WATCHWORD:
And this righteousness will bring peace.
Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:17
Meditation:
Change of Plans
The Lord Speaks: Today I want you to take a deep breath and consider a better way. My Word will give you the answers you need. Realize that a spirit of quietness and confidence only comes when you stop and focus on Me.
A change of plans or a new normal! Too often that phrase seems to apply to things changing in your life, often from good to bad, like a medical diagnosis or loss of loved one. Or, perhaps the change is from good to better! You know, like marriage or new babies (especially the first one), or a promotion.
Sometimes that ‘New Normal’ is a choice, a decision that one makes because of new information provided. Two days ago I was was resigned to the fact that I would undergo heart surgery. Then because of the advice and counsel of the surgeon, armed with all of my medical data, questioned the elevated risks of heart attack or stroke, and suggested waiting several weeks to allow medication and change in routine to have their effects. So my new normal is one of following orders and waiting.
Take for example this little bit of an essay I wrote several years ago: The surface of the lake was like a mirror. It was cloudy and the sun was behind the man who stood in the boat, still, as if he were a statue. He spoke in a friendly, easy tone. He told stories that made the people that lined the hillside think. Stories that engaged the listener, and told of common events in their lives. Stories that carried a lesson. Stories that made people think how they were living their lives, and suggested ways that honored others. He told stories that related their farming experience and background to changed lives. He told stores of reaching out to others, being generous and loving. He spoke of loving your neighbor, being faithful to God, and putting behind them things that they cherished more than their faith in God. As he spoke, more and more people gathered. They liked what he was saying, his words touched them deeply, and many were changed.
Sometimes God speaks to us and it makes a difference. Maybe we weren’t near the Sea of Galilee listening to our Lord, but he was with me during that conversation with the surgeon. Or perhaps in the Zoom call you had with members of your family. Or in the very prayers we offer to Him, daily. Oh, yes, He is with us.
Be honest, this normal of ours has sharpened our senses, and we are changing, and the change isn’t all bad. Maybe our ability to appreciate little things is clearer, to value friendship more, or, as the country-western song says: I loved deeper and I spoke sweetervand I gave forgiveness I’d been denying. Somewhere in our personal sphere we realize that God is doing a good work in you and I…and He will see it through to completion.
I am not unhappy with the decision not to undergo heart surgery. I wrote this to my family in explaining the choice: I am at peace with this plan. It was a complete change where my mindset had been, but I am good. God is in charge, and I trust Him fully with my life. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Maybe that is our true new normal. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Father, we are tempted to worry about so many things. Our world is a mess! Forgive us for focusing on anything or anyone but You. Thank You for the Bible that equips and empowers us to live each day. Right now, we declare that You are our only Hope. Please help us remember that You really are in control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
