The
Psalmist felt like we do sometimes, and wished he had wings like a bird so he
could fly away and find rest (Psalm 55:6). He also wanted to escape to the
mountains (Psalm 121:1-2), and hide under the shadow of God's wings (Psalm 91:1-4),
etc.
Escaping
trauma in this world is such a common desire that advertisers even use it to
sell their products. They promise to zip the harried housewife away from life’s
stresses, through products like enchanting bath crystals.
Of
course, our chores and trials still await us if we do take a vacation - long or
short - to relieve our stress, but taking breaks from our routine is a healthy
practice. Short respites from the routine renew our energy and elevate our
mood.
Some
ideas include: walking outside in nature during breaks at work, taking the kids
to the park to run off some energy while we peacefully sit on the bench and
watch over them, escaping to our porch with a soothing cup of tea and local honey,
enjoying a hobby, sitting in the recliner and propping up our feet, etc.
When
our soul is overwhelmed by negative emotions such as: frustration, depression,
resentment, inner clutter, anger, unforgiveness, etc. we cannot feel the joy of
the Lord anymore, and the dance goes right out of our steps.
By
eliminating and preventing outer clutter, we keep more organized, and we free
our soul of dead weight. This enables us to dwell in peace within, instead of
dissatisfaction. Our day is more successful when we listen to God's Spirit.
Waiting
on His direction, as we do each task, allows us to hear His advice for quicker
or more creative ways to do a simple chore. We accomplish so much more, much
faster by doing everything God's way and in His perfect timing.
Prayer:
Father
God, help us to order our day according to the direction of Your Holy Spirit.
Remind us to take short breaks out in nature, and to have a place for
everything in our home and to keep everything in its place. Help us to find
short-cuts to make life easier and more efficient.
We
rely on You to make us see that a casually spotless home and work space is much
easier to work in, and frees us from the tyranny of clutter and the demon of
perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive behavior. We want to walk in Your plans
for our day and to accomplish all that You call us to do.
Thought
for the Day:
God
gives us His wisdom to perform our daily duties and chores, so that we have
more time to serve Him in areas where He needs us the most; He enhances our
peace within by helping us to control the clutter in our soul, home and work
space.
