pinnacle of his good pinnacle of his good creation. Dr. Noble says even when you creation. Dr. Noble says even when you creation. Dr. Noble says even when you don't feel that it is good, even when don't feel that it is good, even when don't feel that it is good, even when that goodness is that goodness is that goodness is unimaginable, it is unimaginable, it is unimaginable, it is good. So to go back then to that idea of good. So to go back then to that idea of good. So to go back then to that idea of what is your answer going to be? Why get what is your answer going to be? Why get what is your answer going to be? Why get out of bed? The most essential question out of bed? The most essential question out of bed? The most essential question and that charge that you need to have an and that charge that you need to have an and that charge that you need to have an answer ready. That is what he's getting answer ready. That is what he's getting answer ready. That is what he's getting at. that central theme that your at. that central theme that your at. that central theme that your existence is a testament an argument an existence is a testament an argument an existence is a testament an argument an affirmation for creation itself and that affirmation for creation itself and that affirmation for creation itself and that it is good that by living you it is good that by living you it is good that by living you participate in God's act of creation participate in God's act of creation participate in God's act of creation asserting with your very existence that asserting with your very existence that asserting with your very existence that it is good so that is a huge part of it is good so that is a huge part of it is good so that is a huge part of what that answer can and should what that answer can and should what that answer can and should be that when you wake up each day it is

be that when you wake up each day it is be that when you wake up each day it is God saying Hello good one, my child whom God saying Hello good one, my child whom God saying Hello good one, my child whom I I I made. I have another day for you. And made. I have another day for you. And made. I have another day for you. And yes, that yes, that yes, that day might come with day might come with day might come with difficulty. For all you know, it might difficulty. For all you know, it might difficulty. For all you know, it might be the hardest day of your life, but you be the hardest day of your life, but you be the hardest day of your life, but you are are are loved. You are still my creation. You loved. You are still my creation. You loved. You are still my creation. You are not an accident. I made you on are not an accident. I made you on are not an accident. I made you on purpose. And I made and I made you purpose. And I made and I made you purpose. And I made and I made you because I love you. because I love you. because I love you. And he he he enters into that idea as And he he he enters into that idea as And he he he enters into that idea as well that that we are responsible to well that that we are responsible to well that that we are responsible to other people too that our lives as a other people too that our lives as a other people too that our lives as a testimony to other people as well that testimony to other people as well that testimony to other people as well that we testify to the goodness of others as we testify to the goodness of others as we testify to the goodness of others as well. So it's not just always it's not well. So it's not just always it's not well. So it's not just always it's not just about us too. It's not just putting just about us too. It's not just putting just about us too. It's not just putting it in our own perspective. It's also it in our own perspective. It's also it in our own perspective. It's also putting it in the perspective of putting it in the perspective of putting it in the perspective of others. Now we've talked about this idea others. Now we've talked about this idea others. Now we've talked about this idea of getting out of bed but Dr. Noble of getting out of bed but Dr. Noble of getting out of bed but Dr. Noble expands on the scope a little bit later expands on the scope a little bit later expands on the scope a little bit later in the in the in the book. Quote, "The choice to get out of book. Quote, "The choice to get out of book. Quote, "The choice to get out of bed is not made once per day, but bed is not made once per day, but bed is not made once per day, but continually as we do the next thing."

continually as we do the next thing." continually as we do the next thing." End quote. End quote. End quote. Now, I'll be honest. This Now, I'll be honest. This Now, I'll be honest. This line hit me like a ton of line hit me like a ton of line hit me like a ton of bricks because you don't necessarily bricks because you don't necessarily bricks because you don't necessarily just pull the rip cord to start the lawn just pull the rip cord to start the lawn just pull the rip cord to start the lawn mower and then it's running for good, mower and then it's running for good, mower and then it's running for good, right? The choice to get out of bed right? The choice to get out of bed right? The choice to get out of bed becomes the choice to stay out of becomes the choice to stay out of becomes the choice to stay out of bed. And sometimes it is an hour by bed. And sometimes it is an hour by bed. And sometimes it is an hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second hour, minute by minute, second by second hour, minute by minute, second by second battle. And again, often times we don't battle. And again, often times we don't battle. And again, often times we don't realize or appreciate that this is the realize or appreciate that this is the realize or appreciate that this is the battle that many people are fighting all battle that many people are fighting all battle that many people are fighting all the the the time. You have no idea. The people in time. You have no idea. The people in time. You have no idea. The people in your office, the people at the grocery your office, the people at the grocery your office, the people at the grocery store, the people on the sidelines at store, the people on the sidelines at store, the people on the sidelines at the kids sports game, you have no the kids sports game, you have no the kids sports game, you have no idea that there are people there who are idea that there are people there who are idea that there are people there who are just struggling to stay just struggling to stay just struggling to stay there. That they have to fight every there. That they have to fight every there. That they have to fight every urge within them to just run away, to urge within them to just run away, to urge within them to just run away, to run back home, to climb into bed.

Now the next Now the next idea that I want to highlight is about idea that I want to highlight is about idea that I want to highlight is about just doing the next thing rather than just doing the next thing rather than just doing the next thing rather than getting overwhelmed by all of by all of getting overwhelmed by all of by all of getting overwhelmed by all of by all of the things. the things. the things. He He He says, quote, "To do the next thing is says, quote, "To do the next thing is says, quote, "To do the next thing is not to deny our other not to deny our other not to deny our other responsibilities, but to recognize that responsibilities, but to recognize that responsibilities, but to recognize that faithfulness is always an obligation for faithfulness is always an obligation for faithfulness is always an obligation for the the the present." Right now, we have a duty to present." Right now, we have a duty to present." Right now, we have a duty to serve God by doing whatever good work he serve God by doing whatever good work he serve God by doing whatever good work he has put before us. And if we trouble has put before us. And if we trouble has put before us. And if we trouble ourselves with all of the other things ourselves with all of the other things ourselves with all of the other things we are burdened with, the things of we are burdened with, the things of we are burdened with, the things of tomorrow or the next hour or minute, we tomorrow or the next hour or minute, we tomorrow or the next hour or minute, we will be overwhelmed. Don't do the next thing overwhelmed. Don't do the next thing just so that you can keep doing the next just so that you can keep doing the next just so that you can keep doing the next thing. Do the next thing because it thing. Do the next thing because it thing. Do the next thing because it honors God and testifies of his goodness honors God and testifies of his goodness honors God and testifies of his goodness and the goodness of your life to your and the goodness of your life to your and the goodness of your life to your neighbor. End quote.

neighbor. End quote. neighbor. End quote. Now, I love this because of the Now, I love this because of the Now, I love this because of the permission it gives. And it's not that permission it gives. And it's not that permission it gives. And it's not that we need the permission, but rather need we need the permission, but rather need we need the permission, but rather need the reminder of it. We tend to walk the reminder of it. We tend to walk the reminder of it. We tend to walk through life with so much on our plates through life with so much on our plates through life with so much on our plates at any given time, right? Always needing at any given time, right? Always needing at any given time, right? Always needing to be thinking about a dozen things to be thinking about a dozen things to be thinking about a dozen things before we can move on to the next dozen before we can move on to the next dozen before we can move on to the next dozen things, right? Being pulled this way and things, right? Being pulled this way and things, right? Being pulled this way and that. And this is such a great reminder that. And this is such a great reminder that. And this is such a great reminder that it's okay to just focus on the next that it's okay to just focus on the next that it's okay to just focus on the next thing. Whether that something is mundane thing. Whether that something is mundane thing. Whether that something is mundane like brushing your teeth or maybe it's like brushing your teeth or maybe it's like brushing your teeth or maybe it's something bigger like finishing a something bigger like finishing a something bigger like finishing a project for work. But doing the next project for work. But doing the next project for work. But doing the next thing, taking the next step, walking one thing, taking the next step, walking one thing, taking the next step, walking one step at a time is honoring to God. It is step at a time is honoring to God. It is step at a time is honoring to God. It is okay to tone it down, to walk slower. okay to tone it down, to walk slower. okay to tone it down, to walk slower. it's still walking. it's still walking. it's still walking. So maybe that's the reminder that really So maybe that's the reminder that really So maybe that's the reminder that really sticks with you today. That instead of sticks with you today. That instead of sticks with you today. That instead of having to think about all the other having to think about all the other having to think about all the other things, to think about the thing that's things, to think about the thing that's things, to think about the thing that's coming up next week, to think about all coming up next week, to think about all coming up next week, to think about all of the things you have to plan for of the things you have to plan for of the things you have to plan for months out, months out, or if you think months out, months out, or if you think months out, months out, or if you think about just the hecticness of life, or about just the hecticness of life, or about just the hecticness of life, or even even if your life doesn't feel even even if your life doesn't feel even even if your life doesn't feel hectic, but maybe you have a lot of hectic, but maybe you have a lot of hectic, but maybe you have a lot of little responsibilities that can feel little responsibilities that can feel little responsibilities that can feel just overwhelming and overwhelming and just overwhelming and overwhelming and just overwhelming and overwhelming and overwhelming. It is overwhelming. It is overwhelming. It is okay to just okay to just okay to just stop to just stop to just stop to just say just what is the next thing I need say just what is the next thing I need say just what is the next thing I need to do? All right, the next thing that I

to do? All right, the next thing that I to do? All right, the next thing that I need to do is to get dressed. I can do need to do is to get dressed. I can do need to do is to get dressed. I can do that. Okay, I'm dressed. Now, what is that. Okay, I'm dressed. Now, what is that. Okay, I'm dressed. Now, what is the next thing that I need to do? I feel the next thing that I need to do? I feel the next thing that I need to do? I feel hungry, so I need to hungry, so I need to hungry, so I need to eat. Okay, I ate. What is the next thing eat. Okay, I ate. What is the next thing eat. Okay, I ate. What is the next thing I need to do? And you know, God meets I need to do? And you know, God meets I need to do? And you know, God meets you in those you in those you in those moments. God is not just the God of of moments. God is not just the God of of moments. God is not just the God of of everything far from now. He is the God everything far from now. He is the God everything far from now. He is the God of the moments too. Moving on in the book, Dr. Noble too. Moving on in the book, Dr. Noble enters into a bit of a benediction on enters into a bit of a benediction on enters into a bit of a benediction on beauty in good gifts. beauty in good gifts. beauty in good gifts. He He He says a quote, "You must try to see the says a quote, "You must try to see the says a quote, "You must try to see the next, sorry, you must try to see the next, sorry, you must try to see the next, sorry, you must try to see the nice things around you now. You cannot nice things around you now. You cannot nice things around you now. You cannot wait until life slows down or you feel wait until life slows down or you feel wait until life slows down or you feel better or you are cured or free or better or you are cured or free or better or you are cured or free or whatever to accept the good gifts God whatever to accept the good gifts God whatever to accept the good gifts God gives you. You can't. This is gives you. You can't. This is gives you. You can't. This is non-negotiable. In my experience, with non-negotiable. In my experience, with non-negotiable. In my experience, with few exceptions, life doesn't slow down few exceptions, life doesn't slow down few exceptions, life doesn't slow down and some things don't get and some things don't get and some things don't get better. You either choose to receive the better. You either choose to receive the better. You either choose to receive the beauty and wonder of this life in the beauty and wonder of this life in the beauty and wonder of this life in the midst of chaos and distress or you never midst of chaos and distress or you never midst of chaos and distress or you never will. He continues, "So why get out of will. He continues, "So why get out of will. He continues, "So why get out of bed? Because life itself is a good gift

bed? Because life itself is a good gift bed? Because life itself is a good gift given by a loving God who even now given by a loving God who even now given by a loving God who even now preserves your every preserves your every preserves your every breath because your life and the lives breath because your life and the lives breath because your life and the lives of those around you are living of those around you are living of those around you are living testaments to God's love. End testaments to God's love. End testaments to God's love. End quote. Now, I love this call that he quote. Now, I love this call that he quote. Now, I love this call that he gives. There is beauty and goodness all gives. There is beauty and goodness all gives. There is beauty and goodness all around us. And sometimes, yes, sometimes around us. And sometimes, yes, sometimes around us. And sometimes, yes, sometimes it feels impossible to see or notice or it feels impossible to see or notice or it feels impossible to see or notice or care, but it doesn't mean that it isn't care, but it doesn't mean that it isn't care, but it doesn't mean that it isn't there. It it is. there. It it is. there. It it is. I love how this book presents a nice I love how this book presents a nice I love how this book presents a nice theology of God and creation just as theology of God and creation just as theology of God and creation just as much as it talks about much as it talks about much as it talks about suffering. And if we anchor into the suffering. And if we anchor into the suffering. And if we anchor into the truths that God is good, that God says truths that God is good, that God says truths that God is good, that God says his creation is good. I am his creation his creation is good. I am his creation his creation is good. I am his creation and therefore I am good and the rest of and therefore I am good and the rest of and therefore I am good and the rest of creation is creation is creation is good. That can have a profound impact on good. That can have a profound impact on good. That can have a profound impact on our outlook. our outlook. our outlook. Now again, this is Now again, this is Now again, this is not to diminish the reality that not to diminish the reality that not to diminish the reality that depression can make everything seem depression can make everything seem depression can make everything seem ugly. But when we're able to remind ugly. But when we're able to remind ugly. But when we're able to remind ourselves that those are tinted glasses ourselves that those are tinted glasses ourselves that those are tinted glasses and not the actual reality of God's and not the actual reality of God's and not the actual reality of God's beauty, then we might get to see things beauty, then we might get to see things beauty, then we might get to see things differently.

differently. differently. The book also enters into this important The book also enters into this important The book also enters into this important theme of theme of theme of sacrifice in the book as well. And this sacrifice in the book as well. And this sacrifice in the book as well. And this is when he talks about the bravery, the is when he talks about the bravery, the is when he talks about the bravery, the courage bit that I mentioned earlier. It courage bit that I mentioned earlier. It courage bit that I mentioned earlier. It says in the says in the says in the book, quote, it's never a good time to book, quote, it's never a good time to book, quote, it's never a good time to sacrifice for others, but it's always sacrifice for others, but it's always sacrifice for others, but it's always the right time to sacrifice for others. the right time to sacrifice for others. the right time to sacrifice for others. And he continues, quote, "In such And he continues, quote, "In such And he continues, quote, "In such moments, the friend or the dog or the moments, the friend or the dog or the moments, the friend or the dog or the coworker may never know what you are coworker may never know what you are coworker may never know what you are sacrificing to be with them. They may sacrificing to be with them. They may sacrificing to be with them. They may not appreciate what you can give them. not appreciate what you can give them. not appreciate what you can give them. They may even be confused or frustrated They may even be confused or frustrated They may even be confused or frustrated that you cannot do more. But that that you cannot do more. But that that you cannot do more. But that doesn't matter. doesn't matter. doesn't matter. What matters is that before God, you What matters is that before God, you What matters is that before God, you acted faithfully in doing the next acted faithfully in doing the next acted faithfully in doing the next thing. You rose out of thing. You rose out of thing. You rose out of bed.

bed. bed. Such are the unaccountable moments of Such are the unaccountable moments of Such are the unaccountable moments of courage which mental illness and life courage which mental illness and life courage which mental illness and life itself demands of us. End itself demands of us. End itself demands of us. End quote. Now, this is true. Other people quote. Now, this is true. Other people quote. Now, this is true. Other people may never know your struggle or never may never know your struggle or never may never know your struggle or never understand your understand your understand your struggle, but God struggle, but God struggle, but God does. And whomever you trust to let into does. And whomever you trust to let into does. And whomever you trust to let into that part of you will too. And to those that part of you will too. And to those that part of you will too. And to those people, your life is a glorious people, your life is a glorious people, your life is a glorious testimony. Throughout the book, Dr. testimony. Throughout the book, Dr. testimony. Throughout the book, Dr. Noble refers to the Cormarmac McCarthy Noble refers to the Cormarmac McCarthy Noble refers to the Cormarmac McCarthy novel, The Road. In fact, the very novel, The Road. In fact, the very novel, The Road. In fact, the very opening page of on getting out of bed is opening page of on getting out of bed is opening page of on getting out of bed is a quote from the road. It says, "What's a quote from the road. It says, "What's a quote from the road. It says, "What's the bravest thing you ever the bravest thing you ever the bravest thing you ever did getting up this did getting up this did getting up this morning?" End quote. Now, for many, many morning?" End quote. Now, for many, many morning?" End quote. Now, for many, many people, maybe for you listening, this people, maybe for you listening, this people, maybe for you listening, this rings incredibly true.

rings incredibly true. rings incredibly true. The choice to get out of bed, the choice The choice to get out of bed, the choice The choice to get out of bed, the choice to do the chores, to attend the party, to do the chores, to attend the party, to do the chores, to attend the party, to bring your kid to the event may take to bring your kid to the event may take to bring your kid to the event may take incredible acts of incredible acts of incredible acts of bravery. I've I've seen this firsthand bravery. I've I've seen this firsthand bravery. I've I've seen this firsthand in the lives of loved in the lives of loved in the lives of loved ones. And even though I can't fully ones. And even though I can't fully ones. And even though I can't fully understand because it is beyond my own understand because it is beyond my own understand because it is beyond my own experience, I deeply admire that experience, I deeply admire that experience, I deeply admire that courage. And I know I personally try to courage. And I know I personally try to courage. And I know I personally try to do whatever I can to support through it. Now this brings us towards the end it. Now this brings us towards the end of the book. It of the book. It of the book. It says, says, says, quote, "Yet this is our calling to quote, "Yet this is our calling to quote, "Yet this is our calling to glorify God by honoring his glorify God by honoring his glorify God by honoring his creation." You, you are God's good creation." You, you are God's good creation." You, you are God's good creation. creation. creation. Regardless of how you feel or what you Regardless of how you feel or what you Regardless of how you feel or what you have done or experienced have done or experienced have done or experienced or weakened by sin, fallen and in need or weakened by sin, fallen and in need or weakened by sin, fallen and in need of a redeemer. Yes. But nevertheless, of a redeemer. Yes. But nevertheless, of a redeemer. Yes. But nevertheless, your existence in this world is good.

your existence in this world is good. your existence in this world is good. And even that weakness, that sin has And even that weakness, that sin has And even that weakness, that sin has been overcome by Christ's sacrifice on been overcome by Christ's sacrifice on been overcome by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. the cross. the cross. And he continues later, quote, "And And he continues later, quote, "And And he continues later, quote, "And while suffering is a normal part of while suffering is a normal part of while suffering is a normal part of fallen human life, it is not the essence fallen human life, it is not the essence fallen human life, it is not the essence of life. At the center of existence is of life. At the center of existence is of life. At the center of existence is not suffering, but grace. The grace of not suffering, but grace. The grace of not suffering, but grace. The grace of Christ. The grace that created you, that Christ. The grace that created you, that Christ. The grace that created you, that cleanses you from all unrighteousness, cleanses you from all unrighteousness, cleanses you from all unrighteousness, that provides all the blessing of this that provides all the blessing of this that provides all the blessing of this life. The same God who sent his son to life. The same God who sent his son to life. The same God who sent his son to die for you sustains your existence and die for you sustains your existence and die for you sustains your existence and created created created you. you. you. You, miraculous you, because he loves You, miraculous you, because he loves You, miraculous you, because he loves you, whether you believe it or you, whether you believe it or you, whether you believe it or not. End not. End not. End quote. So, this brings back that quote. So, this brings back that quote. So, this brings back that question that was asked earlier in the question that was asked earlier in the question that was asked earlier in the book and throughout the book. Why get book and throughout the book. Why get book and throughout the book. Why get out of bed? The answer, which if you out of bed? The answer, which if you out of bed? The answer, which if you remember needs to be kept in your back remember needs to be kept in your back remember needs to be kept in your back pocket for whenever the day of struggle pocket for whenever the day of struggle pocket for whenever the day of struggle comes, is this calling to glorify God by comes, is this calling to glorify God by comes, is this calling to glorify God by honoring his creation.

honoring his creation. honoring his creation. You life only exists because God willed You life only exists because God willed You life only exists because God willed it to it to it to exist. and he willed it to exist and exist. and he willed it to exist and exist. and he willed it to exist and continues to do continues to do continues to do so because he is so in love with you and so because he is so in love with you and so because he is so in love with you and because he only makes good because he only makes good because he only makes good things. I said at the beginning of this things. I said at the beginning of this things. I said at the beginning of this episode that this book has had a episode that this book has had a episode that this book has had a profound impact on profound impact on profound impact on me. I've been telling people I've been me. I've been telling people I've been me. I've been telling people I've been telling as many people about it as I can telling as many people about it as I can telling as many people about it as I can think of and I hope you see why. For think of and I hope you see why. For think of and I hope you see why. For me, it is such a well-worded glimpse at me, it is such a well-worded glimpse at me, it is such a well-worded glimpse at the struggles that so many people go the struggles that so many people go the struggles that so many people go through, at the reality that through, at the reality that through, at the reality that everybody suffers in some way or everybody suffers in some way or everybody suffers in some way or another. Now, I can't say that I another. Now, I can't say that I another. Now, I can't say that I personally have wrestled with the personally have wrestled with the personally have wrestled with the question of getting out of bed, but I question of getting out of bed, but I question of getting out of bed, but I know people who have and do.

know people who have and do. know people who have and do. But this book and the truths it shares But this book and the truths it shares But this book and the truths it shares isn't just about people with anxiety and isn't just about people with anxiety and isn't just about people with anxiety and depression. It speaks openly and depression. It speaks openly and depression. It speaks openly and candidly about that which we so often candidly about that which we so often candidly about that which we so often choose to hide or silence. Suffering is choose to hide or silence. Suffering is choose to hide or silence. Suffering is inevitable. It is a part of life. We do inevitable. It is a part of life. We do inevitable. It is a part of life. We do not know the future on a day-to-day not know the future on a day-to-day not know the future on a day-to-day perspective. So we cannot know what perspective. So we cannot know what perspective. So we cannot know what hardships we might face. hardships we might face. hardships we might face. However, we do know why we are here and However, we do know why we are here and However, we do know why we are here and who we are here who we are here who we are here with. Your existence is good because God with. Your existence is good because God with. Your existence is good because God is good and he made you. This book is a is good and he made you. This book is a is good and he made you. This book is a call to adopt and fully call to adopt and fully call to adopt and fully embrace embrace embrace your your your createdness. What it means to be created createdness. What it means to be created createdness. What it means to be created by a good God. And not just created, but by a good God. And not just created, but by a good God. And not just created, but known. And not just known, but known. And not just known, but known. And not just known, but sustained. And not just sustained. And not just sustained. And not just sustained, but sustained, but sustained, but loved. So so very loved. I'm putting two links in the show loved. I'm putting two links in the show notes for this episode. First is a link notes for this episode. First is a link notes for this episode. First is a link to this book on getting out of bed by to this book on getting out of bed by to this book on getting out of bed by Alan Noble. I I truly hope you check it Alan Noble. I I truly hope you check it Alan Noble. I I truly hope you check it out. The second is a link to

saddleback.com/cares. Now, if you have saddleback.com/cares. Now, if you have resonated with the themes and realities resonated with the themes and realities resonated with the themes and realities talked about in this book and through talked about in this book and through talked about in this book and through this episode, visit the website to learn this episode, visit the website to learn this episode, visit the website to learn more about Saddleback's care ministry. more about Saddleback's care ministry. more about Saddleback's care ministry. or if you are somewhere else in the or if you are somewhere else in the or if you are somewhere else in the country, I encourage you to connect with country, I encourage you to connect with country, I encourage you to connect with your local church near your local church near your local church near you. Let me you. Let me you. Let me pray. Father pray. Father pray. Father God, you know our struggles and not just God, you know our struggles and not just God, you know our struggles and not just the ones that boil up to the surface, the ones that boil up to the surface, the ones that boil up to the surface, but even our innermost but even our innermost but even our innermost struggles. No thought, no feeling is struggles. No thought, no feeling is struggles. No thought, no feeling is hidden from you. hidden from you. hidden from you. And And And still and still and still and still you call us still you call us still you call us good. You call us good. You call us good. You call us beloved. You call us yours. beloved. You call us yours. beloved. You call us yours. It is because of this that we can live It is because of this that we can live It is because of this that we can live with and through grief and suffering with and through grief and suffering with and through grief and suffering seemingly seemingly seemingly unimaginable and yet still whisper, "It unimaginable and yet still whisper, "It unimaginable and yet still whisper, "It is well with my is well with my is well with my soul. You are our soul. You are our soul. You are our redeemer. Nothing can take that redeemer. Nothing can take that redeemer. Nothing can take that away." You offer your comfort, your away." You offer your comfort, your away." You offer your comfort, your counsel.

counsel. counsel. My cup My cup My cup overflows. For anybody right now who is overflows. For anybody right now who is overflows. For anybody right now who is feeling the weight of that foundational feeling the weight of that foundational feeling the weight of that foundational question of getting out of question of getting out of question of getting out of bed, Lord, I pray for your hand of care bed, Lord, I pray for your hand of care bed, Lord, I pray for your hand of care to be laid upon them. I ask for that to be laid upon them. I ask for that to be laid upon them. I ask for that still small voice of goodness and love still small voice of goodness and love still small voice of goodness and love to speak through the darkness. to speak through the darkness. to speak through the darkness. Thank you for who you are. The God of Thank you for who you are. The God of Thank you for who you are. The God of the universe, the creator of all the universe, the creator of all the universe, the creator of all things, lover of my things, lover of my things, lover of my soul. And thank you for who I soul. And thank you for who I soul. And thank you for who I am, your am, your am, your creation, your creation, your creation, your beloved. Amen. [Music] [Music] If you enjoyed this episode, consider If you enjoyed this episode, consider If you enjoyed this episode, consider giving us a rating or review on iTunes. giving us a rating or review on iTunes. giving us a rating or review on iTunes. If you do, you'll help other people find If you do, you'll help other people find If you do, you'll help other people find us in the future. You can also listen to us in the future. You can also listen to us in the future. You can also listen to these episodes on YouTube. Just these episodes on YouTube. Just these episodes on YouTube. Just subscribe to the Saddleback Church subscribe to the Saddleback Church subscribe to the Saddleback Church YouTube channel for these conversations, YouTube channel for these conversations, YouTube channel for these conversations, plus lots of other video content. And if plus lots of other video content. And if plus lots of other video content. And if you are already listening to us on you are already listening to us on you are already listening to us on YouTube, subscribe to the Doable YouTube, subscribe to the Doable YouTube, subscribe to the Doable Disciplehip Podcast on Apple Podcast or Disciplehip Podcast on Apple Podcast or Disciplehip Podcast on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcasting app so you can your favorite podcasting app so you can your favorite podcasting app so you can listen in the car or wherever else you listen in the car or wherever else you listen in the car or wherever else you go. Don't forget to visit go. Don't forget to visit go. Don't forget to visit saddleback.com/doable to check out all saddleback.com/doable to check out all saddleback.com/doable to check out all of our previous episodes. And go to of our previous episodes. And go to of our previous episodes. And go to saddleback.com/grow to find spiritual saddleback.com/grow to find spiritual saddleback.com/grow to find spiritual growth resources and view a calendar of

growth resources and view a calendar of growth resources and view a calendar of upcoming events. Lastly, you can always upcoming events. Lastly, you can always upcoming events. Lastly, you can always get in touch with us by emailing get in touch with us by emailing get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]. Send us your [email protected]. Send us your [email protected]. Send us your thoughts. Send us your questions, your thoughts. Send us your questions, your thoughts. Send us your questions, your Bible questions, your life questions, Bible questions, your life questions, Bible questions, your life questions, whatever. Who knows? Your question might whatever. Who knows? Your question might whatever. Who knows? Your question might just inspire an upcoming episode. Thanks just inspire an upcoming episode. Thanks just inspire an upcoming episode. Thanks again for tuning in to Dubble again for tuning in to Dubble again for tuning in to Dubble Disciplehip. I'm Jason Wheelen and I Disciplehip. I'm Jason Wheelen and I Disciplehip. I'm Jason Wheelen and I hope you'll join us again next week. hope you'll join us again next week. hope you'll join us again next week. [Music]