Listening Intentionally

“Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.” (1 Samuel 3:10 MSG)

I was listening to a podcast while running my usual route around the neighborhood. It was a windy day, and I was having difficulty hearing anything through my headphones.  I turned the volume up to maximum, but that didn’t help. I gave up, turned my headphones off, and said: “Speak Wind-- I’m listening!”

And the Wind replied: Pay attention. Keep your head down. Lean in. Feel my strength. You will have to go slowly for a while, until the next turn. Then I will be at your back and the going will get easier. 

When I am tuned in to the distractions of this world, I cannot hear God. Even though I know this from experience, I seldom shut the noise off. Unless I have no other choice. Some days, God speaks loudly enough to get my attention. Then, I stop everything else and listen intentionally.

And the Lord replies: Pay attention. Keep your head down. Lean in. Feel my strength. Approach slowly. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I shall go before you and behind you. I shall surround you with my unconditional love. I will help you and uphold you. I bring forgiveness and healing. Trust in me. Rely on me. Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. My peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds. 

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Journey

“God said, ‘My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.’” (Exodus 33:14 MSG)

My dog, Sydney, saw me through an important decade of my life. She arrived in my late thirties and died a month before my fiftieth birthday. It was a season of many transitions for my family. During this period, Sydney was my constant companion. She didn’t speak words, but she communicated volumes. I learned to adapt my plans around her needs. I was tuned in to her, and she was tuned in to me. The weight of her presence always drew me back home. Her gravity centered me, and I found peace in her calming presence. 

God has promised to accompany us through every decade of this life and for eternity. Personal awareness of the Lord is developed through practice. We learn to tune in, be on the same wavelength, and align our plans and thoughts with God’s purpose.  His presence stays with us as we progress from one stage to another. His weight, His light, His presence--envelops us. His gravity draws us back home, centering us, granting us peace. He will see us to the journey’s end. 

Repurposed Vessels

“And as I watched, the clay vessel in his hands became flawed and unusable. So the potter started again with the same clay. He crushed and squeezed and shaped it into another vessel that was to his liking.” (Jeremiah 18:4 VOICE)

Our trash service stopped recycling during the quarantine. Thus, I have been trying to reuse containers instead of throwing everything away. After I  wash glass jars and plastic tubs, I fill them with dirt and plant seeds. I have an assortment of containers on my windowsills now--all repurposed and now growing useful plants. 

Do you ever feel like your life is so flawed that it is unusable? Or maybe you feel used up, traumatized, broken, and good for nothing other than the trash heap. Do not despair. In God’s hands, nothing and no one is beyond redemption. He is the potter and we are the clay. Nothing is wasted. He repurposes each of us into new vessels according to His liking. All we have to do is submit to being molded. Let go of preconceived notions, bitterness, and pride. Remain open, attentive, and pliable to God’s guidance. 

Recognizing Bad Directions

“Wisdom will keep you from following the way of evildoers, of those who twist words to pervert the truth.” (Proverbs 2:12 VOICE)

I routinely get forwarded messages that are filled with misinformation. Most of them start off with some truths--embellished with some nonsense that sounds believable--and finish with misdirections. How can you recognize perversions of truth? How do you respond to duplicities? 

First of all, in order to notice discrepancies, we must have some familiarity with a subject. For example, most of us have learned to distrust official sounding emails with spelling and grammar mistakes. But, what if the email recipient was not fluent in English? Here is another example: I do not know how to sew clothes or follow a dress pattern. Even if there were multiple mistakes in a pattern, I would not be able to spot them. However, if I started a project and discovered the pattern was inaccurate, I would not purchase another pattern from the same company. 

Being honest about what you know and what you don’t know is imperative. Learning to find trustworthy guides to help you understand unfamiliar topics is prudent. 

If someone gives you wrong information and doesn’t correct his mistakes, it would not be smart to follow his directions in the future. Exaggeration of knowledge is a form of deception. Anyone who repeatedly perverts the truth cannot be trusted. Divine discernment gives you clarity. It keeps you from following misdirections from imposters. It prevents you from making wrong turns and wandering through dangerous alleys. Wisdom and insight are godly tools. Value them. Use them. Share them. 

Fatal Complacency

“Carelessness kills; complacency is murder.” (Proverbs 1:32 MSG)

Complacency is a smug satisfaction with oneself. It is a toxic disregard for the consequences of one’s own negligence. If a child is careless with a toy, the damage is minimal. However, when those in power are irresponsible, the repercussions to humanity are exponential. 

In the last few months, we have witnessed how carelessness kills.  Politicians first called the pandemic a hoax. They downplayed the severity of the virus. They restricted testing so as to keep the numbers of positive cases artificially low. They debunked scientific data. They steered the public with disinformation until the disease had spread. Then, they recklessly pushed drugs that could cause more harm than good. They didn’t listen to physicians or scientists; instead, they promoted their own hunches and conspiracy theories. They refused to take responsibility for their mistakes. Instead, they continued, smugly satisfied with themselves, unconcerned about their negligence. They got away with complacent murder.

Wide Buffer Zones

“Do not leave the gates open during the hottest part of the day. And even while the gatekeepers are on duty, have them shut and bar the doors.” (Nehemiah 7:3 NLT)

In most cultures, the standard personal distance between acquaintances is about arm’s length. Until the recent pandemic, most of us were tolerant of occasional violations of our personal space, especially in crowds. Now that we know what we know, we are vigilant to keep wider buffer zones between ourselves and people outside our households. What used to be considered rude has now become polite. 

I have been reevaluating my psychological boundaries lately. I have noticed that I am less tolerant of people who are insincere, inconsistent, or infringing. I make allowances for loved ones, but I am more selective and guarded with those outside my intimate circle. This seems rude and abnormal, but I am learning that this is necessary for my mental health. Intimacy, energy, and space are precious commodities, and I am careful in how I use them. During these tough times, I have closed some gates. I allow less traffic in my life. I have accepted my need for wider buffer zones. 

Interconnection in Isolation

“The blessing of favor resting upon the righteous influences a city to lift it higher, but wicked leaders tear it apart by their words.” (Proverbs 11:11 TPT) 

There are no mandatory rules for isolation in our area, merely suggestions about social distancing. However, I have been in a self-imposed quarantine for over a month now. My husband, a healthcare worker, has an essential job. His usefulness to the community is undeniable. As for me, the activities that fill my day seem non-essential these days. This puts me in a funk. The temptation to distract myself or do something that feels semi-productive crops up daily. 

As the weeks pass by, I notice my values and perspective shifting. More than ever, my choice to stay home, or not, directly affects the community. There is an interdependence between my behavior and the health of others. I have to assess the risk vs. benefit for every desire. The welfare of my neighbors and friends are interconnected with my actions. This makes me rethink my earlier held views on how I can be useful. My self-isolation can be a blessing to those around me. 

Our words, choices, and behavior affect others in many ways. Kindness, selflessness, self-control, solidarity, and cooperation build up communities. Collective sacrifice can be achieved through individual  curtailment. We can lead by example. Truth and virtue are not always popular or convenient. Yet, they provide a hedge of protection against the spread of dishonesty. Social distancing may seem disconnecting, but an unwillingness to face the truth is far more isolating. 

Good Leadership

“A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit...Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds. Sound leadership has a moral foundation. Good leaders cultivate honest speech. They love advisors who tell them the truth. An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you’re smart to stay clear of someone like that. Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives.” (Proverbs 16:10, 12-15 MSG)

A bad leader misleads and exploits others. He is more concerned about self-promotion, self-preservation, and self-enrichment than about the good of humanity. He surrounds himself with those who feed his egotism and narcissism. He lies, talks down to others, and complains constantly. His presence is divisive. He promotes hostility and fear. He blames others for every loss while taking credit for every gain. He is unworthy of respect or trust, because he squanders his credibility. 

Good leadership is always beneficial, but it is essential in a crisis. People look up to leaders to set the tone and be role models. A compassionate leader cares about others. He has a sacrificial, servant heart. He influences and motivates others to put aside personal agendas and pursue the greater good. He promotes unity, empathy, commitment, and peace.  He makes informed decisions and communicates truth. An effective leader earns respect by consistently being transparent, responsible, accountable, and humble.

Communion in Chaos

“The one who joins himself to the Lord is mingled into one spirit with him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17 TPT)

Jane is a dog breeder whom I know. Along with all the turmoil of a global pandemic, she has a bit extra on her plate. Her dog had a litter of puppies. For the next eight weeks, she will care for the mama dog and the fragile puppies. She accepts the sleepless nights, the backaches, and the clutter without complaint. Her to-do list is long and time sensitive; yet, she has learned to pray and trust in the midst of the mess. She has a family and other dogs that need attention, too. She says her heart is enlarged by all the loving. In a few months, the puppies will be sent to new homes. Jane is careful about matching each puppy to the right humans. She realizes that she is not in control of the future--no matter how much effort she applies. Jane sees the puppies as gifts from God. She depends on God to guide and strengthen her during this time. She has discovered that prayer and trust are essential, especially in the chaos of life. 

In this time of uncertainty, most of us are experiencing some level of disruption.  Like a litter of puppies, a new set of concerns have popped up in our lives. Our routines have been upended, plans have been postponed, and the future feels murky. We still have to handle our regular responsibilities too. In the middle of chaos, communing with God may seem difficult, but it is essential. We can’t wait for things to settle down. We must learn to pray and trust in the midst of the mess. We are not in control no matter how much effort we apply. We can depend on divine guidance and strength. God is present in the chaos, willing and eager to commune with those who seek Him earnestly. 

“Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 TPT)

Community in Isolation

“Make every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit has already created, with peace binding you together.” (Ephesians 4:3 VOICE)

What makes a community? Is it common geography, ancestry, physical characteristics, nationality, interests, language, etc.? Can a community exist without a group of people gathering physically in one location? Is in-person mingling better than remote socializing?  

In times of isolation and quarantine, many of our social paradigms are being challenged. As sporting events, schools, workplaces, playgrounds, gyms, malls, churches, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other public gathering spaces are restricted, we are having to rethink how we come together as a society. Without in-person contact, what will hold us together?

Community has always been about commonality in philosophy and purpose. Getting together as a group in one location can be enjoyable and enriching but not essential. Consistency, availability, compassion, communication, and dependability are far more important. A group that is willing to put the welfare of others above individual needs leads to solidarity. A community is unified in spirit and bound by love, mutual respect, and peace.

Peace of Trust

“He rebuked the storm and shouted to the sea, ‘Hush! Calm down!’ All at once the wind stopped howling and the water became perfectly calm. Then he turned to his disciples and said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?’” (Mark 4:39-40 TPT)

The surface of the sea is easily whipped up by storms, wind, tides, currents, and even the wake of large ships. However, the bottom of the ocean is always calm. The seafloor is closer to the earth’s core. The influence of gravity is minimal. Superficial turbulence has no effect on deep water.

Jesus calmed the surface of the sea. Then he turned to his followers and said: “Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?” 

Peace is not the absence of stress but the calmness of deep consciousness. The pressures and concerns of this world have less impact on those who are centered in Christ. Trust deactivates fear. As we settle down into the immensity of God, serenity washes over us. Anxiety, confusion, and agitation disappear. Instead, we are drenched in clarity, tranquility, and stillness. The peace of trust guides our hearts as we immerse ourselves in the power of God. 

Heart Hunters

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)

A friend of mine recently invited me to a Facebook page called “Heart Hunters” where people post pictures of hearts they see around them. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, schools, shops, and many workplaces are closed. Only ‘essential’ movement is recommended. More and more people are walking and exercising outdoors in our rural neighborhood. Neighbors wave as they pass by homes. As a way of cheering each other up, people have started putting up hearts on their windows as symbols of hope and love. As I do my daily runs, I keep my eyes open for hearts now. Now that I am intentionally looking for them, I spot them everywhere. Every time I see one, I stop and take a picture. This lifts up my spirits. I have also cut out paper hearts and pasted them on my windows for those who are walking by my home. Heart-hunting has become an inspirational activity during these difficult times. 

Here is another even more uplifting activity: God-hunting. When we search for God intently, we find signs of His grace everywhere. With the eyes of your minds, steadfastly scan for the Spirit. Learn to spot God’s mercy, kindness, insights, directions, answers, promises, and peace.  Keep your eyes, ears, and souls focused on His presence. Remain earnest and intense in this pursuit. Every time you spot a God-sign, stop and record it; then, joyfully point it out to others. Even in times of darkness and isolation, let your lives be a showcase for love and hope. When you look for God intently, you will find Him everywhere.

Receivers and Tuners

“Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.” (Isaiah 23:23 NIV)

Televisions, monitors, and home theater displays all look similar from the outside. However, they are not the same. Televisions have built-in digital tuners; monitors and home theater displays do not. Televisions allow you to receive free broadcast channels with an antenna. Monitors and home theater displays require external receivers. In electronic communications, the antenna picks up electromagnetic waves, the receiver extracts the information, and the tuner is adjusted to pick up specific frequencies. Each component is significant. 

We are called to receive, tune-in, and listen to God’s voice. Some of us are satisfied with displays of faith, choosing to remain insensitive. We are built for receptivity. This requires us to be still, attentive, and responsive. We need to be conscious of the spiritual realm. Discernment allows us to filter through the chaos of signals and tune-in to God’s directions. Keep searching. Stay focused. Remain sensitive. Those who listen carefully hear God’s voice. They know what to do and when to do it.

Easter

“She turned around to see Jesus standing before her, but she did not recognize Him.” (John 20:14 VOICE)

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus. She expected a sealed burial chamber, but it was open. She expected a covered, dead body, but the tomb was empty. She expected the disciples to make sense of it all and explain things to her, but they didn’t. What she did not expect was the risen Lord, speaking to her, calling her by name. Thus, she did not recognize Him. 

This happens to all of us. We expect certain things from Jesus--answered prayers, protection from evil, relationship advice, healing, meeting our daily needs, assistance in making good decisions, etc. However, we don’t really expect the Lord to show up in our lives, to speak to us, or to be close to us. Thus, we fail to recognize Jesus in our midst. Yet, He is always present--on the good days and the bad, during joy and despair, in crowds and in solitude. He is with us every day, all the time, whether we acknowledge Him or not. 

“Never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.” (Matthew 28:20 TPT)

Do Not Swerve

“The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.” (Psalm 119:110 MSG)

Motor vehicle collisions with wildlife are common in rural areas. Deer  crossing over highways are more prevalent during dawn and dusk hours. These low visibility times are also when accidents happen. When a deer leaps in front of a car, a driver’s natural instinct is to swerve to avoid hitting it. This can result in severe collisions with other cars on the road. Plus, there is no way to predict which way the deer will move. Safety experts recommend that you do not veer for deer. Instead, scan the road for wildlife during dusk and dawn. Use high beam lights if you are in a deserted area.  Make sure you and your passengers use seat belts to buckle up. If you see a deer, apply your brakes, but do not swerve. If you hit a wild animal, do not approach it. Call law enforcement. When inspecting your vehicle, do not assume all problems are visible. Check for leaking fluids and internal damage.

During transition times, when clarity is low, Evil crosses our path. Stay vigilant. Turn on the high beam lights. Scan for wickedness. There is no way to predict which way it will move, so do not veer from your path. Instead, buckle up with faith and apply your brakes when you see it approaching. If you are forced to collide with corruption, do not leave the safety of God’s protection to satisfy your curiosities. Once you are back in the light, inspect yourself for both visible and invisible damage. Constantly look to God for healing, restoration, and guidance. 

Watch Your Step

“I watch my step, avoiding the ditches, and ruts of evil.” (Psalm 119:101 MSG) 

Trail running requires a lot more concentration than road running. When running a well-paved road, you can listen to your headphones and zone out if you want. Trails have uneven surfaces, roots, and ruts. These impediments are easier to navigate at the beginning of a race when your body and mind are fresh. However, after several hours on a trail, your physical agility and cognitive functions diminish. This is when runners are likely to injure themselves the most. Experienced trail runners are aware of this and make the necessary adaptations. They wear headlamps, slow down, and pay attention to the terrain. They keep their focus on the present task. They do not think about their to-do list or seek out distractions. 

The lessons of trail running can be applied to life. There are seasons when all is going smoothly and mild diversions are okay. But during uncertain times, when we are passing through the wilderness, we have to be vigilant. Exhaustion, impatience, fear, and confusion set in. The temptation to make moral compromises and seek out distraction is intense. 

“By your words I can see where I’m going, they throw a beam of light on my dark path.” (Psalm 119:105 MSG)

In dark times, on rough terrain, watch your step. Avoid the ruts of evil. Turn on your headlamp so that you can see the trail in front of you. Keep your mind on the present--not the past or the future. Slow down. Be aware of your internal and external landscape. Do not fall into the ditches of temptation. Remind yourself of eternal truths. Use the Word of God as a lamp to guide your feet and light your path.

Good Decisions

“Teach me how to make good decisions, and give me revelation-light.” (Psalm 119:66 TPT)

Good decision making is a learned skill. It requires training. Those who fail to learn from mistakes are doomed to repeat them indefinitely. Children and adolescents lack experience and maturity. Thus, a certain amount of poor decisions are inevitable when you are young. However, as you get older, you develop forethought and discipline. You learn to ask yourself the right questions: Why do I want this? Can it wait? Will I think this is a good idea a year from now? Is the cost in time, energy, and resources worth the benefit? How will this affect others?

A spontaneous person is considered fun, while a person who deliberates before every action is labeled a bore. Good decision making is difficult, because it isn’t always popular or pleasurable. Even as adults, many of us do not recognize the possible ramifications of our choices. We follow our cravings and hope for the best. We justify pursuing our desires by conflating wants and needs. Just as maturity does not come naturally with age, good decision making skills do not automatically appear with experience. It requires divine wisdom and practice. Before every decision, major or minor, ask for divine revelation. Pray for guidance and strength. With the Lord as our coach, we can develop the fortitude to withstand push-back, the willingness to sacrifice, and the discipline to continually make good decisions. 

The Prayers of an Insomniac

“In the middle of the night I awake to give thanks to you.” (Psalm 119:62 TPT)

It’s 2:14 am. Like most other nights, I have woken up and can’t go back to sleep. Unrestrained thoughts run amok; some make sense, others don’t. I feel helpless, passive, tired, and drowsy. I have found one way to compose my mind: I list all the things for which I am grateful, in no particular order. I thank God for each and every blessing.

Lord, I thank you: for my family and friends and all the ways they are blessed, for clean air and the ability to breathe, for food and a working digestive system, for easy access to clean water, for legs that are strong enough to walk and run, for arms that can lift and carry, for dexterous fingers that can cook and clean and touch and type, for the ability to care for myself and my loved ones, for health, for medical insurance and medicines, for shelter and safety, for electricity, heat, internet, and other utilities, for cars that work and gasoline to fuel them, for financial peace, for books to read and thoughts to write, for love, faith, wisdom, and  humor, for technology that keeps me connected and informed, for the sweet memories of my precious dog, for the little comforts like socks, lip balm, and chocolate... 

The list goes on and on....eventually I drift back off to sleep, floating in gratitude and peace. 

Higher View

“These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me.” (Psalm 119:50 MSG)

Recently I saw a picture on social media of a beautiful landscape. It was taken at a national park in Norway. The scenery showed a mountain range with several emerald lakes. Several people who lived in Norway commented that they had never seen this view, even though they had visited this national park. The photographer explained that he had used a camera attached to a drone to get that shot. This allowed him to see things from a higher perspective. 

God’s promises hold us up in hard times, giving us a higher vantage point. The earthly mindset is limited, no matter how much we climb.  Hope lifts us up to new heights, allowing us to glimpse unimaginable beauty. Trust grants us a confidence that is beyond our circumstances. Gratitude elevates our perspective, reviving our souls. 

Big Steps

“I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces

    as I look for your truth and your wisdom;

Then I’ll tell the world what I find,

    speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.” 

(Psalm 119:45-46 MSG)

Long distance runners often resort to a shuffling gait when they are tired. Their feet barely lift off the ground; the result is a slower pace. Runners can counteract this habit by doing stride drills during training. This practice reinforces efficient biomechanics and neuromuscular development. When doing strides, runners take big, bounding steps with bursts of speed for short periods. They focus on their form, ensuring every movement is purposeful. Interspersing stride intervals into a long distance run can improve overall performance. 

The journey of life can often be tiring. Our natural instinct is to plod through, eyes downcast, heart discouraged, and mind fixated on our depleting energy. In order to counteract this habit, we need to practice strides of faith--taking big, bounding steps. Uncertainty leads us to uncrowded spaces. Desolate places are usually wide open, enabling us to progress swiftly. Unencumbered by doubt, our movement becomes efficient and purposeful. Truth and wisdom are found in these times of devotion. Should we keep what we learn to ourselves or share with others? Do we tell the world what we find and face the chance of rejection and ridicule? 

Lord, enable me to stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; help me to tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. 

Yield Selectively

“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near.

 Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God.

 I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation

 I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 TPT)

When driving, I often yield to other cars at intersections, even when I have the right of way. I see this as being courteous. Plus, I’m a timid driver and others always seem in a bigger hurry. This means I let other drivers get ahead of me, and I end up following them. Sometimes I get boxed in behind huge trucks on single lane roads. Then I have to let these drivers set the speed. Perhaps I should be more selective about when I yield. 

We may not be able to prevent fear from approaching us at the crossroads of life, but whether we yield or not is a choice. Fear never has the right of way; thus, we are not obliged to succumb to it. When we give way to fear, we let it get out in front of us. We become followers of fear, stuck behind it, allowing it to box us in. 

The Lord is always near. Yield to Him; let Him get out in front and guide you. Follow Christ. Never turn your gaze from Him--for where your eyes go, your mind will follow. The Lord is faithful and trustworthy. He will infuse you with His strength and help you in every situation. He will hold you firmly in His victorious right hand. 

Making a Mess

“Don’t allow me to make a mess of my life.” (Psalm 119:31 TPT)

My best friend in kindergarten was Eva Nelson. She was fun, spontaneous, and popular. I was the opposite. I was a careful planner. I aspired to be more like her and less like me. One day, all the kids in my class got their own watercolor set. The case came with a few basic colors and a small brush. I remember the teacher  giving us instructions as we all eagerly waited to get started. She told us to use just a little bit of water and to clean our brushes in between each color. I started off following directions--keeping everything clean and orderly. My paper had timid strokes of green grass but nothing else. I looked over at Eva and she was painting wildly. She looked like she was having fun and making more progress, so I decided to do what she was doing. I ignored the teacher’s directions. Soon all my colors got mixed up, and I had a muddy brown mess. 

Good choices lead to orderly lives. Most of us know right from wrong and have an inherent desire to do the right thing. We have sincere intentions, yet we are prone to making messes. Illusions of progress and delusions of control mar our judgment. We disregard our moral compass and succumb to the pressures of expediency and popularity. This path eventually leads to muddy ruts. Truth can be uncomfortable in the short term, but it leads to integrity in the long run. When we pursue only that which is true, our soul is drenched with lucidity. We turn our attention from distractions and chaos--choosing to walk through pathways of peace. 

“Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true; drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths.” (Psalm 119:37 TPT)