"Sit Down and Be Quiet"

 

 

 

2020, what a year right? I think it’s safe to say that this year will go down in history as one of the craziest. I was sitting in a waiting area, and a man walk in with a t-shirt that read “2020 Sucks”, and his wife was wearing a “SNAPPED” t-shirt.  I think this is the only time you can wear something like that, and people not think you are suicidal or homicidal, well, because we all get it! 

 

This year all the things that you could never imagine happened, and all at the same time.  In addition to the pandemic many of us are experiencing personal tragedies.  The waters are turbulent, everyone has an opinion about it, and our government leaders don’t have a viable solution. 

 

The phase uncertain times has been used a lot, and it is exactly that.   We have nothing solid to stand on.  A global pandemic, civil injustice and unrest, a political circus, a shook educational system, unemployment, businesses shutting down, and on top of that everyone is tired of social distancing and wearing masks! 

 

So, what can we do?  Well, as my momma use to say to me when I was a kid; “Get somewhere, sit your tail down, and be quiet!”   I am pretty sure she didn’t know she was being biblical at the time, but folks God has us right where He wants us, don’t believe me? Read Psalm 46:10, and the entire chapter for that matter.     

 

Psalm 46 reminds us, that God is our refuge and strength. Our place of safety and substance.  God is a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear no matter how devastating the storm.  It can be difficult to rest in this truth when we are listening to everyone and everything but, God. 

 

People.  God wants us to sit down,and be quiet long enough to know Him. He wants us to hear what He has to say right now. He wants to keep us safe; give us real knowledge, wisdom and peace.  We can have peace right now.  However, peace won’t come while we are having futile arguments with people on social media every chance we get, or while watching endless hours of CNN or Fox news as they scare the daylights out of us from sunup to sun down?

 

    Only God knows everything about everyone, and every situation. Only God knows the heart of every individual including ours. Take this time to know God. Block out all the noise. Too many opinions, theories, and stores will steal your clarity of thought. It muffles the sound of God’s voice; if you can hear it at all? 

 

To know God is to understand Him, to observe and recognize what He is trying to do through your situations, and the world’s. To know God is to know Him well enough to understand why these things have to happen, and what you should be doing as a result of them.  Be still in Him, and He will keep you still, as in poised, calm, clear, obedient to Him, and active where it counts the most.

 

Who Is Able?

 As we continue to face this global crisis ushered in by the Coronavirus, I can’t help but notice that God is not being consulted in higher offices. With all their education, intelligence, and wisdom no one has felt the need to call a global prayer meeting. 
 Yet with their best efforts our leaders have been unable to stop the spread of the Coronavirus  Their predictions keep changing, the facts on how the virus can be contracted continues to evolve. Hospitals have no more rooms for patients. They are running out of lifesaving equipment, and many of our healthcare professionals have lost their lives trying to protect us. They are telling us not to visit the hospital if we think we've contracted it!?  So where do we go for treatment?  Who can protect us, who can heal us? Who is able to stop the progression of this deadly virus? 

God is Able!  

The one and only Person that can deliver us is not being mentioned as a weapon to fight against this pandemic. Yes, churches are praying, believers are consulting God in our communities, or in our space of influence for Christ. We are trying to stand in the gap, but many of us are already surrendered to Christ.  However, our nation is not in the correct posture.   The Word of God says every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that I am Lord; Romans 14:11. Our country is prideful, and we boldly display on our currency “In God we Trust”.  But our actions are not backing this up. 

Politicians want to be Heroes. But they are not capable.  So, we ask the question again. Who is Able? The Word’s resounding response is GOD is ABLE.  Eph. 3:20 says; “Now unto Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think... "  This should cause us to seek. It is a mystery to many, a question that will cause us to look deeper for answers from God, and knock at the door until it is opened.   

He who is Able, has an extensive resume. A proven track record that backs Him up! God is our Creator, God is our Healer, God is our Deliver, God paid our ransom, God gave us His only Son. God delivered the Children of Israel across the red sea on dry ground. God protected His people from the plagues of Egypt. God raises the dead. God makes the lame walk, and the dumb talk. God provides for every living creature big and small.  God can do more than anything you or I will ever think to ask Him! But first we’ve got to ask Him. We must trust His track record. Yes, people have died. People are dying. But people are also surviving. God’s hand of mercy still covers us.  He is standing and waiting to be acknowledged.  We need to deliberately and diligently seek Him. 

The one Who is Able, has thoughts and ways that are far above ours. You can take the smartest leader in the world, and put them with the smartest scientist, the most intelligent economists and strategists and they still will not be able to accomplish what God can.  The Bible says, “for as high as the heaven is above the earth, so are my thoughts and ways higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:9) 

 This is a vast distance. None of us can pinpoint where heaven is. We can’t even fathom heaven's location past the universe.  This is why we pray; this is why we consult God. He has answers and solutions that never enter our minds.  

So, who is Able? God is Able, and He wants to work in cooperation with us!  

Exchanging my wants for His

We usually do this the other way around right? And when things don't go the way we want we become angry with the world, and with God.  This scripture in the 37th Psalm has given us the "secret sauce" to our happiness.  "Delight yourself in the Lord."  

 This means spending time with Him.  Read about Him.  Pray to Him.  Studying Him, asking Him questions, and WAITING for an answer. (This is always the hardest part).  We make our life about Him. 

 I know we have often asked: "What do I really want"?

I feel after we've gone around the mountain and back, we all will arrive at the same answer:  peace and happiness.  However, the means by which this happiness is delivered to us is what can muddy the waters.  We think we know what will make us happy so we put all of our energy into that "thing" we think will do it for us. Most of the time it's natural things: 

A house,  a car,  a person, or a relationship.  For all of you younger folks reading this, Spoiler alert: those aren't it! lol.  Although you may feel pretty happy in the beginning, all of these things will fizzle out and ultimately disappoint. 

Delighting in God first is going to save you a lot of time and frustration. 

We've got to put our wants to the side and start exploring what it is that God wants. And in doing this:  love, peace, and happiness will flow through you regardless of what is going on around you, and in your life. 

Be Blessed! 

My Soul Has Weight

Today as I was reading The 40 Day Soul fast, by Cindy Trimm I learned that there is this scientific study out there called 21 grams, have you heard of it?  This research shows that immediately after a person dies they lose 21 grams.  That’s 3/4^thof and ounce.  Wow!?  I’ve never heard of this experiment, but Duncan McDougal performed this back in 1907.  He would take a terminally ill patient and weigh them right before their passing, and then immediately after. He did this on six people, and several animals to confirm that there was a difference. There was no weight change in the animals but in the humans it was 21 grams!  I have never thought about they physical weight of our souls. 

My immediate emotion to this finding is that, the soul is extremely powerful! If you think about our personality, emotions and aspirations, which is the seat of where EVERY thing lies, it all weighs less than an ounce!  

My mind is really blown.  This says to me that I really have to put my self in an environment where I can tap into this very powerful piece of me.   We are Body, Soul, and Spirit.  The body, (which is dying daily) unfortunately gets all the attention, but the soul is eternal.  Ironically meaning, that although it cannot be properly measured by natural means, it carries the most weight. Our souls live forever. 

The soul is often starved or neglected and given the wrong diet. It is ignored and overlooked, under valued in our world.  The scripture even says, “Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.”  1 Sam. 16:7

This means God doesn’t judge us by how we look, what we own, or our connections. He judges us by what is inside. However,  we live our lives mostly taking care of what the world sees as if their vote matters. God’s Judgment is the only one that matters! He holds our eternal home. We should nurture from the inside out. 

Why do we give more attention to the flesh than our soul?  Is it because we care more about what people say and think, than what God knows about us? Does it make us feel accepted, likeable, or in-fashion? Those things fade.  When we give attention to our soul man we really begin to see how much weight 21 grams carries in the kingdom of God. 

Our soul is our inward compass, the rotor in our ship so to speak. From our soul (i.e. our heart) flows the issues of life. Where our heart is, there will our treasure be also. This is the Word letting us know just how much weight the soul carries.  

We must build up our souls and guard it! Protecting it with the hope of God’s word. Guard your soul against despair and hopelessness, negativity and complaining. All of these things poisons the heart and spills out into our daily life. Our soul is what dictates our path, and destination. 

It is hard to deceive the heart because it is who we are. If our soul is full of darkness our lives, our conversation, and choices will reflect the same. This is why God tells us to guard our hearts with all diligence.  Meaning put more effort into protecting your inner man, because it will dictate what happens on the outside. If you want to be happy, if you want to find joy, feed your soul the Words of God. They are hope, and They are life! 

Choices

Today I’m starting again, to read The 40 Day Soul Fast  “Your Journey to Authentic Living", by Cindy Trimm.  I purchased this book years ago following New Years.  My sister and I thought it would be a great way to start our year. As I look back on the pages, (after dusting them off first!) I realize I’d only made it to page 32!  I can tell you I purchased this book well over 5 years ago!   Okay transparent moment:  I don’t know why sometimes I can’t finish what I start. I have so many good intentions and good ideas. I will start something work on it, put it down, and pick up something else?   Yes, I have accomplished things, but in the grand scheme, I have found there is still so much more that is trying to get out.  I can feel the Spirit trying to birth it out of me, and I will procrastinate on it. I do realize that it is about daily choices.  Choosing natural or carnal things over spiritual. Putting something off until tomorrow, when I’m capable of doing it today.  A few days, weeks, and months of that, and it’s no wonder that “thing’’ that God gave me to do isn’t done yet!  Lord, thank you for grace and please forgive me."  I am making “the better choice” starting today.  

In Cindy ‘s book, I was reading about how the choices we’ve made in life has landed us where we are now, whether we be in a good place or a bad place.  See here: 

“Where you are now is a direct result of every decision you have made in the past."  "In other words, the life you are living today--the state of your relationships, the joy, and peace you are experiencing, or the sorrow and pain-find its root in decisions you have made up until this present moment.  Your life is simply a representation of the sum total of your choices---choices that either enslave or save your soul. Think about that for a moment.  Ultimately, you are only one decision away from changing everything. One decision can change the trajectory of your life." 

This is a jolting truth to share in a society where everyone loves to play the blame game!  However, if you’re anything like me you thought, “Oh heck, now I got to be extra super careful of every little thing I do, and the choices I make, even the ones that seem to be small."  This isn’t a bad position to take when making decisions, but I tend to carry it to the next level. WORRY.   We know that God commands us not to worry.  He tells us in Matthew 6:25-34, all the reasons why we shouldn’t. And my biggest take away is, He’s already provided for today. He has placed the right choices here, all we have to do is choose them. Free will right?  Today is Tuesday, July 16, 2019. I only need to be concerned about today, and not in a worrying anxious kind of way, but by making it my business to ask God into His business for this day, so I will make the right choices.  And, if you didn’t think to ask the Lord this morning what His plans where for you today, start now.  Ask Him in this moment. “What do you want me to do?" , And then wait and expect.  I feel it’s the only way to ensure we make the right choice so we will be proud of where our lives end up. Even if your life doesn’t look like you thought it would.  If we are obedient to God we can have peace in knowing that God is pleased with how you are stewarding your life. You will live in joy because you know His plan will benefit you greatly before it's all over.  (Romans 8:28) 

   My prayer today:  “Lord, Thank you for granting me entrance into today. I am so grateful that you have allowed me to live in this day that you have made. Now, “What would you have me do today?” Where are we going? Who should I talk to, where should I go to buy, who do you want me to pray for. What mysteries and treasures have you hidden for today? What problems will I face, tell me now, how do I navigate through them? Word my mouth for whomever I will encourage and exhort today.  What are my responsibilities, Lord?  Please be a light and a lamp for me, in your Son Jesus’ name amen.”  

When you really break it down, today is really the only day you have to inquire about.   Tomorrow has its own set of mysteries and treasures it will hold, and ONLY GOD knows what they are. I don't know about you but that is a load off! We can plan of course, but we can’t be grieved or shaken when things don’t go the way we plan.  I am convinced that we would all be a lot less anxious or frustrated if we diligently entreat God about what He has for us in this day.  Today, not tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year.  

You've Got Troubles..

How do you handle life's disappointments? When trouble arrives do you stress or host your own pity party? Do you have a meltdown or seek unhealthy escape routes? I think it's safe to say fear of failure and the unknown has gotten the best of all of us a time or two. But, I love St John 16:33 because it keeps it all the way real with us. "In this world, you're going to have trouble." 

The above biblical truth is in my top 3 because it dispels the myth that going through troubles, loss, and hard times somehow exempts you from God's favor. But Jesus is pretty clear here...make no mistake about it, troubles are hitched to your wagon from the moment you exit your mother's womb and enter this fallen world, clearly pointed out in Job 14:1 But,...(that conjunction is key.) Take heart, in ME you SHALL have PEACE because I have overcome This World.

So what brings you security? Is it money or things? Is it solid relationships, friendships, a spouse? All of these things are wonderful to have, but when life rocks the boat or tips it all the way over what will you do? How will you see yourself? Hardships or "failure" can really chip away at your self worth if you let it. But if you remember this scripture, and strive to keep your Identity with Christ and not in this world you WILL have peace no matter what occurs in this life.

I Have prepared Peace; Search for it.

Happy New Year  Family!   I know by now you are knee deep into making all of your dreams come true for 2019!  Yep it's what we do, and if you're fortunate you haven't fallen back into your old habits, yet!  

So what do you feel you need more than anything in the world right now to make you happy?  How does the end of your day leave you feeling? Are you satisfied or disappointed and tired?  Now think about how you began your day.   Like most of us, we wake up with a to-do list and pre-planned job duties a mile long.  We can experience mental overload before our feet touch the ground!   We fill our minds with all of the things that “we” need to do, and what we need to “make” happen.  I don’t know about you, but it brings me a little peace when I have accomplished most of my to-do lists within a 12-24 hour period.  I am a horrible procrastinator, but when I get things done the peace that I experience from that is very short lived.  Where the old list begins to dwindle, there is another one waiting closely in the wings screaming for my immediate attention! This use to drive my husband crazy! LOL.  “He’d say;  honey we will get to it, don’t worry”. I use to feel so bad thinking my mind was overloading and disturbing his peace!  I had to learn to stop, and celebrate an accomplishment before picking up new “to-dos.” 

 My soul desperately cries out for focus, and not only focus for what I want, but for what God wants for me. 

Today, I tried a 7- minute focus drill. In the guided drill I was forced to focus on one thing, while giving some attention to the things that would pull my mind away from that primary focus.   I then had to force my self to come back to the center of my focus, pushing the distractions out of my view.  It was not easy for me as I try to do 10 things at once. I'm constantly running back and forth trying to keep all the balls in rotation. I realize when I do that, all the balls maybe moving, but do I know where  are they going? I'm I really getting anything of substance done?  Much like a person who juggles, the art is being able to “juggle”, but to what avail? Maybe to say you are focused enough to keep tossing and catching the same balls over and over again? Although impressive, is it real productivity? How did that juggling act fulfill my God given purpose on that day?  See we can do and accomplish a lot of impressive stuff, but is that what we’re suppose to be accomplishing. I realize that I don’t want to be this master Multi-tasker in the sense of how our world glorify and praise that skill today. I want to focus on the task at hand giving all of my attention to what is important in that moment, and then move on to the next.   So how do we accomplish this, when there’s so much to do in our waking hours? Let us tell it, and women especially , ALL of it is top priority! Lol. Lord helps us. 

In Ps. 118:24 God reminds us that every new day that we enter, He made it. Meaning not only did He prepare the day, and the encounters of the day He allows us to be in it.   So our focus and direction every morning should be, "God What did you prepare for me, today?"

What is your focus for me in this day Lord. What have you pre-ordained?  When the Word of God says that His peace will surpass all understanding, and guard our hearts and minds, it means that we have to experience His peace. Not create it. No one ever visits a spa, or a vacation resort, and then try to create a peaceful environment once they arrive. “Okay let me plan my peace?” No! The entire retreat IS peaceful. It has already been prepared for you. Just walk in, sit down, and receive.  (Yes Jesus!) God is saying, I’ve already created it.  It’s a gift that comes with each new day. Look for it, and accept it.  

So,  I am a planner, am I going to stop planning? Of course not! Lol. I will however begin practicing the welcomed spiritual discipline of accepting God’s providential moves, as they come.  True inner peace comes from knowing God’s will, trusting God, and then accomplishing what He wants us to do in “that” day.   That old gospel song that says; “This peace that I have, the world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away” That’s facts!  If you believe that more money, status, things, friends, and fame will bring you real joy and peace, man ole man the hard and tiring lessons will abound.  I’ve been there!  All of those things are subject to change, and will fade  in your lifetime, on this side of  heaven.   But once you prove what  that acceptable will of God is for your day, and then you walk in that. You will have successfully accepted your free gift of His peace, and your life will emerge from that peace. Every distraction or seemingly altered course of your day will bring on new meaning as you search for the daily miracles and blessings God has waiting for you. 

Let's Search for God's Gift of peace in 2019!