In many areas of life,
circumstances call on us to change our direction. We may wander from the path
that leads us straight to our destination or we may get sidetracked by useless
quests that waste our time, energy and resources.
We may inadvertently take the
wrong road, causing us to circle the block or to go to the next exit on the
interstate. We may have to change jobs, houses, neighborhoods, church family,
cars, clothing styles, etc.
These alterations may make more
sense to us, streamline our life or put us in touch with more people who share
similar convictions. Or they may grieve our soul - our mind, will and emotions
- and cause us more stress that our system can handle.
We may make a change due to
income reduction or increase, a move to a new zip code with alterations in
expenses, our vehicle wearing out, our company downsizing and eliminating our
position, our clothing hopelessly out of date, our vocation changing midstream
in life, etc.
We may feel a need to find
freedom from restraints, which tied us down and robbed us of our health, mental
stability and joy in life. If we make these changes due to deceptive
entanglements suggested by the world, our flesh or the devil, our relief is
short-lived.
However, if we are walking in the
Spirit, these changes will undoubtedly bring us closer to God and true
fulfillment (Galatians 5:15-25). In the Spirit, we are allured less by our
flesh and Satan's offered trinkets, and we stop following these imprudent
priorities, trivial pursuits and useless ambitions (Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20).
Intimacy with God and meaningful
interactions with the world around us replace our self-centered goals. Some
people fear to make these changes due to visions of living a boring life void
of fun, relaxation and wholesome challenges. Yet, we soon find that living in
the center of God's will is the happiest and most stress-free place on earth (1
Peter 1:3).
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for sending
Jesus to save and redeem us from this sin-cursed earth. We rejoice that we are
merely sojourners in this world, and that our true home is in Heaven (Romans
1:4). Remind us that You planned our birth in order to fulfill Your plan for us
(Ephesians 2:8-10); and following any other course will send us further from
Your joy and peace.
We thank You for cleansing us
from sin and selfish ambition and giving us Jesus as our role model. We live to
serve You with every breath in our body. We look forward to our resurrection
into a life completely immersed in You (Matthew 28:6). We glory in the life,
which You provide for us on this earth and on into eternity. Stir us up to love
and good words and give us Your joy as our strength (Hebrews 10:24).
Thought for the Day:
When we walk as a new creation in
Christ, we find our true fulfillment in Him; we live by the direction of His
Spirit; and we find the peace and joy, which only comes from loving God with
our whole heart, mind, will and strength.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
