“I think the reason we sometimes have the false sense that God is so far away is because that is where we have put Him. We have kept Him at a distance, and then when we are in need and call on Him in prayer, we wonder where He is. He is exactly where we left Him.” Ravi Zacharias
Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the thorn a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll to to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:1-5
Dudgeon: “a fit or state of indignation” Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Have you ever noticed how walking with a cup of liquid - almost full - is easy until you try. We walk along not even noticing, and not even spilling, until something happens. We look at the cup. Then we worry. We start trying not to spill. For every bump we compensate. Then something happens. We spill. Until that point our brain and body worked naturally together to steady the cup. However, conscious effort ruined it all. Something about seeing, thinking about, and trying to solve the problem lead to the failure. And sometimes, isn’t life a little like that? Everything seems well and good. Life is seemingly problem free. Then we take a look at it. Or perhaps something draws our attention to it. We see the potential problems. We begin to compensate for the bumps. I know it’s not a perfect example. Sometimes I spill my coffee even when I’m not paying attention. And there are times when we do need to pay attention to what we’re doing and where were heading in life. However, here’s the power of the illustration. We can’t fix the problems by paying attention to them. There are jostles and bumps and jolts we won’t be able to compensate for. Let’s be thankful for the steady hand of the Lord in our lives. Just as I’m thankful I have a body able to steady a cup of coffee while I climb the stairs, let’s be thankful we have a God and Savior able to steady us on the climb of life. No, we can’t control everything. We don’t have the power to change the way life is and can be. But there is one who is able to do all this. There is one who is able to see us through whatever life and death can bring. The Bible says, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” Jude 1:24 There are things only He can do. Things we need to trust Him for. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1b Do we believe that? Or are we still trying to solve the problems of life on our own. If so, it probably feels like life is losing control. We probably feel a step behind on everything. We’re probably living from temper to dudgeon, frayed at both ends. Let’s stop trying to keep the coffee from spilling. Let’s leave our life for Him to steady. “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
Daily Journaling Questions:
How did I help someone in kindness today?
What did I learn today?
What am I thankful for?
Who did I love today?
What am I dreaming of?
What about today do I want to remember forever?
What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thanks for reading,
Jake
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Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. IV
Non-FictionThis is the fourth part of a project called the "Daily Self Growth Journal." Its purpose is to prompt readers to journal through encouragement, motivation, and inspiration. In it, the first thing I do is provide a motivational, or inspirational qu...
