I don't always know what to pray. Sometimes it feels like I've used up all my words about something (quite a feat for a writer, right?) and all I can do is look up at the ceiling and sigh. On mornings like that, it's tough to feel like I've connected with God--more like I've left a complaining message on his voicemail about how I've called 496 times and he still hasn't gotten back to me.
Lately when that's happened, I've flipped to the Psalms in the middle of the Bible, because they're prayers. Having those words to borrow as a starting place has proven mighty handy for generations of people trying to follow God. As I flip, I'll think, "Okay God, pick a number between 1-150..." This morning, I sensed "118." So I turned there and read this:
In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and rescued me.
The Lord is for me, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.
I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people.
It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in princes....
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
I'm taking these as my marching orders for today:
1. Remember the times God has rescued me in the past, and that he's FOR me.
2. Trust in him, rather than other people or authority figures to make my life work out.
3. Enjoy today.
The third part of this really strikes me. What if enjoying every little bit of every little day has spiritual power? What if, in the spiritual realm, our joy fends off evils like doubt and fear and funk? What if seizing moments to enjoy is our job, spiritually speaking? That, I can focus on.
Want to join me? Let's start a "resistance movement" of people enjoying Wednesday, June 30, 2010. Leave me a comment below if you're in, and share something--big or small--you've enjoyed in a bigger, fuller, more determined way. Vive La Resistance! :)
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8 comments:
I will enjoy random Wednesday somehow some way
I'm in! Hmmm...not sure what to share, perhaps that I really truly did just thoroughly enjoy the strawberries in my cereal. And, I'm about to go grocery shopping...and absolutely LOVE early morning grocery shopping.
Trish said, "What if enjoying every little bit of every little day has spiritual power? What if, in the spiritual realm, our joy fends off evils like doubt and fear and funk? What if seizing moments to enjoy is our job, spiritually speaking?"
A major light bulb went off in my head when I read that. Maybe that's what Neh 8:10 means: The joy of the Lord is your strength. That has always been one of those verses I thought I knew what it meant until I actually thought about it. So, what Trish says really makes sense of this.
I'm in and am enjoying wearing a cotton sweater on June 30th because it's a cool, breezy 68 degree day.... the high 80's and humidity return for the weekend. *sigh*
I've recently been mulling over the quote "You don't need anyone else's approval to be happy." And realizing that I often feel weighed down with worry about what other's might think of me, feeling the need to justify myself to them. But I can let that go - because GOD's opinion is what matters. My joy, my reputation, my life is in His hands. So I'm going to focus on enjoying the freedom that comes with that today.
I went for a bike ride this evening. I really enjoyed being outdoors and not being in a hurry to do anything or go anywhere - even just for that half hour.
Today I enjoyed working at my beautiful wooden desk and walking out into the sunshine and cool breeze early afternoon. I enjoyed the emails from my sister sharing some good news. I enjoyed moments of laughter with my colleagues and cleaning the kitchen. And now I'm going to enjoy a good night's sleep :-)
I enjoyed reading your blog and psalm 118 which really gave me strength to face my day. I enjoyed being at home on vacation dancing around my place; spontaneously being able to meet with an elder in the faith and catching my bus right on time even though it came early and spending quality time talking/walking with my sister, eating a delicious homemade turkey sandwich, while watching a movie....
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