Watchword:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Thessalonians 5:16-17
So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Meditation:
Keep Your Spiritual Balance
When we speak of Paul’s admonishment to pray without ceasing, we conclude it is an ongoing conversation with God as our daily life unfolds. In a recent Joyce Meyer evening devotional she added a perspective on that theme which really struck me as something that we need to consider as we continue to live through this period of change.
Meyer wrote that we have to have balance in our life, balance between our spiritual life, which encompasses time that we spend in prayer, in devotional reading, and so forth, and our earthly experiences and responsibilities.
So how do we get out of balance between our spiritual life and the life that we are living in these hours of uncertainty? I have been told that I spend too much time sitting, writing, and not enough time exercising, or otherwise being active. What a revelation! I would have to say, of course, they are right, and I’m working on it. I am currently going through cardiac rehab and it is helping me get into a habit of working out. Will it still be with me when I’m done? Hmmm.
The point that Meyer is making is that sometimes we get so caught up in spiritual things that we end up ignoring our earthly relationships and tasks, or we do with them without joy. It’s as if we’re fearful of moving away from the Word, due to some sense of insecurity in our relationship with God.
Myer Writes: “You can communicate with and enjoy Him while doing any number of earthly chores. He wants you to know you can talk with him throughout the day as well as in your prayer life. He is ever present and always available to fellowship with you and to help with your needs.”
To me, that sounds like praying, in the broadest sense of that word, without ceasing. Maybe we should say it differently; instead of praying without ceasing, we should be fellowshipping with God at all times. We might find Joy in even the most mundane, seemingly unimportant, tasks. We might even find joy doing the laundry, the dishes or, in my case, sorting out the mess I have in my garage.
In the interest of full disclosure, I rarely sit before my MacBook writing without praise music playing and often I feel joyful and join in. You might find the joy so pervasive that you also burst into song. How about this one that comes to mind on this beautiful morning:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Words of Wisdom From the Past:
From dearly departed sister-in-law, Sue — Thank you for daily inspirations. To handle stress, I learned I am strengthened by daily meditations (mind clearing & spiritual connection) to reduce the rumination and receive the blessings of God. I often come back to the easy to remember, succinct writings of Gandhi or Mother Teresa. “Peace: The Words and Inspirations of Mahatma Gandhi” and “Mother Teresa: A Simple Path”. Good reads. We must always work together. Gandhi said: “I am what I am because of who we are.” How very true! The “We’re in this Together” slogan should be our permanent state of mind. May God’s graces continue to be with us.
From Maury — I finished The Last Hour by Amir Tsarfati. It is prophesy but so much more of today’s world and the nation and present culture fit in. –MM
Closing Prayer:
Dear God, at the start of each day, help us to recognize you above all else. Enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see you, and notice how you’re at work through our lives. Give us wisdom to make the best choices, fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in this world. Let your Spirit and power breathe in us, through us, again, fresh and new. Thank you that you are greater than anything we may face in our day. Thank you that your presence goes with us, and that your joy is never dependent on our circumstances, but it is our true and lasting strength, no matter what we’re up against. We ask that your peace leads us, that it would guard our hearts and minds in you. We ask for your grace to cover our lives this day. We love you Lord…we need you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
