Who are you listening to? In
His Word
Normally I do not listen to
the news. That may sound foolish to you but to me it is a way to cut out reason
to worry, or stress or even complain about the way things are in the world we
live in today. I pay attention to when someone mentions an issue going on and I
look up only need to know things. Given that, lately while on a trip I found
myself viewing the news on a regular digest. My host was up on every detail and
this is because the television was on first thing in the morning so that they
could see traffic and weather but also the side notes of where not to drive for
the day.
I found myself following
things going on near by that would put fear, or frustration in my heart! I
tried praying for the people in the danger zone and such but even still I knew
it was too much for me to handle. Hearing about bad news is like listening to
the wrong person. I can recall back when the towers fell, when wars were fought
over seas, and other such tragic events in my lifetime that drew me in like an
addiction. It could overwhelm me!
I had to discipline myself
and even went as far as muting the television (as I was told not to turn it
off) and sitting outside to read and write a few times. I took walks to pray,
and I found pleasant shows to watch in the meantime.
l found things that lifted my spirit up,
worship songs, old t.v. shows that spoke about God as someone important in their
lives. I looked at the good things and thought on those.It made such a big difference
in my days as I did.
I felt free, I had energy to work out, to walk around the neighborhood and to speak good things with my friends and family as I visited them.
We have a choice to listen to
the good things or listen to the bad. We can become fearful or we can walk in
peace, walk in the Spirit and walk in love. I choose the latter three! I feel
full of joy today!
“Behold, blessed is the one whom
God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. Job5;17
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they
prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff,
scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners
will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the
wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:1-6
What have I learned through all
of this? I can choose to worry that we will never be what the people call “normal”
again. I can choose to be afraid to go out to the store for fear I will contact
someone who has a germ. Or I can choose to trust God to take care of me and
that if I follow after Him, if I continue to obey those in authority as long as
it is in what is good. I can also read in the Word, and fill my heart and mind
with wisdom from Himself, and not focus on the world, not get caught up in it’s
cares. I can focus instead and listen to
the wisdom of the Holy Spirit that leads me on a path through the Word of God
and guides my steps while He protects me from harm.
Happy the one who finds
wisdom, the one who gains understanding! Her profit is better than profit in
silver, and better than gold is her revenue; Proverbs 3:13-14
Let’s choose wisdom today!
Let us not be afraid but trust our God is with us and will protect us as we do
the right things. Stay healthy, stay in safe proximity to possibly bad
situations, and stay in the Word each day to find peace, hope, and joy! In
Jesus’ name!
Heavenly Father, thank you
for peace, hope, and love! Thank you for comfort and joy! Thank you for keeping
us safe as we are obedient to You…in Jesus’ name, amen.
Suggested reading: Psalm
1:1-6, Psalm 101:1-8, Psalm 139: 1-24 and ,Psalm 91:1-16