Delaying Reactions

 “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.” (Psalm 4:4 NLT)

I was mistreated by an acquaintance. Each time I indulged her whims, her expectations escalated. I felt angry and confused. I was uncertain on how to handle the situation. I did not want to appear unchristian, but I also didn’t want to be a part of this drama. The opinions of others influence the way I see myself. I waited and thought about it overnight. The next day, I made some changes. I admitted that I had allowed this person to bust through my boundaries, because I didn’t want to seem unkind. I realized I needed to put a stop to the relationship, even if it ruined my self-image. 

Anger should neither be ignored nor suppressed. Pay attention. Dissect your emotions to see why you are bothered. Don’t distract yourself or avoid dealing with the issue. When you are upset, your reactions and actions are not rational. Thus, it is wise to take some time to cool off before you speak up or make changes. Don’t let your anger control you. Delay your reactions until you have time to think things through, but don’t put off difficult decisions indefinitely. 

Hard Hills

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

I don’t like running up hills. It slows me down and tires me out. When I map out routes for long runs, I try to avoid hilly areas as much as possible. After my long runs, I drive through hills without a second thought. Elevation changes feel challenging when running, because I am depending on my own strength. Hills are hardly noticeable when driving, because I am using the car’s horsepower. 

In this world, we will experience troubles and challenges. We may try to avoid them as much as possible, but we can’t go very far in any direction before we encounter trials. When avoidance is not possible, we attempt to manage by controlling the situation. All of these coping mechanisms are exhausting. As long as we continue to operate under our own strength, we will be overwhelmed by hills of life. However, even mountains become mole hills when we rest confidently in God. 

Personal Escort

 “The LORD replied, ‘I will personally go with you,’” (Exodus 33:14 NLT)

There is a grocery store in my town that is known for its personal service. If you ask the employees where something is located, they don’t just give you directions; they personally escort you to the product. It doesn’t matter if what you are looking for is in the next aisle or at the far end of the store; they walk with you. While I appreciate this level of service, I also feel a bit embarrassed. I don’t want to be a bother by interrupting a worker. Also, I don’t want to commit to what I am looking for. What if I change my mind? Or maybe I spot something more interesting on the way. Or what if the product ends up being more than I want to pay? I don’t want that kind of pressure!

I feel similarly about the Lord personally escorting me to a purposeful life. I am thankful, but I am also self-conscious. To be honest, I would rather  have a few vague directions and be left to my own devices. I want to keep all my options open. What if I change my mind halfway? What if I spot something more interesting? What if the Lord is leading me to something that is too costly? I still haven’t found what I’m looking for, because I’m not fully committed to finding it. 

“You broke the bonds

And you loosed the chains

Carried the cross

Of my shame

Oh my shame

You know I believe it

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for.” (Song Lyrics by U2)

Creativity

 “He has gifted them and made them expert engravers, designers, and embroiderers using blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen. They are master weavers, skilled craftsmen, and expert designers.” (Exodus 35:35 VOICE)

I’m one of those people who favor productivity over creativity, practical over aesthetic, useful over decorative. I rarely take the time to doodle before I start typing. I only read nonfiction. I grow vegetables, not flowers. I don’t decorate food. I was raised to believe in efficiency; creative pursuits were deemed frivolous.

My austere stance was recently put to the test while watching the reality show The Big Flower Fight.  On this show, teams compete with each other to create floral works of art. They spend days making elaborate creations that would start wilting shortly after they finished. Everything they designed was decadent, inefficient, and sumptuous. Their work may not change the world or even be noteworthy. Yet, they were enjoying the act of creation. 

God designed the earth and every living creature. He made the stars, planets, and comets. His Creation is extravagantly good. Humans are made in God’s image; thus, we are made to be generative, artistic, and innovative. Creativity opens our imagination and awareness. It allows us to  dive into our subconscious and deepen our understanding.  The creative spirit within us seeks expression. When we share our gifts, talents, and skills, we become image-bearers of God. 

Tired and Vulnerable

“Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree.” (1 Kings 19:5 NLT)

The prophet Elijah was exhausted. Queen Jezebel’s bullying and badgering had worn him out. He sensed his own vulnerability, so he retreated to the wilderness. 

During busy seasons of life--especially when others are depending on me--I rarely pause for breaks. Any sort of retreat feels weak. I sense that I am off-kilter, like a bird standing on one leg. It wouldn’t take much to push me over. Mental fatigue lowers my resistance to manipulation. There are times when I am in this state of exhaustion, but I refuse to acknowledge it. Instead, I fixate on staying busy and preoccupied by all that is left to be done. I fail to accept that I am a sitting duck--susceptible to predatory machinations. 

I pray that I may have the discernment of Elijah--to recognize when my brain is not functioning on all cylinders, when I am imbalanced, and when my spirit is drained. Lord, teach me to withdraw and rest until I am restored. 

Mulch

“Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground.” (Proverbs 14:18 MSG)

Spreading a layer of mulch in your vegetable garden can improve your yield significantly. A blanket of mulch insulates the soil, cuts down on weeds, and reduces erosion. Bags of store-bought mulch can get costly. With a little ingenuity, you can make quality mulch from materials that you have on hand. Broken branches and shrubbery can be put through a wood chipper to make mulch. Grass clippings, pine needles, leaves, and straw can be scattered between rows of plants. Compost made from kitchen scraps can add nutrients to the soil. A lot of what we think of as useless waste may have value. 

Over the years, I have pursued many dreams and illusions. These experiences, achievements, desires, and possessions appeared important at the time. Now, they seem foolish. Yet, even what I think of as useless waste may have value.

Everything can be processed and used as mulch. The detritus from the past can be worked into current thoughts and choices. This insulates against impulsivity, cuts down on gullibility, and reduces recklessness. It enables us to plant our feet on the solid ground and grow in wisdom. 

The Practice of Solitude

“After the crowds dispersed, Jesus went up into the hills to pray. And as night fell he was there praying alone.” (Matthew 14:23 TPT)

There is so much to unpack in the above verse:

As the crowds dispersed... 

Jesus was surrounded by people most of the time. He attracted crowds. He was a popular minister and teacher. He traveled with a group of friends. He was not lonely. 

Jesus went up into the hills to pray... 

The crowds mostly remained at sea level. Climbing hills took effort. Jesus went up into the hills to pray. He intentionally sought out solitude. 

And as night fell he was there praying alone...

Daytime is associated with busyness and productivity. After dark, we rest and relax. Jesus shows us that solitary prayer can be restful. 

“Solitude well practiced will break the power of busyness, haste, isolation, and loneliness.” (Dallas Willard) 

The practice of solitude can unshackle us from hustle and hurry. It is a voluntary distancing from the pack. It is a time to wonder, untangle, discern, and commune. When we intentionally seek out seclusion, feelings of loneliness, isolation, or boredom are replaced with curiosity, contentment, and calm. The body feels grounded. The mind feels quiet. The soul feels settled. We discover that being alone with God can be amazingly rejuvenating.