Solomon tells us that “a happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing” (Proverbs 17:22, AMP ). God undoubtedly has a sense of humor; we need only look at some of the animals He created (it’s hard not to smile at the sight of a hippo, a monkey, or a puppy). Or think of some of the married couples you know: don’t you think God was smiling at the wedding as He looked ahead to the interaction of the wildly different personalities that will be living together?Posts Tagged ‘focus’
humility and grace: free from “not”
8th in a series on humility
Last Thursday’s meditation on rest and peace was just what I needed. In the midst of seeking to grow in humility, I was wearing myself out trying to do it myself. It seemed like I was trusting God, because in difficult situations, I was praying, “Holy Spirit, help me not to say the wrong thing.” That sounds good, and it got me through the people problems, but it took a toll on me.
That subtle focus on not is the problem. It’s harder to keep yourself from not doing one thing than it is to do something else; as I’ve noted elsewhere, not doing is an anti-goal. Living out the prayer “Holy Spirit, I will speak when you show me what to say” requires less effort than does the constant monitoring of “I want to say this; is it the wrong thing? What about that? Is that wrong?” A not focus requires vigilance; we become gatekeepers of our thoughts, words, and actions…
a passion for sin
Two nights ago, as I waited for my water to boil, I read the Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Tea box (the boxes always have a variety of quotes, and this one was new). On the back was a list from Life’s Little Instruction Book, Vol II. The first instruction pricked my heart: “Pay as much attention to the things that are working positively in your life as you do to those that are giving you trouble.” I realized that for the past week or so (probably much longer), I’ve been focused solely on problems, faults, and sins. Last night my friend Jeff shed some light on this. He pointed out that what set the Pharisees apart was their detailed analysis of sin….
Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to this feed