Watchword:
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:
Spiritual Balance
In last Tuesday’s Meditation, we spoke of Paul’s admonishment to pray without ceasing, which we concluded was an ongoing conversation with God as our daily life unfolds. Last night, Joyce Meyer, in her Ending Your Day Right devotional, 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 responsibilities.
So how do we get out of balance between our spiritual life and the life that we are living in these hours of darkness? I have been told that I spend too much time sitting, writing, and not much time exercising, organizing my garage or otherwise being active. What a revelation! I am part of an army of sitters, doing the same thing…??? In fairness, I would have to say, of course, they are right, and I’m working on it.
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 are fearful of moving away from the Word, from 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 awful lot like praying, in the broadest sense of that word, without ceasing. Maybe we should say it differently; maybe instead of praying without ceasing, we should be fellowshipping with God at all times, in all ways. 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. We might find joy so pervasive that we burst into song. How about this one that comes to mind on this beautiful morning:
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
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.
Amen.
Words to Watchword:
From Sue — Thank you for the daily inspirations. I have a simple approach to the Pandemic, having worked daily with pathogens of all kinds that could make me ill or that I could bring home to my family. So, to be able 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 and Mother Teresa. “Peace: The Words and Inspirations of Mahatma Gandhi” and “Mother Teresa: A Simple Path”. Good reads. (Added to our list of Classics)
We’re in this for the long haul. This virus and other pathogens are not going away. Others will replace them. The list of epidemics and pandemics is enormous if you care to search it. So, we must always work together. Gandhi said: “I am what I am because of who we are.” How very true!
So, thank you for your help in guiding others through a stressful time. This is just the beginning of renewing our commitment to remain in this mindset if we are to meet the challenges of the decades to come. The “We’re in this Together” slogan should be our permanent state of mind. May God’s graces continue to be with us.
(Sue is my sister-in-law and has been receiving the Watchwords from the start.)
Bulletin Board:
From Maury — I finished The Last Hour by Amir Tsarfati (recommended by David Jeremiah). It is prophesy but so much more of today’s world and the nation and present culture fit in. –MM
Smile — Gary was having a yard sale. A minister bought a lawn mower but returned it a few days later, complaining that it wouldn’t run. “It’ll run,” said Gary. “But you have to curse at it to get it started.” The minister was shocked. “I have not uttered a curse in 30 years.” “Just keep pulling on the starter rope—the words will come back to you.”
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 lead 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.
