
You keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet,
because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Depend on God and keep at it
because in the Lord God you have a sure thing."
Isaiah 26:3 The Message
Let me begin by quoting an 11 year old friend of mine. 'You have NO IDEA how difficult that can be Judy!' He wasn't referring to keeping our minds set on the Lord (I won't even go there about what he was referring to) but I will wholeheartedly agree with him! I had NO IDEA how difficult it would be to keep my mind on God in order to experience the 'wholeness' He offers. In fact, I am not even aware sometimes how 'un-whole' I am in my soul until something quite 'un-wholesome' pops out of my mouth! Don't 'tsk tsk' me...........you've done it too!
So, why is it so difficult to keep my mind set on God? AND am I the only 'saved, sanctified, surrendered, serving, suffering for the Lord' Christian having a problem with this? You DO know that those are totally rhetorical questions.........don't you? :) I know I'm not alone in this and I do have my reasons/excuses for why I find it difficult but more importantly I know how it can happen on a more consistent basis. So lets begin!
- First and foremost...........daily morning time with God.......before the world floods my soul with all the responsibilities and problems that need my attention. If HE is there first, He can give me the strength and wisdom to handle anything that comes my way. (Philippians 4:12, 13; Psalm 5:1-3)
- I can also study and memorize His word so that the Holy Spirit can pop it into my mind when I need encouragement, correction and wisdom throughout the day. (Psalm 119:11; Joshua 1:8)
- Then, where would I be without the precious fellowship and encouragement of other people who motivate me to reach out in love to others by their example to me? I love to be with them, and there are so many opportunities............prayer meeting, Kinection small group (formerly known as Sunday School :), Sunday worship service, serving on the Social Committee, and then there's the 'Come Alive' group for a time of holy hilarity. (Hebrews 10:25)
Love to hear your thoughts and comments on this topic!