Peace in the Midst

Camp Meetings have been significant in Nazarene history and this tradition still continues in a variety of forms. From what I understand, people would travel to a particular place and camp out there for a week or two with the intent and expectation of focusing on God through worship, preaching, community, rest, etc. Some of the details have changed over time, but this purpose has remained. This is a good thing.

Curious, seeking space to focus on God, and having a few flexible days available this year, I decided to attend and experience this event which has clearly been influential in the lives of many over the years.

Dr. Diehl is speaking this year. He talked last night about peace that comes from God and told some of his own story. He talked about being saved, and he talked about being sanctified. Then, in that context, he talked about grieving the death of his son. He told us that no matter how "spiritual" we are, it hurts to be hurt. That's just part of being human.

Dr. Jim Diehl

I think we need to hear that, and to acknowledge it. Life sometimes throws awfully difficult stuff, and everyone experiences this to some degree. To try to sweep the hurt under the rug, or to pretend that it doesn't matter, is to lie about reality.

Dr. Diehl spoke truth about hurt. He also spoke truth about peace. He loves his son and grieves Dave's death. Dr. Diehl's God-given peace is not an absence of struggle, but in the midst of it. It's also not just nice-sounding-but-distant theology; he is living it. He knows what he is talking about.

There is much more I could say, but... not now, not here. The service (at least the preaching part) was recorded last night and will be available soon. Let me know if you're interested.