One Step in the Right Direction

“God hasn’t invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 MSG)

I used to have a wonderful vegetable garden--raised beds with neat rows of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, raspberries, and herbs. For the last few summers, I have been too busy to do any gardening. The vegetable beds are a mess. The thought of cleaning them up is so overwhelming that I talk myself out of the task even before I attempt it.  Time-consuming, energy-sucking projects scare me. The only way for me to start is to set incremental goals. I will schedule two hours per week to work on the mess. I can’t look too far ahead, because that can be discouraging. I don’t envision neat, weed-free rows of plants loaded with vegetables. I try not to obsess over how many days it would take to finish the project, or how much upkeep a garden requires. Instead, I focus on what is within my power to do--dedicate two hours per week to doing the work. 

There are many areas of my life that have become muddled. My Lenten goal this year is to accept God’s invitation to an orderly, wholesome, holy life. These virtues seem too lofty. My natural inclination is to give up before even trying.  I can’t envision my life becoming pure and beautiful. However, I can focus on taking one more step, each day, in the right direction. I can dedicate one more hour to contemplation and prayer. I can listen for direction. I can commit to one more act of kindness, encouragement, generosity, forgiveness, empowerment. I can make one more good choice and then, another. I shall concentrate on facing God and taking incremental steps in His direction. This I can do.

An invasive Spirit

“Afterward I will pour out my Spirit on everyone: your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your old people will have dreams, and your young people will see visions.” (Joel 2:28 GNT)

Whenever you enter a foreign country, there are a few questions that the immigration and customs officials always ask: “What is the purpose of your visit?” “How long do you intend to stay?” “Where will you be lodging?” These questions are meant to assess if the visitor will be a threat or a burden while they are in the new country. Vague or overzealous answers to these questions can lead to immediate expulsion. 

Our minds approach security in a similar way. We have established routines, habits, and boundaries. Our brains have metaphorical guards at each checkpoint. New ideas are met with questions. We don’t want any influences pushing into areas without permission--restructuring our thoughts, threatening our way of life.  

The Holy Spirit moves invasively through our boundaries, pushing past our routines and limits, zealously influencing all areas of our lives. Uncontainable, unmanageable, unpredictable--the Spirit can be viewed as a security risk to our established customs and perspectives. This level of infiltration threatens our sovereignty. Thus, we often put up walls and barricades. We miss out on the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. 

Rut vs. Groove

“His momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition...” (Acts 9:22 MSG)

What is the difference between being stuck in a rut vs. getting into the groove? Both idioms imply that you are following a predetermined plan. However, when you are stuck in a rut, you are stagnant. Your routine is unproductive. Whereas being in the groove implies that you are in the zone and functioning properly--like a record player needle that is on track. 

In chapter 9 of the Book of Acts, Saul was finally in the groove. Before his conversion, Saul was known for wreaking havoc among the Christians in Jerusalem. Thus, his professions of faith were met with suspicion. However, Saul did not allow any of this to slow down his momentum. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, he plowed straight into the opposition.

How can we move forward, with momentum, along preordained pathways? 

Lock in to Christ. 

Commit fully. 

Move forward in faith. 

The Habit of Trust

“Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself.” (Proverbs 16:3 TPT)

There is a path from our house to our detached garage. It was not created intentionally. For years, my family has been taking the shortest route through the yard, and we have worn out the grass along this way. This path reveals our habit, our pattern of behavior. 

Thought patterns can also create invisible, mental pathways. For some, worry is their default setting. They wear themselves down with anxiety, worst-case scenarios, and awfulizing. Although this habit is unproductive, they continue to go down this road unthinkingly. 

Developing new thought patterns requires intentional changes. Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Hand over all your concerns, immediately, as soon as they pop up in your head. Replace the thought of ‘What am I going to do?’ with ‘I can’t wait to see what God is going to do!’ Repeatedly turn your focus from worry to trust. Faith is developed through practice.  In time, new pathways can be established. As you change your thought patterns, the habit of trust can become your default setting.

Creativity

“God has filled him with his power and given him skill, ability, and understanding for every kind of artistic work.” (Exodus 35:31 GNB)

Creativity is an unpredictable friend. You can clear your schedule and wait for her, but she may or may not show up. She demands intense focus. If you try to shoehorn her in between other tasks, she can be obstinate and frustrating. 

Creativity is like a potted plant; it requires regular attention and care. If neglected, it withers. Distractions are a scourge on creativity.  It’s like adding salt water to the soil around a plant. Diversions interrupt the osmosis of inspiration and the diffusion of imagination. 

Creativity is a gift from God. The capacity to understand, the ability to make something new, the skill to convey inspiring ideas--these are precious talents that need to be nurtured and protected. However, anything we come up with on our own will be less than ideal. We are called to be co-creators. In order to maximize this gift, we must continually access the Spirit of God. 

Streaming Insights

“Your gentle Spirit instructed them.” (Nehemiah 9:20 CEV)

Last year, I spent a few hours volunteering at a charity thrift store. Sorting through the mountains of donated items was hard work. The volunteers would open a bag and inspect each piece. Most of the things were odds and ends.  Was it worth keeping? Or should it go in the trash pile? What size was it? Which table or shelf should it be placed on? 

In the early morning hours, when I am still half asleep, something similar happens in my brain. Streaming thoughts, dreams, and insights get downloaded at a rate beyond what I can process. I feel overwhelmed, so I do a brain dump. I write or type out everything I remember before it fades. I don’t try to make sense of it. 

Hours later, I pick up each piece and inspect it. Is it trash or treasure? What is its purpose? Would cleaning it up reveal its significance? What am I supposed to learn? Where does it fit? Is it meant for me, or should I pass it on to someone else? This task is time consuming and mentally draining. I am tempted to throw away most of it, just because it is a hassle to deal with. Yet, I continue sorting, contemplating, categorizing, connecting, writing. What if there is something of value in the heap of cluttered thoughts? What if the Spirit of God has hidden a pearl of wisdom somewhere in this mess?

Deep Knowing

“Wisdom is the most valuable commodity—so buy it!

Revelation knowledge is what you need—so invest in it!” (Proverbs 4:7 TPT)

Archaeologists do surface surveys to determine sites for further digging. Wind, storms, earthquakes, floods--anything that disturbs the soil can expose relics from the past. An area with many artifacts usually has more to reveal underground. A methodical, careful excavation can unearth ancient mysteries. This is a laborious and dusty job. Yet, every level of digging yields to deeper understanding. 

Adversity, disruption, change--anything that disturbs the surface of our lives can expose interesting artifacts. Many of us trip over intriguing clues that point to wisdom; yet, we are unwilling to dig deeper.

Why?

Examining motives, long-held beliefs, and prejudices can be arduous and messy. Yet, introspection can lead to awareness and insight. Discernment is a prized treasure; dig deep for it. Revelation knowledge is priceless; search for it. Wisdom is a valuable commodity; invest in it.